Redesigned Yamaha XSR900 Gets Big Updates, Small Price

The hipster bike movement may be dying, but Big Blue is bringing a completely redesigned Yamaha XSR900 to market for the 2022 model year, and we are totally fine with that.

One of the more popular bikes in Yamaha’s lineup, the three-cylinder machine is a fun and sporty ride for not a lot of money, and if you happen to like the retro aesthetic, then its a fashionable way to get around town.

For the 2022 model year, the Yamaha XSR900 gets a brand new chassis, more power, and more advanced electronics. Win, win, win…

Basically a Yamaha MT-09 in wolf’s clothing, the highlight of the XSR900 has always been its café-inspired design, but Yamaha has put some meat on the bones of this bike’s frame.

The lighting is fully LED, and there is now a 3.5″ TFT dash. The engine has grown from 847cc to 890cc, which helps with the Euro5 push, but also brings some more power to the equation (117hp / 87.5kW).

With this new engine displacement, Yamaha has also touched nearly every major component in the motor, from pistons, connecting rods, crankshaft, camshafts, and crankcase – all of which are redesigned and lightened for a reduced overall engine weight and a freer revving engine character.

The assist and slipper clutch has also been updated with new friction plates and a modified cam angle to reduce load on the clutch springs, which gives a lighter feel at the lever. An up/down quickshifter is standard, as well.

There is a new ride-by-wire setup (which Yamaha calls a “YZF-R1-type Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG), which helps add the additional rider aids.

A six-axis IMU adds lean-sensitive traction control with slide control. There is also wheelie control, engine braking control, which can all be individually tailored or turned-off. And yes, there is cruise control.

There is a Brembo radial master cylinder, mated to dual 298mm discs ; along with fully adjustable 41mm KYB forks, and a KYB rear shock with adjustable pre-load and rebound.

If you like what you see (and why wouldn’t you?), then you will be happy to know that the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 is selling in the USA for a very affordable $9,999 MSRP. Expect to see bikes in US dealers starting in April 2022.