2022 Yamaha XSR900 Gets More Retro

Published November 3, 2021
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2 min read

The overhauled XSR900 takes cues from the 2021 MT-09

The MT-09-derived 899cc triple motor belts out 4PS and 5.58Nm more.
Features all new chassis and swingarm with 14 percent less steering inertia.
Gets a 6-axis IMU-controlled electronics suite.

Six months after Yamaha introduced the XSR125, the Japanese bike maker has shifted attention to its flagship model, the XSR900. Yamaha has completely overhauled the bike, making it lighter, faster, and more appealing than before.

The new Yamaha XSR900 essentially borrows a few updates from the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 introduced last year. So, the XSR now gets the same CP3 899cc liquid-cooled inline-triple producing 118.6PS at 10,000rpm and 93.5Nm at 7000rpm. This is a bump of 4PS and 5.58Nm over its predecessor.

Yamaha has used its fabled Deltabox frame, which is structurally similar to the new MT-09. However, the company has used a new subframe (designed specifically for the XSR900) and a new swingarm that's longer than the one on the MT-09.

Thanks to the new steering geometry and the swingarm, the wheelbase now stands at 1495mm, a whopping 55mm longer than the outgoing model. On paper, it seems like the Yammie has lost a bit of its agility, but the company claims that the steering inertia is down by 14 percent, courtesy of the new chassis.

This chassis is suspended on a KYB fork and monoshock, and taking care of braking are Brembo calipers. Yamaha has used the same SpinForged alloys (which are claimed to be lighter by 700gms) as the MT-09.

Complementing the improved internals is the new design, which brings out the bike's 80s-inspired character. From the new LED headlight setup to the muscular 15-litre tank -- every bit has been slightly updated. But the most striking change is the boxy tail section inspired by the bikes from the 80s, although this is a full seat. The cleverly designed pillion footpegs fold entirely, giving the impression of a single-seater bike.

Despite all these changes and the bigger engine, the 2022 XSR900 tips the scales at 193kg, 2kg lighter than before.

While Yamaha has focused on bringing out the old-school charm, electronic aids haven't been ignored. The 2022 Yamaha XSR900 has a six-axis IMU-governed lean-sensitive traction control, three slide control modes, four engine power modes, and a bi-directional quickshifter.

The Yamaha XSR900 will debut in Europe in February 2022, but it won't be coming to India. That said, if you want a multi-cylinder neo-retro motorcycle, check out the newly launched Kawasaki Z650RS.

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