All-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900 amps the neo-retro flair for a fresh generation

Yamaha has pulled the wraps off its latest generation 2022 Yamaha XSR900 showcasing a fresh interpretation of the neo-retro favourite that embodies the spirit of the firm’s heritage with a contemporary twist.

One of the most successful contenders in the fast growing Sports Heritage market, the Yamaha XSR900 has developed a loyal fanbase wooed by its classic design traits, punchy engine, sturdy mechanicals, not to mention provide a blank canvas for owners to put their own custom stamp on it.

It’s an ethos - dubbed the Faster Sons philosophy - that Yamaha has attempted to uphold with the latest generation XSR900 while at the same time bringing it right up to date with a slick new look developed around a brand-new Deltabox-style aluminium frame. 

The result is a cleaner, straight-edged finish inspired by Yamaha’s race bikes of the 1980s, with the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 adopting a minimalist appearance with its muscular fuel tank and vented panels designed to encourage customers to develop their own vision on it.

Indeed, the bold new aesthetic has been made possible by Yamaha dipping into its heritage with a modern take on the Deltabox chassis design, a feature that was originally developed in the 1980s and has since become a mainstay on Yamaha models.

With a lowered head pipe position, a lengthened swingarm and stiffened top triple clamp, the Deltabox frame is lighter and more rigid than the one it replaces and is designed to improve straight-line stability without compromising agility.

As such, the Yamaha XSR900 leans into its roadster format with a view to providing a more sporting dynamic without abandoning its predecessor’s more casual traits.

Under the skin, the XSR900 makes use of the Yamaha MT-09 platform, underpinned by the firm's more powerful CP3 889cc three-cylinder engine, albeit tuned to provide a more characterful exhaust note.

Developed to Euro5 specification, the XSR900 is both cleaner and more powerful, offering 117bhp at 10,000rpm, plus a rise in torque with 93Nm achieved at 7,000rpm, while features include lean sensitive traction control, slide control system (SCS) and cruise control.

Despite the stripped back 1980s-influenced design, the XSR900 is bristling with smart attention to detail, including race style filler cap, drilled fork caps, a ‘hidden’ LED tail light beneath the seat hump, aluminum 10-spoke spin-forged wheels and sculpted fuel tanks, plus the eye-catching large circular single LED headlamp up front and 3.5 inch TFT dash.

At the XSR900’s heart though is the encouragement to embrace the Faster Sons philosophy of individuality, with a range of accessories designed to give owners the opportunity to put their own unique stamp on the final design.

Nevertheless, the standard issue colour scheme has an appeal all of its own having been inspired by the colours of its GP winners of the 1980s, a tip of the cap that resonates today in the wake of Fabio Quartararo’s 2021 MotoGP title victory for Yamaha little more than a week ago.

Yamaha XSR900 Technical and Spec Highlights

• Historic Yamaha Racing influenced design
• High quality details and premium materials
• Flexible and relaxed riding position
• Signature XSR LED lighting
• Hidden rear LED lighting
• Modern take on historic colouring
• Rider Aids Package, 6-axis IMU
• Traction Control, Slide Control, Brake Control, Lift Control
• Versatile high-torque EU5 889cc CP3 engine
• QSS, Cruise Control and A&S clutch
• Lightweight CF die-cast Deltabox-style chassis
• Lightweight Spinforged wheels
• High specification adjustable suspension
• 298 mm dual front discs with Brembo Master Cylinder
• Forged aluminium foot controls
• XSR900-specific low-profile subframe with foldaway passenger footrests
• Full LED Indicators
• Bar end mirrors
• Machined top triple clamp
• Race-inspired 15 litre fuel tank with race-style filler cap