2022 Yamaha XSR900 Second Ride Review

Yamaha pairs retro styling vibes with sport riding ethos with its new and improved 2022 XSR900. Defined as a retro-styled sport naked bike, the ‘22 XSR builds on the original platform that debuted for the 2016 model year.

Editor’s note: We originally reviewed the XSR900 during the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Ride Review. Read the 2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Look Preview to learn about its technical improvements.

The XSR was originally based on the original FZ-09. The theory behind this platform is having a motorcycle that is sporty, yet includes cool retro styling that recognizes Yamaha’s history of manufacturing some of the most exquisite motorcycles on the road.

Like before, the XSR continues to be based off the overhauled for ‘21 MT-09. We have reported on this streetbike extensively during the 2021 Yamaha MT-09 MC Commute Review and Yamaha Builds a Better Triumph - 2021 MT-09 Review articles and videos. This XSR benefits from the same longer-stroke 890cc CP3 triple-cylinder engine. It also benefits from the improved chassis, new suspension, and other creature comforts.

We love this crisp-sounding triple. It offers gobs of torque. It has a really sweet engine and exhaust note, and it puts out a good amount of power to the tune of nearly 106 hp and upwards of 63 lb.-ft. torque at the contact patch of the OE-fitted 180-series Bridgestone Battlax S22 shoe.

This CP3 powerplant benefits from updated electronics. It includes four adjustable combined engine and throttle maps. PWR 1 is the most aggressive, 4 is the least. We like the intimate response of the first setting. It’s paired with IMU-powered traction and wheelie control (Yamaha calls it “lift control”). It’s very easy to tweak the settings inside the menu. Yamaha also includes two-way-adjustable Brake Control. The BC 1 setting is the less aggressive ABS interaction setting. But it doesn’t offer a lean-sensitive cornering function. Conversely, in BC 2 (more aggressive ABS programming) cornering ABS is included (Yamaha Motor won’t call it this, but this mode is lean-angle sensitive).

At our pace on the street, we didn’t have ABS kick on. We did however feel it intervene a couple of times during track duty. But to be fair, that could have been us not squeezing the brake lever in a smooth manner. Still, the ABS program on this motorcycle is calibrated very well for its intended use, which is a mix of street riding and track riding.

Speaking of track riding, we rode this bike at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway in Southern California and Sonoma Raceway in northern California. And this motorcycle is an absolute hoot to ride at the circuit. We like the more aggressive ergonomics, courtesy of the lower clubman handlebar and lower seat. It makes for a more far forward canted riding position. The adjustable footpegs are another nice touch. We preferred the footpegs in the lower setting, but if you wanted a little bit more ground clearance or are a shorter person, you can move those footpegs up a little bit.

Despite its stretched wheelbase with a nearly 2-inch-longer swingarm, it really cuts directions well. On track, it feels similar to a Hayabusa where it offers gobs of stability. You lean it over and you can punch the throttle and it isn’t doing anything crazy. It tracks splendidly.

The only downside is the front wheel feels kicked out so feel is not the best when you’re on the edge of the Bridgestones. We love the suspension on this motorcycle, especially for street riding. With over 5 inches of suspension travel, this bike sucks the bumps up well on the street. We’re not sold on the upside-down type rear suspension linkage that these MT-09 and XSR900s now employ, but they function well for street duty. On the racetrack it loses a little bit of its handling performance at speed, but then again, these bikes aren’t trackbikes, they’re streetbikes. And they flirt that line very well.

In typical Motorcyclist testing protocol we operated this motorcycle at night, and the LED headlamp does a very nice job of illuminating the road. I like that this vehicle comes with LED turn signals and an LED taillight.

Styling is one of our favorite features. We love how the Tuning Fork brand is paying homage to where it’s been. We appreciate the boxy-style seat junction and the shape of the 3.7-gallon fuel tank. This motorcycle has a lot of cool styling touches, like the quick-release fasteners. It makes you feel like you’re riding an old Yamaha bike.

The Legend Blue paint that Yamaha used to run on its ‘80s-era GP bikes is just stunning. When you pull up to a stop sign, people are going to notice you on this motorcycle. The rearview mirrors, I like how they’re integrated into the bike in terms of styling, but they make the handlebar overly wide when splitting lanes in traffic, or even maneuvering through the garage. We wish this bike had just traditional mirror stalks.

The Brembo radial master cylinder gives a pleasing braking feel. The rear brake is nice too. This motorcycle stops quickly and has above-average braking response.

In terms of maintenance, this motorcycle goes 6,000 miles between oil changes, 12,000 miles between engine oil filter changes. The valve inspection interval on this engine is just over 24,000 miles. So you’re not going to spend a lot of money monkeying with this bike. These Yammies are built to last; made in Japan, and come with a one-year warranty.

The color instrumentation employs sharp, crisp fonts, but it’s too small. The tactile function of the switch gear needs improvement too. While it’s easy to use after you figure out how to navigate the menu system, especially if you’ve ridden other Yamaha motorcycles, we’d like to see some improvements on the color TFT size and the tactile function of the switch gear.

Aside from the wide mirrors, limited fuel capacity, and aforementioned instrumentation/switch gear, for $10,000 this is a nice ride. The engine has tons of performance and sounds as awesome as a Triumph triple, yet delivers less vibration through the controls. It handles well on the street, and at track. It offers easy-to-use electronics that help you ride the motorcycle more to your potential. And it just plain looks awesome. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable retro sportbike that checks a lot of boxes, look into this 2022 XSR900.

Helmet: Arai Quantum-X

Jacket: REV’IT! Blackwater

Gloves: REV’IT! Kinetic

Pant: REV’IT! Piston

Boots: TCX Rush 2 Air