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Yamaha: 2022 XSR900 Headed for Europe

A model posing with the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900 - Static images from campaign shoot. Featuring Legend Blue Bike.

Yamaha’s got a retro beastie headed for the EU – and the MT-09-lookalike’s 1980’s-themed makeover harkening to Christian Sarron’s racing days (its first big facelift since 2016) is just the thing to pair with the updated Euro5 compliance. 

A right frontal view of the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

The XSR900 has always followed in the footsteps of its sibling, the MT-09. Now that the MT-09 is compliant with Euro5 standards (with a big overhaul that was debuted last year), we kind of expected the XSR900 to follow suit. 

A side view of the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

According to MCN, Yamaha’s 2022 XSR900 now has an updated Deltabox frame (like the MT-09), though the headstock will be a bit lower to accommodate the lower handlebar, as well as a slightly longer swingarm for better balance and heft (55mm longer, to be exact.

A rear-left view of the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

The 889cc transverse triple engine has also been borrowed from the MT-09 – and that includes the extra 4 ponies pushing the peak power figure to 119bh. Should the torque figures be the same as the MT, we’re also looking at 93 Nm – and the report reminds us that the XSR’s now sporting a fresher, tuned exhaust system that might add a bit of extra punch not stated in the current specs. 

A close-up of the transverse triple engine housed in the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

Other features include the mandatory Brembo radial master cylinder brakes, a fully adjustable, gold-finished inverted pair of KYB forks, front air intakes, and race-style filler.

A rear-right view of the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

Additional perks include the snazzy new ‘spin-forged’ cast wheels (700g lighter than the previous), as well as an additional riding mode (bringing the count up to four), a quick-shifter, a 3.5inch, full-color TFT dash, 15-litre MotoGP-inspired fuel tank, and a six-axis IMU that gives us three-way lean-sensitive traction and slide control plus anti-wheelie and cornering ABS.

A close-up of the right front of the all-new 2022 XSR900 from Yamaha

The slimmer, more rigid dimensions that Yamaha has promised also guarantee a more nimble, responsive ride -now all we have to do is get Brandon Jackson to swing a leg over for comparison purposes (he covered our review for Yammie’s 2016 XSR900 – make sure to give it a read.) 

A right frontal view of the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

The 2022 XSR900 is expected to be on markets for February 2022; no pricing is given yet, though we can use the general comparison of 2021 machines below to guesstimate the dint it will make in your pockets. 

2021 MT-09

From $9,399

2021 XSR900

From $9,499

A rider enjoying the twisties on the all-new 2022 Yamaha XSR900

Make sure to read up on other projects Yamaha has in the pipeline, and as always, stay safe on the twisties.