2022 Yamaha XSR900 First Look
Rennie Scaysbrook | November 22, 2021
Remember the Yamaha France Sonauto Gauloises YZR500s that Christian Sarron rode against Lawson, Rainey and Gardner? One of the most recognizable and iconic designs of the 1980s has now been revived in the 2022 Yamaha XSR900, which is essentially an MT-09 in very fancy dress.
The MT-09 got a ground-up redesign for 2021 and the mechanical attributes have made it into the XSR. That means the MT’s new 890 cc inline-triple motor and aluminum chassis has been used, as have the 41 mm KYB fork and shock.
Yes, please! The new XSR900 tips the cap to one of Yamaha’s legendary riders of the 1980s in Frenchman, Christian Sarron.
Also, the XSR gets the full electronics suite from the MT which includes the six-axis IMU that mitigates lean-sensitive Traction Control System, Slide Control System (SCS), front-wheel Lift Control System (LIF), and Brake Control (BC) System. There’s also an up and down quick shifter and cruise control as standard.
The styling has come in for a proper once-over as well. The XSR gets a reworked gas tank, a much deeper seat, and new colors in the black and red (Raven) or the retro blue and gold (Legend Blue) of Sarron’s 500 (I know which one I want…). The 2022 Yamaha XSR900 will begin arriving in dealerships in April 2022 for an MSRP of $9,999.
Christian Sarron on the YZR500 that inspired the new XSR900.
Yamaha’s also given the junior XSR700 a slight touch-up. It’s essentially the same as it was this year, but there’s a new placement for the dash for better visibility, and the switchgear has been changed. There are also new, larger 298 mm brake discs and new radiator side covers. The 2022 XSR700 is offered in Raven and will begin arriving in dealerships this December for an MSRP of $8,799.
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