40 years ago Yamaha was the first manufacturer to move away from the conventional tubular frame and develop what was then a controversial Deltabox design. With many wins to its credit, the Deltabox frame design proved its superiority beyond doubt. The new XSR900 now features a radically improved Deltabox chassis.
Other key features such as the muscular fuel tank and vented body panels provide a purposeful design with an absence of superfluous elements and can trace their heritage back to the original 1980s racers that changed the motorcycle world.
Features & Benefits
New lighter, stronger and sharper Deltabox aluminium chassis
Longitudinal, lateral and torsional rigidity are all significantly increased, resulting in better straight line stability together without affecting agility. The head pipe is located 30mm lower than the previous model for increased feeling when cornering. This allows the handlebars to be mounted lower to give the XSR900 a more aggressive stance. Combined with other changes to the chassis there is a 14% reduction in inertia around the steering axis compared to the previous model – enabling the rider to corner quickly, accurately and confidently.
Straight line stability is also enhanced by the fitment of a box-section aluminium swingarm that is 55 mm longer than the previous model – and an all-new model-specific subframe is featured. The swingarm now pivots inside the frame which is a slimmer and more rigid design.
Race-inspired fuel tank and vented bodywork
The XSR900’s fuel tank is inspired by Yamaha’s 80s-era Grand Prix road racers, and features air intakes at the front that not only help to enhance the engine efficiency, but also transmit the powerful sound of the intake roar to the rider at higher speeds. The relationship between the sculpted 15-litre fuel tank and humped seat gives a riding position further behind the bike’s midpoint, almost above the rear axle.
Much attention was focused on the shapes of the parts that the rider comes into contact with, such as the fuel tank, seat and bar-position. Compact vented sidepanels give the XSR900 a minimalistic look, and the tank’s race style filler cap underlines the bike’s sporting heritage.
High Performance Brakes and Suspension: No compromise technology
High quality components are evident throughout the XSR900, and the new Brembo radial front master cylinder underlines the bike’s cutting edge specification that backs up its very impressive sporting potential. Featuring a piston that moves parallel to the adjustable brake lever, this system gives accurate feedback from the dual 298 mm front discs, and provides an unprecedented amount of stopping power with a high level of controllability.
Attention to detail can be seen in the beautifully made forged brake pedal that controls the 245mm rear disc. Suspension is first class, and features fully adjustable KYB USD front forks with a gold finish that enhances the bike’s appearance, and the link-type rear suspension features a forward inclined adjustable KYB shock virtually hidden from sight to give the rear a clean and sleek appearance.
Aluminium 10-spoke spinforged wheels: Yamaha’s lightest ever
By manufacturing the new XSR900’s wheels using a Yamaha-exclusive spinforging technology it has been possible to make the front/rear wheel set 700g lighter than before. This is a significant reduction in unsprung weight that gives more responsive suspension action for increased agility and stability. The lighter wheels decrease the moment of inertia at the rear by 11% to make the new XSR900 feel much more responsive, particularly when cornering and braking.
Round LED headlight - modern meets retro
An endearing characteristic of the original XSR900, the round headlight, has been continued but takes it to the next level with full LED functionality. As well as providing a strong beam of light with a wide horizontal bean for excellent cornering vision at night, the new LED unit allows the use of a much shorter housing. Brushed aluminium headlight stays reinforce the bike’s strong and mechanical design, underlining its status as Yamaha’s premier sport heritage model.
To emphasise the historic racing image, the XSR900 comes fitted with a hidden LED taillight located beneath the seat hump. LED flashers underline the elegant and sporty lines of this high performance bike.
Premium details, high build quality
The cockpit is enhanced with a machined top triple clamp, drilled fork caps and an aluminium XSR logo. Other features include an embossed aluminium rear underplate, forged foot controls, black brake reservoirs and bar end mirrors showing that this is a motorcycle that is ready to make an impression – and not just with the rider.
New 889cc CP3 EU5 engine: More torque, more power
For 2022 the XSR900 is driven by a more powerful, larger capacity 889cc CP3 engine producing stronger, linear torque for outstanding acceleration. Compared to the previous engine the new unit features a 3mm longer stroke to give an extra 43cc, and virtually all of the major internal components have been redesigned and lightened to make this one of the strongest performers in its class.
Lighter pistons contribute towards the engine’s lower weight (not including the exhaust) – 300g less than previously – and these changes give a 4PS increase in power up to 119 PS at10,000 rpm. More significantly the torque produced by this engine – already famous for its strong and linear output – increases significantly to 93.0 Nm. This represents an increase of 6% in torque, and it is achieved at only 7000 rpm – a figure that is 1500 rpm lower than the previous model. The XSR900’s new exhaust features unequal length headers and dual-sided outlets, and by experimenting with muffler chamber size, the ideal sound was achieved. Together with the 3-duct design with dual air-intakes, the sound for the rider itself was also perfectly orchestrated.
Lighter feeling A&S clutch: Confident chassis control
To handle the XSR900’s markedly increased torque levels the A&S clutch is uprated with different friction plates, and the cam angle of the clutch is changed from 30 degrees to 33 degrees. These changes reduce the load on the clutch springs, and so although the engine is delivering more torque at lower engine speeds, the clutch actually feels lighter at the lever. By absorbing back torque the A&S clutch helps to achieve gentler and more stable chassis behaviour during downshifts, giving increased controllability when slowing down.
Optimised gear ratios for an exquisitely balanced performance
To match the XSR900’s increased power and torque output, the 6-speed transmission has been optimised with slightly higher gear ratios. These changes are designed to complement the new engine changes.
Highly sophisticated electronic systems
At the heart of XSR900’s new system is a 6-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) that uses two sensors to measure three-axis velocity and three-axis acceleration. This new unit is 50% smaller and 40% lighter than the original 2015 R1 design, and it sends data to the ECU that informs the following three rider aids.
Lean Sensitive Traction Control System for all weather confidence
The degree of intervention of the Traction Control System is calculated by the IMU relative to the degree of lean, and the rider can select one of three intervention modes or even turn the system off completely.
Slide Control System for ultimate control
When a sideways rear wheel slide is predicted by the IMU the drive power is adjusted in order to maintain traction. As with TCS there are three intervention levels, as well as an off switch.
LIF - MotoGP tech for the real world
LIF is an anti-wheelie system that helps to smooth out machine behaviour when pulling away or accelerating hard, LIF is designed to work in harmony with the other electronic control systems.
Brake Control for assurance in an emergency
The XSR900’s Brake Control system independently controls and moderates the front and rear brake pressure to prevent accidental wheel lock ups. BC1 is a standard type of ABS mode that activates in upright emergency stopping situations, while BC2 is designed to maintain control if emergency braking is applied when the XSR900 is leaning in mid corner.
Quick Shifter System: Full throttle all the way
The XSR900’s Quick Shifter System (QSS) takes the performance to another level by allowing the rider to do clutchless full throttle upshifts for optimum acceleration, as well as performing clutchless down shifts improving stability and corner entry.
D-Mode: The right power for every occasion
The new XSR900 features four D-Mode engine power modes, compared to three on the previous model. Mode 1 is the most aggressive full-power mode, while modes 2, 3 and 4 deliver progressively softer degrees of response to suit riding conditions.
YCC-T: Yamaha’s wireless twistgrip
The new model takes fly-by-wire tech one step further with the addition of an R1-type Acceleration Position Sensor Grip (APSG). A sensor in the twist grip replicates the traditional feeling of the throttle spring, and eliminates the need for any cables.
Cruise Control: It’s good to relax sometimes
Another new feature seen for the first time on the XSR900 is Cruise Control, this easily programmable system makes longer journeys even more enjoyable.
3.5-inch full-colour TFT display: Modern, clear, precise
The previous model’s circular LCD unit is now replaced with a much higher specification 3.5 inch full colour TFT display with a bar type tachometer that changes colour with rising rpm and also has a configurable display of secondary information. Ride mode selection is easily managed with the ergonomic handlebar switches.
Colour Options
To strengthen the link with the innovation and success from the 80s, the new XSR900 is presented in a modern day interpretation of the distinctive colours of GP-winner Christian Sarron. Christian helped underline the success of the Deltabox by delivering great performances throughout the 1980s. These achievements still resonate within Yamaha and inspire the brand to perform better every day. That colour scheme with a curvaceous 15-litre steel fuel tank and seat-hump seamlessly blend the roadster image with racer details. The distinctive gap between the tank and seat, quick release fasteners and hidden passenger foot pegs combine to produce the unique looks of the XSR900.
A second colour of Midnight Black is also offered with red highlights and black forks. Availability and price has yet to be set for the XSR900
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