RIDE REVIEW I 2022 YAMAHA XSR900
P96
The CP3 ignites with a snap
and a big intake grumble. Like
its stablemates, the 2022 XSR
benefits from a 3mm-longer
stroke (now 62.1mm) while
using the same 78mm bore.
This results in a displacement
bump from 849cc to 890cc.
The character is just the same.
It's an instant reminder of what
made the original Yamaha
crossplane mill so compelling.
But it's when you slip the
clutch that all Yamaha's hard
work on dialing in the XSR900
becomes truly apparent. Up
California Highway 33, the XSR
is a showoff. Big fast sweepers
are the rule, punctuated by the
occasional decreasing radius
clencher and, further north, a
few near hairpins. It soaks them
all up, firm suspension keeping
the tires glued to the tarmac.
Corner exits are all noise and
blur, the brilliant engine open-
ing up with a spectacular intake
racket and reminding you why
you love motorcycles in the
first place.
The machine has a longer
wheelbase and a wider turning
circle than the MT-09. It comes
with a longer swingarm—the
same treatment tamed the
Tracer. But on the lithe and
athletic XSR, the stabilizing
effect combines with that rid-
ing position and the excellent
Bridgestone Battleax S22 tires
for terrific, fast and accurate
transitions. Instead of being stiff
and uncomfortable, the new er-
gonomics and stiff seat padding
encourages active riding and
dangling your meat off the seat.
Bar-end mirrors
look great but can be
a touch awkward.
Classic gold wheels are a nice
touch and lighter than in 2021.
Racy stance is
matched to excellent
comfort from the
firm seat padding.
