With its glorious '80s styling and its total sweetheart of an engine, the XSR900 is all the motorcycle most of us could ever want.

I don’t know about you, but I’m getting tired of cafe racers. Sure, they’ve got an iconic silhouette and usually make for a halfway decent ride, but it seems like every motorcycle manufacturer on the planet is leaning hard into this vintage style. I say it’s time to find a new altar at which to worship — something that looks beyond the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. And wouldn’t you know, Yamaha seems to agree.

Enter the 2022 Yamaha XSR900, a bike that takes its inspiration from the wild two-stroke grand prix racers of the early 1980s. It’s a good look, and more importantly, it’s a great ride.

The XSR900 is based on Yamaha’s excellent MT-09 naked bike. That means it shares most of the MT’s mechanical bits, including its absolutely stellar CP3 inline three-cylinder engine, which got a displacement bump last year, from 847cc to 890cc.

That bump in displacement gave the XSR900 an output of 117 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque, but even better, it made the engine incredibly tractable which, by extension, makes the XSR900 an incredibly easy bike to ride at low speeds. The engine’s power is routed through an excellent six-speed sequential transmission that offers delicate, precise shifts whether you’re using the included quickshifter or the light and easy-to-modulate clutch lever. That quickshifter works both up and down the gears, too.

One of the best parts of any triple-powered motorcycle is its soundtrack and the XSR900 doesn’t disappoint. The experience is — by necessity of Euro 5 emissions and sound requirements — dominated by induction howl, but that’s not a bad thing. Above 6,000 rpm you get a very naturally aspirated Porsche 911-like yowl that builds and builds until it’s downright maniacal. Thanks to a redesigned and simplified under-slung exhaust system, the exhaust sound isn’t unpleasant, either, but the XSR would absolutely benefit from an aftermarket setup if more noise is what you’re after.

The XSR900’s drivetrain may be identical to the MT-09’s, but there are some differences in the chassis. The biggest change comes in the form of an extended swingarm borrowed from the Tracer 9 GT sport touring motorcycle. The new swingarm is 2.3 inches longer than the MT’s, making for a bike that feels much more stable and relaxed in corners. The XSR900 also benefits from retuned suspension, which is dimensionally the same as the MT-09 (41-millimeter inverted KYB adjustable fork in front; adjustable KYB monoshock out back), but it’s stiffer, which also helps make for a more controlled ride. Yamaha equipped the XSR with Bridgestone’s excellent Battlax Hypersport S22 tires which, short of a full-on track day, will provide all the grip you could ask for on dry roads while still offering decent tread life.

The 3.5-inch TFT screen is a little small. Yamaha

The front brakes feature dual 298-millimeter discs and radially mounted 4-piston calipers. These are paired with a new radially mounted Brembo master cylinder for improved brake feel under hard deceleration. The rear brake is a single, 245-millimeter rotor with a single-piston caliper, and it gets a Brembo master cylinder of its own. Lean-sensitive antilock brakes are standard equipment.

Making that lean sensitivity possible is a six-axis inertial measurement unit borrowed from the Yamaha R1 superbike. It is arguably the most important upgrade of this XSR900 over previous generations because it makes features like wheelie control and lean-sensitive traction control possible, and dramatically increases the margin of safety for less experienced riders.

The XSR900’s electronics package is accessed through a 3.5-inch color TFT display which, while serviceable, is a little smaller than I’d like. The display can feel a little cramped for the amount of information it provides, and it can get a little washed out in direct sunlight. On the other hand, Yamaha’s simple and intuitive menu system makes configuring the bike’s settings a breeze.

A strong brake setup is a great thing to have. Yamaha

Features like four pre-programmed ride modes (1 being the most aggressive and 4 being a reduced power mode for rain, etc.) are adjustable while riding, while the user-adjustable manual mode can be accessed when the bike is stopped. The 2022 XSR features a ride-by-wire throttle, which is calibrated to be significantly smoother and less snatchy or jerky than previous versions. It also makes the bike’s standard cruise control possible, which is a nice feature to have, even if this isn’t a bike necessarily suited for longer trips.

Yamaha’s designers gave the XSR900 a more aggressive riding position than the MT-09 with higher footpegs, a lower seat and a longer reach to the slightly lower handlebars. The difference isn’t massive, but it is noticeable, making it a little easier to tuck in and cheat the wind at higher speeds. The new seat design makes you feel as though you’re sitting down in the bike, rather than on top of it, and while it doesn’t offer a great deal of room to move forward and back on longer rides, it’s still fairly comfortable.

That lowered seat also has the benefit of making the XSR more accessible for more riders. The bike has a seat height of 31.9 inches, which is 0.6 inches lower than the MT-09. It’s not exactly cruiser low, but it does mean that shorter riders should have less of an issue getting their feet on the ground at a stop. Adding to that sense of confidence at low speeds is the XSR’s pleasantly low wet weight of 425 pounds, which includes a 3.7-gallon tank full of fuel.

The 31.9-inch seat height makes this bike great for shorter riders. Yamaha

Despite its generous fuel capacity, the XSR900 manages to appear fairly svelte. It’s an incredibly handsome motorcycle, with its fully vinyl-covered tail section and nearly invisible taillight, as well as its hidden passenger pegs. The Legend Blue and gold color scheme is stunning, especially in bright sunlight. There’s a black colorway available, too, but trust me, you don’t want that. It’s boring. Don’t be boring. The whole aesthetic of the bike does a great job of paying homage to one of the greatest eras of motorcycle racing while also looking like a modern motorcycle, and that’s no small feat.

The XSR900 is an incredible machine that stands a good chance of being all the motorcycle that most people, even very experienced riders, will ever need. It’s fast, comfortable, easy to ride and packed with modern safety technology. It looks amazing, and the best part is that it’s not going to break the bank with its very reasonable $9,999 starting price. Look for it in dealerships now.

Keyword: 2022 Yamaha XSR900 Review: The Cafe Is Closed

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Best cars for a 'Love Bug' remake

Tennessee’s Yard Art The Thorndyke Special The Hot Rod The Hippie Van Jim’s Lamborghini Growing up, it’s safe to say my absolute favorite movie was Disney’s “The Love Bug.” As a kid living in a world before Pixar’s “Cars,” it was pretty much the best car movie. I loved ...

View more: Best cars for a 'Love Bug' remake

Audi timing belt tensioner prompts Utah bomb squad visit

An aftermarket timing belt tensioner found in a Salt Lake City apartment prompted a visit from the bomb squad this week after it was mistaken for a potential explosive device. Police partially evacuated the apartment complex in which it was found “out of an abundance of caution” and called ...

View more: Audi timing belt tensioner prompts Utah bomb squad visit

2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 will get more expensive

GMC Sierra HD pickups are about to get more expensive again after recently becoming more expensive, according to GM Authority. In July, GMC and Buick raised the prices on certain vehicles in their lineups anywhere from $975 to $1,675 by making the previously optional OnStar a standard feature. Next ...

View more: 2023 GMC Sierra HD 2500 and 3500 will get more expensive

Our week with EVs: Recapping the diverse collection of electric cars we tested

Mercedes-Benz EQB First Drive Review: Next electric Benz is a little different 2022 Chevy Bolt EV Road Test Review: Time to play EV, gas or airplane 2023 Genesis GV60 Road Test Review: The third of Hyundai Group’s E-GMP EVs is the fastest, but softest It may be hard to ...

View more: Our week with EVs: Recapping the diverse collection of electric cars we tested

Europe car sales lowest since 1996 after 12-month decline

BERLIN – Europe registered the lowest number of new passenger cars in the month of June this year since 1996 at just over 1.06 million vehicles, with some carmakers seeing sales drop by nearly 50%, data from Europe’s automobile association showed on Friday. Volkswagen Group was the hardest-hit major ...

View more: Europe car sales lowest since 1996 after 12-month decline

More Than Just A Carmaker: Toyota Motor PH Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions

Automotive industry leader, Toyota Motor Philippines Corporation (TMP) inaugurated today Toyota Mobility Solutions Philippines, Inc. (TMSPH), a wholly owned subsidiary that will be a provider of mobility-related services. TMSPH ventures into the development and offering of a range of ‘new mobility solutions’ that will enhance Toyota as a brand ...

View more: More Than Just A Carmaker: Toyota Motor PH Launches Toyota Mobility Solutions

'F1 22' feels fast and familiar | Gaming Roundup

‘F1 22’ impressions ‘Construction Simulator’ is launching Sept. 20 Autoblog may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change. This week in racing game news: ‘F1 22’ impressions At its core, “F1 22,” the latest installment in the F1 ...

View more: 'F1 22' feels fast and familiar | Gaming Roundup

Watch a single-engine plane crash-land on 91 Freeway in California

A single-engine Piper Cherokee airplane was forced to crash land on the 91 Freeway in California after losing power about 45 minutes outside of Los Angeles. Yes, that means this was a very busy highway, practically bursting at the seams with traffic. No, amazingly nobody died, either in the ...

View more: Watch a single-engine plane crash-land on 91 Freeway in California

Ford files 'Mustang Dark Horse' trademark application

Make adventures more comfortable with high-quality Jeep grab handles

New Lucid Air variant to debut & Stealth Look to be on display during Monetary Car Week

Chevy offers incentives to prevent Corvette Z06 flipping

Average U.S. gas price falls below $4/gallon

German court: SUV driver must pay more than a car for running red light

Australian vehicle crash tests to include underwater performance

Toyota C-HR rumored to get revamp next year and an EV version

Geely's electric Zeekr 009 is an EV Alphard we never had; 700 km, 542 PS, top speed 190 km/h

A Newey, Brawn and Anderson row that shows F1 doesn’t change

Sorry, EV buyers, you won't get to pick your own pedestrian safety sounds

There won't be enough copper to meet climate goals, study indicates

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel