Yamaha XSR900: 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year Highly Commended
Yamaha’s neo-retro roadster is an absolute gem, and a podium finish in the bikesales Bike of the Year awards is proof of how good it really is
The Yamaha XSR900 is Highly Commended in the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year awards, proudly presented by Shannons Insurance, thanks to its beautiful engine and excellent value for money.
Powered by the same 889cc three-cylinder 'CP3' engine as its MT-09 cousin, the updated 2022 Yamaha XSR900 benefits from an increase in capacity and torque.
Also adopted from the MT-09 is a new CF-diecast Deltabox chassis, which Yamaha claims is lighter and stronger, and a comprehensive electronics suite that includes a new six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU).
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All of this adds up to a mouth-watering price tag of $17,399 ride away, giving punters a solid and supremely fun bang-for-your-buck roadster that won't disappoint.
Throw in the neo-retro styling and throwback colour scheme, and it’s hard to go past the Yamaha XSR900 as a pure and ultra-satisfying motorcycling experience.
The bikesales BOTY judges were enamoured with the Yamaha XSR900’s breezy usability and excellent performance, while the retro colours and styling cues certainly gave it some extra marks.
“The XSR900 is a versatile package with good styling,” said BOTY judge Cam Donald.
Kate Peck agreed, finding very little to complain about. “This bike delivers in spades,” she said. “For a naked, it’s hard to fault. I would be thrilled to ride this bike on any road at any speed.”
Kaz Anderson agreed, adding: “The XSR900 is a comfortable, easy-going, yet exciting package.”
For a sub-$20k motorcycle, the Yamaha XSR900 sure does pack in a lot of equipment. It features an R1-derived IMU, lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, slide control, wheelie control, and cruise control. It also has a quickshifter, four riding modes, and a well-presented TFT display.
Add in compliant suspension and solid braking performance, and there aren't many boxes the Yamaha XSR900 doesn't tick.
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“If the Bike of the Year was decided on value for money alone, then the Yamaha XSR900 would probably come out on top,” said bikesales Editor, Dylan Ruddy. “It is a well-equipped, versatile, and ultimately thrilling ride that will leave you smiling for days.”
Coincidentally, or perhaps not, the Yamaha XSR900’s Highly Commended win follows on from the Yamaha MT-09’s Highly Commended win in bikesales' 2021 awards. Sharing the same platform, the MT-09 was updated in early 2021, with the XSR900 following suit in 2022.
As a pure, grassroots motorcycle for passionate riders, the Yamaha XSR900 is about as good as it gets. And that is why it takes away a Highly Commended gong in the 2022 bikesales Bike of the Year awards.
2022 bikesales Bike of the Year finalists:
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Honda CMX1100 DCT: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Husqvarna Norden 901: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
KTM 350 SX-F: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Suzuki GSX-S1000GT: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Yamaha XSR900: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
Yamaha YZF-R7HO: bikesales Bike of the Year 2022 finalist
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