Yamaha has revealed another member of the R-family, the R9, which is expected to replace the track-focused R6.
- All-new chassis that is stiffer for more track-focussed riding
- Fully adjustable KYB suspension with high/low speed adjustment
- Pit lane speed limiter and virtual pit board feature
- Pricing announced at $23,999 rideaway, limited numbers in May 2025.
It’s been rumoured for ages that eventually, there was going to be an R-version powered by Yamaha’s excellent CP3, 890cc triple-cylinder motor, and finally, the new Yamaha YZF-R9 has been unveiled. And with a host of features designed to make the R9 suitable for track riding, it’s looking to be the natural replacement for their four-cylinder YZF-R6 which is only available as a track bike due to it no longer able to meet Euro 5+ emission restrictions.
Same Engine
At the heart of the new R9 is the same CP3, triple-cylinder powerplant that we’ve seen and recently ridden in the MT-09 and XSR900GP. That means the new R9 is still producing 117hp @ 10,000rpm and what makes the range so sweet to ride on the road, 90Nm @ 7,000rpm, which is lower in the rev range than previous versions. What we are told is that the R9 has a unique ECU tune and optimised gear ratios (i.e. taller to give more top speed, with the rear sprocket going from 45 to 43 teeth) making it better for high-speed tracks. That should balance the R9 nicely with all the torque from the wonderful, road-friendly crossplane crankshaft triple for the road, while a heady top-end should see the R9 wailing on the racetrack. Oh, here’s hoping we’re able to see these in a race series.
Stiffer Chassis
What has been significantly changed is the chassis, with Yamaha claiming the R9 gets a ‘dedicated supersport chassis’. That’s seen the Deltabox frame – which they state is the lightest aluminium frame Yamaha has ever produced on a supersport model – tuned to deliver the flexibility for feel at slower speeds while stiffened from the rest of the MT range to provide more support on the track. The R9 also has perfect 50/50 weight distribution.
Fully Adjustable Suspension
New KYB 43mm USD forks feature SDF (separate damping forks) that are fully adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound damping. But now, with the R9, you can tune high—and low-speed compression damping. Another first is the option to adjust low-speed damping on the KYB mono-shock, which also offers a remote preload adjuster for ease of access.
It’s Got Wings
It seems every sportsbike is adopting wings nowadays and the R9 is no different, with wings beneath the twin LED running lights which actually offer downforce. While you’re not likely to notice on the road, these should at least offer some sort of benefit on faster race tracks.
The riding position is, as you’d expect, sportier than the others in the MT range, although it’s nowhere near as radical as, say, Yamaha’s own R1 superbike. The rider sits lower in the bike than the superbike and slightly further forward than the roady R7, and while the clip-on handlebars are positioned below the headstock, the fact you sit lower in the bike shouldn’t make it too radical. The pegs are in the same position as the MT-09 and are adjustable in placement.
There’s the new switchgear that we’ve seen recently on the MT-09 with the joystick on the left switchblock allowing you to go through all the settings on the latest generation 5-inch TFT dash. And there are a lot of settings, with the R9 getting a high-tech suite of rider aids, including a nine-mode Traction Control System (TCS), three-mode Slide Control System (SCS), three-mode Lift Control System (LIF) and a Brake Control System (BC). Levels of intervention can be adjusted, and each of these systems can also be turned off, although there’s only the option to deactivate the rear ABS.
When you’re not on the track, there are cruise control and speed limiter functions. For a bit of fun, a virtual pit board feature can display info from your pit crew, or more likely, your mate, which shows up on the dash. Finally, the R9 offers smartphone connectivity and will work with Yamaha’s Y-Connect app to offer navigation and the like.
Braking Goodness
As we experienced when riding the MT-09SP recently, Yamaha has made some big improvements in the braking department and the R9 has benefitted from the same upgrades. The Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers feature a Brembo radial master-cylinder which provides plenty of feedback, while stainless steel brake lines and an aggressive pad compound should make the new R9 the fiercest stopper of the entire MT range. And with the ability to deactivate the rear ABS, riders should be able to perform some rear sliding action into turns on the track if they’re game.
Styling & Pricing
It’s hardly surprising that the new R9 follows the same overall styling as its siblings. The familiar front end features LED running lights, with the main headlight recessed into where we used to find the Ram-Air intake. The wings are a new touch, although they’re almost expected nowadays.
The new R9’s pricing in New Zealand is announced at $23,999 ride-away, and bikes will arrive in dealers in limited numbers in May 2025.
2025 YZF-R9 top features
- Renowned 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine with ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T®) system
- Assist & slipper clutch
- Yamaha third-generation quickshifter
- Lightweight gravity-cast aluminium frame
- New fully adjustable high-spec KYB® forks and rear shock
- Brembo® Stylema calipers
- Brembo® radial master cylinder
- Aerodynamics winglets
- Full color 5-inch TFT display
- Smartphone connectivity
- Advanced six-axis IMU
- Four-level power delivery mode (PWR)
- Nine level lean-sensitive Traction Control System (TCS)
- MotoGP®-developed three-level Slide Control System (SCS)
- Three-level Lift Control System (LIF)
- Lean-sensitive Brake Control System (BC) with ABS
- Two-level Engine Brake Management (EBM)
- Back Slip Regulator (BSR)
- Launch Control (LC)
- Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) with preset and customisable settings
- Rear ABS off function
- Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL)
- Full LED lighting
- Intuitive new switchgear
- Cruise control
