It’s official: The Yamaha R9 is here

09/10/2024

Pascal Mouton

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It took a while, but Yamaha has finally responded to the incessant demand for an R9. A new super sports car with a three-cylinder engine, that’s what it boils down to, and all track enthusiasts are satisfied. We know the engine, we also know the R-series styling, but Yamaha has managed to hide some interesting extras for this R9. We review them.

CP3 engine and Deltabox frame

The R9 is powered by the 890 cc three-cylinder CP3. The final drive, ignition timing and mapping have been optimized for track and road use. The Deltabox aluminum frame was specially developed for the R9. Compared to other CP3 models, the R9’s base frame stiffness is greater in all three directions: torsional, longitudinal and lateral. With a weight of 9.7 kg, this frame is the lightest ever used for a Yamaha Supersport model. This brings the total weight of the R9 to 195 kg.

More aerodynamic than the R6

Through extensive wind tunnel testing, engineers were able to give the R9 lower drag than the R6, despite the R9 having a larger displacement, radiator and frontal area. Normally, simply adding ailerons would have generated additional drag, but repeated testing eliminated the negative effects. The spoilers reduce front wheel lift by 6-7% in a straight line, and when combined with the front spoiler under the M duct, this effect is increased to around 10% in corners.

KYB suspensions and Brembo brakes

The new 43mm KYB inverted fork has been completely redesigned and features adjustment screws for rebound damping on the right tube and compression damping on the left tube. Each fork leg is now equipped with a valve, designed to optimize cylinder pressure by reducing or completely preventing oil flow down the fork. The rear shock absorber is adjustable for preload, rebound and compression. The R9 is equipped with Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers, a Brembo radial master cylinder, stainless steel brake hoses, 320mm front discs and Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport RS11 tires.

A less extreme driving position

The location of the bracelet handlebars is sportier than on the R7, but more relaxed than on the R6 RACE, which offers a more versatile riding position. To make long journeys easier, the R9 is equipped with cruise control and a speed limiter. The third-generation Yamaha Quick Shift System (QSS) provides clutchless upshifting and downshifting.

Electronics based on the R1

The R9’s six-axis IMU was developed directly from the R1’s electronic systems. There are three riding modes, “Sport”, “Street” and “Rain”, complemented by two manually adjustable “Custom” modes and four “Track” modes. This allows the rider to make specific settings by changing the level of electronic assistance, such as Power Delivery (PWR), Traction Control (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), Brake Control (BC), Back Slip Regulator (BSR), Engine Brake Management (EBM) and Front Wheel Lift Control (LIF), all of which can be adjusted directly via the R9’s display or via Yamaha’s MyRide smartphone app. For optimal starting, the R9 has a launch control system and, for use on the track, it is possible to deactivate the rear ABS.

Screen and connectivity

The R9’s 5-inch TFT color display can be customized between four selectable themes, while a track mode displays relevant information only during circuit driving, including the lap timer. The R9’s screen can be connected to a smartphone via Yamaha’s MyRide app. The app can be used to customize YRC settings, allowing new YRC modes to be created even when away from the bike. An integrated navigation system is also available via the Garmin StreetCross app.

Y-TRAC application with virtual pitboard

Derived from auto racing, the Y-TRAC app helps record and analyze driving data with professional-level technology for all levels of drivers, from novice to professional. The Y-TRAC app tracks lap and section times, as well as technical data such as lean angle, engine speed, gear engaged, speed, throttle grip position and levels of electronic support systems, such as traction control. Y-TRAC also offers the option of a “virtual pitboard,” allowing the driver’s team to send messages to the dashboard while they are on the track.