Yamaha has finally presented its long-awaited all-new R9. A real sports car powered by the sparkling CP3, with a rigorous cycle part and approved for the road. The R6 is dead, long live the R9!
After years of rumors and speculation, here it is finally. The all-new R9, which we told you about for the first time in 2020 and which will therefore arrive on our roads and our circuits in 2025. A model whose sporting orientation is not feigned and which has buried an R6 that has been more approved for several years and which will undoubtedly continue to exist only to meet the requirements of the rare championships not yet upgraded to “next-gen supersport”. Because on the global side, it is the R9 that will be entered, a product much more in tune with the market.
And if Yamaha had to invest to develop a brand new motorcycle, it was able to count on the resumption of its 890cc three-cylinder unit present in the MT-09 and used as is in the R9. It must be said that there was no point in excessively reworking a CP3 which already has breath and character! If its maximum power of 119 horsepower is in fact identical to that of an R6, the torque takes a serious leap forward, going from 61 Nm for the four-cylinder sports car to 93 Nm on the R9.
Performance should therefore be clearly improved on the circuit, while fun and enjoyment will be present on the road with a motorcycle which does not overflow with power in the revs but will prove very pleasant to ride from low revs, with covers that don’t lack punch. An engine which has also been “tuned” to be as pleasant on the track as on the road according to Yamaha, in addition to having amplified the noise, just for pleasure!
And with this CP3, a real racing frame has been specifically developed, using a safe bet with the aluminum Deltabox. The latter has been stiffened in all directions (longitudinal, lateral and torsional) thanks to specific thicknesses and shapes, as well as machined holes. All with the aim of obtaining the best compromise between rigidity and flexibility. At 9.7 kg, it is in any case the lightest frame in the brand’s history for a supersport model. Enough to contribute to a contained total weight for this R9, 195 kg with a full tank.
The search for performance did not stop there since it also concerns aerodynamics, a very popular subject. And the R9 shows its advantage thanks to wind tunnel tests and a design which allows it to display lower aerodynamic drag than that of an R6 despite its radiator and its more voluminous front face. The famous aerodynamic fins that we find almost everywhere today are present to reduce wheelie by 6 to 7% and even by 10% in turns with the front spoiler.
The cycle part is premium and confirms Yamaha’s intentions to offer a true sports car at ease on the circuit with a new 43 mm KYB fork with separate adjustments for relaxation and compression on the right and left tubes. Tubes with a valve designed to optimize pressure. Braking is not to be outdone with the high-performance Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers and a radial master cylinder.
The riding position continues the same spirit with a very racing bracelet handlebar (mounted under the upper crown), even if Yamaha ensures that riders of all builds can be comfortable on the handlebars also on the road and that the rider will not be not excessively worn at the front. The saddle height is 830mm and the footrests should not be too high. The tank has a capacity of 14 liters.
On the electronic side, the R9 does not do things by half measures and is inspired by the big sister R1. We find a 6-axis IMU in charge of managing assistance in the three original modes (sport, street, rain), as well as the two customizable modes and the four circuit modes! Each allows you to adjust to your taste the power modes (PWR), the traction control (TCS), the slide control system (SCS), the brake control (BC), the rear wheel slip regulator (BSR), the engine brake management system (EBM) and the pitch control (LIF). A departure control system is also included and ABS can be deactivated at the rear but not at the front.
To complete the equipment we also find a 5-inch TFT screen, a third generation shifter, as well as a cruise control and speed limiter. Geeks will also appreciate the Y-TRAC application to review all kinds of data after their track day. The Yamaha R9 will be available in dealerships in March at an as yet unknown price.
Yamaha R9 2025
- 890 cc liquid-cooled CP3 three-cylinder engine, double overhead camshaft
- Aluminum Deltabox frame, the lightest ever used on a Yamaha Supersport model
- Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers paired with 320mm brake discs
- Aggressive aerodynamic fairing with winglets
- Next-generation, fully adjustable 43mm KYB fork
- 6-axis IMU developed for the R1
- Lean-sensitive rider aids including Traction Control (TCS), Slide Control (SCS), and Brake Control (BC)
- Power modes (PWR), departure control (LC), pitch control (LIF)
- Third-generation Quick Shift System (QSS)
- Engine brake management (EBM) and rear wheel slip regulator (BSR)
- Rear ABS deactivation mode
- Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) with customizable settings
- CCU for uploading and downloading motorcycle settings
- 5-inch color TFT display with connectivity features
- Record and analyze your riding data with the Y-TRAC app.
- Cruise control and speed limiter
- Bracelet handlebars
- Nouveaux pneus Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport RS11
- Cast aluminum wheels
- Adjustable levers
- Forged aluminum gear selector
