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Coming soon: Yamaha R9
Yamaha’s new Superport bike combines the 890cc triple of the MT-09 and XSR900 GP with the spirit of the track-only R1 and R6
Words by: Dan Trent
Published on 10 October 2024 | 0 min read
An all-new Yamaha sports bike is a reason to get excited, especially given the iconic R1 and R6 have now effectively been regulated off the road and to track use only by ever more stringent emissions rules. Enter the all-new R9, based around the all-conquering 890cc CP3 triple engine but built from the ground-up as a proper Supersport style machine with a dedicated Deltabox aluminium frame, track-honed aero and more besides.
While the engine is familiar – and much-loved – from bikes like the MT-09 and retro race themed XSR900 GP the R9 is otherwise a clean-sheet design, and very much aimed at purebred Supersport rivals like the Honda CBR600RR and Kawasaki ZX-6R in a further revival of class of sports bikes many thought were on the brink of extinction.
While the engine is familiar – and much-loved – from bikes like the MT-09 and retro race themed XSR900 GP the R9 is otherwise a clean-sheet design, and very much aimed at purebred Supersport rivals like the Honda CBR600RR and Kawasaki ZX-6R in a further revival of class of sports bikes many thought were on the brink of extinction.
Certainly, the R9 is a big step up in performance and technology from the existing, two-cylinder R7, itself riding the new wave of more accessible middleweight sports bikes alongside the likes of the Triumph Daytona 660, Honda CBR650R, Suzuki GSX-8R and others. Where the R7 and its equivalents have steel frames, more road-friendly riding positions and are pitched around the £9,000 mark the R9 is a considerably more expensive and extreme machine given its £12,250 starting price and racier set-up. That makes it somewhat more expensive than the Kawasaki ZX-6R and Honda CBR600RR you may also be considering so what, other than being the newest and latest, does the R9 offer?
Well, the 890cc triple is obviously bigger and torquier than the four-cylinder screamers in the Kawasaki and Honda, even if the 119 horsepower output and all-up weight are comparable. Seat height and riding position look on the money as well, though the R9 is a fraction longer in the wheelbase so may feel a slightly bigger bike to ride. We’ll have to wait and see on that, of course.
Well, the 890cc triple is obviously bigger and torquier than the four-cylinder screamers in the Kawasaki and Honda, even if the 119 horsepower output and all-up weight are comparable. Seat height and riding position look on the money as well, though the R9 is a fraction longer in the wheelbase so may feel a slightly bigger bike to ride. We’ll have to wait and see on that, of course.
The KYB-supplied and fully adjustable suspension has been developed alongside the track-only R1 GYTR and R1 Race while the aero-optimised bodywork actually means less drag than the smaller R6, the winglets reducing front lift without any cost in aero efficiency and working in conjunction with a spoiler below the M-duct in the fairing. Brembo Stylema brakes should deliver track-ready stopping power while the R1-influenced electronics use a six-axis IMU and configurable Yamaha Ride Control for lean-sensitive wheelie, side-slip and traction control along with variable engine maps and more. The Y-TRAC telemetry app meanwhile records your efforts on track to help you figure out where you can unlock yet more speed.
It's not all about track riding, though, Yamaha promising a riding position slightly less extreme than that of the R6 and road-optimised comforts like cruise control and a variable speed limiter. The R9 arrives in UK dealers in the spring and will be offered in Icon Blue or Tech Black colourschemes, options including lightweight protection for the engine casings, adjustable pegs, tank-side pads for improved grip with your knees, a smoked screen, full Akrapovič exhaust system and more.
It's not all about track riding, though, Yamaha promising a riding position slightly less extreme than that of the R6 and road-optimised comforts like cruise control and a variable speed limiter. The R9 arrives in UK dealers in the spring and will be offered in Icon Blue or Tech Black colourschemes, options including lightweight protection for the engine casings, adjustable pegs, tank-side pads for improved grip with your knees, a smoked screen, full Akrapovič exhaust system and more.
