Yamaha MT-09 in racing suit: the R9
The Yamaha R9 has the same design as the R1, which is clearly derived from the MotoGP racer. Components and riding position are strongly geared toward sporty riding due to the low clip-on handlebars. You don’t get the mountains of power of the R1, but you do get the smoothness of the MT-09’s nice-to-hook three-cylinder engine, with 119 hp at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.
Aluminum frame for Yamaha R9
The Deltabox frame was designed specifically for the R9. Made entirely of aluminum, it weighs only 9.7 kg, achieving a low ride weight of 195 kg. The wind tunnel molded fairing and winglets generate additional downforce at high speed. The winglets reduce the upward elevator of the front end by six to 10 percent.
Choice of 9 driving modes
On the R9, Yamaha applies fine braking stuff from Brembo Stylema, derived from racing. The stainless steel brake lines contribute to good brake response and brake feel in brake lever and foot brake. The front fork is from Kayaba with solid 43 mm fork legs. You can color the handling with riding modes Sport, Street and Rain. Furthermore, you can determine the intervention values of the assistance systems yourself with two manually adjustable Custom modes and four Track modes.
Electronic driving aids
Those driving aids are inclination-sensing traction control, slide control and brake control, all controlled by a six-axis IMU motion sensor. Actually, the Yamaha R9 offers all the electronic systems that are now the norm on supersporters. So also Powermodes to control power delivery, elevator control to curb front wheel lift and launch control for controlled standing starts. Engine brake management and back slip regulator prevent rear wheel lockup during throttle release and hard braking.
R9 also with lap timer
A 5-inch TFT color display informs you about settings, speed, rpm and engine conditions. There’s even a lap timer integrated. The third generation of Yamaha’s quickshifter should allow even more direct downshifting and upshifting without a clutch.
When is the Yamaha R9 coming?
Available from €15,499 in Icon Blue and Tech Black colors, the R9 is expected in Yamaha showrooms from the end of April 2025. The R9 will also adorn the Yamaha booth during MOTORbeurs Utrecht (February 20-23, 2025, Jaarbeurs Utrecht).
