For thirty years, the R series of Yamaha has become synonymous with speed, performance and style, and the R9 is a worthy heir.
The launch of a new R model has always been a major milestone for Yamaha, from the arrival of the original R1 in 1998, followed by the R6 a year later and the iconic YZF-R7, to the reinvigoration of the entry-level market with the R125 in 2008. 2015 saw the introduction of MotoGP-derived electronics into the Supersport segment with the R1 and R1M, and then the CP7-equipped R2 added a whole new dimension to the Supersport market in 2021.
For 2025, the time has come to redefine the Supersport category once again with this latest highly anticipated model to join the legendary R Series lineup: the R9.
Delivering the thrilling performance and cutting-edge technology that underpins the R Series' reputation, the R9 ushers in a completely new generation of Supersport.
There’s no denying that the Supersport market has changed over the years, with riders’ needs and desires evolving and emissions regulations becoming more stringent. It’s this change that has led Yamaha to make the decision to dedicate its popular R1 exclusively to the track from 2025, with the launch of the R1 RACE and the renewal of the R1 GYTR.
While the R1 GYTR and R1 RACE, with their exceptional track performance, remain the pinnacle of the Supersport range, Yamaha remains focused on the future of the road-going Supersport market, which, since the launch of the R7, has continued to generate excitement and desire.
The launch of the R9 completes the Supersport category, which spans from the entry-level R125 to the R9, the A3-class R2 and the mid-displacement R7, while the R1 GYTR, R1 RACE, R6 GYTR and R6 RACE maintain their dominant position in the range with their top-level track-only performance.
While this new generation of Supersport marks the beginning of a new chapter, the story remains the same: the identity of the Supersport range is born from Yamaha's racing DNA. From design choices to race-bred technologies, every Supersport model is the result of Yamaha's commitment to racing at the highest level.
The R9 takes this proven, race-bred technology and design and combines it with the critically acclaimed CP3 engine platform that has revolutionized the Yamaha brand over the past decade. The marriage of this high-torque engine with Yamaha’s renowned race-bred handling has resulted in a perfectly balanced supersport model worthy of its status as the flagship of the R-Series, delivering sporty performance that is both usable on the road and breathtaking on the track.
Designed with R-Series DNA
The launch of an R-series model has always been a milestone, and the launch of the R9 is no exception.
While the R9 retains many of the MotoGP-inspired features that have become a hallmark of Yamaha's Supersport models, making it instantly identifiable as an 'R', its design also brings the feel expected of a next-generation machine.
Horizontal lines have been emphasized on every R model since the 1 R2015, but this aggressive, sporty style is enhanced on the R9, with a wider horizontal sweep that delivers a powerful, fluid feel, and embodies the agility, handling and innovation that the R9 inherits from its racing experience. This new look is exemplified by the integrated aerodynamic winglets, which contribute to the aggressiveness of the R9’s new front end.
The iconic M-shaped air duct of the R series and the twin-optic headlights are retained, but each of these features is highlighted to reinforce the aggressive style of the new generation. The optics combined with the M-shaped duct and the wind deflector fixed in front of the headlight to work with the fins reinforce the aggressiveness of the machine.
High-torque 3cc CP890 engine
The R9 is powered by the renowned 3cc CP890 liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, DOHC, three-cylinder engine. The bore and stroke (78mm x 62mm) and compression ratio (11,5:1) deliver optimum torque and power, which, combined with the precision of Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T), delivers exceptional performance on both track and road. Final drive, ignition timing and fuel delivery are optimised to deliver optimum Supersport performance on both track and road.
The roar of the three-cylinder engine has become the CP3's trademark over the years, and Yamaha engineers have paid particular attention to amplifying this emotional sound.
Lightweight aluminum Deltabox frame
Developed specifically for the R9, the aluminium Deltabox frame benefits from a rigidity that guarantees sporty performance in all conditions.
Compared to other Yamaha CP3 models, the R9's frame stiffness is greater in all three directions: longitudinal, lateral and torsional. By using specific thicknesses and shapes, as well as machined holes, Yamaha engineers sought to balance stiffness and flexibility to provide the rider with excellent feel and improved riding comfort.
Its weight of 9,7kg makes it the lightest frame ever used for a Yamaha Supersport model. This lightweight chassis means that the R9's wet weight is just 195kg, giving it an optimum power-to-weight ratio.
The frame and rear subframe have been designed to contribute to the R9's narrowness and agility, in keeping with the performance characteristics of a true Supersport.
Yamaha's most aerodynamic model to date
Given its size relative to its performance, the R6 has long been Yamaha's most aerodynamic model and it is on this basis that Yamaha engineers have worked to optimise the aerodynamic efficiency of the R9.
Through extensive wind tunnel testing, engineers were able to shape the R9 to exhibit less aerodynamic drag (maximizing top speed and acceleration performance) than the R6, despite the R9 having a larger displacement and sporting a larger radiator and front end.
This efficiency is achieved through the design of the front fairing, while the new aerodynamic winglets, added just below the lights, reduce pitch and improve contact with the road. Normally, simply adding winglets would generate additional drag, but through extensive testing, the negative effects have been eliminated and the final design minimizes the degree of drag while giving the rider a feeling of stability at the front of the bike.
The winglets reduce front wheel pitch by 6-7% in a straight line, and when combined with the front spoiler positioned under the M-shaped duct, this effect is increased by around 10% in corners.
Supersport handling: Suspensions
Yamaha’s Supersport models are renowned for their handling and this continues to be true of the R9. The front and rear suspension are KYB components designed specifically for the machine, developed alongside those on the 1 R1 GYTR and R2025 RACE machines.
The new 43mm KYB inverted fork has been completely reworked and now features separate rebound and compression adjustments on the right and left tubes. Each of these can be adjusted individually: the right tube for rebound damping and the left tube for compression, both at high and low speeds.
Each fork tube now features a valve designed to optimize cylinder pressure by limiting or completely preventing oil from flowing into the bottom of the fork. This new design results in improved damping response, better feel and optimum stability in all conditions. Additionally, a Kashima coating darkens the gold/bronze color, providing a flattering aesthetic that is synonymous with performance.
The shock absorber is adjustable in preload, rebound and compression, contributing to ultra-precise damping and thus offering better feeling on the track or on the road.
Brembo braking system from racing
The R9 features race-bred Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers that are lightweight, stiff and designed to provide greater control and stability. Stainless steel brake hoses and large 320mm front discs provide improved smoothness and control, especially during extended use and heavy braking.
Providing impressive stopping power to the R9, the radial master cylinder features a piston that moves in a direction parallel to the brake lever stroke, applying pressure in a linear fashion as the rider pulls the lever, refining the feel of control.
The lightweight Stylema calipers produce their stopping power through four 30mm pistons, and are designed to optimise airflow for efficient cooling, delivering optimum braking on the track.
Sporty comfort: Optimized driving position
True to its Supersport style, the R9 offers a position designed to be sporty, with a racing-style handlebar. But to meet the different uses, on the track and on the road, the contact points between the bike and the body have been developed to allow riders of all body types to move freely on the bike.
The distance between the handlebars and the rider's hips is optimized to avoid an excessively forward position. The 830 mm seat height remains accessible to a wide range of riders. The footrests are positioned to offer more space and avoid cramping.
Handlebar
The handlebar clips are mounted under the top yoke, which allows for an ideal sporty position, without too much forward aggression. The positioning of the clips is sportier than that of the R7, but more relaxed than that of the R6 RACE, which allows for better adaptation to different types of riding.
Tank-Jug
The 14-litre tank provides sufficient autonomy for road use, while maintaining a limited width to ensure symbiosis between the rider and his machine. The shape of the tank is designed to provide good grip for the thighs and arms when cornering, ensuring excellent stability and an even more reassuring connection when cornering.
Bridgestone sports tires
The R9 is equipped with Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport RS11 tires that offer racing performance adapted to road use. These sports tires offer incredibly high performance thanks to a high level of grip, cornering stability and optimal control sensations.
New design for manual controls with a completely new user interface
The R9’s new controls are both intuitive and easy to use, with a focus on reducing the number of buttons to access a wide range of functions. The shape of the buttons and the feel when operating them have been significantly refined to provide optimum operation when wearing gloves.
Cruise control and speed limiter
To make long-distance journeys easier, the R9 is equipped with cruise control that can be activated at speeds above 40 km/h from third gear. Once the cruising speed has been set, it can be increased or decreased, in 1 km/h increments, by simply pressing the button or continuously by holding it down. Cruise control can be disconnected by pressing a button, the brakes, the clutch or the accelerator.
Riders can also set a speed limit for their machine, which helps control power and ensure the machine does not exceed the selected speed.
Sophisticated R1-inspired electronics and YRC modes
Developed directly from the R1's electronics, the R9's six-axis IMU continuously measures acceleration in the forward-backward, up-down and left-right directions, as well as angular velocity in the machine's pitch, roll and yaw directions.
The IMU can send real-time data to the ECU, which controls all the rider assistance and in turn changes the behavior of the machine depending on the level of support chosen by the rider.
Integrated driving modes
Riders can customize their riding experience through Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings, which allow them to select the engine's power characteristics and level of electronic support to suit their preferences and conditions.
Three built-in riding modes, “Sport”, “Street” and “Rain”, featuring factory settings with different intervention levels to suit different conditions, are complemented by the ability to preset two Custom and four Track modes. This allows specific YRC settings to be created according to situations or conditions, adapting the level of electronic assistance such as Power Modes (PWR), Traction Control System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), Brake Control (BC), Rear Wheel Slip Regulator (BSR), Engine Brake Management (EBM) and Wheelie Control (LIF), all of which can be adjusted directly on the R9’s YRC settings screen or via Yamaha’s MyRide smartphone app.
To optimise starts, the R9 is also equipped with a launch control system, which helps drivers to get going and accelerate.
And for use on the circuit, it is possible to deactivate the rear ABS.
Third generation quick shift system
Yamaha's third-generation Quick Shift System (QSS) allows for rapid upshifts and downshifts without clutch engagement. Setting 1 allows for upshifts under acceleration and downshifts under deceleration, while Setting 2 also allows for downshifts under acceleration and upshifts under deceleration, optimizing functionality in all situations.
Display and connectivity
The R5's 9-inch colour TFT display can be customised to four themes, while a track mode displays information relevant only to circuit riding, including the lap timer.
Smartphone notifications and data transfer
The R9's display can be connected to a smartphone via Yamaha's MyRide app, through the bike's onboard Communications Control Unit (CCU).
The app can be used to change YRC settings, allowing new YRC modes to be created even when the rider is not on the bike. Up to 40 different modes can be saved to the app to suit specific road or track conditions, and then downloaded to the bike when it is in range.
A full integrated navigation system is also available via the Garmin StreetCross app. Users can view a variety of information and images on the screen, including phone calls, text messages and weather updates.
Y-TRAC – You will feel like a pilot!
The Y-TRAC app enhances the Supersport experience, allowing riders to improve their track riding and performance using tools usually only available to professional riders.
Originating from competition, the Y-TRAC application offers the possibility of recording and analyzing data thanks to high-end technology available to pilots of all levels, from novice to pro.
The Y-TRAC app records lap and sector times as well as machine data including lean angle, engine speed, gear position, speed, throttle position and assistance levels from electronic rider aids such as traction control.
GPS location data can be entered via the rider’s smartphone, but if the rider wants to use a GPS on the bike, the Y-TRAC app can be linked to the Garmin GLO2. The Y-TRAC app also offers the option of using a “virtual pitboard” where the rider’s team can send messages to his dashboard while he’s on the track.
R9 owners can sign up for a free trial of the app or upgrade to a premium subscription.
Technical specifications
- 3cc CP890 liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, double overhead camshaft engine
- Deltabox aluminum frame, the lightest ever used on a Yamaha Supersport model
- Brembo front master cylinder and Stylema calipers combined with 320 mm 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 System (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS) and Brake Control System (BC)
- Power modes (PWR), Launch control (LC), Lift 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 loading and downloading motorcycle settings
- 5-inch color TFT display with connectivity features
- Record and analyze your driving data with the Y-TRAC app.
- Cruise control and speed limiter
- Clip-on handlebars
- New Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport RS11 tires
- Cast aluminum wheels
- Adjustable levers
- Forged aluminum gear selector
Colors and availability
The 9 R2025 is available in Icon Blue and Tech Black colours, and is expected to appear in Yamaha showrooms from March.
The R9 can be easily customized with a series of genuine Yamaha accessories, available both in Yamaha showrooms and on the official Yamaha website.
The R9’s sporty look can be enhanced by a tinted windscreen, designed with increased UV protection, while tank pads provide improved grip when cornering, while protecting the fairing. A license plate holder is also available with a metallic finish to enhance the rear of the bike.
Lightweight in design, the GB Racing crankcase protectors you can add are made from 60% glass fibre nylon which meets national and international technical regulations for competition.
The rear of the R9 allows the footpegs to be adjusted for an optimal riding position. The appearance can also be enhanced with a Racing Cover Kit, which covers the areas exposed when removing the number plate, mirrors and passenger footpegs when riding on the track.
A full Akrapovič exhaust system is also available, with stainless steel pipes paired with a titanium silencer and the R9 logo laser-etched for the ultimate finishing touch.
The complete list of accessories is available onYamaha website.
Yamaha R9
Yamaha R9
