Yamaha R9: The long wait for the new super sports bike is over

1. October 2024

5 min read

On October 9, 2024, Yamaha will finally lift the curtain and present the long-awaited Yamaha R9. Motorcycle enthusiasts around the world have been speculating for months about the new model, which is set to fill an important gap in Yamaha's line-up. After the Yamaha R6 was discontinued in 2020, the demand for a powerful supersports bike between the R7 and the R1 has grown. Now the solution appears to be coming in the form of the brand new Yamaha R9.

A first look through teasers

Yamaha is causing quite a stir as the first teaser for the R9 has been released on social media. In an Instagram and YouTube video, you can see blurry shots of parts of the fairing as well as a countdown that stops at the number “9”. A clear sign that the new super sports car is in the starting blocks. The teaser also shows a rider in full racing gear preparing for the ride. What can clearly be seen, however, are parts of the rear wheel and the swingarm of the motorcycle during a burnout – this strongly suggests a relationship to the Yamaha MT-09 and XSR900 GP, which are also based on the platform.

Engine and performance: the proven three-cylinder

The Yamaha R9 will most likely adopt the 888 cc three-cylinder engine that is already used in the MT-09. This engine produces 119 hp (118 bhp or 87.7 kW) at 10,000 rpm and develops a maximum torque of 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm. In the MT-09, the engine is considered to be extremely lively and free-revving, which is why it is to be expected that Yamaha will further optimize the performance in the R9 by adapting it to the handling of a super sports bike. It is assumed that the torque and power delivery will be modified in favor of a wider and more usable rev range.

Chassis and suspension: parts from the MT-09 SP?

There are rumors that the Yamaha R9 will adopt elements from the MT-09 SP, including possibly the high-quality Brembo Stylema brakes that are installed in the MT-09 SP. However, the model in the teaser does not appear to have the higher-quality Öhlins rear suspension of the MT-09 SP. Instead, the striking Yamaha blue suspension travel indicates a KYB chassis, similar to that of the XSR900 GP. For a possible premium version of the R9, perhaps as the R9M or R9 SP, Yamaha could add higher-quality components at a later date.

Appearance: sporty look with its own accents

In terms of design, the R9 will probably be positioned between the Yamaha R7 and the R1, but will have its own unmistakable accents. It can be assumed that the fairing will be strongly based on the sporty lines of the R series, but with some characteristic features that distinguish the R9 from its sister models.

Market strategy and international launch

Not only European and American markets will receive the new R9 – the model is also expected in India. Yamaha plans to launch its premium model range in the Indian market in the coming months. It is expected that the Yamaha R9 will be available in India as early as the first half of 2025.

Future prospects: R9M and racing ambitions

A particularly interesting detail: Yamaha might not only have its sights set on the road with the R9, but also on the racetracks. The World Supersport series already allows larger displacements in 2021, which opens up the possibility that the R9 could replace the R6 as a competition model in the future. Information from the Yamaha Ten Kate team suggests that the R9 could be used in racing from 2025. A more sophisticated version with high-quality chassis components, similar to the R1M, could also come onto the market in the form of an R9M and complete the model range.

Conclusion

The introduction of the Yamaha R9 closes an important gap in Yamaha’s line-up. With the three-cylinder engine of the MT-09, a sporty chassis and possibly high-quality Brembo brakes, the R9 will appeal to many motorcyclists looking for a machine between the R7 and R1. It remains to be seen whether Yamaha will also launch a luxury version such as the R9M, but one thing is certain: October 9, 2024 will herald a new era in Yamaha’s R series.

Technical data (expected):

Engine: 888 cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power: 119 hp (118 bhp, 87.7 kW) at 10,000 rpm
Torque: 93 Nm at 7,000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed
Weight: Not yet known, probably around 190 kg (418 lbs)
Suspension: KYB or Öhlins (depending on variant)
Brakes: Brembo Stylema (possibly only in the SP version)
Price: Not yet officially confirmed, but expected to be around 13,899 euros (approx. 14,500 USD).

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