Ah yes, it was 9th October yesterday and as promised, the 2025 Yamaha R9 has been launched. But before going further, let us state that it is NOT the replacement for the Yamaha YZF-R1! We have read through the threads in several pages and there were folks who were confused.
In any case, the long-rumoured YZF-R9 is here at last and it does look good, in our humble opinion.
Highlights:
- 890cc, three-cylinder, CP3 engine which also powers the Yamaha MT-09 and Yamaha Tracer 9 GT.
- However, the R9’s ECU is different, which Yamaha says is intended to “provide thrilling supersport power with a more broad, torquey engine character.” Whatever. We just hope that they have ironed out the snatchy throttle response of the MT-09.
- The manufacturer did not disclose the power figures, but the current MT-09’s engine puts out 117hp and 92Nm.
- There is a larger radiator (yay!) and a smaller rear sprocket (16/43 vs. 16/45).
- All-new advanced gravity-cast Deltabox frame, which is Yamaha’s lightest aluminium frame weighing only 9.7kg.
- High-spec, fully-adjustable, 43mm KYB SDF upside-down forks with Kashima-coated tubes, and KYB fully-adjustable monoshock at the back.
- Brembo radial master cylinder, 320mm discs, and Brembo Stylema calipers up front (yay!).
- The ergonomics are much sportier than the YZF-R7’s, with the clip-ons placed low and footpegs higher.
- There is a six-axis IMU, along with Rain, Sport, Street, Custom riding modes, in addition to four Track modes.
- Launch control is also included, allowing you to pin the throttle and dump the clutch.
- A quickshifter as standard equipment.
- Another unique feature is the Telemetry Recording and Analysis Controller (Y-TRAC) to log and analyse riding data which they can later review.
- It links to the rider’s phone using Bluetooth, meaning the bike also boasts integrated full navigation, calls and music.
- New 5-inch TFT screen that appears to be much easier to read.
In a nutshell
So, the 2025 Yamaha R9 is an “everyday” sportbike that you can take to the occasional track day. It is much more accessible compared to its YZF-R1, but with some of the technologies from the R1.
However, we in Malaysia may see this bike as just a pipe dream since we have not even received the YZF-R7 yet. What say you, Hong Leong Yamaha?
