2025 Yamaha R9: A New Chapter in Yamaha's Supersport Legacy

It’s finally here! The 2025 Yamaha R9 has officially been revealed, and it’s set to take the top spot in Yamaha's road-legal sports bike lineup. With all-new specs, cutting-edge tech, and a host of performance features, this bike promises to be a class-leading contender.

Dominating the Road: Yamaha's Latest Supersport

Sitting at the helm of Yamaha's sports bike range, the R9 shares many components with its sibling, the much-loved XSR900 GP. However, these two machines are quite distinct. The R9 boasts a significantly enhanced specification, offering a more focused and high-tech package for those looking for the ultimate road-going performance machine.

Engine and Performance: Familiar Power, New Potential

The architecture of the 2025 Yamaha R9 mirrors other models in Yamaha's CP3 range, with an identical 78mm x 62mm bore and stroke and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. While the official power output hasn't been revealed, it’s expected to match its stablemates, delivering around 117 bhp and 68 lb-ft of torque.

Lightweight, Tuned Frame for Ultimate Handling

At the heart of the R9 is a gravity-cast aluminum Deltabox-style frame, shared with the CP3 models, but with some significant improvements. Yamaha claims the frame is now stiffer in all directions—torsionally, longitudinally, and laterally—providing superior feel, feedback, and comfort. Impressively, this frame is the lightest ever used on a Yamaha supersport, weighing in at just 9.7 kg, and contributes to the bike’s overall wet weight of 195 kg, a full 5 kg lighter than the XSR900 GP.

Suspension: Precision and Control

The R9’s front suspension features a 43mm KYB upside-down fork, unique to this model and featuring Kashima-coated fork tubes. The fork offers individual adjusters for both rebound (right tube) and compression damping (left tube), allowing for complete control over both high-speed and low-speed damping.

Yamaha has also introduced new base valves, which prevent oil from escaping into the bottom of the fork leg, ensuring improved damping response and stability. At the rear, a KYB shock custom-designed for the R9 is adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping.

Braking Power: Brembo Brilliance

Bringing the R9 to a stop is a premium braking system, featuring Brembo Stylema calipers paired with a high-spec Brembo master cylinder and braided brake lines. The front brake setup includes large 320mm discs, an upgrade from the 298mm discs on the XSR900 GP. As with the other CP3-powered bikes, the braking system is controlled by a six-axis IMU, adapted from the R1.

Aggressive Yet Balanced Riding Position

One of the key differences between the R9 and the XSR900 GP is the riding position. Yamaha has mounted the clip-ons beneath the top clamp, which shifts more weight to the front of the bike. This creates a more aggressive and agile ride, perfect for both road and track use. Yamaha describes the riding position as “sportier than the R7, but more relaxed than the R6 Race”, striking the perfect balance for varied riding styles.

Aerodynamics: Functional Winglets

A standout feature of the R9 is its R1-inspired front fairing, complete with aerodynamic winglets. These winglets are more than just eye-catching—they reduce front-wheel lift by 6-7% in a straight line and up to 10% in corners when combined with the front-end spoiler located beneath the central ‘M-duct’.

Advanced Electronics for the Modern Rider

One area where the R9 sets itself apart is its sophisticated electronics package. Riders can choose from standard Rain, Street, and Sport modes, along with two custom modes and four dedicated track riding modes. These modes allow for fine-tuning of various systems, including traction control, power delivery, lift control, slide control, brake control, and engine braking control.

For those looking for even more excitement, the R9 includes a launch control system, making those fast getaways from the lights even smoother.

Y-TRAC Telemetry

New to the Yamaha road-going bike lineup is the Yamaha Telemetry Recording and Analysis Controller (Y-TRAC). This system allows riders to log and review their ride data via Bluetooth connectivity to a smartphone, offering real-time access to navigation, calls, and music.

Modern Tech: TFT Display and Quickshifter

The R9 shares several high-tech features with the MT-09 and XSR900, including a clear and modern 5-inch TFT display and Yamaha's third-generation quickshifter system, making gear changes faster and smoother. The switchgear is also updated, ensuring easy access to all of these advanced systems.

Price and Availability

The 2025 Yamaha R9 will be arriving in UK showrooms in March 2025, with a MSRP of £12,250. It will be available in two striking color schemes: Icon Blue and Tech Black.

Conclusion

With its blend of high-performance components, cutting-edge technology, and rider-focused design, the 2025 Yamaha R9 is set to be a game-changer in the supersport market. Whether on the track or the open road, this bike offers everything riders need for an exhilarating experience.

If you're ready for the next chapter in Yamaha's racing legacy, the R9 might just be the bike you've been waiting for.