Sport bikes aren’t completely dead, even if their popularity has plummeted along with the rise of adventure and naked models. If you go to a track-day here in the United States, you will see lots of Yamaha R6 bikes … many of them more than a decade old.
Yamaha has not completely given up on sport models, as evidenced by the introduction of the new R9 that will be in U. S. dealers next March at an MSRP of $12,499.
The spec for this price is pretty impressive. You not only get the universally-loved 890cc triple, top drawer Brembo Stylema calipers and the latest generation adjustable KYB suspension also are included.
Here is the press release from Yamaha regarding the 2025 YZF-R9:
MARIETTA, Ga. – October 9, 2024 – Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA, is proud to announce the newest edition to its iconic R-series lineup, the all-new 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9. A new breed of performance street bike, the R9 is aimed at providing true Supersport-levels of performance in an accessible package that enhances the capability and confidence of riders of across a spectrum of skill levels.
Based on Yamaha’s renowned CP3 powerplant, the new 2025 YZF-R9 boasts a dedicated Supersport chassis and comprehensive electronics suite, wrapped in striking next-generation R-series styling. Alongside the exhilarating all-new R9, Yamaha is also announcing the remainder of its R-series lineup for 2025, including significant updates to the 2025 YZF-R3, and the 2025 YZF-R7 which returns unchanged.
R World is Calling
Yamaha has a rich heritage of building the most sought after Supersport motorcycles designed to deliver the pinnacle of performance on and off the track. From the rider-friendly YZF-R3 to the exclusive and track-focused YZF-R1M, the Yamaha R-series model lineup provides options for riders of all skill levels to experience the pure exhilaration of R World.
2025 YZF-R9 The new 2025 YZF-R9 was conceived to redefine the Supersport class by combining track-capable performance with street bike accessibility through a broad, smooth power delivery, light handling, street-friendly ergonomics and a complete package of advanced rider aids—a machine as equally at home on a race circuit in the hands of a seasoned track rider as it is exploring canyon roads or urban streets in the hands of a dedicated street rider.
Powerful CP3 Engine The heart and soul of the new R9 is its characterful 890cc liquid-cooled three-cylinder powerplant, which receives a unique ECU tune and optimized gear ratio to provide thrilling Supersport power with a more broad, torquey engine character. A carefully tuned airbox amplifies induction sound which combines with the CP3’s distinctive crossplane triple exhaust note to provide an aural resonance which further heightens the thrill of acceleration.
Dedicated Supersport Chassis The new R9 chassis begins with an advanced gravity-cast Deltabox frame that’s the lightest aluminum frame ever offered on a Yamaha Supersport model. The frame is extensively tuned to deliver a supple, predictable feel at lower speeds and Supersport rigidity for razor-sharp handling at track speeds. Along with a new high-spec fully adjustable KYB® suspension and nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, the R9 delivers light, agile handling that inspires confidence for a wide range of riders and experience levels.
Brembo® Brakes Premium Brembo® Stylema monoblock front brake calipers combine with a Brembo® radial master cylinder, large 320mm dual front discs, stainless steel brake lines and aggressive pad compounds to offer Supersport-level braking performance with exceptional power and feel. The R9 also offers the option to turn rear ABS off for track riding.
Advanced Aerodynamics The new YZF-R9 includes MotoGP®-inspired functional winglets which add downforce for a stable, planted front-end feel while keeping drag to a bare minimum. In fact, the ultra-sleek new R-series design yields the most aerodynamic Yamaha model ever offered.
Supersport Ergonomics for the Street A dedicated Supersport riding position is optimized to achieve excellent handling and a strong sense of unity with the machine while still offering a short reach to the clip-ons, ample leg room and low seat height for more comfort in a variety of riding scenarios.
New Generation TFT Display The YZF-R9 receives Yamaha’s latest generation full-color five-inch TFT display providing a wide range of vehicle data. The rider can select their display preference between four separate street themes or a dedicated track theme. Display themes, vehicle data, connectivity functions and the R9’s electronic suite are navigated through Yamaha’s latest integrated handlebar switches. Button shape and feel have been extensively refined to provide intuitive operation in a compact, easy-to-use solution.
Smartphone Connectivity Riders can link their smartphone to the new TFT display via Yamaha’s free Y-Connect app to receive message notifications, calls and listen to music (through use of an aftermarket Bluetooth® headset, not provided). Additionally, full turn-by-turn navigation is available through the Garmin® StreetCross app to make each journey easier.
Advanced Electronic Suite An advanced six-axis Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is based on the proven performance of the flagship YZF-R1 Superbike. Data collected from the IMU and wheel speed sensors enable a high-tech suite of rider aids including a nine-mode Traction Control System (TCS), three-mode Slide Control System (SCS), three-mode Lift Control System (LIF) and a Brake Control System (BC). Levels of intervention can be adjusted to preference and each of these systems can also be turned off providing the ultimate versatility and control in a variety weather and surface conditions.
Yamaha R-Series Style With sharp, distinctive R-series styling including its signature M-shaped front duct and tail wing, combining with new generation design cues like angled LED position lighting and advanced aerodynamics including functional front winglets, the revolutionary new YZF-R9 is instantly recognizable as the next evolution of Yamaha’s iconic R-series.
2025 YZF-R9 Top Features Renowned 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine Ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T®) System Assist & Slipper clutch Yamaha third-generation quickshifter Lightweight gravity-cast aluminum frame Fully adjustable high-spec KYB® front fork Fully adjustable high-spec KYB® rear shock Brembo® Stylema calipers Brembo® radial master cylinder Aerodynamic winglets Full color 5-inch TFT display Smartphone connectivity Advanced six-axis IMU Four-level Power Delivery Mode (PWR) Nine-level lean-sensitive Traction Control System (TCS) MotoGP®-developed three-level Slide Control System (SCS) Three-level Lift Control System (LIF) Lean-sensitive Brake Control System (BC) with ABS Rear ABS off function Two-level Engine Brake Management (EBM) Back Slip Regulator (BSR) Launch Control (LC) Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) with preset and customizable settings Yamaha Variable Speed Limiter (YVSL) Full LED lighting Intuitive new switchgear Cruise control
Colors, Availability & Price The new 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Raven Black or Intensity White/Redline, and will begin arriving to dealers in March for $12,499 MSRP.
When I first started riding a 750cc was considered large displacement although my initial experience on a street bike was on a legendary Norton 850 which was borrowed. My first owned street bike was a Honda 750K6, all of maybe 58 hp. Now 800-900 cc motorcycles are considered mid size. Adventure motorcycles displacing 1300 cc, touring motorcycles 1800 cc and cruisers like wise. On a good and twisty road a 400 cc inline 4 with 60 or so ponies and high end suspension, brakes and tires will do proper justice to that asphalt. Unfortunately on the open road and expressways you need the added poke of 100 plus horsepower. This could be that compromise.
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$12500 lol.. A 2000 model GSX-R will smoke this turd! Ill pay $650 more for the 2025 Gixxer 750 its the best sport bike for the money PERIOD since 2000!
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One thing that made me chuckle was how a lower seat with the requisite high pegs will result in “ample leg room”.
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I have nothing but praise for the Japanese culture of marching on into the face of headwinds. Sportbike sales are down, yet they push toward perfecting another new sport bike. I just read an article covering the chairman of Toyota, the world’s largest car maker in the world, who regrets that switching to EV vehicles will cause job losses in the engines divisions. “If electric vehicles simply become the only choice, including for our suppliers, those people’s jobs would be lost,” he said, adding he liked gasoline vehicles.”
Close your eyes for a moment and an imagine your life in a country where the chairmen, executives, investors, and government officials cared this much to prevent valuable job losses. What a world that would be. Was that in the 40s or 50s in the US?
Anyway, I like this new bike! I’m a Yamaha guy since I was a mini-Enduro kid.
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.. so said the guy who ran the town stable.
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So said the guy who will own nothing and be happy in his 15-minute city.
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I always wondered when Yamaha would finally put its triple in a sportbike. But who needs clip-ons anyway? They make no sense. Of course, we all know they’re for track days, and how many of us actually ever do one? Or even two?
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I would totally do track days if I ever found a decent track. To my eye all the road race tracks are automotive based and have far too few corners. So I never bothered.
I wonder where this engine is at now and if they returned it for sport bike duty. The MT09 Tracer that I rode in France and Germany nine or ten years ago was basically a clone of the ’03 Multistrada that I had in Europe. It was a good engine in that role. But I guess I would want a different tune in a sport bike. The deal breaker for me was the gear whine that the engine made. What’s up with that? It’s the only Yamaha that I know of that makes such a noise. It’s like they were going after the gear whine era VFR people or something. Spare me that. Not in my garage you don’t.
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Yamaha DT 125, probably?
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Just because you’ve never done it, it must mean no one does?
Get off your couch, coward.
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My last sport bike was a 916 Ducati. Oddly enough. It had about the same displacement, made almost the same amount of power, and probably had about the same quality suspension and brakes as this bike thirty years later. It probably even weighed about the same. Thirty years has done what for the sport bike? Added some silly looking wings? The Ducati did cost more. Even in 1994 dollars.
I sold it because I thought it made riding public roads boring. I rode my 610 Husqvarna DP rig way more often. I sold them both and built a supermoto. My front line street bike is still a kick start supermoto.
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Seems like a really neat sport bike but I’m left wondering what it does that bikes the Suzuki GSXR 750 and the Kawasaki ZX6R don’t do?
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Obviously, bring in income for Yamaha.
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WWAYYYYYYYY more torque that either, where it matters for street riders.
WAYYYYYYYYYY more tech than either, which means security on the road and potentially more performance on tap for green or intermediate riders.
Better street ergos than both, for folks that like one bike to do both street and track.
Should i go on, or would you like to use Google?
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Torque where? At the crankshaft? I prefer torque at the rear wheel where it belongs.
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Maybe the ergos are marginally more street, but not by much. Still look fairly track-oriented to me.
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Probably true for the torque (it’s an under-square 900) but it’ll take a break from the category’s typical history for it to sell on power over bikes with a higher peak hp or hp/cc figure. Agree on the tech but Not likely the ergos, that’s marketing fluff. It’s clear from the photos that this is as committed a sport riding position anything this side of a Ducati.
Worth mention is that this bike is approved for use in the World Supersport series so it takes place of the R6 as a race platform.
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My old BMW also has a “distinctive crossplane triple exhaust note to provide an aural resonance which further heightens the thrill of acceleration.”
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Good point, but my 2T Suzuki GT550 triple has twice as many combustion events so it sounds like a fruity six. Exhausts don’t need to be loud if they are musical!
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My exhausts are always musical
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Never trust an exhaust.
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