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Here is the new Yamaha R9: three cylinders and a new history to write

VIDEO - Iwata's new sports car has finally been shown in its final form. Picking up the virtual legacy of the R6, it looks like a sports bike that has all the numbers to work

Here is the new Yamaha R9: three cylinders and a new history to write
Iscriviti al nostro canale YouTube

We can say: finally! Rumors about the Yamaha R9 had been feverishly chasing each other for years, but today the new sports bike from Iwata is shown in all its glory. Here is the presentation video while we wait for all the technical data on a bike that seems destined to write many fantastic pages. The aesthetics are certainly striking, with wings that have a very MotoGP flavor and a design that fits it perfectly into the R family.

Over the past three decades, Yamaha's R Series has become synonymous with speed, performance and style.

The launch of a new "R" model has always been a revolutionary moment for Yamaha, from the introduction of the original R1 in 1998, followed by the R6 a year later, along with the iconic YZF-R7, to the revitalization of the "entry-level" market with the R125 in 2008. 2015 saw the introduction of MotoGP-level electronics in the Supersport segment with the R1 and R1M, and then the CP2-powered R7 that added a whole new dimension to the Supersport market in 2021.

And now, for 2025, the time has come to redefine the Supersport category once again with the latest and long-awaited model to join the legendary R Series range; the R9. Offering exhilarating performance and the cutting-edge technology for which the R Series is famous, the R9 introduces a new generation of Supersport.

There is no escaping the fact that the Supersport market has changed over the years, with riders' needs and desires evolving and emissions regulations becoming more stringent. It is this change that led Yamaha to decide that the iconic R1 would become a track-only model starting in 2025 with the introduction of the R1 RACE and the continued production of the R1 GYTR.

And while the R1 GYTR and R1 RACE and their higher track performance remain the flagship models in the Supersport range, Yamaha remains committed to shaping the future of this market. The market has shown great interest since the introduction of the R7, so there is clearly room for Supersport street models.

The introduction of the R9 completes the higher Supersport category, starting with the "entry level" R125 model and the A2-category R3, then moving up to the "middleweight" R7 and now the new R9, while the R1 GYTR, R1 RACE, R6 GYTR and R6 RACE models retain their top position in the range with their top-level performance reserved for the track.

While this new generation of Supersports marks the beginning of a new chapter, the story remains the same with the identity of the Supersport range born from Yamaha's racing DNA. From design to technology developed from racing, each Supersport model is a product of Yamaha's Racing DNA declined to the highest level.

The R9 follows the technology and design philosophy derived from racing and combines it with the acclaimed CP3 three-cylinder engine platform, which has revolutionized the Yamaha brand over the past decade. The combination of this iconic high-torque powerplant and the renowned handling and riding precision of competition mdels creates a perfectly balanced Supersport model that deserves its status as the flagship of the R Series, offering sporty performance on the road and incredible speed on the track.

Designed with "R" DNA.

The introduction of an R Series model has always been a milestone for the brand, and the R9 is no exception. Although the R9 has many of the MotoGP-inspired design features that have become synonymous with Yamaha Supersport models and confirm its "R" soul, it also offers innovative elements expected of a next-generation product.

Horizontal lines have been emphasized on all R models since the 2015 R1, but the aggressive and sporty styling of the R9 has been taken to an even higher level, expanding them to a more horizontal motion, offering a smooth and powerful feel that expresses agility, precision riding and racing innovation. This new look is framed by the integrated aerodynamic wings, making the R9's appearance more aggressive and complementing its exhilarating performance.

The R Series' unmistakable "M"-shaped air duct and the look of the headlights are unchanged, but each of these design features is emphasized to add to the new generation's bold styling. The headlamp set into the "M"-shaped duct makes the look even more agressive, while the spoiler has been integrated in front of the headlamp so that, together with the aero appendages, it contributes to the aggressive aesthetic.

890 cc CP3 engine with high torque

The R9 features the iconic 890 cc liquid-cooled, three-cylinder, DOHC CP3 engine with 4 valves per cylinder. The 78 mm x 62 mm bore and stroke and 11.5:1 compression ratio offer both excellent torque and ample power, which, combined with the refined control offered by Yamaha's electronic Chip Controlled-Throttle (YCC-T) throttle, delivers optimum performance both on the track and on the road. The final ratio, ignition timing and fuel mapping are optimized for Supersport performance on the track and on the road.

The sound of the three-cylinder engine has become a trademark of CP3 over the years, and Yamaha engineers have paid significant attention to amplifying the sound of the emotionally evoking engine.

Deltabox aluminum chassis

Developed specifically for the R9, the new gravity die-cast aluminum deltabox frame has its rigidity tuned for sporty performance at both low and high loads. Compared with Yamaha's other CP3 models, the rigidity of the R9's base frame is higher in all three directions: Torsional, longitudinal and lateral. By applying specific shims, shapes and even new holes, Yamaha engineers aimed to balance stiffness and flexibility, offering the rider high feedback and superior riding comfort.

The frame's weight of only 9.7 kg makes it the lightest frame ever used for a Yamaha Supersport model. Thanks to the lightweight frame, the R9's overall ride weight is only 195 kg, with an optimal power-to-weight ratio. The chassis, combined with the subframe, is designed to contribute to the R9's tight, agile attitude while emphasizing the speed and performance of a true Supersport.

Yamaha's most aerodynamically efficient model to date.

Precisely because size is closely related to performance, the R6 has long been Yamaha's most aerodynamic model. And that was precisely the benchmark that Yamaha engineers used to perfect the aerodynamic efficiency of the R9.

Through extensive wind tunnel testing, engineers were able to shape the R9 to achieve less drag (thus maximizing top speed and acceleration performance) than the R6, despite the fact that this model has a larger displacement, radiator, and frontal area.

This efficiency is achieved through an optimization of the fairing design, while new aerodynamic wings, reduce lift and improve contact with the road. Usually the addition of appendages generate more drag, but through repeated testing negative impacts have been eliminated and the final design minimizes the degree of drag, giving the rider a superior feeling of stability at the front.

The wings reduce front wheel lift by 6-7% in a straight line, and in combination with the center spoiler under the M duct, this effect is increased to about 10% during cornering.

Supersport-level handling:

Yamaha Supersports are known for their handling, and this remains true for the R9. KYB suspension is designed specifically for the bike and developed in conjunction with the R1 GYTR and R1 RACE 2025.

The new KYB 43mm upside-down fork has been completely redesigned and now includes adjustments for rebound and compression damping on the left and right fork stems. Each can be adjusted individually, right side for rebound and left side for compression, at both high and low speeds.

the fork has been redesigned in its hydraulics to optimize internal pressure increased sliding feel. This new specification improves damping response, contact feel and stability. In addition, the Kashima coating makes the aesthetics of the fork really perform.

The monoshock is adjustable for preload, rebound, and compression damping. The new layout contributes to extremely precise damping, offering increased feedback.

Brembo racing-derived braking system.

The R9 features Brembo Stylema calipers, designed to provide better control and stability. Stainless steel braided hoses and 320mm disc brakes provide excellent performance and a feeling of control, especially under heavy use. To bring braking efficiency the R9 mounts Brembo radial master cylinder as standard , resulting in a superior feeling of control for the rider. Stylema calipers exert their braking power through four 30 mm pistons and are designed to optimize air circulation for effective cooling, reducing brake fatigue on the track.

Sport comfort: Optimized riding position

True to Yamaha's Supersport styling, the R9's riding position is sport-oriented, with clip-on handlebars in perfect racing style, however to meet the different needs of riders on the track, as well as a more spirited ride on the road, the bike's ergonomics were developed to allow riders of different builds to move freely on the bike.

The distance from the handlebars to the rider's hips is optimized to avoid excessive forward posture, and the seat height of 830 mm provides accessibility for a wide range of riders. The footpegs are positioned to provide more space and avoid leg cramps. The handlebars are mounted under the triple clamp plate to offer the kind of front loading of a Supersport without excessive forward lean. The positioning is sportier than the clip-ons available on the R7, but less extruded than on the R6 RACE, for greater adaptability to different types of riding.

The 14-liter fuel tank offers sufficient range for road use, while maintaining a narrow width to provide ideal rider-to-bike contact. Its shape is designed to offer ample cornering grip, aiming to provide a sense of perfect stability and connection while cornering.

The R9 is fitted with Bridgestone's Battlax Hypersport RS11, which boasts track-level performance that is optimized for street use. These sport tires offer incredibly high performance through high levels of grip, cornering stability and contact feel.

The R9's switches are intuitive and easy to use to minimize the number of buttons to operate a wide range of functions. The shape and feel of the buttons during use have been refined to ensure optimal operation while riding while wearing gloves.

Cruise control and speed limiter

For maximum convenience when driving longer distances, the R9 is equipped with a convenient cruise control system that can be activated at a speed of at least 40 km/h and in third gear or higher. Once set, the cruise speed can be increased or decreased by 1 km/h by pressing the switch once or continuously. The cruise control function can be canceled with the push of a button, brake, clutch or accelerator.

Riders can also set a speed limit for their vehicle, controlling engine power to ensure that the selected speed is not exceeded.

Developed directly from the electronic systems on the R1, the R9's high-tech six-axis IMU constantly measures acceleration in the forward and reverse, up-down and left-right directions, as well as angular velocity in the bike's pitch, roll and yaw directions. The IMU is able to send real-time data to the ECU, which controls the set of electronic rider assistance systems and, in turn, modifies the bike's behavior according to the level of support chosen by the rider.

Integrated riding modes

Riders can customize the riding experience through Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) settings, which allow them to select engine power characteristics and the level of support of electronic systems to suit their riding preferences and conditions.

Three integrated riding modes, "Sport," "Street," and "Rain," with the ability to set different levels through the two custom maps. This allows for the creation of specific YRC settings to suit certain situations or conditions by changing the level of electronic support such as Power Delivery (PWR), Traction Control (TCS), Slide Control System (SCS), Brake Control (BC), Back Slip Regulator (BSR), Engine Brake Management (EBM) and Lift Control (LIF) of the front wheel, all of which can be adjusted directly through the R9's YRC setting screen or via the yamaha MyRide smartphone app.

For optimal starts, the R9 also features a Launch Control System. And for track use, ABS can be turned off. Third-generation Quick Shift System electronic transmission.

Yamaha's third-generation QSS electronic transmission allows clutchless upshifting and downshifting, with setting 1 allowing acceleration (to upshift) and deceleration (to downshift); setting 2 also allows downshifting during acceleration and upshifting during deceleration, providing exceptional functionality in a wider range of situations.

Display and Connectivity

The R9's 5-inch color TFT display can be customized with four themes, while the track mode displays important information only while riding on the track, also reporting a stopwatch. The R9's display can be connected to a smartphone via Yamaha's MyRide app, through the bike's on-board Communication Control Unit (CCU).

The app can be used to change YRC settings, allowing the creation of new YRC modes even when away from the bike. Up to 40 mode setting variations can be saved in the app to suit certain road or track conditions, and then uploaded to the bike when it is within range.

A complete integrated navigation system is also available through the Garmin StreetCross app. In addition, users can view various information and images on the display, including phone calls, text messages and weather updates.

Y-TRAC - Feel like a pilot!

The Y-Trac app further elevates the Supersport experience, allowing riders to enhance their riding and performance on the track through tools usually available only to professional riders.

Derived from racing, the Y-Trac app offers the ability to record and analyze riding data with professional-grade technology for all levels of riders, from amateurs to professionals.

With the Y-Trac app, lap and sector times can be recorded, as well as bike data including lean angle, engine speed, gear position, throttle position, and levels of electronic support systems such as traction control.

GPS position data can be entered via the rider's smartphone, but if the rider wants to use a GPS on the bike, Y-TRAC can be connected to Garmin GLO2. The Y-Trac app also offers the option of a "virtual pit," where the rider's trackside team can send messages to the dashboard during the race.

Owners of an R9 can sign up for a free trial version of the app or take out a premium subscription.

These technical details:

 

Colors and availability

The R9 2025 will be available in Icon Blue and Tech Black colors and can be admired at Yamaha dealers starting in March.vThe R9 is easily customized with a range of genuine Yamaha accessories, available both in Yamaha showrooms and the official Yamaha Web store.

The R9's sporty appearance can be enhanced by the smoked plexi, designed with enhanced UV protection, while the tank patch set is designed to provide optimum grip control on the knees when cornering, as well as protect the bodywork. A racing license plate holder with a special surface finish is also available. Additional protection for the crankcase can be added as a specific GB Racing set. With its lightweight design, this accessory is made of 60 percent long fiberglass-reinforced nylon that meets national and international technical racing regulations.

The set for the R9 allows even more precise adjustment of the rider footpegs for an optimal riding position. The track appearance can also be perfected with the Racing protection kit, which covers the exposed areas after removing the license plate, rearview mirrors and passenger footpegs while riding on the track.

A full Akrapovič exhaust system is also available, featuring stainless steel terminal manifolds connected to a titanium silencer, with laser-engraved R9 logo as the finishing touch. A complete list of accessories can be viewed on Yamaha's Web site.

Automatic Translation by DeepL

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