After months of anticipation, Yamaha has officially launched the R9, a brand-new supersport motorcycle. The Yamaha R9, essentially a sportbike based on the popular MT-09, steps into the spotlight to (somewhat) replace the beloved R6 in Yamaha’s line-up.

Key Features of the Yamaha R9

Engine: 890cc 3-cylinder motor from the MT-09, producing 119hp and 93Nm of torque

Frame: New aluminium Deltabox frame, claimed to be Yamaha’s lightest on a supersport model

Suspension: Fully adjustable KYB USD fork and monoshock, developed alongside the 2025 R1

Brakes: Radial Brembo Stylema calipers with dual 320mm front discs and 220mm rear disc

Electronics: Comprehensive suite including traction control, ABS, slide control, quickshifter, and cornering ABS

TFT Dash: 5-inch colour display with smartphone connectivity via the MyRide app

Performance and Engineering

At the heart of the R9 is the 890cc 3-cylinder engine, the same as found in the MT-09, delivering 119hp and 93Nm of torque. While the engine remains largely unchanged, the final drive gearing has been adjusted for the R9. This engine is housed in an all-new aluminium Deltabox frame that weighs just 9.7kg, making it Yamaha’s lightest frame on any supersport.

The suspension system features a 43mm KYB USD fork and a KYB monoshock with remote preload adjuster. Yamaha says these components were developed alongside the new R1, ensuring top-notch performance and handling. Braking is top-tier as well, with Brembo Stylema calipers and dual 320mm front discs paired with a 220mm rear disc.

Weighing 195kg with a 14-litre fuel tank, the R9 is just 2kg heavier than the MT-09, offering a light and nimble riding experience.

Electronics and Technology

The Yamaha R9 comes equipped with a six-axis IMU that powers advanced electronic aids, including:

Cornering ABS

Traction control

Slide control

Brake control

Lift control

In addition, it offers three preset riding modes (Sport, Street, and Rain), two customisable modes, and four Track modes. Riders can further adjust power modes, engine braking settings, and use the bidirectional quickshifter and cruise control for a more versatile riding experience.

All these features are controlled through a 5-inch colour TFT dash, which also allows for smartphone connectivity via Yamaha’s MyRide app. Riders can display calls, messages, and other notifications on the dash.

Design and Aesthetics

The R9 embraces typical supersport design language, including an aggressive seating position with a high seat and clip-on handlebars positioned below the top yoke. The bike also features winglets to improve downforce at high speeds, though Yamaha has not provided specific aerodynamic figures yet.

Variants and Colours

Currently, the Yamaha R9 is available in one variant, but a higher-spec M or SP variant could be released in the future. Yamaha offers the R9 in three colours: blue, black, and a striking red/white combination.

Will the Yamaha R9 Come to India?

Though Yamaha India has expressed interest in bringing its larger motorcycles to the country, no official announcement has been made about the R9’s launch in India. However, with increasing demand for performance motorcycles in the region, it remains a possibility that Indian enthusiasts may get their hands on the R9 soon.

For now, the Yamaha R9 promises to be a worthy successor to the R6, blending the powerful triple-cylinder engine from the MT-09 with cutting-edge technology and classic supersport styling.