Ever since Yamaha introduced the MT-09 in 2014, we’ve heard rumors of a full-fairing sportbike built around the same engine. Well, it “only” took a decade or so for the Yamaha R9 to arrive.
The three-cylinder R9 is not meant to compete with four-cylinder liter bikes; It’s a step up from the current middleweight bikes, with similar power but more torque than you’d get from the traditional supersport bikes, such as the R6.
2025 Yamaha R9 Engine & Transmission
As mentioned, the Yamaha R9 has a tuned version of the ‘CP3’ three-cylinder that’s also found in the MT-09 and XSR900 GP retro sportbike. It still has the same 890cc capacity, 78mm bore and 62.1mm stroke, and 11.5:1 compression ratio, resulting in 117.3hp at 10,000rpm and 68.6 lb-ft of torque (93Nm) at 7,000rpm.
The engine has received some updates in the form of R9-specific ignition, fuel mapping, and a different final drive ratio. Unsurprisingly, it also has the MT-09’s transmission, which features Yamaha’s QSS quickshifter with two settings, allowing clutchless up and down-shifts.
2025 Yamaha R9 Body & Design
Covering the engine and chassis is a fresh set of fairings, which have clearly been inspired by the ones on Yamaha’s other sports bikes, the R1 and R6. At the front, we even find a pair of winglets flanking the air duct and LED headlight. Yamaha claims the winglets reduce front wheel lift by 6-7% and add around 10% additional downforce mid-turn.
Initially, Yamaha will offer the R9 in three color schemes: Icon Blue, a classic Yamaha color; Tech Black, giving it a sinister look; and Intensity White/Redline, another traditional Yamaha color combo.
2025 Yamaha R9 Frame & Measurements
I think we all expected Yamaha to just wrap the MT-09 in a new set of fairings, add a new set of bars and some rearsets, and call it a day, just like they’ve done with the other MT-derived sports bikes. However, that’s not the case, as the R9 has its very own cast aluminum Deltabox frame weighing in at a mere 9.7kg (just over 21 lbs).
Its lightweight frame helps keep the R9’s wet weight at a mere 195kg (430 lbs), which is just 2kg/4.4 lbs more than an MT-09. Impressive, since the R9 has more bodywork and beefier forks. Its 1420mm wheelbase is also 10mm shorter than that of the MT-09, and 80mm shorter than the XSR900.
2025 Yamaha R9 Brakes & Suspension
Suspension-wise, Yamaha went with compression and rebound-adjustable KYB front forks, but at 43mm, they’re fatter than the ones on the MT-09 SP. At the rear, there’s a fully adjustable KYB setup instead of the Öhlins found on the MT-09 SP.
To bring the R9 to a halt, Yamaha chose a Brembo master cylinder and the same brand’s renowned Stylema monobloc calipers to clamp onto the 320mm discs. There’s six-axis IMU, allowing for cornering ABS, and riders can turn off the rear wheel’s antilock for track use.
2025 Yamaha R9 Ride Comfort
Sportbikes have become increasingly track and performance-focused over the last couple of decades. Riding them over long distances can be a painful experience for anyone that’s not a contortionist. Yamaha is guilty of this as well, and their R6 hasn’t been a great bike for road use in years.
However, they’re aware of the issue, and the R9 is a compromise between an extreme track setup and a more forgiving road setup. Its clip-ons are mounted below the top yoke, but are so far back that you don’t have to be constantly leaned over the tank. It also has an 830mm/32.7-inch seat height and lower pegs than most superbikes. This gives it a rider triangle similar to the R7, or maybe slightly less aggressive.
2025 Yamaha R9 Fuel Economy
Yamaha claims the R9 delivers the same fuel economy as the MT-09, which makes sense since they’re powered by the same engine. Yes, the R9 is slightly heavier, but it also has those sleek fairings, making it able to slice through the air.
That means it returns 48 MPG US, 55 MPG UK, or 4.9 L/100 km. Both bikes have a 14-liter fuel tank so the total range should also be very similar.
2025 Yamaha R9 Equipment
The 2025 Yamaha R9 comes with the standard equipment one would expect on a new sports bike. There’s a 5-inch color TFT dash with smartphone connectivity and bar switchgear to navigate it.
It has a six-axis inertial measurement unit that’s connected to the ride-by-wire throttle, anti-lock brakes, and the engine’s ignition. You’ll also find all the current rider aids, along with luxuries such as cruise control and a speed limiter. Riders can use the Yamaha MyRide app to adjust the riding mode settings, and the Garmin StreetCross app provides full navigation. Of course, the calls, texts, etc, also show up on the dash when your phone is connected.
2025 Yamaha R9 Y-TRAC App
Those looking for more in-depth control can get the subscription-based Y-TRAC app, providing access to data logging, including lap and sector times, lean angle, revs, gear position, throttle position, and speed.
Your pit crew can even send messages to the dash while you’re racing… Or maybe your spouse can use it to tell you to buy milk on your way home?!
2025 Yamaha R9 Rivals
There aren’t any other three-cylinder 900cc bikes in this price bracket, so the Yamaha R9 is unique for now. That doesn’t mean there aren’t any competitors, though.
At the moment, the old 600cc supersport four-cylinder bikes are closest in terms of power, but the Aprilia RS660 parallel-twin and CFMoto 675SR aren’t far behind.
2025 Yamaha R9 Price
The Yamaha R9 arrived in dealership showrooms in late March 2025. However, there are rumors that the initial stock is limited, at least in some regions.
The Yamaha R9 has a starting price of $12,499 in the US and £12,250 in the UK. That’s only $200 more than the MT-09 SP and cheaper than the R6, which is now a track-only bike.
