Unleashing the Beast: Yamaha R9 - A Supersport Bike Ready for the Streets and Tracks
Agile Yamaha R9: Jack-of-all-trades Superbike Displaying Racing Pedigree
Get ready to rev up some serious speed with the newest addition to Yamaha's lineup – the R9! Boasting an aggressive look, top-notch suspension, and a whopping 119 horsepower, this supersport masterpiece is all set to conquer both the streets and the tracks.
Last year, the R9 caused a stir in the motorcycle racing world by claiming the first race, first win, at Phillip Island, Australia, leaving everyone in awe of its performance. With a manufacturing price of €14,000, this will be the last street-legal Supersport bike from Yamaha, set to hit the market in May.
Street-Legal Racer
While many might have called it a surprise, the R9’s triumphant debut isn't much of a shock when you consider its blend of stylish sportbike aesthetics and superior racing capabilities. Sporting racy bodywork in classic R-style, under-fork bridge handlebar mounts, and prominent winglets at headlight height give this Yamaha a fierce appearance ready to etch new track records.
Considerations for Taller Riders
However, the higher footpegs mounted 15 cm up for track use can make it a challenge for taller riders who desire a more comfortable riding position. The compact nature of the R9 may leave some riders with space restrictions, but it delivers clear lean, ample room to move around, and a reasonable wrist load – perfect for the track premiere on the challenging new circuit in Seville.
The MT-09 roadster served as the foundation for the Supersport bike, with an updated aluminum bridge frame that offers 10% more stiffness and a 9.7 kg weight reduction, contributing to a target weight of under 200 kg. With a curb weight of 195 kg and a 165 kg payload, the lightweight backbone ensures the R9 remains agile and easy to maneuver.
Three-Cylinder Engine: Power Unleashed!
The powerful three-cylinder engine hails from the roadster, with no construction changes but adapted for sport use via adjusted electronics and extended final drive ratio. It continues to deliver 87.5 kW/119 PS at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.
The engineers have equipped the R9 with an extensive assistance package from the flagship sports bike R1's toolbox, offering a variety of advanced riding settings to tailor performance for different conditions. With options like sport, road, rain, and customizable modes, the R9 guarantees an exhilarating riding experience for all riders.
A Colorful, Occasionally Overwhelming Menu
The factory settings will satisfy most riders, sparing them the need for extensive experimentation in the colorful, occasionally overwhelming menu displayed on the 5-inch TFT screen. For the more tech-savvy, you can fine-tune the riding modes using the MyRide app on your phone and transfer the settings wirelessly to the motorcycle.
The Test Drive
The familiar three-cylinder roar announces the R9's arrival, with a milder impression for outsiders compared to the MT-09. Once on the move, the triple demonstrates its signature advantages — robust torque at the low end and a quick boost onto the straightaway, even when conditions aren't perfect. However, the engine isn’t too demanding, making it easy to hit the limiter before fully revving the engine, and upshifting early brings no disadvantages due to the bike's smooth and effortless six-speed box with an integrated blipper.
On twisty roads, this sporty tri-zenith offers nimble handling and accommodating responses, with a responsive chassis and fully adjustable KYB components that handle rough terrain well. The R9's agility and eagerness to navigate every curve makes for a thrilling, adrenaline-pumping road ride.
But don't let its track potential fool you – the R9 was also designed with street usability in mind. Comfort features like cruise control, a new turn signal switch, and automatic turn signal cancellation make every-day road life easier.
For Track Enthusiasts
For those seeking an even more intense experience, the Y-TRAC Rev app (available from June) functions like a professional data logger, capturing data points like throttle opening angle, lean angle, or speed relative to track position. By overlaying the data onto a track layout, racers can gain valuable insights and make adjustments to their racing strategy on the fly.
Key Engine Specs:
- Type: Water-cooled, triple-cylinder, four-stroke engine, 890cc displacement
- Power: 119 PS (87.5 kW) at 10,000 rpm
- Torque: 93 Nm (9.46 kg-m) at 7,000 rpm
- Fuel Consumption: 4.9 liters per 100 km (WMTC)
- Price: €14,000 (including taxes and fees)
In summary, the Yamaha R9 offers the perfect blend of street performance and racing prowess, marrying an impressive powertrain with a sleek design and advanced electronics. With its debut race win, it clearly has what it takes to dominate the motorcycle world.
- The Yamaha R9, designed for both streets and tracks, boasts a powerful three-cylinder engine with a displacement of 890cc, proven to deliver 119 PS (87.5 kW) at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.
- This supersport bike, primarily designed for transporting persons, showcases Yamaha's dedication to racing, as seen by its integration of advanced riding settings from the flagship R1, offering a variety of modes like sport, road, rain, and customizable settings.
- Yamaha enthusiasts, particularly those interested in navigating challenging tracks, will appreciate the Y-TRAC Rev app, set to launch in June, which functions as a professional data logger, capturing crucial data points like throttle opening angle, lean angle, and speed relative to track position.
