Yamaha Unveils 2025 YZF-R9 Sportbike with Advanced Features

After much anticipation and numerous online rumors, Yamaha has officially announced the YZF-R9 for 2025. This new model will be priced under £13,000 and will feature contemporary high-performance facets like winglets and lean-sensitive electronics, drawing attention from sports bike enthusiasts globally.

The concept of a three-cylinder supersport model from Yamaha has intrigued fans since the development of the Yamaha naked triple back in 2013. The arrival of the R9 shows Yamaha’s commitment to expanding their sports bike lineup, especially following the release of the retro-inspired GP model earlier this year.

Designed with Yamaha’s 890cc three-cylinder CP3 engine, the R9 delivers 117.3 horsepower, equivalent to the MT-09 variant, though the torque figures remain undisclosed. Meeting Euro 5 emissions standards, the engine incorporates altered fuel injection settings and ignition timing, providing a unique ride compared to its predecessor.

Physically, the R9 is equipped with a cast-aluminum Deltabox-style frame, weighing a mere 9.7 kg, which reportedly is the lightest for any Yamaha sports bike. The overall chassis boasts enhanced stiffness in several directions compared to other models, supporting a kerb weight of 195 kg.

The suspension system is comprised of newly developed KYB springs. The front features 43mm upside-down forks with a bronze Kashima coating, adjustable for both rebound and compression, while the rear hosts a fully adjustable shock. Both parts are reportedly developed alongside the track-only R9 special edition.

Braking systems include Brembo Stylema monoblock front calipers that grip onto 320mm discs through braided hoses, supported by a Brembo radial master cylinder. The R9’s appearance draws inspiration from both the Yamaha R1 and smaller R7 Race models, featuring aerodynamic winglets that mitigate front-wheel lift.

Yamaha has equipped the R9 with advanced electronics, including a six-axis IMU facilitating ‘Sport’, ‘Street’, and ‘Rain’ riding modes, along with four track-specific modes and two custom presets. Additionally, the bike features launch control, a five-inch TFT dash, and connectivity through the Yamaha Y-TRAC app, allowing ride data analysis and lap time tracking.

According to Yamaha’s announcement, the YZF-R9 will retail for approximately £12,250 and is expected to appear at the Motorcycle Live show in the UK next month, with availability in blue or black. The motorcycles are scheduled to arrive in dealerships by March 2025.