Six features of Yamaha’s new mid-size sports bike, the YZF-R9 ABS. | 1,496,000 yen

Yamaha YZF-R9 ABS… 1,496,000 yen (including 10% consumption tax)

The MT-09-based CP3 engine achieves YZF-R6-level performance

The YZF-R9 ABS is a new generation supersport bike developed under the concept of “Re-DNAed Supersport.” Based on the 888cc water-cooled 3-cylinder CP3 engine that has been highly praised in the MT-09, it thoroughly pursues supersport performance.

The three-cylinder engine, which employs a crossplane concept, is designed to efficiently extract combustion torque, resulting in ample torque and ample power. Another notable feature is the use of the YCC-T electronically controlled throttle, which allows for precise control of intake air volume.

The sound design creates a pleasant exhaust sound at low speeds and emphasizes the intake sound at high speeds. The shape of the air cleaner box and the fins on the cover are designed to accentuate the sense of torque and acceleration.

Specially developed new aluminum frame, the lightest ever at 9.7 kg

The gravity-cast aluminum frame, developed exclusively for the YZF-R9, is the lightest at just 9.7 kg, the lightest among Yamaha’s previous supersport models, including the YZF-R1 and YZF-R6. This is not just a matter of weight reduction, but is the result of achieving both flexibility in the low load range and strength in the high load range.

Compared to the base model 2024 MT-09, torsional rigidity has improved by 18%, longitudinal rigidity by 37%, and lateral rigidity by 16%. This significant increase in rigidity is groundbreaking in that it ensures high driving performance on the circuit while also achieving weight reduction.

Riding position that emphasizes foot reach and comfort

Although it is a supersport, it is also designed to be easy to ride for a wide range of riders. The distance from the handlebar position to the hip position has been made shorter than the existing YZF-R series, allowing for a moderate forward-leaning riding position.

The lower foot position ensures good foot reach and is designed to avoid cramping around the knees. The separate handlebars mounted below the handlebar crown ensure the front load required for a supersport bike while also providing ease of handling for everyday use.

New KYB suspension allows for precise settings

The front suspension is the same as the flagship YZF-R1 model in 2025, with an inverted suspension with an inner diameter of 43mm and a stroke of 120mm. The damping force is independent on the left and right, with the right side handling the rebound side and the left side handling the compression side, and the compression side can be set in two ways: high speed and low speed.

The addition of a base valve optimizes the pressure inside the cylinder, improving response during stroke. The rear is equipped with a newly designed link-type Monocross suspension with an extremely low-speed damping force generation structure. It is a fully-featured specification with adjustment mechanisms for initial, rebound damping force, compression damping force, and vehicle height.

The front outer and rear reservoir tanks are coated with Kashima Coat, which has excellent appearance quality and abrasion resistance, creating a luxurious feel.

Winglets provide aerodynamic performance that exceeds that of the YZF-R6

Through repeated wind tunnel testing and fluid analysis, the bike has achieved a Cd・A value superior to that of the YZF-R6, which was already the Yamaha supersport model with the lowest air resistance. This figure is calculated by multiplying the vehicle’s air resistance coefficient by its frontal projection area, and the lower the figure, the less air resistance there is, which is advantageous for achieving higher top speeds.

The winglets used below the position lamps are not designed to suppress wheelies when driving on a circuit, but rather to suppress disturbances such as crosswinds when driving on public roads and improve road contact during cornering. They are effective in reducing front wheel lift by 6-7% when driving straight, and by around 10% when combined with the spoiler below the front M duct during cornering.

A mechanism is also installed to release heat to the sides and downwards of the vehicle, which contributes to cooling performance while reducing the impact of heat from the engine and radiator on the rider.

Fully equipped with the YRC electronic control system as standard

The bike is equipped with YRC (Yamaha Ride Control), which allows the rider to select engine feel and the level of intervention of various electronic devices according to their preferences and road conditions. In addition to three preset patterns (SPORT/STREET/RAIN), there are two customization options (CUSTOM1-2), and in TRACK mode there are four options (TRACK1-4).

There are a wide range of control settings available, including a cruise control system, Yamaha Variable Speed ​​Limiter (YVSL) that limits the maximum speed to a set value, a traction control system, PWR (Power Delivery Mode), SCS (Slide Control System), and LIF (Lift Control System).

Furthermore, the QS (quick shifter) supports both upshifts and downshifts during acceleration and deceleration.The bike is equipped with a full range of electronic control systems that allow you to enjoy full-scale circuit driving, including LC (launch control), EBM (engine brake management), BC (brake control), BSR (back slip regulator), and ABS rear off.

Visualize your ride with the 5-inch TFT display and Y-TRAC Rev

It uses a 5-inch full-color TFT display that displays speed, a digital bar tachometer, fuel gauge, average fuel consumption, water temperature gauge, air temperature gauge, shift indicator, etc. Operation is intuitive with handlebar switches incorporating FPC (Flexible Printed Circuits).

There are four display patterns and a Track mode that mainly shows lap times, which can be selected according to the riding situation. When paired with a smartphone that has the dedicated app “YAMAHA Motorcycle Connect (Y-Connect)” installed, it becomes possible to view YRC settings, incoming calls and emails, and the remaining battery level of the smartphone.

One of the highlights is the free app “Y-TRAC Rev,” which is scheduled to be released on October 14th. It is packed with features that will allow you to enjoy circuit driving in earnest, such as displaying lap times while driving on the circuit, a virtual pit board function that displays instructions and information from the pit crew, and the ability to check driving data based on the vehicle’s CAN data on a smartphone or tablet.

By connecting it to a smartphone with the free navigation app “Garmin StreetCross” installed, the display can also be used as a navigation screen.

A new generation design that inherits the traditions of the YZF-R series

While inheriting the DNA of the YZF-R series with features such as the M duct on the front face, twin position lamps, and a “horizontal movement” based on horizontality in the side view, the styling also gives a sense of evolution as a new generation R, with features such as the adoption of winglets.

Three color options are available: “Blue,” which expresses the Yamaha Racing Blue that symbolizes the YZF-R brand; “Matte Dark Gray,” which expresses serious sportiness and is aimed at a wide range of people; and “White,” which is a finish that matches the white and red tones of the first-generation YZF-R1 to match the model’s shape and era.

High-quality equipment including Brembo monoblock calipers

The brakes are equipped with Brembo Stylema monoblock calipers. The bike is notable for its attention to detail, including brake and shift pedals made of forged aluminum with a high-quality feel and rigidity, a seat that allows for good foot reach and ease of entry and exit, and a USB Type-C compatible charging socket installed under the seat.

In addition to the normal flasher function and hazard flashing function, the flashers are also equipped with a “two-stage flasher function,” “emergency stop signal,” and “forget-to-turn-off function.”

A mid-range supersport bike developed following the success of the YZF-R7

The YZF-R7, which was released in Japan in February 2022, has created a new category of motorcycle that allows casual sports riding to be enjoyed while retaining its racing machine-like styling. It has been accepted by a wide range of people and is showing increasing demand.

Responding to the demands of the times, Yamaha has pursued the creation of a new mid-class 900cc bike that embodies the ideals of a supersport bike. The birth of the YZF-R9 ABS further enriches the YZF-R series lineup, with performance rivaling the 600cc inline-four supersport YZF-R6, while also offering user-friendliness that makes it suitable for a wide range of skills and riding conditions.

The YZF-R9 ABS is a Yamaha Motorcycle Exclusive Model sold only through YSP and advanced dealers. To purchase, please contact a dealer listed on the official website. The price is 1,496,000 yen (including 10% consumption tax), and the release is scheduled for sometime in 2025.

“YZF-R9” feature map

YZF-R9 ABS main specifications