2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Preview With Video

Fresh for the 2025 model year, Yamaha Motor USA. introduces a new addition to its YZF sportbike lineup: the YZF-R9 ($12,499). Powered by an inline-three engine, the R9 is positioned between the twin-cylinder YZF-R7 and the inline-four YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M superbikes.

Editor’s note: We have reported and operated Yamaha Motor’s entire YZF lineup during the 2024 Yamaha YZF-R3 Preview, 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Review, 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 MC Commute Review, 2024 Yamaha YZF-R1 Preview, and 2021 Yamaha YZF-R1M MC Commute Review articles and videos.

“We are very excited to introduce the new YZF-R9 to the motorcycling community,” says Gerrard Gapley, senior street motorcycle communications specialist at Yamaha Motor USA. “It represents a new era in the supersport class—an affordable, ergonomically balanced machine for street riding that’s fully equipped for even the most experienced trackday enthusiasts. This is a supersport for everyone.”

At the heart of the 2025 YZF-R9 is the recently overhauled 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine, featuring Yamaha’s signature crossplane crankshaft and uneven firing order, delivering ample torque and a thrilling character. The powertrain includes a six-speed transmission with electronic quickshifter, cable-actuated slipper clutch, and chain final drive. The R9 also boasts a smaller rear sprocket (43 teeth), enhancing its top speed over the MT-09. Riders can expect around 108 hp and 63 lb.-ft. of torque, delivered to the 180/55-17 Bridgestone Battlax tire. Versus the MT-09 the R9 offers a larger radiator and unique ECU settings.

“The concept for this bike is accessible supersport performance,” explains Aaron Bast, senior street motorcycle product planner at Yamaha. “It’s designed primarily for the street—ideal for twisty two-lane roads and canyon riding—but it’s also fully capable on the track.”

Yamaha has equipped the R9 with an advanced electronics suite, blending modern rider aids with the bike’s raw spirit. It comes standard with a six-axis IMU (inertial measurement unit), powering features like lean-sensitive traction control, slide control, lift control, launch control, brake control, and cornering ABS. The R9 also includes cruise control, multiple riding modes, and a 5-inch color TFT display, which offers turn-by-turn navigation (via the Garmin Streetscross app), phone call alerts, and audio controls, helping riders stay connected on the go.

Unlike the MT-09 naked bike, the R9 features full streamlined bodywork, showcasing its R-world lineage.

“Design-wise, the R9 had to embody what we call R-Series DNA,” Bast says. “When you look at it, you should instantly recognize it as part of the Yamaha R-Series.”

The R9 sports a more muscular look than the YZF-R7, featuring medium-sized, integrated winglets, a robust tank design, and a minimalist rear section that contribute to a dynamic, forward-leaning stance that splits the difference between the racy but retired YZF-R6 and the more upright YZF-R7. A distinctive LED headlight and integrated LED turn signals on the mirror stalks add stylish touches.

“There are design elements we aim to keep consistent across all R bikes,” Bast continues. “This includes the central air duct, vents on the airbox cover, and a horizontal design theme from front to back.”

He also notes that winglets were added during development, influenced by the trend seen in MotoGP. “We wanted to balance aesthetics with functionality,” Bast shares.

The R9 rolls on a new twin-spar aluminum frame and swingarm, paired with a horizontally mounted top-link gas-charged KYB shock. The front suspension features a 43mm inverted fork with independent spring preload and split damping adjustments between the fork legs—compression on the left and rebound on the right. All adjustments are easily accessible atop the fork cap. Triple-disc hydraulic brakes with Brembo Stylema radial-mount front calipers and a radial-mount master cylinder ensure sufficient stopping power.

“We saw a shift in the supersport market,” Bast explains when asked about the decision to introduce the R9 in the US for 2025. “With the R7, we recognized demand for accessible supersport performance at a reasonable price, rather than the absolute latest high-spec models. The R7 has been a great success for us, but riders need an option to take their performance to the next level. The R9 fills that gap in the higher-cc supersport category.”

While Yamaha Motor USA has not yet released official techinical specifications, the YZF-R9 is expected to arrive at US dealerships in spring 2025 with a one-year warranty.