2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Review

With the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9, the Tuning Fork brand delivers a high-performance sportbike that bridges the gap between affordability and track-ready capability. Unlike the more aggressive, track-focused YZF-R6 of the past, the R9 blends cutting-edge technology with a fun-loving and smooth triple-cylinder engine, making it an ideal choice for riders looking to upgrade from smaller-displacement twin-cylinder models like the YZF-R7 or R3. By combining exhilarating performance with everyday usability, Yamaha continues to offer sportbike enthusiasts a thrilling yet practical ride after a day spent at the racetrack at California’s Sonoma Raceway.

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“The year 2000 to around 2006 or so, we can see the incredible rise in retail sales of Supersport,” says Yamaha Motor USA’s Aaron Bast, senior street motorcycle product planner. “There was a lot of development, and really it was all about having the best at all costs, having the best at all, easy to buy. In some ways, money was no object because financing was so easy during that time.”

“[But then] financing became extremely difficult for Supersport. A lot of the customers in this area, there’s a lot of 30 and under, younger people buying these bikes on credit. And then after the financial crisis, it was much, much more difficult to get financing to buy these bikes. So, sales obviously fell off a cliff,” he continues to explain.

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“Then we get into the mid-2010s, like 2015, right around there. Affordability really becomes a major, major issue when buying a new street motorcycle. Rational decisions became more important. This was really the time, the rise of the naked bike,” Bast tells us.

“This was really the time FZs and MTs really started to sell really, really well,” he says. “But then, right around the summer of 2021, you can see the industry start to go up. And it’s significant because that was the exact same time that Yamaha launched the R7. And that was the beginning of this attainable or accessible Supersport direction that Yamaha has had.”

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At the heart of the R9 lies a liquid-cooled 890cc CP3 triple-cylinder engine, inherited from Yamaha’s MT-09 but refined for extra top speed (two-tooth-smaller rear sprocket). This powerhouse produces an estimated 108 hp and 63 lb.-ft. torque at the Bridgestone Battlax S22 tire.

“You’ve got three cylinders that are (nearly) 300cc each,” Yamaha Motor USA’s head of R&D Steve Butler explains. “You’ve got a crankshaft that has three crankpins evenly spaced at 120 degrees. And they’re firing in order with a big gap of 240 [degrees] for each power pulse. So it creates a very strong combustion with a fairly big gap between combustion strokes. And that’s what creates this very torquey, flat torque character. Peak power is less than an R1 and an R6—but it starts at a much lower rpm. And that’s a unique characteristic of this engine that makes it super easy to ride.”

Related: 2022 Yamaha YZF-R7 Review

The ride-by-wire throttle system includes a throttle twist grip that has reduced rotation and adjustable combined engine and throttle maps ensure control for riders of different skills. The fuel/ignition mapping, however, carries over from the MT-09. The six-speed gearbox, matched with an up-and-down electronic quickshifter, allows for immediate full-throttle upshift and clutchless downshifts.

In typical YZF fashion, the 430-pound R9 benefits from a twin-spar aluminum frame that ensures responsive handling and cornering stability that inspires confidence, especially in inclement weather. The aluminum frame provides added rigidity (versus the MT-09) while keeping weight to a minimum, contributing to the bike’s nimble character on track.

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“We do have a bespoke frame for the R9, developed for our accessible supersport direction,” Butler reveals. “It’s made out of aluminum, rapid cast, it’s 10% lighter than a MT-09 frame. And the most important thing here is how we’ve increased rigidity on these three axes. So longitudinally, torsionally, and laterally, all of these axes have been increased in rigidity.”

“We [also] wanted to call out that caster angle, two degrees less than the MT-09,” Butler points out. “The wheelbase is 12mm (0.47 inch) shorter [too than] the MT-09. We were able to achieve a further 50/50 front to rear weight distribution.”

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The fully adjustable (top of the fork caps) KYB suspension offers a nice balance between comfort and performance, absorbing road imperfections, especially over bumpy pavement, while maintaining composure during high-speed cornering maneuvers.

“As you can imagine, the loads from supersport are much more extreme, especially in the braking section, where it’s trying to push the wheel underneath the bike with superhard braking,” Butler explains. “So that’s one of the reasons why the longitude rigidity is up 37%. And then of course, the cornering loads are much more on a supersport track, track riding. As you can see, the twisting or the torsional area is 18% up—a big change with the chassis, and rigidity is much increased. However, to reduce the weight, there’s some very clever engineering or design work to reduce the weight, but increase the rigidity up those amounts.”

Related: Top 5 Things We Like About Riding the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP

Out on track it’s not as spongy as YZF-R7 yet not as racy-feeling as the outgoing R6 or R1. It’s an easy bike to get up to speed on, but a pro-level rider will quickly find its limit, especially on DOT-labeled Bridgestone Battlax R11 race tires. However for those riding in the rain, or any inclement weather, the R9 is forgiving and easy to get a feel for. Meanwhile the triple disc hydraulic brakes are responsive and apt at shedding speed. We especially value the feel of the rear brake and the front Brembo Stylema’s are more than powerful enough to feel the bottom of the front suspension during heavy braking.

Equipped with modern electronics, the R9 features a cutting-edge suite of rider aids including: IMU-powered adjustable traction control, slide control, wheelie control (Yamaha calls it “lift control”), and ABS, with the option to manually disable rear ABS function. Cruise control is also standard as is a USB-C charger (beneath the passenger seat). The customizable riding modes allow riders to tailor power delivery and throttle response to their preferences with a push of a button. We appreciate the chunky-feeling switch gear which is a huge upgrade from Yamaha’s multifunction control wheel of the past. The 5-inch TFT full-color display is sharp and easy to read affording intuitive access to all riding information and connectivity features, further enhancing the riding experience.

Aesthetically, Yamaha has achieved a stunning balance between aggressive lines and aerodynamic efficiency. The LED headlamps, sleek bodywork, and speedy stance not only elevate the bike’s visual appeal but also significantly enhance aerodynamic flow at higher speeds. The wind tunnel–tested fairing minimizes drag and improves stability. Yamaha says the YZR-R9 is the most slippery production sportbike it’s ever manufactured.

Comfort is surprisingly commendable for a sportbike of this caliber. The ergonomics have been thoughtfully designed for track riding without sacrificing rider comfort on the street. The seat is slim and lower to the ground versus a typical superbike, and the bars provide a slightly relaxed riding position compared to its retired YZF-R6 supersport counterpart, making it a viable option for spirited canyon runs as well. We also appreciate how the clip-ons are positioned more outward facilitating a modern sportbike stance as well as the shape of the 3.7-gallon fuel tank.

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 offers a remarkable package that appeals to riders seeking a steppingstone between the R7 and the R1. Its blend of cutting-edge technology, refined performance, and rider-focused ergonomics cements its place as an instant standout in the middleweight-plus sportbike category. With Yamaha continuing to push the boundaries of innovation, the R9 is set to redefine expectations for what a middleweight sportbike can achieve.