We were first introduced to Yamaha’s YZF-R9 at the Australian media launch at Sydney Motorsport Park earlier this year. Since then, we have taken possession of the super sport triple and hit our local roads to see how its stands up to everyday use.
Sports bikes in general are in the midst of a revolution, being designed to be ridden further for longer, and Yamaha’s R9 is a perfect example of this principle. It offers a practical blend of road and track capability.
Designed to fill the void left by the now track-only YZF-R6 and pegged as the stepping stone between R7 and R1 ownership, the R9 delivers engagement via its triple powerplant and provides an exciting and playful riding experience.
Using the same routes on which we tested the MT-09 a few months ago provided a solid comparison, and demonstrated that the Yamaha YZF-R9 is much more than the former, with a set of fairings bolted on.
Some of the loveable characteristics between the two remain though. Here in the R9 offering you’ll find the legendary CP3 890cc triple power plant, a liquid cooled four stroke, four valve, three-cylinder engine offering 87kW and 93Nm.
Usable mid-range power is what makes this platform so much fun on the road, with the big Yamaha capable of pulling hard out of corners, with more than enough grunt for overtaking. It’s matched to a 6-speed gearbox with an up/down quick shifter.
The combination makes gear changes a breeze, especially with a fist full of throttle. What you might be surprised about though, is the fact that the YZF-R9 is a good commuter bike too. That’s helped by the fully adjustable KYB telescopic fork up front.
A KYB rear shock offers similar adjustability, with the duo providing great performance for a variety of road conditions (as well as the track). Yamaha’s YZF-R9 has also been graced with the lightest chassis ever produced by the brand for a superbike to date.
Weighing in at just 9.7kg, it is stiffer than the MT-09, and offers an increase off 18 per cent in torsional rigidity, 37 per cent in longitudinal rigidity and 16 per cent in lateral rigidity over that bike.
All of that technical jargon means the geometry and suspension package helps the rider combat a variety of road conditions, without compromising their riding style too drastically, which is quite brilliant.
The YZF-R9 holds a line well through a sweeping bend, is easy to tip into a tight hairpin and changes direction with a minimum of fuss. We have to touch on the front winglets though, which are designed for track use. Some will love the look, but not others.
They do provide an additional 10 per cent of downforce in corners, and reduce front wheel lift by up to 7 per cent in a straight line, to be fair. Pulling up the YZF-R9 are twin 320mm discs up front, that are paired with Brembo Stylema calipers.
A Brembo radial master cylinder and stainless steel brake lines completes the setup. It’s good, without being mind blowing, and there’s a lack of feel through the brake lever as well. The rear features a single 220mm disc, which is more than adequate.
Tipping the scales at 195kg, the YZF-R9 has been adorned with a Bosch six axis IMU with adjustable riding modes. Three preset modes include Sport, Street and Rain, and there’s a couple of customisable street and track options too.
Our road riding had us hooning around in Sport for the majority of our testing, providing a good mix of power and electronic intervention. Accessing each option can be done via a reasonably easy to use 5.0-inch colour TFT display.
Connect it to the new Yamaha My Ride and Power Tuner apps and you can not only tune your bike setup, but let your mates check out your lap times at the track, or send messages to each other.
Ergonomically, the R9 features lower foot pegs that its R6 predecessor, allowing less aggressive bend at the knees. Slightly higher handlebars (8mm) create less weight on the rider’s wrists, ensuring less fatigue.
Considered one of the most important model releases for Yamaha in some time, the YZF-R9 offers the best of both worlds – a solid road-going sports bike that’s capable of being a daily commuter, and a track weapon, for when the mood strikes.
Ironicallly, its biggest competitor is the aforementioned MT-09, which has a lower price point and better ergonomics. The 2025 YZF-R9 is available in Intensity White/Redline, Matte Black and Team Yamaha Blue.
It’s priced from $23,199 ride away and is backed by a 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty. To find out more about the 2025 YZF-R9 you can visit the Yamaha Motor Australia website, or contact your local dealership.
Our test bike was provided by Yamaha Motor Australia for independent review purposes. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this motorcycle. Images courtesy of Cubstars Photography.
