The Yamaha YZF-R9 (2025) represents a revolutionary reimagining of modern supersport philosophy—designed not as a pure track weapon, but as accessible performance that bridges the gap between road comfort and circuit capability. After an eight-year hiatus since the R6’s discontinuation, Yamaha returns to the middleweight supersport segment with audacious confidence: the R9 arrives as the most technologically advanced middleweight supersport ever conceived.
Powered by the 890cc CP3 inline-triple engine from the MT-09, retuned and refined with R-specific ECU mapping, the R9 delivers 119 bhp at 10,000 rpm and 93 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. This powerplant pairs with Yamaha’s third-generation quickshifter offering bi-directional shifts, track-derived electronics including cornering ABS, traction control, slide control, and launch control. The chassis is entirely new: a Deltabox aluminum frame weighing just 9.7kg, paired with fully-adjustable 43mm KYB forks and a fully-adjustable rear monoshock. Premium Brembo Stylema calipers, Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport tyres, and a comprehensive electronics suite including a 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth connectivity complete the package. Expected at approximately Rs 13 lakh in India (launching early 2026) and $12,499 in the USA, the YZF-R9 is Yamaha’s statement: accessible performance trumps intimidation every time.
Complete Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | USA: $12,499; India: Rs 12-13 lakh (ex-showroom, expected) |
| Engine Type | 890cc, liquid-cooled, inline-triple, DOHC, 12-valve, 4-stroke |
| Bore x Stroke | 78mm x 62.1mm |
| Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 |
| Max Power | 119 PS (117.3 bhp) @ 10,000 rpm |
| Max Torque | 93 Nm (68.6 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Fuel System | Electronic fuel injection with YCC-T (ride-by-wire) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual, Yamaha QSS Gen 3 bi-directional quickshifter |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate with assist and slipper function |
| Final Drive | Chain drive (optimized ratio for R9 aerodynamics) |
| Starting | Electric start only |
| Frame | Aluminum Deltabox (gravity-cast), 9.7kg, rigidity-tuned across 3 axes |
| Front Suspension | 43mm KYB USD forks, Kashima-coated, fully adjustable (compression/rebound), 120mm travel |
| Rear Suspension | KYB monoshock, fully adjustable (compression/rebound/preload), 118mm travel |
| Front Brakes | Dual 320mm discs, Brembo Stylema monobloc 4-piston radial calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 220mm disc, single-piston caliper |
| ABS System | Cornering ABS (switchable), lean-sensitive, level-selectable |
| Front Tyre | 120/70 ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 (radial) |
| Rear Tyre | 180/55 ZR17 Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 (radial) |
| Wheels | 17-inch cast aluminum (both front and rear) |
| Wheelbase | 1,420mm (55.9 inches) |
| Rake & Trail | 27° rake, 93.98mm trail |
| Overall Length | 2,070mm (81.5 inches) |
| Overall Width | 705mm (27.8 inches) |
| Overall Height | 1,180mm (46.5 inches) |
| Ground Clearance | 139.7mm (5.5 inches) |
| Seat Height | 830.6mm (32.7 inches) |
| Kerb Weight (wet) | 195kg (430 lbs) – among lightest in middleweight class |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres (3.7 gallons) |
| Fuel Efficiency (combined) | 53 mpg UK / approximately 19.8 kmpl |
| Top Speed | Approximately 200+ kmph (electronically limited in some markets) |
| Riding Modes | 5 modes with adjustable power delivery and rider aid settings |
| Instrument Cluster | 5-inch full-color TFT touchscreen display |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, smartphone app integration, GPS navigation, music control |
| Advanced Electronics | Cornering ABS, cornering traction control, slide control, engine brake management, front wheel lift control, launch control, 6-axis IMU |
| Lighting | All-LED (dual projector headlights with DRL, LED tail lights, LED indicators) |
| Special Features | Cruise control, hill-start assist, heated grips (optional), quick turn throttle (60° vs traditional 78°) |
| Emission Norms | Euro 5 / BS6 2.0 compliant, E20 fuel compatible in India |
| Warranty | 2 years / Unlimited mileage (Yamaha standard) |
About Yamaha Motor
Innovation Through Tradition
Yamaha Motor Corporation, founded in 1955, is a world-leading Japanese motorcycle manufacturer celebrated for combining heritage with cutting-edge innovation. In the supersport segment specifically, Yamaha’s R-series has defined standards since the original R1’s revolutionary appearance in 1998.
The YZF-R9 represents Yamaha’s philosophical maturation: recognition that modern sport bikes needn’t prioritize pure track capability above all else. By creating a middleweight supersport designed for real-world riders—not just track junkies—Yamaha acknowledges that accessibility and performance are not mutually exclusive.
This decision reflects broader industry maturity: riders don’t need 200+ bhp to enjoy motorcycling. They need responsive handling, forgiving power delivery, and technology that adapts to their skill level. The R9 embodies this philosophy perfectly.
What Experts Are Saying
Key Highlights
- Entirely New Deltabox Chassis: 9.7kg aluminum frame engineered specifically for the R9, not adapted from other models
- Characterful 890cc Triple: 119 bhp with smooth mid-range delivery suited for varied riding conditions
- Race-Derived Electronics: 6-axis IMU, cornering ABS/traction control, slide control, launch control, engine brake management
- Premium Suspension & Brakes: Fully-adjustable KYB forks and monoshock; Brembo Stylema calipers with 320mm front discs
- Refined Quickshifter Technology: Third-generation QSS offering bi-directional shifts across all riding speeds
- Accessible Performance Philosophy: Designed for riders from beginners to experienced track enthusiasts
- Smart Connectivity Suite: 5-inch TFT display with Bluetooth, navigation, music control, smartphone app integration
- Aggressive Pricing: $12,499 USA / ~Rs 13 lakh India—exceptional value for technology-laden middleweight supersport
The Yamaha YZF-R9 (2025) represents a watershed moment in middleweight supersport design: proof that performance and accessibility needn’t be opposing philosophies. By delivering 119 bhp in a frame that weighs just 195kg, paired with electronics rivaling liter-class bikes, Yamaha has created something genuinely revolutionary.
This is not a watered-down track bike. Nor is it a half-hearted attempt at sport-riding. The R9 is a carefully considered machine built by engineers who understand that modern riders seek engagement, not fear; capability, not intimidation. The triple engine’s smooth character, the responsive yet forgiving handling, and the intuitive electronics suite work in harmony.
For first-time sport bike buyers seeking accessible performance, returning riders wanting a refreshingly nimble secondhand bike, or anyone who refuses to buy more bike than they need, the YZF-R9 is compelling. At approximately Rs 13 lakh and $12,499, pricing is refreshingly honest—you’re not paying premium dollars for compromised capability. You’re investing in intelligent engineering and genuine fun.
