Riding the Yamaha R9

Superb! So smooth. Quick and user friendly. Those are the superlatives used when we took the Yamaha R9 out for the day…

Words Glenn Foley, pics by Black Rock Moto

Superbike fans really do have a lot to look forward to with the new R9. We say superbike, because that is, unapologetically, what this bike is. And let’s get that bit out of the way before we even start. It is a superbike, designed for the track and for people who like to look like Fabio Quartararo. The seating position is full attack all the time with low bars and high pegs. If you are a somewhat older geriatric who does not partake in Yoga, then the GP version of this bike is for you – but, if you are a died-in-the-wool superbike aficionado, you are in for lots of fun.

We spent a full day in the saddle, from our base on the East Rand on fast flowing freeways out to The Cradle where we rode all of the winding back roads that we know. Our return to World of Yamaha was a bit less flowy with a commute through Diepsloot and Fourways. We did ask whether we could take the bike for some track time, but there are only two of these machines currently in the country and whilst Yamaha did not say no outright, we got the distinct impression that they are concerned about keeping the bike in one piece.

If you think that there is only one company that can build a triple cylinder engine, you’re sorely mistaken. Yamaha also knows how to do that. This engine is shared in three models, the naked MT09, the gorgeous XSR900GP and now, the R9.

Popping that famous R onto the side of the fairing is a bold move from Yamaha. Remember, they came under some fire for the R7… but we are convinced that you’ll agree that this is a different ball game. It’s NOT an R1 or an R6 or even an R7, those bikes have their own niche but the R9 does, absolutely deserve that R.

First impressions:

Have you seen one? Have you really looked at it? It’s flippen gorgeous! Think Moto GP, think YZF M1. Visitors to our offices were a hung jury on the wings, which we are told keep things tidy at speeds above 150KPH – but we love the look.

Look at the lines, the aggressive front end, that modern backside, sexy little slots and cutouts all over. What’s not to like?

Although the blue colourway is understated, it is a showstopper with people craning necks to get a better look as we whizzed past. Even cyclists, many of whom are not motorcycle fans kind of wandered across to have a looksee.

The meats:

With the R6 and R1 now only sold as track-ready bikes, the R9 is actually Yamaha’s only big capacity, sports offering. The 890cc inline triple delivers 117bhp, almost untouched from the MT-09 engine. The power delivery and throttle response are more aggressive with the revised ignition timing, mapping and longer gearing. It mixes the friendly power delivery of an MT-09 in a sharp handling superbike setup.

Yamaha has packed the new bike with tech: Adjustable KYB suspension , adjustable footpegs, LED throughout, cruise control, there’s also an app-based datalogger/lap timer. The R9’s 5 inch colour TFT dash even has a Virtual Pit Board function that displays dashboard messages sent via the Yamaha app. Cool huh! On that point, the dash is well laid out, easy to read, and simple to operate. We do like simple.

Adjustable IMU-controlled electronic rider aids are standard with the usual three factory rider modes, Sport, Street and Rain. The R9 also has two customisable and four track modes with different levels of traction, slide, engine braking, launch control, wheelie control, engine power, ABS (including disabling the rear) and quickshifter settings.

It also has (a very welcome) cruise control and a speed limiter. That, we didn’t use, but we guarantee you that your wallet will like it.

On the road, the quickshifter snicks very smoothly through the wide-ratio gearbox. On the freeways, the cruise control gives you the opportunity to stretch a bit and get blood flowing back into your hands.

She’s no screamer, but that beautiful, vibe-free triple delivers a special kind of solid power with great, useable torque and midrange and a big rush up to illegal speeds.

It’s so easy to ride – you don’t need to thrash it like you would an R6. It’s significantly more grunty and powerful than the R7 and nowhere near as manic as an R1.

Get it?

The chassis feels taught, balanced and neutral and goes exactly where you point it. That racy riding position eggs you into attacking every corner.

She loves to go fast and holds the line for as long as you are willing to lean.

The Brembo master cylinder, steel braided hoses and top-shelf Stylema calipers mated to the up to date ABS system worked perfectly throughout.

On our trundle home through the township, dodging taxis and things, we were grateful for the fact that it’s easy to get your feet to the ground. It also told a thing or two about the bikes narrow, nimbleness which is important when you are dodging potholes and some of the fools on our roads. The new-style almost invisible exhaust system makes enough noise to let the guys know that you are coming through, without being obnoxious. A quick little rev and the cars move across to allow you through. We also noticed that the fairing does a good job at dissipating any engine heat.

Our opinion – Yamaha has built an incredibly user friendly superbike for the masses. It’s a very difficult bike to fault and we hear you – with not as much horsepower as Yamaha’s previous superbikes etc etc and you are correct.

But… times they are a-changing.

Why did Ducati lower the power output on the Panigale V-Twin?

Surveys have shown that people want more user friendly power than outright rip-your-arms out stuff.

This is a bike that is just so – and we hate the word – balanced. It does everything extremely well, without being over the top.

Oh, and just to put things into perspective:

Pata Yamaha’s Stefano Manzi (Pata Yamaha Ten Kate Racing) secured the FIM Supersport World Championship manufacturers’ crown for a record 11th time with three rounds to spare on the new R9.

That says a thing or two about this bike.

Priced at R284 950, only two bikes are in SA right now, with more expected soon.

At a glance: