Earlier in the year, Yamaha confirmed that its two legendary sports bikes – the R1 and the R6 – are to be shelved as far as the road models go, being replaced instead by track-only versions.
This move had much to do with dwindling superbike sales among Japanese brands combined with the continual tightening of emission restrictions. It would have been okay if Yamaha could carry on selling the R1 and R6 as they currently stand, but the EU has said no, and having to spend more money on R&D for bikes that are no longer selling the volumes they used to is simply not worth it.
But the end is not necessarily nigh, dear sports bike lovers, because with the shelving of the two traditional Yamaha superbikes, comes the announcement of a new one, one that everyone predicted was in the pipeline for a decade – the New Yamaha R9.
As you’ve correctly assumed, this motorcycle makes use of the motor originally found in the MT-09 naked bike. It’s an 890cc, three-cylinder with four valves per cylinder and fuel injection controlled by a ride-by-wire throttle.
What Yamaha has not stated is the claimed power and torque output, although the MT-09 blows out a little more than 117hp and 93Nm of torque. It’s very likely that the R9 will push the same, although Yamaha has stated that the R9 will get new gearing, ignition timing and fuel mapping.
The frame will be the traditional Yamaha aluminium delta box variety, although weighing just 9.7kg, the lightest of any Yamaha sports bike. The total weight of the R9 with all fluids including a full 14 litres of fuel will weigh 195 kg, slightly more than the MT-09, although that’s still a good weight for a sports bike.
The suspension is from KYB with 43mm forks up front and a single shock in the rear, all fully adjustable.
Previously, Yamaha used a no-name brand caliper to handle the braking on the R1 and R6 but the R9 makes use of Brembo Stylema goods, the same as nearly everyone else is using, so that’s good.
The seating position is described as between that of an R7, that’s sporty but quite comfy, and an R6, that will most likely leave you crippled. Many would say this is a good compromise.
The fairings have undergone much development in the wind tunnel, and thus the R9 can boastfully claim that it is the most aerodynamic Yamaha ever made, de-throning the R6 that’s getting a hard time from this new pup.
The aero efficiency is despite the R9 having wings jutting from its top fairing that, combined with the front-end spoiler beneath the M-duct, offers 10% less front-wheel lift.
As expected, the R9 comes filled to the brim with electronics, including the usual power delivery modes, traction control, slip control, wheelie control, ABS, a two-way quick-shifter, a back slip regulator and engine brake management. It is also kitted with cruise control plus a pitlane limiter for not getting fined in the pitlane. For people wanting to go full-motard, the rear ABS can be switched off.
Just because it likes showing off, Yamaha has fitted the R9 with a launch control, too.
There are three preset riding modes – the traditional Sport, Street and Rain – plus two custom modes and four track modes. These are set up through the MyRide app on your smartphone. While there, the rider can also access things like phone calls and messages, plus navigation.
If you wish to take this further, the bike can also connect to the Y-Trac app that tells the more serious rider about lap times, sector times, lean angle, engine rpm, gear position, speed, throttle position and how much the electronic aids are kicking in.
It is not yet known when the R9 will be arriving on South African shores nor what the price will be.
