Yamaha dropped this triple-powered gem earlier this year at the Australian launch, slotting it perfectly between the nimble R7 and the beastly R1, and honestly, it’s filling the gap left by the track-only R6 like it was meant to be. I’ve racked up miles on the naked MT-09, and while that thing’s a hoot, the R9 takes it to another level with its full fairings and supersport edge. If you’re chasing a bike that’s as comfy for commuting as it is thrilling on a weekend blast, read on—I’ve got the full scoop from real-world rides.
First Impressions: Yamaha YZF-R9‘s Supersport Soul
Right off the bat, the R9 screams Yamaha’s R-series DNA. Those sharp lines, the M-shaped air intake up front, and those MotoGP-inspired winglets give it that aggressive, ready-to-pounce look without feeling overdone. At 195 kg wet, it’s no featherweight, but the near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution makes it feel light and flickable from the get-go. I hopped on expecting the usual wrist-bending aggression of supersports, but Yamaha tuned the ergonomics for real life: handlebars are 8 mm higher than the old R6, footpegs aren’t as knee-crushing, and the seat’s positioned to keep fatigue at bay on longer rides. It’s like they took the MT-09’s upright comfort and wrapped it in a supersport suit—perfect for Aussie roads where potholes and traffic mix it up.
Heart of the Beast: The CP3 Engine That Delivers Everywhere
Pop the key in, thumb the starter, and that 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 triple comes alive with a throaty growl that’s pure Yamaha. Tuned specifically for the R9 with a unique ECU map and optimized gear ratios, it pumps out 87 kW (about 117 hp) at the crank and 93 Nm of torque—plenty for that mid-range punch that makes overtakes a non-event. I found myself grinning ear-to-ear on sweepers, twisting the throttle out of corners where the torque just surges without drama. Paired with a slick 6-speed box and Yamaha’s third-gen up/down quickshifter, shifts are buttery—clutchless downshifts feel planted, even when you’re deep in the meat of a turn.
Fuel economy? Solid for a supersport—expect around 5-6 L/100 km in mixed riding, giving you 200+ km per tank without babying it. It’s not the outright screamer of the R1, but that’s the point: this triple’s all about usable power that hooks you from 3,000 rpm up, making it a riot on backroads or commuting through stop-start traffic.
Handling and Suspension: Razor-Sharp Without the Razor’s Edge
Yamaha claims the R9’s Deltabox frame is their lightest aluminum supersport chassis yet at just 9.7 kg, and boy, does it show. Stiffer by 18% torsionally, 37% longitudinally, and 16% laterally than the MT-09, it translates to confidence-inspiring stability. Up front, a fully adjustable 43 mm KYB upside-down fork soaks up bumps like a champ, while the rear KYB shock (also fully adjustable) keeps things planted over undulating pavement.
On my test loop—same hilly stuff I hammered the MT-09 on—the R9 carved corners with surgical precision. It tips in eagerly, holds lines through long sweepers without wandering, and flicks direction changes with zero fuss. Those winglets? They add 10% downforce in corners and cut front-end lift by 7% on straights, which I felt during a few spirited pulls—keeps the front tire biting when you’re wide open. Road imperfections barely faze it, making it a better daily than most track-focused bikes.
Brakes and Electronics: Solid Kit with Room to Grow
Pulling anchors are twin 320 mm front discs squeezed by Brembo Stylema calipers, backed by a radial master cylinder and stainless lines—premium stuff that hauls the R9 down hard from triple digits. The single 220 mm rear disc’s plenty for modulation. That said, while progressive, the lever lacks that last bit of feedback some riders crave—it’s effective, but not telepathic like top-shelf setups.
Electronics are where the R9 shines for its price: a Bosch six-axis IMU feeds data to cornering ABS, slide control, and nine levels of lean-sensitive traction. Power modes (full, street, rain) let you dial in intervention, and I stuck mostly to Sport for road hooning—keeps things lively without nanny-nagging. The 5-inch color TFT dash is crisp and intuitive, with smartphone connectivity via the MyRide and Power Tuner apps for tweaking on the fly or sharing track data with mates.
R9 vs. the Pack: How It Stacks Up to MT-09 and Rivals
No beating around the bush—the R9’s closest sibling, the MT-09, is its Achilles’ heel at a lower $20K-ish price with comfier ergonomics for pure street duty. But bolt on fairings, and the R9 transforms into a track-capable weapon with better wind protection and aero. Against the Honda CBR650R? The R9’s triple torque smokes the four-cylinder smoothness, though Honda edges on refinement. Kawasaki’s ZX-6R feels more aggressive but less road-friendly. For Aussies, the R9’s the sweet spot—versatile without compromise.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Specs at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine | 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 triple, 87 kW/93 Nm |
| Transmission | 6-speed with up/down quickshifter |
| Frame | Deltabox aluminum, 9.7 kg dry |
| Suspension | Fully adj. KYB 43 mm USD fork; KYB rear shock |
| Brakes | Dual 320 mm front discs/Brembo Stylema; 220 mm rear |
| Weight | 195 kg wet |
| Electronics | 6-axis IMU, 3 modes + custom, TFT dash |
| Price (AU) | $23,199 ride-away |
| Colors | Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Black, Intensity White/Redline |
A Supersport Revolution Worth the Ride
After logging those miles, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 nails what modern supersports need: thrills without the toll. It’s a commuter that commutes like a naked, a canyon carver that dances, and a track tool that punches above its weight—all for under 25 grand down under. Sure, the winglets might polarize, brakes could use more bite, and the MT-09 tempts on value, but for that R-series rush? It’s gold. Backed by Yamaha’s 3-year unlimited km warranty, snag one from your local dealer or check yamaha-motor.com.au. What’s your take—R9 for the win, or holding out for the next big thing? Hit the comments; I’d love to hear from fellow riders!
