What's it like riding the Yamaha R9? Find out here...
Tested by Dan Sutherland
The R9 is one of the most important motorcycles to arrive for 2025. Not only because we’ve been waiting for it for years, but because it’s Yamaha’s first big-capacity sportsbike in ages and shows that the industry is still investing in track-focused platforms. Although we only got to ride it for the first time a few weeks ago, my time with the bike goes back further – I was one of the first people outside of Yamaha to swing a leg over it ahead of its official reveal.
I plan to spend as much time as I can at racetracks this year – keen to find out if the Yamaha is as capable as a traditional rev-tastic four-cylinder 600. Having spent last year on Honda’s CBR600RR, I am perfectly placed to do this and have also previously owned both a Kawasaki ZX-6R and Suzuki GSX-R600.
Sportsbike sales have taken a battering and part of the reason for this is the discomfort of rock-hard suspension and cramped riding positions. The R9 needs to offer a strong blend of road-going compliance, and everyday comfort to be a real winner. I’m not expecting a Gold Wing – just the ability to enjoy the everyday blast without the fillings shaking out of my head.
Yamaha R9 quick specs
- Price: £12,250
- Engine: 890cc Liquid-cooled, 12v DOHC inline triple
- Power: 117bhp @ 10,000rpm
- Torque: 69lb.ft @ 7000rpm
- Seat height: 830mm
- Weight: 195kg (wet)
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