The supersport class is evolving, and the long-awaited 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 is one of the early protagonists helping redefine the segment. Powered by the same heavily praised 890cc triple-cylinder CP3 engine utilized in the MT-09 platform, the R9 is a full-fledged supersport machine positioned to stack up against machines that broke from the 600cc supersport paradigm, which include the Ducati Panigale V2, MV Agusta F3 RR, Triumph Daytona Moto2 765, and the upcoming KTM 990 RC R.
Yamaha assembled a group of U.S. motorcycle media representatives to unveil this highly anticipated model, where we had the opportunity to see the YZF-R9 in the flesh and finally answer our most burning questions, including price. The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 is set to have a competitive $12,499 MSRP, which is significantly cheaper than its nearest comparable machines and a mere $200 more than the 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP.
Brand representatives cited an expected delivery date of March 2025. We’ll have to wait a little longer to ride it, but let’s dig into the technical specifications and hit you with the Fast Facts.
- The 890cc triple returns with a few model-specific updates to suit its speedier role. Yamaha struck gold when it cast the CP3 mill, with its howling triple emitting an excellent exhaust note. Subsequent updates have made it even better. A handful of changes are coming to repurpose it for track duty, including a larger radiator and model-specific fuel tuning. What is likely to be felt when compared to the naked and touring bikes the 890cc engine currently powers is the R9’s longer final-drive gear ratio (16/45 to 16/43), improving top speed. Putting this engine to work in a supersport configuration has strong appeal. It spools up with the ferocity of an inline-four 600, matching the top-end rush while producing far more street-friendly low-end and midrange power.
- Superbike-derived rider aids come to the YZF-R9. Informed by a six-axis IMU, the R9 is equipped with the feature-rich electronics suite developed from the system first seen aboard the YZF-R1, though redeveloped and expanded on for this new model. Riders will find these tunable features at their disposal: Four power modes; nine-level traction control; three-level slide control; three-level wheelie control; two ABS modes (plus rear-wheel ABS can be disabled independently); two-level engine braking management; back slip regulator; launch control; and cruise control. These aids can be turned off, save for the front ABS.
- Adjust your rider aids from the latest-generation five-inch full-color TFT display. Much like the MT-09 SP, the YZF-R9’s dash displays four street themes and a track theme. Similar to other recently updated Yamaha offerings, the dash includes Bluetooth connectivity, allowing riders to pair their mobile devices to their machines via the Y-Connect app, receiving communication notifications, media integration, and turn-by-turn navigation when coupled to the Garmin StreetCross app.
- Winglets are standard right out of the gate. It seems like all new performance motorcycles are adopting MotoGP-inspired winglets designed to add downforce to enhance stability. Yamaha has not cited a peak figure downforce for its fairing-integrated aerodynamic features.
- On the styling front, the R9 speaks the same design language seen in the rest of the R-World family. Angular bodywork and an M-shaped front intake duct signal the R9’s connections with the YZF-R3, YZF-R7, and the YZF-R1/R1M in the North American market. All-around LED lighting is standard.
- Supersport ergonomics keep comfort in mind. The supersport class is not synonymous with comfort and, while we did not have the opportunity to ride the YZF-R9 at the North American unveiling, we did sit on it to get a basic initial assessment. The verdict? It’s pretty good based on our brief, stationary impression. Yamaha says it has endeavored to create a short reach to the clip-on handlebar while allowing for ample legroom, which appears to be an accurate description. Significantly, this rider triangle could help alleviate pressure from the rider’s wrists while on the street. The 3.7-gallon fuel tank is amply sized and should be a good anchoring point while cornering. The average 32.7-inch saddle height is accommodating, allowing an easy reach to the floor with my 32-inch inseam.
- A new chassis comes to the R9. Readers will surely draw parallels to the MT-09 platform, but this is no simple copy-and-paste job: Yamaha has created a specific chassis to achieve R9’s racier goals. That begins with an all-new gravity-cast Deltabox frame, which Yamaha claims is the lightest aluminum frame ever provided for a supersport model. Meanwhile, the MT-09’s swingarm is employed by the R9. Taken together, the chassis achieves a balanced 50/50 weight distribution. Peeking at geometry figures, we’d note that its 55.9-inch wheelbase is notably longer than the now race-only YZF-R6, which will likely improve stability. However, the R9 has a significantly steeper rake at 22.35 degrees, hopefully enabling responsive handling.
- Fully adjustable KYB suspension comes to the YZF-R9. An all-new set of dedicated suspenders are aboard the R9, featuring a fully adjustable 43mm inverted KYB fork with 4.7 inches of travel, linkage-type shock with 4.6 inches of wheel travel and a remote spring-preload adjuster.
- The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 arrives in dealers in March 2025 with an MSRP of $12,499. When compared to traditional 600cc machines, the Suzuki GSX-R600 ($11,999), Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R ($11,399 non-ABS; $12,399 with ABS), and Honda CBR600RR ($12,199) are going to have serious competition on the dealership floors given the age of those platforms and less overall sophistication. Meanwhile, next-generation supersport contenders such as the Ducati Panigale V2 ($18,595), MV Agusta F3 RR ($24,298), and Triumph Daytona Moto2 765 ($17,500) are challenged by the YZF-R9’s aggressive MSRP.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Specs
ENGINE
- Type: Inline-3
- Displacement: 890cc
- Bore x stroke: 78.0 x 62.1mm
- Compression ratio: 11.5:1
- Maximum torque: 69 ft-lbs @ 7000 rpm
- Valvetrain: DOHC; 4vpc
- Transmission: 6-speed w/ quickshifter
- Clutch: Wet multiplate
- Final drive: Chain
CHASSIS
- Frame: Gravity-cast Deltabox aluminum w/ subframe
- Front suspension; travel: Fully adjustable KYB inverted 43mm fork; 4.7 inches
- Rear suspension; travel: Cantilevered, linkage-assisted, fully adjustable KYB shock; 4.6 inches
Tires: Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 - Front tire: 120/70 x 17
- Rear tire: 180/55 x 17
- Front brakes: 320mm discs w/ 4-piston calipers
- Rear brake: 220mm disc w/ single-piston caliper
- ABS: Standard
DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES
- Wheelbase: 55.9 inches
- Rake: 22.35 degrees
- Trail: N/A
- Seat height: 32.7 inches
- Fuel capacity: 3.7 gallons
- Curb weight: 430 pounds
- Colors: Black; blue; white/red
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Price: $12,499 MSRP
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Photo Gallery
