Leaked documents bolster rumours that Yamaha is to release an all-new R9 supersports model, based on its popular MT-09 naked bike platform, that will sit above the smaller R7 and R3 in its fully faired ‘YZF’ line-up.
As the soon-to-be-released Yamaha R7 is based on the MT-07, it is likely that the Japanese brand will give a similar treatment to its MT-09 to create the upcoming R9.
This means that we can expect the R9, or YZF-R9 formally, to draw power from a familiar 889cc triple engine generating 87.5kW and 93Nm, though it will gain a unique fairing and ergonomic adjustments better suited for track riding.
It will also benefit from the MT-09’s strong six-axis electronics suite and up/down quickshifter, but may come at a premium over the naked bike’s $15,249 rideaway pricetag.
INFO MOTO anticipates that the YZF-R9 will feature a similar single-LED front-end design as the YZF-R7 in keeping with the design language of the range.
This new-look front-end was spotted on a YZF-R3 test mule recently, indicating that Yamaha is looking to unify the styling of its line-up.
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Three leaked photos from India appear to show the 2022 Yamaha R3 in testing, with updated styling and revised front suspension.
The next R3 should be will timed to compete with the 2022 KTM RC 390, which too leaked ahead of its official unveiling.
Yamaha Motor Australia has yet to make mention of the updated R3, or the proposed R9, though it will release its R7 in December in LAMS and full-power guises, priced from $13,999 and $14,999, respectively.
This will see the discontinuation of the iconic R6 moniker, with the R7 taking up the role of stepping stone from the LAMS-approved R3 and the biggie in the range, the R1.
The R7 gets the 689cc parallel twin CP2 engine from the MT-07. Performance figures see the same numbers as that of the MT-07, with 54kW at 8750rpm and 67Nm at 6000rpm.
Spencer has a keen eye for hard news, and does some of his best living on deadline day. He loves more than anything to travel on his motorcycle, and is adamant that Melbourne Bitter is a world-class lager. He also knows how to operate the big computery thing in the office. By night, Spencer plays guitar with Melbourne punk outfit LOUTS.
