Yamaha knew it better do something quick smart to replace the much-loved R6. Does it hit the high mark set by the supersport wonder? Sam Charlwood gives the new R9 a belting at Sydney Motorsport Park to find out…
When Yamaha discontinued the race wonder R6 in 2020 (blame emissions rules for that) the brand opened a market gap that others lined up to fill. In a rearguard action, the $21,199 R9 was devised. It took its time, but it’s here in all its sporty glory.
It’s fair to say this is a variation of the venerable MT-09 in sportsbike guise. The R9 has a plenty riding on it – after all, it is Yamaha’s only larger capacity, sports road bike. That’s pressure, right there.
It features the MT-09’s 890cc triple, almost totally unchanged, with performance figures registering 87.5kW at 10,000rpm and 93Nm at a user-friendly 7000rpm. This scorecard suggests Yamaha has tried to deliver a useable road bike, taking away the need to have the thing screaming to be quick. Tighter tracks will be the natural habitat for the boy racer set, and road manners should allow a less frenetic ride. Clever stuff there.
It’s full of fun electrical wizardry too, with the bike getting the same IMU setup from the track-only R1. In short, it boasts a bunch of innovative gear on that front.
Enough chat.
Hit that video and see Sam all leathered up on a bike with big expectations on its sleek 195kg shoulders.
