This past October, Yamaha announced their latest offering to the supersport class, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9. High praise, chaotic confusion, and bellowing backlash ensued. Yamaha has become accustomed to all sorts of rhetoric in recent years with the sunsetting of the Yamaha YZF-R6, the dusking of the YZF-R1, and the spawning of the YZF-R7. And now, the YZ-R9 arrives to a very critical world in a critical period.
The timing is impeccable.
When Yamaha launched the YZF-R7, back in 2021, it was met by a litany of whine. The internet keyboard bullies had a field day with all of their conspiracies, misguided insights, and plagued misinformation. While they were busy slapping away at the keyboard, the R7 was making a proper name for itself where it counted… on the asphalt. Blake Davis rode the R7 to back-to-back championships in the MotoAmerica Twin Cup series. It became Yamaha USA’s number-one-selling bike. And now, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 is poised to illuminate what has been missing from the supersport class.
On paper, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 checked all of the boxes but I still had questions (I am inquisitive…) and I needed answers so off to Sonoma Raceway I headed to spend some time with Yamaha’s latest two-wheeled offering. Although I had the opportunity to look over the new model at the press introduction last year, seeing it again was like seeing it for the first time.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Performance
The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 is a unit. It looks exciting. It beckons your inner rider. Its design is very successful at capturing true supersport aesthetics. Sharp lines, aggressive stance, winglets… Yes. Winglets that conform to the overall lines of the bike instead of jutting out like wings on a small single-engine plane. Yamaha claims that the winglets increase downforce by 10%. However, an additional and possibly more practical application of the winglets is the protection from crosswinds, planting the front end for high-speed stability, minimizing the risks of a nasty head shake, tank slappers, etc.
My colleagues and I had the great pleasure of enjoying the company of Josh Hayes at the raceway. Josh would be providing product and track insights as well as facilitating the role of driver for the sighting lap and tracking shots. This was all helpful as this was my first outing at Sonoma, which is a lovely circuit watched over by grazing sheep and one precarious jackrabbit.
Suited and booted, and in the saddle, the most notable measure is the riding position of R9. With a seat height of 32.7 inches, I am comfortable sitting in and with the bike, instead of sitting on top of it. The positioning of the clip-ons and rear sets are well within reach so I wasn’t outstretched nor cramped up.
On the circuit, the R9’s torque-to-wheel feel is proper. I’ve marveled over the Yamaha 890cc cp3 engine in all of its applications, but this engine in this construct is what separates the R9 from the rest. Straight away, you roll on the throttle, which is specific to the R9. At 60 degrees roll, you’re at wide open throttle.
Of course, with quick access to power, the ability to aim, and slow the bike down are equally important. For that, Yamaha enlisted Brembo Stylema monobloc 4 piston calipers that grab a set of 320mm rotors at the front end, controlled by a Brembo 16mm radial front master cylinder via stainless steel brake lines. From linear braking before the apex, and hard braking after the straights, the control, bite, and feel of the front remained consistent so I could aim and direct the R9 before getting back on the throttle.
And with braking, a tip of the helmet goes to the 43mm KYB separate damping force front forks and rear shock that features a remote adjuster. Both front and rear suspension components harmoniously respond well to absorbing the nooks and crannies of the road. This was appreciated as the track conditions at Sonoma reminded me a bit of an English Muffin in just a few sectors.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 – Electronics
Before I get into what the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 offers in the electronics and tech department, it’s a great time to mention that the MSRP is $12,499. With that, the YZF-R9 is loaded with a comprehensive electronic suite that includes the usual suspects (traction control, slide control, life control, up and down quick shifter, brake control, engine brake control, back slip regulator, launch control), Yamaha Ride Control plus a group of new features that surpass what else is currently being offered on the market at this price point.
The standout is the Y-TRAC Rev which allows you to receive messages from your crew while you are riding on track. Using Yamaha’s Motorcycle Connect app, say a member of your pit crew can use their phone or tablet as a virtual pit board to send you communication that is displayed on the customizable (four themes plus a dedicated track screen) five-inch TFT dash. Additionally, Y-TRAC logs 26 points of data and is a GPS lap timer This is professional race tech on a supersport that costs under $13k!
For the street, the YZF-R9 offers elements that enhance the ride: cruise control, a USB type-c charger under the seat, and self-canceling turn signals in the mirror stalks. The minimally designed LED light keeps the trim tight and clean. The three colorways that the bike is presented in (Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Raven Black, and Intensity White Redline) accent the intended engineering and execution of the design.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 – The Solution
Beyond checking a plethora of boxes, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 solves several problems that most motorcyclists confront. Aaron Bast, Yamaha USA’s Street Motorcycle Senior Product Planner explained the supersport situation as that a majority of supersport motorcycles purchased by the average consumer will never live up to their potential or be ridden in their natural environment. Not to mention the premium price tag that accompanies them. What you then have is a relatively pricey motorcycle that will never truly get to stretch its legs unless you are an advanced track rider or racer. So much of the bike’s potential goes untapped.
Enter the YZ-R9. AKA the solution. The R9 brings with it useable and accessible performance. The R9 accommodates the streets as much as it does the circuit. The 890cc CP3 engine delivers measurable and consistent real-world power to foster the needs of a wide range of riders. The brakes, suspension, electronic, and rider aids, all combined at the MSRP of $12,499 open the door to true accessible performance.
Pound for pound, cc for cc, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 is the supersport for every rider. If Yamaha’s solution was to reinvent the class and create a motorcycle by the people, for the people, I say, “Proper, Yamaha. Proper.”
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