We’ve been talking about it for three years, but now an indirect confirmation has arrived from those who manage the Ten Kate team in Superbike: the R9 will officially race in 2025. So it’s reasonable to wait for the arrival of the road version next autumn, derived from the MT-09 equipped with a three-cylinder engine
– Milan
We’ve been talking about it for some time, the first rumors about the arrival of the sports car Yamaha Yzf-R9 they began circulating in April 2021, around the time it was certain that the R7 would arrive. But reality has always denied the suppositions, until recent days, that is to say since Kervin Bos, team manager of Ten Kate Racing, declared that Yamaha is working on the bike destined to replace the R6 in the Supersport world championship, with a revolutionary transition from four to three cylinders.
the acronym is registered
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With the R9 project the Japanese company would continue the path already undertaken like the Yzf-R3 e R7, developed on the basis of the naked bikes of the MT family, therefore following a reverse path compared to what happened in the past, when it was the sports cars that were stripped of their fairings to transform into roadsters. Given the precedents, prudence is a must, however now the elements that lead us to believe that the presentation can be estimated for the end of 2024 are more concrete. Not least the fact that Yamaha has trademarked the name R9and Japanese law requires the cancellation of a name if it has not been used for three years.
the circle closes
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The acronym appears in a list of 12 Rs combined with a series of numbers between 1 and 25, which it is reasonable to think will not all be used, at least on a global level, given that some will probably be intended to identify sports motorcycles for the Japanese domestic market. However, R9 appears to be the most concrete name, because it is destined to close the circle that links the MT and Yzf families. For several years now, sports cars have no longer had the following they once did, but the dual setup formula using the same engine works, and the arrival of an important innovation would help revitalize a segment that needs a wake-up call.
tribute to the first r1
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Awaited by motorcycle enthusiasts, the R9 would mark a new chapter for the Japanese brand, which would have a structured range with the three-cylinder that would be positioned halfway between the twin-cylinder R7 and the four-cylinder R1. While at the base the single-cylinder R 125 and the two-cylinder R3 would remain, with a range capable of satisfying every need. The rumors coming from the East confirm that the new sports car would inherit the 890 cc engine from the MT-09 119 HP, with a more substantial delivery at medium-low speeds compared to the R6. And it seems that in addition to a design in line with the aesthetics of the Yzf-R family, the graphics may be inspired by the original R1 from 1998, the progenitor of a successful dynasty.
one engine, more motorcycles
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In 2014, on the occasion of the launch of the renewed MT series (acronym for Master of Torque, which in 2005 identified the first MT-10 with a 166 HP V-twin engine) it announced that other models would be developed from their engines. And in the 700 class the Japanese have kept their word, given that first the Xsr 700 was born, then the Ténéré and finally the Yzf-R7. For the latter the recipe was relatively simple: a more professional upside down fork was mounted, the position modified and of course a complete fairing used. And following this formula, the R9 could be a pleasant surprise for enthusiasts and also for those who build it.
an excellent base
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Already in the standard configuration of the MT-09, the three-cylinder in-line engine He has a lively temperament, which is suitable for sports use. And it shouldn’t be forgotten that the bike was recently updated, with the version set to go on sale in the coming weeks. The frame and wheels had already been lightened, and now there is also more advanced suspension, a 41 mm adjustable Kayaba fork and an Öhlins monoshock, as well as the Brembo Stylema braking system with monobloc calipers. Furthermore noThere is no current electronic equipment missing and in line with the needs of a modern motorcycle to be used on the road as well as on the track.
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