Words: Bill Hunter.
Back in 2021 Yamaha gave us a hint of producing a Supersport motorcycle using their iconic CP-3 three-cylinder motor, based on the MT-09 platform. Instantly we all became excited at this delicious proposition, but it has taken the best part of four years to come to fruition. So, the big question is – was it worth the wait? The simple answer is, most certainly a resounding YES!
Myself, like many others, thought we were just getting a MT-09 with a fairing thrown onto it, rear-sets, lower ‘bars, and maybe a few new pieces of electronic gadgetry. Well knock me down with a tuning fork I couldn’t have been more incorrect. Basically the only thing the YZF-R9 has in common with the MT-09 is the CP-3 logo stamped onto the side of the engine.
A Supersport bike isn’t really a Superbike; they’re more forgiving with less power and lower weight. A good thing for road riders that don’t really need the neck-snapping power of a 200hp+ Superbike, which equates to more fun and less chin-dribbling intimidation, right?
So to keep with this thesis Yamaha has decided to remain with their superb MT-09, transverse three-cylinder, 889cc, 12-valve, DOHC, engine, which delivers the same claimed figures of 118hp@10,000rpm and 93Nm@7,000rpm. However their engineers have given the R9 a unique engine tune for a more racy attitude. Nothing wrong with the R9’s motor choice because it’s one peach of a combustion engine on all counts, due to its Cross-Plane crankshaft layout and MotoGP derived firing order, in a quest for a thumping torque delivery.
To cradle the engine is a completely new gravity cast Deltabox chassis that only weighs a remarkable 9.7kg, the lightest ever produced on a Yamaha Supersport bike. It’s stiffer in many areas but still offering the right amount of flex around the swing-arm pivot. Yamaha has also ditched the MT-09 swing-arm in favour of the longer one used on their Tracer, a longer swing-arm is primarily used on race bikes to improve traction. Even though the swing-arm is longer the wheelbase in actually 10mm shorter (1,420mm) than the MT-09 due to new chassis, very clever geometry indeed we say, also providing the ‘perfect’ 50/50 weight distribution. The R9 has a claimed weight of only 195kg (wet), which includes the 14-litre tank full to the brim.
To compliment the new chassis is the best suspension I’ve ever felt on any Yamaha motorcycle, from KYB. The front 43mm forks have compression and rebound, separately in each fork, and pre-load adjustability. The fancy new KYB rear shock enjoys the same levels of adjustment with a handy remote pre-load device poking out from the left hand side that you can wind with your hand. With all this new suspension to perform fittingly you’ll need good brakes, which the R9 now most certainly has with Brembo monobloc Stylema calipers and a matching Brembo adjustable radial master cylinder.
Now we’re onto the electronic package which is without the most comprehensive package ever found on a Yamaha, and that includes their R1. The R9 does carry across the R1’s Bosch six-axis IMU (Internal Measurement Unit) that opens a vast door of electronic wizardry. Yamaha’s YCC-T (Yamaha Chip Controlled Technology) provides the rider modes, Sport, Street, Rain and four separate track modes to customize to your liking. Ok, deep breath now… we have TCS (Traction Control System) nine settings, SCS (Slide Control System) three settings to dial in how much the rear wheel steps out under full power, LIF (Lift Control System) or wheelie control, BCS (Brake Control System) cornering ABS, BSR (Back Slip Regulator), EBM (Engine Brake Management), cruise control (bit odd on this type of bike), and Launch Control. I believe that’s about it, maybe, and I’m not entirely sure what some of these rider aids actually do but they’re there for you to fiddle with anyway.
But wait there’s more even more. The five-inch TFT module, which is a bit too small in my mind because some of the letters and numbers relayed are way to tiny to read clearly. There’re various display options as well for road or track use. Anyway this will link to the Yamaha MyRide app connecting the bike to your phone for all sorts of stuff to interact with. For one you can sit at the track, or local pub, and set all the rider options you’ve just read about just by using your phone, not to mention GPS connectivity. If you also choose to download the Yamaha Y-TRAC app you’ll be able to access features that’ll record your lap times, lean angles, throttle positions, and cross reference with GPs data, and even more data logging material. One thing I did find amusing is that the pit crew (if you have one) can send messages onto the display whilst riding, “Go faster you useless twat”! for example. All of this myriad of information can be downloaded onto your phone or Laptop, ideal if you decide to go racing though.
There’s no denying the YZF-R9 is a very good-looking motorcycle, there’s a black one coming soon and a very attractive red/white one too. So for now we have the blue option with its MotoGP wings that aren’t too obtrusive which are claimed to generate 7% less wheel lift at high speeds, possibly, who knows? However the R9 is claimed to be THE most aerodynamically efficient Yamaha ever made, how’s that for inflating your chest when bragging about your new bike, thank you? Oh, and the intake duct is ‘M’ shaped too, a very nice touch for the MotoGP M1 fans.
After all this technical praise you’re maybe pondering if it’s worth the R284,950 asking price, of course it is, and then some. The R9 is such a pleasure to ride on a daily basis. It has a less aggressive riding position compared to some horrid Sportsbikes/Superbikes my wrists and spine have brutally complained about in the past. The ‘bars are relatively high and well spaced and the seat, well, it was unexpectedly well padded and comfortable for such a focused machine. The power delivery, and the magnificent sound it makes, puts your gaping mouth into dry teeth mode, and the quick-shifter, which goes both ways (not a sexual term may I add for the childish readers), is the most refined one found on any Yamaha to date.
As for the handling, it’s what you’d imagine, as in exemplary, and due to terrific new chassis and suspension it’s so nimble but extremely stable in all conditions especially when riding hard over rough surfaces. I did see an indicted 206kmh, in fourth gear, so around 240kmh is where I’d predict the top speed to be. As for the class-leading electronics I just left it in Sport mode, traction off, and rode it like the aforementioned ‘twat’, there’s just too much to fiddle with, which is a good thing. The R9 is excitingly quick, good looking, easy to ride, riddled with technology like no other Yamaha, and, well, just a barrel load of fun, need I say more. Oh, and it won the World SSP title first time out, with Stefano Manzi in the saddle, in case you didn’t already know!
I believe this is the dawn of a new era of Sportsbikes, especially now with Ducati’s Panigale V2, and KTM’s 990 RC R now knocking on the consumers door, all with similar specifications. I haven’t ridden the others as of yet but for now I’d take the new Triple Delight R9 over anything in this class, it’s tremendous?
Images: Murphy van Driver and Sudoku.
Visit: www.yamaha.co.za for arrival dates and to place an order.
