Finally! Yamaha YZF-R9 Confirmed As A Replacement For The YZF-R6

Summary

• The much-anticipated YZF-R9 sport bike will replace the YZF-R6 in the World Supersport Championship next year.
• It will be based on the MT-09, featuring the same powerful engine but with sportier ergonomics, full fairings, and aerodynamic wings.

For the last few years, we’ve told you several rumors about the Yamaha YZF-R9. It’s been a much-anticipated sport bike ever since, pegged as a worthy replacement for the beloved (and triumphant) YZF-R6. A much-needed addition, too, since Team Blue’s faired lineup has a gaping hole between the 72-HP R7 and the 200-HP YZF-R1.

Yet, the Japanese bikemaker hasn’t confirmed or commented on the matter ever. No sneaky comments, no attempts to create hype, nothing. Now, however, that’s finally changed. We have a confirmation of the upcoming sport bike, although not by Yamaha, but by someone working closely with the brand in the World Superbike Championship paddock.

The Yamaha YZF-R9 Would Replace The YZF-R6 In The World Supersport Championship

The confirmation of the R9 comes directly from Kervin Bos, Team Manager at Yamaha Ten Kate Racing. In case you’re unaware, this team has won the World Supersport championship twice (in 2021 and 2022) with the YZF-R6. So Bos is really close to the Japanese company, which makes him a credible source. According to him, Yamaha is all set to bring the YZF-R9 to life as a replacement for the YZF-R6 in the SSP championship. The official switch is confirmed for next year (2025).

“The only information that we have is basically on the racing model. The racing model is already in heavy development, and many things are already happening about that. The only thing I can tell you for sure is next year in World Supersport, the Yamaha R6 will be replaced by the R9.” said Kervin.

Why Yamaha Needs The YZF-R9 As Soon As Possible

One of the key reasons Yamaha “needs” the YZF-R9 is the R6’s emission woes. It’s been a track-only model since 2022, only just meeting the homologation requirements for the championship. Now, with new Euro 5+ norms coming from next year, that would leave the 600cc screamer without homologation and Yamaha without a middleweight race bike.

To make matters worse, almost all of Team Blue’s rivals have moved away from rev-happy 600cc screamers to other engine layouts. For instance, Ducati has the 955cc, twin-cylinder Panigale V2 (the championship-winning bike of 2023), Triumph races its triple-cylinder Street Triple 765 RS, and MV Agusta has the triple-cylinder F3 800. A YZF-R9 would solve both problems for Yamaha. Bos agrees with the same, too.

He said, “That’s the biggest question mark for Yamaha now as well. I think that’s also the reason why there is not too much information available to everybody, because I think they are just working flat out to make sure there is a kind of production model ready as soon as possible.” The manager even says a race-version of the upcoming sport bike has already been tested at the Misano circuit in Italy.

The Yamaha YZF-R9 Will Take Heavy Inspiration From The MT-09

We usually see bikemakers whip up sport bikes, and then follow them up with naked versions. But Yamaha is taking an opposite approach with its middleweights. The MT-07 birthed the YZF-R7, and in the same way, the YZF-R9 will be based on the popular MT-09. So you’ll get the much-loved 889cc, triple-cylinder, CP3 powerhouse that’s good for 117 horsepower and 68.6 pound-feet. This output would slot the R9 bang in the middle of the R7 and R1, while also ensuring a strong position in the segment. It’d be clear of the Aprilia RS 660 and the Honda CBR650R, but a few ponies short on the Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R and the new Honda CBR600RR.

Other than the engine, the R9 would differ from the MT-09 in a few other aspects. Clip-on handlebars and rearset pegs would replace the flat handlebar and mid-set pegs of the MT, both ensuring a sporty riding triangle for improved cornering abilities. Another key change will be a new subframe to alter the overall geometry. We’ve already seen Yamaha do these with the R7 and MT-07.

The final (and arguably one of the most important) changes would be the design. It’d have full fairings (in line with the R7 and R1), topped by bespoke elements like a set of aerodynamic wings (according to the Japanese publication Young Machine). To jog your memory, the company has also trademarked the ‘YZF-R9’ name and logo in multiple countries.

There’s No Official Timeline For The Yamaha YZF-R9’s Debut

With Kervin’s latest statement, the YZF-R9 is certainly set to become a reality. The question then remains ‘when?’. We believe the R9 will break cover by the end of 2024–EICMA being the biggest possibility. This would give Yamaha enough time to test the R9 ahead of the 2025 racing season, fine-tune things, and put on a good show. Once out, the sport bike will go against a long list of rivals from all around the world. Some key names are given below.

Yamaha YZF-R9 Rivals

• Aprilia RS 660
• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R
• Honda CBR600RR
• Ducati Panigale V2
• Suzuki GSX-R750
• MV Agusta F3 800
• Upcoming KTM RC 990

All quotes sourced from Motorcycle News