New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (2024)

Published: 29 December 2022Updated: 01 February 2024

  • New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (1)
  • New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (2)

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Fresh rumours of a three-cylinder Yamaha R9 middleweight sportsbike have emerged from Japan, with sources indicating the bike is set to arrive in the line-up for 2024.

  • Latest news: Yamaha R9 all but confirmed by World Supersport team boss

Since the death of the rev-happy 600 supersport class in Europe at the advent of Euro5 emissions regs, performance bike fans have been begging Yamaha to extract the popular 117bhp, 888cc motor from the MT-09 naked and insert it in a fully faired road and trackday tool.

Bridging the gap between the parallel-twin, A2 restrictable R7 and the full-fat 998cc R1 superbike, the R9 would likely offer a more usable package on the road than the old rev-hungry four-cylinder R6 – taking advantage of the MT’s meaty midrange and low-end punch.

Now it looks like those prayers could be answered, with these fresh computer renders giving us a glimpse of what the finished machine might look like.

Barring the winglets (which would likely be overkill on a bike of this capacity) the full fairing mimics the look of the rest of Yamaha’s sports line-up, with the red and white livery paying tribute to the original 1998 R1.

New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (3)

If our contacts are correct, an official release in 2024 would coincide with the R1’s 25th anniversary, so it stands to reason that a livery of this kind would be on the cards for the new Yamaha.

We first got a whiff of a model like this back in the first week of August 2021, when Yamaha filed applications for the name ‘R9’ in the European Union, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as the ‘YZF-R9’ tag in the Philippines.

What’s more, the Japanese firm’s own range provides further evidence that it will appear, with the faired R125, R3, R7, and R1 all having a naked MT counterpart sharing the same engine platform. The missing piece of the puzzle is the MT-09, leaving the ideal gap.

To keep R&D costs down, the CBT-friendly 125s also share the same frame, and the MT-03 and R3 get the same chassis and geometry. It’s a similar story with the new R7 too, which borrows the MT-07’s diamond structure, with the MT-10 using the R1’s frame.

It stands to reason then that an R9 would do the same, with these design sketches showing the aluminium beam frame and swingarm as the MT. You’re also likely to see the same suspension and braking components from the £11,300 MT-09 SP model – with the springs tweaked for a raised rear end and quicker steering.

Also likely to be carried over from the MT-09 is the same full colour TFT dash that arrived in 2021, plus the lean-sensitive electronics courtesy of a six-axis IMU. MCN approached Yamaha about the model but they were not prepared to comment.

Incoming: Yamaha ‘R9’ sportsbike based on MT-09 looks certain

First published August 19, 2021 by Ben Purvis

New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (4)

The once-dominant four-cylinder 600cc supersports class has now disappeared and in its wake there’s a vacuum for lightweight sportsbikes. Enter the Yamaha R9, an MT-09-based model that’s almost certain to join the range in 2022, bridging the gap between this year’s new R7 and the range-topping R1.

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Rumoured earlier this year, the R9’s existence has now been effectively confirmed by new trademark applications. In a three-day period during the first week of August, Yamaha filed applications for the name ‘R9’ in the European Union, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, as well as gunning for the name ‘YZF-R9’ in the Philippines.

It isn’t hard to see how such a model could be created from existing parts to minimise R&D and keep the price down. Yamaha’s MT-09 – completely refreshed for 2021 with a new engine and die-cast alloy beam frame – is the perfect basis for a faired sports model.

And with a six-axis IMU as standard, three-mode TC, slide control and wheelie mitigation, the MT-09 already offers near superbike levels of rider assists. The Öhlins-suspended MT-09 SPwould be ideal, requiring little more than some dropped bars, rearset pegs and a fairing for a convincing transformation.

New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (5)

Will Yamaha follow such a straightforward route? Evidence suggests that’s precisely the way the R9 will be developed. The pattern was set by the learner-legal duo of the MT-125 and YZF-R125, which share the same 124cc single in an identical frame, with just tweaked suspension to raise the R-model’s tail and give sharper steering geometry.

Stepping up a notch we get the MT-03 and R3, sharing the same engine, frame and geometry. It’s a similar story with the new R7, borrowing the MT-07’s 72bhp twin and diamond frame and at the top of the range, the MT-10 uses the R1’s frame and engine.

It means that on the ‘R’ side of the equation, there’s currently a yawning performance chasm between the R7, with 73.4bhp, and the R1 with 200bhp. In the past the R6, with 117hp and 190kg, filled that gap.

The MT-09 makes a whisker over 117hp and weighs 189kg fully fuelled. With its new die-cast beam frame and around 50% more torque it appears tailor-made as the basis for an R9 that will be not just a successor to the R6, but a real step forward.

Even on price, there’s every reason to believe the R9 will be an improvement. The R6 Race currently costs £12,099, putting it around halfway between the R7’s expected tag and the £17,402 for an R1. However, the MT-09 is just £9002 in base form and £10,202 as the SP, with improved suspension.

New Yamaha R9 on the way? MT-09 powered fully faired triple set for 2024 reveal (2024)

FAQs

What is the update for the MT-09 2024? ›

New for 2024, higher spring rates and updated damping characteristics are tuned to accommodate a wider range of speeds and to match new standard fitment Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S23 tires. The riding position was designed to accommodate riders of varying physiques.

How much will a Yamaha R9 cost? ›

According to us, a strong price would be between $11,000 and $11,500. At this price, the R9 would be roughly $1,000 clear of the MT-09 and $2,000 clear of the YZF-R7. But it'll still be well below the $18,399 YZF-R1. For further reference, the 2021 YZF-R6 used to sell for $12,199.

How much HP will the R9 have? ›

Next, the R9 will use the same CP3 inline-triple engine with a crossplane crankshaft. This powerful engine produces 117 horsepower on the MT-09, slotting the R9 between the R7 and the R1.

How much horsepower does a 2024 MT-09 have? ›

2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Engine & Performance

The SP's motor is identical to the 2024 MT-09, which means the EU5+ compliant CP3 890cc 120° three-cylinder engine is mechanically unchanged for 2024 with identical performance figures: 117.3hp (119PS, 87.5kW) at 10,000rpm and 68.6 lb-ft of torque (93Nm) at 7000rpm.

What is the price of MT-09 2024? ›

Yamaha has changed the spring rate and damping for 2024. The SP model, meanwhile benefits from an Ohlins suspension unit at both ends. The Yamaha MT-09 is expected to be priced around Rs 13 lakh, ex-showroom mark if Yamaha decides to launch the bike in India.

Will the R9 have cruise control? ›

Cruise control is standard for 2024, which is a nice crossover from the CP3-powered touring lineup, along with Back Slip Regulator. There's a new USB-C plug-in underneath the seat as well.”

How many cylinders is a Yamaha R9? ›

A Yamaha R9 would be the most extreme example of taking advantage of the new regulations, as it features a cross-plane 890cc three-cylinder engine that can compete with conventional 765cc three-cylinders, four-cylinder 600s, an 798cc F3 800 three-cylinder, and the 955cc Panigale twin.

Is Yamaha coming out with an electric motorcycle? ›

Last month we revealed that Yamaha is developing an electric motocross bike using lessons learned from its TY-E battery-powered trials bike project. Now, additional patents have been published showing further details of the machine and suggesting it's getting close to completion.

What CC is the Yamaha R9? ›

Rumors of a new Yamaha R9 have been percolating for a while, but there's been no official word from the Japanese marque… yet. The theory is that Yamaha is planning to transplant the magnificent 889 cc tripe-cylinder engine from the popular MT-09 into a sportbike—as they did with the YZF-R7.

Which is the most expensive Yamaha? ›

Yamaha bikes price in India starts at Rs 79,150 for Yamaha Fascino 125 Fi Hybrid, which is the cheapest model. The most expensive Yamaha two wheeler is Yamaha R3 priced at Rs 4.65 Lakh. The most popular models for Yamaha includes 9.

How fast is the Yamaha R9? ›

Without this "HP boost", the top speed of an R9 would be the same as that of the MT-09 -- right around 145mph. In other words, it would still be slower than an R6. Yamaha ain't doing that again. They've been smacked around enough for not having a true R6 replacement.

What was R9 top speed? ›

Ronaldo's top speed is around 40 km/h, making him one of the fastest athletes in the world.

What is the top speed of a Yamaha R7? ›

The Yamaha R7 reaches a top speed of 139 miles per hour.

When was the MT-09 updated? ›

The MT-09 was visually enhanced at the start of the 2021 model year, but it wasn't exactly what you'd call warmly received. The Cyclops-like front end was a drastic update to the model compared to the more friendly-looking twin headlight styling found on the 2020 model, and the general consensus wasn't positive.

What colors are the 2024 Yamaha MT09? ›

The new 2024 Yamaha MT-09 will be available in either Team Yamaha Blue, Midnight Cyan, or Matte Raven Black, and will be arriving to dealers in March 2024. MSRP is $10,599.

How fast can the MT-09 go in first gear? ›

Yamaha MT-09 in-gear thrust
Speed at 5000 rpmMT-09MT-07
1st Gear29.3 mph25 mph
2nd Gear39 mph33.6 mph
3rd Gear48.2 mph43.7 mph
4th Gear56.5 mph54.8 mph
2 more rows
Oct 5, 2023

What is the full tank range of the MT-09? ›

The Yamaha MT-09 has a fuel capacity of 3.7 gallons (14 liters) and a estimated range of up to 150 miles (241 km) on a single tank of gas. This makes the bike suitable for both short and long-distance riding, and provides riders with the freedom to explore new destinations without worrying about running out of fuel.

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