-New supersport with R-series design
-Powered by an 890cc, crossplane inline triple
-Has the lightest aluminium frame of any Yamaha supersport
Yamaha has taken the wraps off the all-new YZF-R9. The new supersport motorcycle bears a fresh, R-series design, a powerful engine and a long list of features and electronics. It sits below the hallowed Yamaha YZF-R1 and above the YZF-R7 in Yamaha’s big bike lineup.
Starting with the design, the YZF-R9 looks like a part of the Yamaha R-series bike range and still manages to cut a distinct figure. The front fairing is sharp, especially, with the integrated winglets. These add to the aesthetic appeal and serve a functional purpose by generating downforce.
An LED projector headlight sits in the middle, flanked by LED DRLs. In all, the face looks attractive and aggressive. The side fairing looks equally sharp and so does the tail section. In all, the Yamaha YZF-R9 is a good-looking bike. The company offers the bike in three colour options: Team Yamaha Blue, Intensity White/Redline, and Matte Raven Black.
Under the bodywork, the YZF-R9 employs a Deltabox, gravity-cast aluminium frame. Yamaha adds that this is the lightest frame on any Yamaha supersport ever. It is suspended by a new, fully adjustable KYB fork and a monoshock. The bike rides on 17-inch alloy wheels that are shod with Battlax Hypersport S22F tyres.
Braking duties are taken care of by 320mm disc brakes at the front with Brembo Stylema calipers and a 220mm disc brake at the rear. Yamaha claims that the YZF-R9 offers nearly 50-50 weight distribution.
Powering the bike is an 890cc, crossplane, inline-triple engine that makes 117bhp. This is the same engine that you see in the Yamaha MT-09 and is known for its performance and character. Not to mention the sound it makes. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox.
Yamaha has also equipped the bike with a lot of electronics. The IMU-based system features traction control, wheelie control, cornering ABS, ride modes and more. Settings for the same can be accessed using the controls on the switchgear to access the menus on the TFT.
The Yamaha YZF-R9 is on sale in International markets and priced at $12499 or Rs 10.5 lakh. While there is no word about an India launch yet, should that happen expect the Yamaha YZF-R9 to cost significantly more after adding local duties and taxes.
