The YZF-R7 made a strong debut in the middle class as a supersport machine that can be enjoyed on the street without any fuss but can also work up a good sweat on the race circuit. The fact that the MT-07 engine was used may have led many to expect a three-cylinder version based on the MT-09.
Original Source: December 2022 issue of Motorcycle Monthly (November 1)
CG: Shinji Miyakubo
The truth behind the appearance of the YZF-R9
The YZF-R7 was just released in Japan in 2022, and now we catch a rumor that a new YZF-R9 will join it!
As you might have guessed from the name, it will be a full-cowl sport version of the MT-09.
The YZF-R7 strengthens the MT-07's suspension with an inverted fork. In addition, the YZF-R7 has a sporty riding position with separate handlebars. By adopting a sporty riding position, the YZF-R7 was a supersport version of the MT-07 without changing its fundamentals. Although this was a completely different approach, it was well received, and Yamaha will probably practice the same approach for the R9.
And in the future, the YZF-R9 will likely be positioned as the top-of-the-line SS series for street riding. Since the R1 is not likely to evolve beyond the current model, the R9 will play a significant role. Next year will mark the 25th anniversary of the YZF-R series. It will be a new beginning.
YAMAHA YZF-R9. The image is a CG created by the editorial department.
Estimated arrival date: Fall 2023
YAMAHA YZF-R9. SS conversion based on MT-07's parallel 2-cylinder and steel frame. Completely different in concept from the former YZF
-The R7 was completely different in concept from the R7, and its price of 999,900 yen also attracted attention.
Development of three completely different vehicles with shared platforms
With the 2022 YZF-R7, Yamaha's platform strategy has reached completion. When Yamaha released the MT series in 2014, the company announced that it would launch a variety of models starting with this one.
The second model was the XSR700, a reimagined MT-07 into a neo-classic custom, launched in Europe in 2015. This was followed by the Ténéré 700 in 2022, and with the YZF-R7, we can say that the basic series is now complete.
Yamaha is pursuing a strategy of horizontal collaboration to offer three models on the same platform: naked sport, neo-classic, and supersport, and is actually promoting this in the 125cc and 150cc classes overseas.
Finally, in 2024, the MT-09-based YZF-R9 will be released. Development appears to be underway, and tests are being conducted on an actual vehicle. Its appearance seems to follow the image of the R series, with a bifunctional headlight installed inside an M-shaped duct like that of the YZF-R7.
Also, the parallel 3-cylinder engine mounted on the MT-09 will be able to cover the territory of the discontinued YZF-R6, as it delivers 120 PS.
YAMAHA YZF-R9. The image is a CG created by the editorial department.
Estimated arrival date: Fall 2023
YAMAHA 2021 MT-09 Japan Specifications. Fully remodeled for 2021, the MT-09 features an enlarged parallel 3-cylinder engine from 845㏄ to 888㏄ and a new chassis.
Price: (approx.) 7935 USD
YAMAHA 2022 XSR900 Japan Specifications. Based on the new MT-09, the XSR900 will undergo a full model change in 2022. The specs are the same as the MT-09, and even though it is neo-classic in style, it offers high performance inside.
Price: (approx.) 8725 USD
More powerful than Moto2's 3-cylinder 765cc
The roots of the Yamaha 3-cylinder go back to the XS750 of 1976.
This was revived in 2014 with the MT-09, and the XSR900, which took on the XS of yesteryear, was launched in 2016.
The YZF-R9 will be the largest 3-cylinder full-cowl sport with 888cc, and will it be more powerful than its rival Triumph?
The MT-09 series features a parallel three-cylinder engine, which was expanded to 888 cc displacement in 2021 as well as Euro 5 compliance. It boasts state-of-the-art equipment, including an electronically controlled throttle.
Triumph has also been using three-cylinder engines since the 1960s. The company currently supplies a 765cc Moto2 engine and is selling a limited number of Daytona 765s with the same type of engine in 2020.
If it's based on the new MT-09SP, it's a good fighter.
The MT-09, which is believed to be the base of the YZF-R9, has undergone a full model change for 2021 with a significant performance upgrade. The chassis is 2.3 kg lighter than the previous model in the frame and swingarm, and 700 g lighter in the front and rear wheels. In addition, a compact IMU developed in-house is used, and more advanced electronic controls such as traction control and slide control that also reflect the bank angle are introduced. The R9 will also take advantage of these features.
The front KYB suspension used by the MT-09SP is fully adjustable plus the pressure side is adjustable for high and low speeds. In addition, the rear suspension is made by Ohlins.
The aluminum frame of the new MT-09 is thinner.
The wheels are manufactured using a new manufacturing process to ensure strength comparable to forging.
The in-house IMU has been downsized by 50%.
