2027 Yamaha YZF-R9 Goes on Sale in Japan

The middleweight supersport returns with an 890cc three-cylinder engine, dedicated aluminium chassis, advanced electronics and new colour options.

Subscribe to our Instagram channel for the latest info and news!

Yamaha has introduced the 2027 YZF-R9 in Japan, continuing its position as the middleweight supersport between the YZF-R7 and YZF-R1.

The latest R9 is now available through Yamaha Motorcycle Sports Plaza (YSP) dealers in Japan as a Yamaha Motorcycle Exclusive Model, with sales starting September 30. It is priced at 1.54 million yen, equivalent to approximately RM39,900. For 2027, the R9 is offered in Team Yamaha Blue, Raven, and Matte Phantom Blue with Fluo Red colour schemes.

At the heart of the R9 is Yamaha’s 890cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline three-cylinder engine, based on the CP3 engine platform also used by the MT-09 and Tracer 9. However, Yamaha has given the engine dedicated ECU calibration and gearing for its supersport application.

The engine features a 78.0mm bore, 62.1mm stroke and an 11.5:1 compression ratio, together with forged pistons, forged connecting rods, offset cylinders and direct-plated cylinder bores. Yamaha’s European specification lists 117hp at 10,000rpm and around 93Nm of torque at 7,000rpm.

Power is sent through a six-speed transmission and assist-and-slipper wet clutch. A third-generation bidirectional quickshifter allows clutchless upshifts and downshifts.

Unlike simply adding fairings to an MT-09, Yamaha developed a dedicated Deltabox-style gravity-cast aluminium frame for the R9. The manufacturer describes it as the lightest aluminium frame it has fitted to a supersport model. The motorcycle weighs around 195kg wet with a 1,420mm wheelbase, 22.6-degree rake and 93mm of trail. Ground clearance is 140mm.

Suspension comes from a 43mm KYB inverted front fork with preload, rebound and separate high- and low-speed compression adjustment. The rear KYB shock also provides preload, rebound and high- and low-speed compression adjustment.

Braking hardware consists of twin 320mm front discs with Brembo Stylema monobloc calipers and a radial master cylinder, while a 220mm disc is fitted at the rear. ABS comes standard. The R9 runs on Bridgestone Battlax Hypersport S22 tyres, measuring 120/70ZR17 at the front and 180/55ZR17 at the rear.

Yamaha has also equipped the R9 with an extensive electronic rider-aid package centred around a six-axis IMU. The system manages lean-sensitive traction control with nine intervention levels, three-level slide control, three-level wheelie control, lean-sensitive braking intervention, adjustable engine braking and rear-wheel back-slip regulation. Launch control, adjustable power delivery, configurable riding modes and cruise control are also included.

Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) allows riders to customize the motorcycle’s engine characteristics and electronic rider aids, while a dedicated Track mode is available for circuit riding.

The cockpit features a 5-inch full-colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity through Yamaha’s Y-Connect system. The Y-TRAC Rev application can also be used to analyse riding and circuit data.

Aerodynamics play a major role in the R9’s design, with Yamaha incorporating functional front winglets into the fairing. The manufacturer describes the R9 as its most aerodynamic production motorcycle to date.

Despite its track-focused design, Yamaha has kept the seat height at 830mm and designed the riding position to balance circuit performance with everyday road use. The relatively narrow seat and cockpit layout are also intended to make low-speed manoeuvring easier.

On the racing side, the YZF-R9 has become Yamaha’s main middleweight contender in the FIM Supersport World Championship (WorldSSP), following its debut and title-winning campaign. The model also competes in national and regional championships including the IDM Supersport in Germany.

For Malaysia, the Yamaha YZF-R9 is rumoured to make its debut towards the end of October, potentially around the Malaysian MotoGP weekend at Sepang International Circuit. Local pricing and availability have yet to be confirmed.