Yamaha is almost certainly preparing to unveil the new YZF-R9. That is what can be assumed after a new trademark application for the YZF-R9 logo and branding style was filed. A photo of the Yamaha YZF-R9 logo, which depicts the typical Yamaha ‘R’ series bike logo style and font, is making the rounds on the internet. Yamaha had previously registered the YZF-R9 name as a trademark in several countries, including India.
If Yamaha does reveal the YZF-R9 soon, we expect it to be a fully-faired version of the MT-09. This means that the MT-09’s 890cc, three-cylinder liquid-cooled engine could power the YZF-R9. This engine produces 119 hp and 93 Nm on the street and may be in the same state of tune as the YZF-R9.
The supersport will also serve as a track bike. We can expect Yamaha to outfit it with mechanicals from the MT-09 SP variant, such as adjustable suspension and braking. The YZF-R9 is also expected to have an IMU-based electronics suite.
It’ll be interesting to see what Yamaha comes up with in terms of styling. The design languages of the YZF-R1, YZF-R3, YZF-R7, and even the YZF-R15 are largely similar, and the YZF-R9 may follow suit. Some of the body panels may have slightly different shapes or the headlights may be positioned differently. Overall, the YZF-R9 would fill the void between the YZF-R7 and the flagship, 200hp YZF-R1 superbike.
