Yamaha’s legendary R6, which dominated the WorldSSP category for more than 25 years with ten riders’ titles, ten manufacturers’ titles and 147 race victories, will pass the baton to the new R9.
With its three-cylinder 890 cc engine, the R9 was officially presented at the final round of the 2024 FIM WorldSBK championship in Jerez, where riders Stefano Manzi and James Whitham showed the public the production model and the racing version. This change marks a new chapter for Yamaha in the Supersport arena.
The Yamaha R9 and its strategic development to compete in WorldSSP
Although the R9 was recently announced, its development has been underway for some time. Yamaha Motor Europe engineers have worked in secret to perfect this motorcycle, with testing and adjustments beginning after receiving the first prototype in April 2024. Led by Riccardo Tisci, Yamaha Motor Europe Racing Technical Manager, the team has carried out numerous tests to adjust each component according to WorldSSP regulations.
Tisci explained that one of the first steps was to put the driver Stefano Manzi to the test in the R9 in direct comparison with the R6 in its WorldSSP version, achieving a first evaluation of the strengths and aspects to improve of the R9. Following this initial testing, the team worked on developing the competition kit, focusing on the suspension, radiator, triple calipers and engine, along with body modifications to maximize performance.
To optimize the process, Yamaha has used advanced technological methods, including computer simulations, something new in the development of its racing motorcycles. Thanks to its collaboration with Yamaha Motor Corporation (YMC), the European team was provided with CAD models of the R9, allowing them to perform rigidity and stress simulations for the chassis, and engine performance simulations.
The accuracy of these simulations, compared to bench test results, allowed Yamaha to quickly advance the development of the bike. “The results were surprising, especially regarding the engine, so we plan to use this technique more frequently in the future, including in the development of the R1 for WorldSBK.” Tisci commented.
With the support of test rider Niccolò Canepa, the R9 has continued its evolution throughout 2024. The next big step will be in November, when the official Yamaha riders for the 2025 season will carry out additional tests at the Cremona circuit, Italy . Yamaha will have three teams and six drivers in the Supersport category in 2025, with which it will fine-tune the details of the R9 before the start of the season.
“We may need to make adjustments based on feedback from official drivers, but we are pleased with the progress so far. This first test will be key to define the last modifications before the season”explained Tisci.
The R9 will make its debut in the 2025 WorldSSP season and from there, Yamaha engineers will continue to develop and refine its performance. Additionally, Yamaha plans to launch a competition kit for national championships in 2026, allowing more riders around the world to compete on this next-generation machine.
