2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Review: How a Supersport Made This 50+ Rider Feel 30 Again

Let me be upfront about something, at my age, supersports aren't exactly my cup of tea. Give me a comfortable touring bike or a characterful naked any day over cramped ergonomics and aggressive riding positions. So when the opportunity came up to ride the new 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9, I'll admit I approached it with some trepidation. After all, what's a 50-something road rider going to make of Yamaha's latest track-focused missile?

Well, here's the thing, sometimes a motorcycle comes along that completely changes your perspective. The R9 didn't just surprise me; it transported me back to my younger days when the world was full of possibilities and every ride was an adventure waiting to happen.

First Impressions: Intimidation Meets Intrigue

Standing next to the YZF-R9 for the first time, I felt that familiar mix of admiration and apprehension that comes with proper supersports. The aggressive styling with its signature razor-sharp lines screams "track day weapon." Those MotoGP-inspired winglets and angular LED lighting aren't exactly subtle about the bike's intentions.

At $23,299 ride-away, it's not pocket change either. But as I've learned over the years, sometimes the bikes that challenge us the most are the ones that reward us the greatest.

The Ergonomic Reality Check

Let's address the elephant in the room. Comfort. Or rather, the traditional lack of comfort on supersports. I was prepared for the usual litany of complaints: cramped riding position, pressure on the wrists, aching back after 20 minutes. And yes, the R9 is undeniably a supersport with all that entails.

But here's where Yamaha's engineers deserve credit. While you're definitely leaning forward into the wind, the reach to the clip-ons isn't punishing. There's reasonable leg room, and the seat height remains accessible. It's still a supersport riding position, but it's a civilised one. I found I could actually ride it for extended periods without feeling like I'd been through a yoga class designed by sadists.

The inclusion of cruise control, blessed cruise control, was a revelation. At my age, anything that takes pressure off the throttle hand during longer stretches is worth its weight in gold. It's these thoughtful touches that show Yamaha understands their audience extends beyond 25-year-old track day heroes.

The Heart That Changes Everything: CP3 Magic

Here's where the R9 completely won me over. That 890cc CP3 triple-cylinder engine isn't just good, it’s transformative. This isn't some peaky, high-strung motor that demands constant gear changes and perfect technique. Instead, it's a beautifully tractable powerplant that delivers usable torque from virtually anywhere in the rev range.

Pulling away from traffic lights, there's no need to slip the clutch and rev the engine like you're starting a chainsaw. The CP3 just pulls cleanly and smoothly, with enough low-end grunt to make city riding genuinely pleasant. But when you do decide to open it up, and trust me, you will, the surge of acceleration is intoxicating.

The sound alone is worth the price of admission. That distinctive triple-cylinder note, enhanced by Yamaha's carefully tuned airbox, creates an aural symphony that makes every acceleration feel like an event. It's the kind of sound that makes you take the long way home, just for the excuse to hear it again.

Handling That Defies Expectations

I'll be honest, I expected the R9 to be a handful. Modern supersports can be intimidating beasts that demand respect and skill in equal measure. What I found instead was a bike that seemed determined to make me look like a better rider than I actually am.

The chassis balance is simply exceptional. That nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution isn't just a number on a spec sheet, you feel it immediately. The bike turns in with minimal effort, holds its line through corners with confidence-inspiring stability, and never feels like it's going to do anything unexpected.

The fully adjustable KYB suspension deserves special mention. It's compliant enough to soak up the imperfections of real-world roads without beating you up, yet firm enough to provide excellent feedback when you're pushing harder than you probably should be. It's a setup that works whether you're commuting through suburban streets or exploring your favourite country road.

Technology That Actually Helps

The R9's comprehensive electronics suite initially seemed like overkill for someone like me. Nine-mode traction control? Slide control systems? Lift control? Surely this is all track day nonsense for road riders?

Wrong again. What impressed me most was how seamlessly these systems work in the background. They're not intrusive or obvious, they simply provide a safety net that allows you to ride with more confidence. The six-axis IMU constantly monitors what's happening and makes subtle adjustments that keep everything smooth and predictable.

The five-inch TFT display is a thing of beauty, offering multiple themes and displaying information clearly without being overwhelming. The smartphone connectivity through Yamaha's Y-Connect app means you can receive calls and messages without fumbling for your phone, though at my age, fewer interruptions during rides is often preferable, so I’ll be honest I didn’t bother even trying to connect my phone.

The Brembo Difference

Those premium Brembo Stylema calipers paired with 320mm discs provide stopping power that's both impressive and reassuring. The feel is progressive and predictable, no sudden grab or uncertainty about what's going to happen when you squeeze the lever. For a road rider who values control over outright performance, this kind of braking confidence is invaluable.

Where the Magic Happens: The Riding Experience

Here's the thing about the R9 that caught me completely off guard, it made me remember why I fell in love with motorcycling in the first place. There's something about the combination of that glorious engine note, the precise handling, and the sheer capability of the machine that awakens something dormant in your riding soul.

On familiar roads that I've ridden hundreds of times on various bikes, the R9 made everything feel fresh and exciting again. Corners that I usually take at a steady, sensible pace suddenly became opportunities to explore the bike's capabilities. The confidence it inspires is remarkable, it makes you want to ride better, to push a little harder, to rediscover the joy of motorcycling.

Real-World Practicality

Despite its supersport credentials, the R9 proved surprisingly practical for real-world riding. The 14-liter fuel tank provides decent range, and the broad power delivery means you're not constantly working the gearbox in traffic. The riding position, while sporty, doesn't leave you completely crippled after a day's riding.

The quick shifter deserves special mention, it’s buttery smooth and makes gear changes feel effortless.

Value and Competition

At $23,299, the R9 isn't cheap, but it's competitively positioned against other premium supersports. When you consider the comprehensive electronics package, premium Brembo brakes, quality KYB suspension, and Yamaha's reputation for reliability, the value proposition becomes clearer.

For riders considering alternatives, the Ducati Panigale V2 sits in similar territory price-wise. Now, here's where I need to be completely honest. While I genuinely enjoyed my time with the R9 and it did make me feel decades younger, there's another bike in Yamaha's stable that keeps calling to me, the XSR 900 GP.

At $21,590 ride-away, it's nearly $2,000 less than the R9, and it shares that magnificent CP3 engine that I fell in love with. But more importantly for a rider like me, it offers a much more comfortable, upright riding position that doesn't require the flexibility of a yoga instructor or the pain tolerance of a masochist.

The XSR 900 GP gives you 90% of the R9's engine character and performance in a package that's infinitely more suited to long rides, daily commuting, and the kind of relaxed touring that defines most of my riding these days. It's got that retro-modern styling that speaks to riders of my generation, and let's be honest, it’s probably the more sensible choice.

The R9 made me feel young again, but the XSR 900 GP would let me feel comfortable while still enjoying that incredible CP3 experience. Sometimes wisdom comes with age, and wisdom says that while the heart wants the supersport, the back and wrists would prefer the retro.

The Unexpected Revelation

I went into this test expecting to appreciate the R9's technical merits while ultimately concluding it wasn't for me. Instead, I found myself genuinely smitten with the thing. It reminded me that sometimes the bikes we think we don't want are exactly the ones we need – even if they're not necessarily the ones we should buy.

The R9 isn't trying to be the most extreme or hardcore supersport on the market. Instead, it's focused on being engaging, accessible, and genuinely enjoyable to ride. It's a bike that respects your experience while challenging you to rediscover your passion for riding.

A Supersport for the Rest of Us (Even If We Choose Differently)

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 has achieved something remarkable, it's created a supersport that doesn't alienate riders like me. It offers genuine performance and excitement without the punishing compromises that typically come with the territory.

For mature riders who thought their supersport days were behind them, the R9 offers a compelling argument to think again. It's not about trying to recapture your youth, it’s about discovering that the passion for pure, engaging motorcycling never really leaves you.

Would I buy one? That's the question my partner is probably hoping I don't answer honestly. The R9 made me feel 30 again and reminded me why I love motorcycling, but if I'm being practical about it, the XSR 900 GP would probably be the wiser choice for my riding style and needs. Sometimes the bike that excites you most isn't the same as the bike you should actually own.

But the fact that I'm even considering a supersport at my age tells you everything you need to know about what Yamaha has achieved with the R9. It's a bike that can make any rider dream, even if reality suggests a different path.

It made this 50-something rider feel 30 again, and that's worth more than any specification sheet can convey.

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