Yamaha R9 Build
MACHINE: Yamaha MT-09 2021
OBJECTIVE: Create Yamaha YZF-R9 Concept
A track-training motorcycle that rides like a Grand Prix bike, with the low-maintenance force of an MT-09 engine. Build Codename: MTZ, a new synergy of Yamaha MT and TZ design. This bike has now had 3 years development and fine-tuning ahead of the Yamaha R9 announced in October 2024.
Out Now
We have been developing and track testing a performance rear shock link for the 2021-2023 Yamaha MT-09. This new link is to bring the Yamaha MT-09 closer to GP bike chassis geometry, and a less progressive spring action. We have developed this link for track only use, for those who wish to sharpen their MT-09 on track.
Yamaha R9 Build Specification
Modified to fit, Kalex Moto2 (2014/15) bodywork
Custom made aluminium fuel tank to fit bodywork and change weight balance
Custom CAD designed and machined rear shock rocker link
Custom made aluminium rear subframe with tray for IMU
Custom made front subframe and dashboard
Kalex Moto2 2014 rear mudguard
TZ250 Front Mudguard
Custom CAD designed and machined rearsets and gear lever
Battle Factory rear brake lever and footpegs
Gillies GP Light handlebars
RBW quick action throttle, custom made for build by Jetprime
TZ250 Bar Grips
Maxton GP10 Rear Shock custom made for build, and Maxton SD20 front fork cartridges
Full Arrow race exhaust
BMC racing air filter
NRBIKE Tuned ECU
FTECU ABS delete
Goodridge build-a-line braided brake lines and EBC GPFAX brake pads
Custom made adjustable steering lock stops
GB Racing engine covers
Matris steering damper
TZ250 Engine kill switch
NGK Racing spark plugs
Relocated lightweight Aliant YLP09X lithium battery, and relocated wiring harness
Captive wheel spacers
Starlane stealth GPS laptimer
Custom paint and vinyl graphics
Our latest development: Custom CAD designed and machined rear shock rocker link.
This R9 is much more than just an MT-09 with sports fairings! Its geometry is now very similiar to the iconic Yamaha YZF-R7 (the OW-02 one).
Finished Yamaha R9 Specification:
Weight: 167 kg (75% Full Fuel Tank)
Power: 120 hp
Rake: 22.3 Degrees
Trail: 97.9 mm
Wheelbase: 1421 mm
What It Took To Build The Yamaha R9
This machine was created using the latest generation Yamaha MT-09 high-tech streetbike with an updated, more rigid frame, and increased dynamic frame geometry and 6-axis IMU. We immediately saw its potential as a sports bike, but didn't feel like waiting for Yamaha to build one. Pre-first general delivery, our team ordered the brand new MT-09, with the specific purpose of building our very own R9. We began by designing parts, initially from pre-launch images of the forthcoming Yamaha MT-09 Gen 3, starting with CAD design of the rearsets, which we knew would not be available from any other maker. The result is a machine that is lightweight, with mass shifted forward to create a GP stance, and the rider ergonomics of a race bike. To do this, it was essential to completely replace the fuel tank, which necessitated a new GP-style tank, inspired by Moto2, created directly via the drawing board, through foam prototype, to its final welded aluminium construction. The MT-09 was delivered in June 2021, and after a short running-in period, the team launched straight into the build. We are pleased to say that our fully developed R9 build now has had over two years of track time, utilising the full 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons to fine-tune the bike. During testing we found that to achieve sportier geometry by lowering the front end, the centre of gravity was also lowered to a degree that it slowed direction changes. So we set about developing a rear suspension rocker link that would achieve GP style geometry whilst also raising the centre of gravity and speeding up steering and direction changes, among other benefits listed below.
We began building the fuel cell, rear subframe, front subframe, rearsets and gear lever, as there were few suitable after-market parts. Our partners in this build were Maxton for suspension, and Jetprime Italy, who created a quick-action throttle especially for this unique machine. The result is a track bike of c.120BHP, 97Nm, and with a wet-weight of 167kg, fuelled up and ready for a track session. This R9 build boasts a very high wet torque-to-weight ratio 0.58Nm per kilogram (compared to 0.56 of the 2024 yamaha R1), but critically with a raised RPM limit for track use. Of course, this isn't an exhaustive list.
BUILD PARTNERS
