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.
Coming Soon
Introducing the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 adjustable rear ride height link arm. Adjustable length Yamaha R9 rear suspension link arm allowing a large range of rear ride height adjustment. This link arm will be for Yamaha’s own R9 (BKN), as well as MT09 and XSR900 models. High quality and machined to very fine tolerances, offering up to 20mm length adjustment, this can have up to a massive 6cm range adjustment in rear ride height on the MT09. More...
What It Took To Build The Yamaha R9
This machine was created using the latest generation 3 Yamaha MT-09 high-tech streetbike, with an updated, more rigid frame, more dynamic frame geometry, and a 6-axis IMU. When we saw the MT launch announcement, we immediately saw its potential as a sports bike, but didn't feel like waiting for Yamaha to build a sports bike based on this platform. Our team immediately ordered the brand-new MT-09, with the specific purpose of building our very own R9. Even before we received our MT-09, 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 right away.
The final result of the build is a machine that is lightweight, with mass shifted forward to create a GP stance, and the rider ergonomics of a race bike. However, 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. Our MT-09 was delivered in June 2021, and after a short running-in period, the team launched straight into the build. 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.
We are pleased to say that our R9 build had three years of track time, utilising the full 2022, 2023, and 2024 seasons to fine-tune the bike, before Yamaha even announced their own official Yamaha R9. 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.
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 performance rear shock link for the 2021-2023 Yamaha MT-09. This new link improves the Yamaha MT-09 handling by bringing it 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. For more information, or to buy your own, click the link below:
Yamaha R9 Build Specification
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
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).
Latest R9 Build Development
This was not initially an intended stage, but we will now be temporarily adding our Calima build front-end to our R9 build MT09. We thought it would be an excellent opportunity to test, and track develop the front-end for the Calima build while the rest of the Calima bike is still in the design stages. Eventually the original MT09 front-end with Maxton inserts will return to our R9 build after testing is complete.
New Front-End, Another Level
Perhaps excessive for our R9 build, but not to be left behind by Yamahas new R9, the new front-end takes our build to the next level! The front end comprises:
Ohlins Factory Racing forks with RVP-25 cartridges
Brembo Racing CNC monoblock calipers P4 34/38
OZ Racing forged magnesium front wheel (3.75 inch rim) with Brembo Racing brake discs
Adjustable Offset Triple Clamps
To mount this new front end to The MT09 required designing a whole new set of triple clamps. Cut from solid billet aluminium, the triple clamps offer a suitable balance of stiffness and flex for the MT09 frame. Adjustable in offset from the standard 25mm to 31mm, for and even shorter trail and sharper handling. This set of triple clamps will provide the template for our Calima build.
Yamaha R9 Adjustable Rear Shock Link Arm
The Ohlins forks being shorter than the MT09 forks, now means that our MT09 Performance Shock Link, developed for the MT09 front-end, is not optomised for the Ohlins front end. To keep a full range of adjustment for front ride height, we are now developing a height adjustable rear shock link arm. Conveniently there is minimal difference between the link arm length on the MT09 and the new Yamaha R9, so we're including a large range of adjustment that will allow a good rear ride height adjustment on Yamaha’s R9 (BKN) too. We intend to make this link arm available for Yamaha’s R9, MT09, and XSR900.
BUILD PARTNERS
