Yamaha R9 announced in Matte Phantom Blue and Fluorescent Red colour
Often overlooked when it comes to certain models, American riders have hit the jackpot with this colourful option of the Yamaha R9.
Yamaha Motor USA has announced its 2027 R9, and it includes a seriously tasty Matte Phantom Blue and Fluorescent Red colour scheme.
You may also like to read our road and track Yamaha R9 review.
Riders across the pond can sometimes be left waiting weeks and even months for models to arrive stateside after getting released in Europe. Or, as is the case with the Yamaha XSR900GP, they never arrive at all.
Well, American supersport riders must be counting their blessings in 2027, as riders Stateside get their hands on arguably the most colourful version of the R9 to date.
The Matte Phantom Blue and Fluo Red version of the R9 sits alongside the Icon Blue and Tech Black versions of the bike that we also get in the UK. To make way for the new colour, Yamaha USA has dropped the retro-looking Anniversary White option, which admittedly is a shame.
Aside from the paint, the US-spec R9 is basically the same as the one we get in Europe. It, of course, uses the same 890cc liquid-cooled CP3 engine, which makes slightly less power than the Euro bike – 117hp compared to 119hp in Europe. The chassis spec remains the same, with KYB fully adjustable suspension at both ends, Brembo Stylema brakes, and electronics derived from those found on the Yamaha R1M.
While the news of the R9 colour will be a breath of fresh air for US riders, many will still be rueing Honda’s decision not to take its award-winning CB1000 GT into the country. The sports-tourer has already picked up plaudits on this side of the Atlantic thanks to its blend of Fireblade-derived performance, long-distance comfort and sharp pricing, making it exactly the sort of bike American riders tend to lap up. For now, though, it remains another entry on the growing list of motorcycles that Europe gets to enjoy while the US watches from the sidelines.
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Simon (AKA Toad) has been working within the motorcycle industry for more than twelve years, and a member of the motorcyclist family since birth. Growing up around British-built single and twins, it was inevitable that a life on two wheels was on the cards, from a very early age!
