I'm an old fart and remember Wayne Rainey riding the equivalent 500cc GP bike back in the 90's. This is what screams buy me from my nostalgic dreams. Why they didn't think this wouldn't be a good business decision I don't know. You have to buy the optional race pack which includes the belly pan fairing and performance exhaust. I mean, look at it! We all know it's subliminaly Marlboro cigarettes, but it's just iconic. I hope Honda and Suzuki are paying attention. Don't just release a retro racer, produce a "retro racing Team" colour scheme we all remember.
Bring it to the US and you’ll see it everywhere, tuned more for torque than high rev and it will mope the flor with the *R and all those triumph and Rnine T’w
Asked Yamaha this on the launch... and whilst they definitely didn't confirm it outright, there is no doubt in my mind that the R9 will be on the way. I'd bet it will be revealed at EICMA this year.
I've test ridden the 1rst gen MT09. The engine is the highlight, because it is the definition of motorcycle. It's got everything for a realistic ride with a smile in every ride.... There is nothing to even come close. But it's small... for me, 1.90m. The next best thing is MT10.