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Best Of · Yamaha

The Best Yamaha Motorcycles

Yamaha builds some of the most characterful engines in motorcycling, from the punchy CP3 triple to the rorty MT singles. Across naked, sport, and adventure, there's a Yamaha with genuine personality. These are the best.

  1. Yamaha · sport

    Yamaha YZF-R1

    8.7

    The crossplane CP4 still sings and new Brembo stoppers sharpen it, but a frozen 200 hp and track-only EU status leave it trailing fresher rivals.

    Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · Motorcycle.com

    Price
    $18,999
    Engine
    998cc
    Power
    200hp
    Seat
    855mm
  2. Yamaha · naked

    Yamaha MT-09

    8.6

    The 2024 overhaul turns the charismatic hooligan into a genuinely complete sub-litre naked: punchy CP3 triple, sharper chassis, full electronics.

    Consensus from Visordown · Bennetts · MCN

    Price
    $10,599
    Engine
    890cc
    Power
    119hp
    Seat
    825mm
  3. Yamaha · sport

    Yamaha YZF-R9

    8.6

    Yamaha wraps its beloved CP3 triple in a dedicated supersport chassis: 117 hp, Brembo Stylema brakes and a full six-axis IMU electronics suite make the R9 the most complete middleweight sportbike the brand has built, and a genuinely road-friendly R-series flagship.

    Consensus from MCN · Visordown · Cycle World

    Price
    $12,499
    Engine
    890cc
    Power
    117hp
    Seat
    830mm
  4. Yamaha · adventure

    Yamaha Ténéré 700

    8.5

    The benchmark middleweight ADV for genuine off-road ability, simplicity, and value; the tall seat and basic kit are the only price of admission.

    Consensus from RevZilla · Cycle World · Adventure Bike Rider

    Price
    $10,799
    Engine
    689cc
    Power
    72hp
    Seat
    875mm
  5. Yamaha · touring

    Yamaha Tracer 9 GT

    8.5

    A fast, characterful triple with semi-active suspension and standard luggage that delivers exceptional sport-touring value, only let down by a busy ride and modest wind protection.

    Consensus from 1000PS · MCN · Cycle World

    Price
    $13,499
    Engine
    890cc
    Power
    119hp
    Seat
    810mm
  6. Yamaha · naked

    Yamaha MT-07

    8.4

    A torquey CP2 twin in a light, friendly chassis whose 2024 fork and brake upgrades sharpen one of the most rewarding middleweight nakeds, though rivals now make more power.

    Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · MCN

    Price
    $8,499
    Engine
    689cc
    Power
    73hp
    Seat
    805mm
  7. Yamaha · modern classic

    Yamaha XSR900

    8.4

    A retro wrapper over a thoroughly modern sportbike: the charismatic CP3 triple, a sharp chassis and full IMU electronics make it the thinking rider’s neo-classic.

    Consensus from 1000PS · MCN · Cycle World

    Price
    $10,599
    Engine
    890cc
    Power
    117hp
    Seat
    810mm
  8. Yamaha · sport

    Yamaha R7

    8.0

    A brilliantly balanced, featherweight-handling middleweight supersport and a genuine value, let down only by a willing twin that wants more top end.

    Consensus from MCN · RevZilla · Cycle World

    Price
    $9,199
    Engine
    689cc
    Power
    73hp
    Seat
    835mm
  9. Yamaha · sport

    Yamaha YZF-R3

    8.0

    A refined, low-seat twin-cylinder entry sportbike that handles crisply on track and street, held back only by modest mid-range punch against single-cylinder rivals.

    Consensus from 1000PS · Cycle World · Motorcycle.com

    Price
    $5,499
    Engine
    321cc
    Power
    42hp
    Seat
    780mm
  10. Yamaha · sport

    Yamaha YZF-R125

    8.0

    A proper miniature supersport with R-series looks, variable valve timing and a quickshifter, the aspirational 125 for learners who want the full experience.

    Consensus from MCN · Bennetts · Visordown

    Price
    $5,499
    Engine
    125cc
    Power
    15hp
    Seat
    825mm

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