It’s a case of evolution rather than revolution with Yamaha’s 2025 new model range, with a host of updated models based around the well proven CP2 and CP3 platforms, as well as some improvements to their most popular scooters.
We’ve already told you about the headline R9, the company’s new flagship sportsbike. It’s an important bike, which is built around the three-cylinder CP3 platform used by the MT-09 sportster. It’s a bike Yamaha will race in the Supersport World Championship, a competition the company holds dear to it’s revved up heart, and one in which the outgoing R6 has dominated over the years. With the R1 now only available as a track bike, the R9 is the raciest Yam you can buy for the road. You can read all about it here.
Also utilising the 119bhp 890cc triple motor is the Tracer 9. The sports tourer now comes in three flavours, five if you count the automatic Y-AMT versions, with a trio of different spec levels. The base model is already pretty well equipped and can also come with Yamaha’s Y-AMT Automated Manual Transmission.
The GT version is also available with manual or auto transmission and adds more spec, including KTB electronic suspension, cornering headlights and an electrically adjustable windscreen. Additionally, the GT+, which only comes with the auto clutch, has some real cutting edge technology, including the debut of adaptive headlights, which use a camera to detect surroundings and sensors to detect lean angle.
Taking this information, the clever technology creates and continually adjusts a light beam which offers maximum visibility at all time. Other spec beyond that you’d expect to see on a middleweight include adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and a unified brake assist system which dynamically adjusts brake balance. You also get hill hold with the GT+ and a host of other neat features like central locking keyless ignition and heated handlebar grips. All Tracer 9s get a revised chassis, which is said to be more agile, new bodywork and revised ergonomics which are claimed to offer improved comfort for both rider and pillion.
The Y-AMT technology also finds its way onto the venerable 690cc CP2 twin-cylinder engine, more specifically in a decently revised version of the MT-07. The middleweight roadster has been a class leader for a decade now and the new version is Yamaha’s response to some excellent competition from the likes of the Honda Hornet 750 and Suzuki GSX-8S. It also gets Yamaha’s ride-by-wire electronic throttle, which means it benefits from riding modes for the first time. Y-AMT should really make sense on this model aimed at newer riders, while new styling, better suspension and improved brakes should all add up to an update which is better than the sum of the modifications made.
Also getting a hefty update is the Tenere 700 which, like the MT-07, runs the CP2 engine. There’s no auto option on the adventure bike, which has always been pitched as the most off-road focussed option in the category. It too gets the electronic throttle with ride modes, as well as the usual styling, ergonomic and small spec changes. They’ve rationalised the range a little, with the standard version joined by the taller and tougher Rally model. There’s also a factory lowered version of the standard machine, with 20mm shorter suspension.
Yamaha scooter updates for 2025
The best selling NMAX 125 scooter also gets a makeover, with a restyle including new foxeye headlamps and integrated LED indicators, with a more upmarket NMAX 125 Tech Max introducing a 4.2” TFT dashboard with integrated Garmin navigation, a leather look saddle and some more premium paint schemes. Along with Honda’s PCX125, the NMAX has been one of the top selling powered two-wheelers in the UK for several years now – proving particularly popular with delivery riders – and the upgrades should help it stay ahead in this very competitive class.
Big news for Yamaha on the continent is an updated TMAX. With an RRP of £14,300 when it arrives in the UK in March, we’re not expecting to see the new TMAX rule the streets in the way it does in Milan and Paris, but for those who do take on the ultimate in scootering they will enjoy sharper new styling and a more sophisticated dashboard which complements the improved rider aids.
And while the R1 has been dropped as a road bike following Yamaha’s decision not to update the engine to meet Euro5+ standards, a new track-only version has been introduced with improved brakes and aerodynamic wings to help improve competitiveness in superbike, endurance and superstock racing.
