When you’re pushing a machine as refined as the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9, your connection to the asphalt is everything. While the OE-fitted Bridgestone Battlax S22s are a respectable starting point, our project bike was screaming for more mid-corner stability and track-ready confidence. Enter the Dunlop Sportmax Q5S—the ultimate “do-it-all” rubber for riders who split their time between canyon carving and apex hunting.
In our latest shop session, we ditched the worn-out stockers to see if the Q5/Q5S could live up to the hype. Unlike the ultra-aggressive Q5, the “S” variant offers a slightly more road-biased compound, providing the durability needed for high-mileage street duty without sacrificing the razor-sharp turn-in Dunlop is famous for.
DIY Independence with Rabaconda
Changing tires is often the chore every rider dreads, usually involving a trunk full of wheels and a trip to the local shop. Not today. We put the Rabaconda Street Bike Tire Changer to the test, and let’s just say, the game has changed. Weighing in at a portable 37 pounds, this tool allowed us to break beads and mount the new 120/70-17 front Q5 and 180/55-17 rear Q5S set with zero outside help, in our garage.
There is a slight learning curve—and maybe a little bead lube mess to clean up—but the freedom of being fully DIY-independent is worth every penny. With the tires mounted and the Yoshimura AT2 exhaust already singing, our R9 is officially ready to hunt down some ZX-6Rs at the track.
2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Technical Specifications
- Engine Type: 890cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves
- Bore x Stroke: 78.0mm x 62.1mm
- Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
- Fuel Delivery: Fuel injection with YCC-T
- Transmission: 6-speed; multiplate assist and slipper clutch
- Final Drive: Chain
- Front Suspension: 43mm KYB® inverted fork, fully adjustable; 4.7-in travel
- Rear Suspension: KYB® single shock, fully adjustable; 4.6-in travel
- Front Brakes: Dual 320mm hydraulic disc; Brembo Stylema calipers, ABS
- Rear Brakes: 245mm hydraulic disc; ABS
- Front Tire: 120/70ZR17 Dunlop® Sportmax Q5S (as tested)
- Rear Tire: 180/55ZR17 Dunlop® Sportmax Q5S (as tested)
- Curb Weight: 430 lbs
- MSRP: $12,499
- Warranty: 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
