From the garage to the track: The stunning Yamaha R9 customized by a skillful builder

Published by Stree Missile on 27/07/202327/07/2023

The world of motorcycles is full of passion and creativity, and sometimes, enthusiasts embark on bold projects to bring their two-wheeled dreams to life. A clear example of this is Sebastian Hipperson, a skilled builder based in London, whose dream was to own a Yamaha R9, a motorcycle that didn't yet exist in the market.

The wait for Yamaha to release the R9, a sports bike that would fill the gap between the R7 and the YZF-R1, had been prolonged, and some fans like Hipperson couldn't wait any longer. He decided to take matters into his own hands and build his own version of the Yamaha R9, using the engine of a Yamaha MT-09 as a starting point.

Since 2019, the enthusiastic builder has embarked on the patient and laborious task of creating this unique sports machine. One of the main challenges was the chassis, which Hipperson modified and adapted using TIG welding and steel tubes. For the swingarm, he turned to a unit from a Ducati 749, while the front forks come from a twin-cylinder Panigale, enhanced with Bitubo components adjusted to his weight.

The aggressive and personalized design of the fairing was another remarkable feat by Hipperson. Using foam blocks as a base, he shaped the panels with meticulous detail and then created molds to craft the front fender, front fairing, side panels, and belly pan using fiberglass.

The final result is stunning, with an exposed brushed aluminum fuel tank and a muscular and robust appearance, inspired by iconic American muscle cars. The instrumentation remains the same as the Yamaha MT-09, but the ECU was reprogrammed to increase the engine's power to 110 HP.

After months of hard work and dedication, Sebastian Hipperson completed his project and had the opportunity to take his custom creation, the Yamaha R9, to the racetrack. There, the bike proved its worth and exceptional performance, fulfilling the dream of its creator to enjoy a unique and ahead-of-its-time motorcycle.

This project shows that passion and perseverance can overcome any obstacle, and that even when the motorcycle of your dreams doesn't exist, there's always a way to build it with your own hands and turn it into a reality on the asphalt.