Yamaha YZF-R3: 7 things to Know

1.) Engine: With the YZF-R3, Yamaha makes its entry into entry-level performance motorcycle with a parallel twin engine. Hiding behind the fairing is 321cc parallel twin liquid-cooled motor that pumps 42PS of power at 10,750rpm and 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm. The Yamaha R3’s power output is 1.5PS lower than the single cylinder KTM RC390 and 3PS more than arch rival Kawasaki Ninja 300. This is essentially the same engine that also works on the YZF-R25 but has been bored out to gain that higher displacement. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed transmission.

2.) Features: For the price that it comes at, the Yamaha R3 comes fairly well equipped. The R3 gets a semi-digital instrument cluster with an analogue tachometer and a digital speedometer. The instrument cluster also has a tripmeter, fuel gauge, gear indicator and a clock. The Yamaha R3 comes with 298mm disc brakes up front while at the back it gets a 220mm disc. Suspension duties are performed by KYB telescopic forks up front and a seven-step pre-load adjustable monoshock at the back. 

3.) No ABS: Although the Yamaha has a long list of features, a few things are still missing from it. The R3 doesn’t come with ABS, not even as an optional extra. Yamaha says that ABS has been given a skip to keep the costs in check but they will introduce an ABS variant soon. However, expect the ABS version of the R3 to be pried higher. Meanwhile, the R3 also misses out on slipper clutch. We would have liked it better of the YZF-R3 came equipped with slipper clutch especially since arch rival Kawasaki Ninja 300 comes equipped with one and the KTM RC390 will soon come fitted with it too. 

4.) Dealership and Deliveries: Yamaha says the R3 will be dispatched from its facility in Greater Noida on August 20. Deliveries of the Yamaha YZF-R3 should commence within a month. Talking about dealerships the R3 will be sold across 100 dealerships in India for now. The Japanese bike-maker’s wider service and dealership network over Kawasaki is sure to help it garner sales numbers too. 

5.) CKD: The Yamaha YZF-R3 will be imported to India as completely knocked down (CKD) units which will then be assembled at their facility in Greater Noida. While it does give the buyer assurance in terms of quality, fit and finish, it comes with a hefty price tag.

6.) Price: Priced at Rs 3.25 lakh the Yamaha R3 slots between the KTM RC390 and the Kawasaki Ninja 300. The KTM RC390 currently costs Rs 2.14 lakh and the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is priced at Rs 3.65 lakh. All prices ex-showroom Delhi. For the price that it comes at, the Yamaha doesn’t come as well equipped as both these motorcycles. 

7.) Competition: In the Indian market, the R3 will directly compete against the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the Hyosung GT250R and the KTM RC390. Yes, the RC390 is a single cylinder offering and is priced a lot cheaper too but the power and torque figures that it makes are comparable to Yamaha’s parallel twin. The Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Hyosung GT250R though will compete with the Yamaha R3 in a more direct way not just in terms of engine specifications but also in terms of price.