Yamaha has unveiled the YZF-R3 ahead of its public showcase at the Eicma Milan Motorcycle show on 3rd November. The bike draws inspiration from its elder siblings, the R6 and R1 but shares a lot with the smaller R25.
After unveiling the YZF-R25 for Asian markets, Yamaha has now unveiled the new YZF-R3 which is meant exclusively for the European and US markets. The styling is typical Yamaha as is the choice of colours. The front fascia isn’t as sharp as the R15 but nevertheless its design doesn’t fail to impress as most parts are shared with the R25. The blue and white colour combination looks sporty and it will also be available in black. Yamaha will launch the motorcycle in April 2015 and it will be showcased to the public for the first time ever during the Eicma Milan Motorcycle show on 3rd November.
Powering the Yamaha YZF-R3 is a 321cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC inline twin-cylinder engine. This powerplant gives out 42 PS of power at 10,750 RPM and 29.6 Nm of torque at 9000 RPM. The company’s engineers have tuned the motor to provide better ride-ability in low and mid-range RPMs. However, a direct drive camshaft ensures that the motorcycle doesn’t run out of steam at high RPMs either. The pistons are made out of forged aluminium. The 2-into-1 exhaust muffler is inspired by big daddy, the R6. Yamaha is providing ABS as a standard fitment on the YZF-R3 which is a good thing.
The Yamaha YZF-R3 features a tubular steel diamond type frame. It has a wet weight of 169 kgs and there is a proper 50:50 front:back weight distribution. The swingarm is long and inspired from the R1 and the swingarm-wheelbase ratio is identical too. The maximum fuel tank capacity is 14-litres and the wheels are 10-spoke cast aluminium. The 41 mm telescopic front forks have a travel range of 130 mm while the monocross rear suspension gives a travel range of 125 mm. All in all, the bike has been designed for sporty performance and knowing Yamaha, we feel that it will not disappoint.
Yamaha doesn’t have any plans to launch the R3 in India, as the bike is meant for developed markets. The R25 on the other hand is set for an India launch next year. While in India the KTM RC 390 is the hottest bike to buy right now, globally the Austrian will face tough competition from the Yamaha R3. Globally the R3 will compete with both the RC 390 and Kawasaki’s hot Ninja 300 with the likely hood of displacing both in terms of sales and popularity.
