Yamaha YZF-R3

Expert Review by Maxabout

2018 Yamaha R3 has been launched in India for INR 3.48 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). It rivals none other than KTM RC390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Benelli 302R in entry level middleweight bike segment. Yamaha had once discontinued the model as it was BS3 compliant but the version launched in 2018 is BS4 compliant and also carries AHO as per government instructions.

Yamaha uses a powerful 321cc, twin cylinder, liquid cooled and fuel injected engine producing 41.4 BHP at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm. It gets clear benefits of its lightweight body. The 6-speed gearbox helps Yamaha R3 reach speeds in excess of 180 kmph while 0-100 kmph comes in under 6 seconds. The motorcycle comes with class leading design but loses in headlight department with halogen bulbs in use.

Benelli 302R offers LED twin lights and Yamaha may also use the same in next version of R3. As R1, R6 and R15 are using the same wind laden rear design, it is most probably true that Yamaha would design R3 in coming years to offer the same design language as well as fully digital instrument console. Slipper clutch is also missing from R3 presently.

It carries 14 liters of fuel and comes with dual channel ABS as standard. This makes it the most worthy contender in twin cylinder segment while KTM RC390 is still tough to beat for its value for money pricing. Seat height on Yamaha R3 is also opposite of all other R series bikes as they have higher than usual seats while this one offers 780mm. It can be bought in Magma Black and Racing Blue shade in India. Yamaha R3 measures 2090 mm in length, 720mm in width and 1135 mm in height. The wheelbase measures 1380 mm.