What is Yamaha up – that’s what motorcycling enthusiasts have been thinking for the last couple of years. As Yamaha focused simply shifted away from performance bikes to scooters commuters. Yes we also had the FZ version like the thing that everybody’s been waiting for is the successor to the original sport bike for the masses. The r15 and now we have it this is the all-new Yamaha YZF r3 this is solid proof that true blue Yamaha YZF R3 motorcycle DNA is alive and kicking. The r3 looks suitably racy there’s an air intake between the split headlamps and a pilot lamp on top.
The layered fairing looks aerodynamic and handsome like on the FZ there’s a muscular design for the dummy tank. The instrument cluster is light and modern that the analog and digital unit. The tail section looks pointy but it isn’t as high as on the r15 at 780 millimeters. The rider’s seat is low enough for shorter riders and is generously padded. The r3 is a well-balanced design that looks sporty and is usable now. The r3 is the step above a rung but when you look at some features things seem a bit strange.
For instance, the r15 has a twin beam Delta box frame but the r3 curve has a tubular parameter frame. Yamaha say it was important to use this frame because it helped them lower the costs that aside. Check out the swingarm the r15 has a castle our swing arm. This is a pressed steel unit folks you’re expected upside down folks on this motorcycle but you still have regular telescopic forks. Although far beefier your bigger disc brakes but still no ABS.
Now the tires on the r15 at the rear you have a radial. This is a regular cross-ply tire but these tires thankfully not IRCs. These are MRFs and when you compare it to the Ninja 300. The r3 does not have a slipper clutch but all of this is just Beck’s. Let’s see what the motorcycle feels like when you hit the track. We just got a few laps with it so this is just our first quick impression. On the track, the artery’s 321 CC parallel twin-cylinder liquid-cooled and the fuel-injected engine was thoroughly enjoyable.
Let’s power out clean the other side the engine has enough performance on top make it exciting and fun. In terms of smoothness a parallel twin we know it’ll always be smooth always be refined. A very usable engine and pretty certain even on the oblique roads. This is going to be a great motorcycle to drive yes making a versatile motorcycle was very important to Yamaha right from the design stage. At the same time, the r3 is properly sporty as well. Now as you can see the seating position is Pelley sporty.
I mean look at the foot by position it’s pulled back and you do lean onto the clip-on handlebars but on the whole, this feels very usable. You won’t find it too aggressive if the arm five your wrist will start wake after some time. I don’t think that will be the case on this should be able to do many more kilometers more comfortably.
Now when it comes to the chassis and suspension the r3 felt a fair bit of fun out of the BSE. We just had a few laps so I can’t really talk in depth but it was impressive. If you light at corner entry which is something we always like on sports bike but at the same time it was very smooth which is a big plus. The composure in faster corners the only thing that led it down a little bit was the tires. You know when you’re exiting out of corners when you’re leaned over you fill the rear-view chatter.
The grip from these MRFs, especially at the rear, felt a bit lacking, I’m sure if you had a stickier front as well you’d have more composure more confidence as well the other side. The r3 is also meant to be a versatile everyday street bike so the suspension setup is on the softer side. The front brake really sharp bite takes some getting used to but once you do you really like it. Of course for the street and I think for most of us ABS is a lifesaver and we wanted and hopefully Yamaha gets it real soon.
Now Yamaha may have taken their time to bring the r3 to the Indian market but now that it’s here I think it deserves a very warm welcome. This is a motorcycle that’s versatile it’s not just a focus sports bike. You can use it every day it’s got the torque it’s got the drivability it’s got the comfort levels as well.
Yes, it is a sporty motorcycle so those of you wanting to ride hard. I think you’re going to find it enjoyable as well as a couple of things do hold it back in terms of tires. Need more grip and definitely ABS in terms of pricing it undercuts the Ninja 300 which is great considering. This seems at first glance to be a stronger package considering the comfort and of course the rideability.
It seems to be a little bit stronger so yes the r3 is cheaper than the Ninja 300 which makes it attractive from the get-go. We can’t ignore the fact that it is still a lot of money but if you can spend that money. I think the first impression suggests that the r3 is definitely worth taking a closer look you.
