Yamaha R3 – First Ride Review

The Yamaha R3 has been one of the most awaited bikes in recent times. It looks like Yamaha it now clear about getting higher capacity machines to India. Yamaha has always been known for performance in India, since a long time. The Yamaha R3 carries that pedigree forward. How good is the Yamaha R3? Is it good value? We tell you in our first ride review.

Yamaha R3 Design

The first impression one gets of the Yamaha R3 is about the way it looks. The twin headlamp styling is typical Yamaha trademark. It has an even more reverse slit radical shape. The overall stance of the motorcycle is very comfortable. Even for an average Indian height of 5 feet 6 inches planting both feet comfortably on the ground is not an issue. The handlebars are placed comfortable and are not very aggressive. In fact despite the sporty seating position there is almost zero stress on the wrist. The Yamaha R3 feels more relaxed when compared to many other bikes with clip-ons.

Also Read: 2017 Kawasaki Ninja 300 – Coming Soon

Yamaha R3 Engine

As soon as you thumb the started the engine revs to life with a deep throaty growl. The Yamaha R3 gets daytime running lights and hence, one headlamp starts up with the engine. Getting the bike into first gear is very smooth and effortless. A bit too smooth for comfort and so was shifting between gears where one missed the reassuring clunk of a notchy gearbox which affirmed that the gears had indeed shifted. The throttle response of the Yamaha R3 is quick and the bike leaps ahead very indicative of the new revolutionary injector that was being mentioned.

The short stroke on the Yamaha R3 makes it very rev happy and it is said to redline between 12500 to 13500 rpm. Acceleration is good and the brakes certainly did their job seriously. However twin discs upfront and an optional ABS are certainly missed. The 321cc twin-cylinder engine churns about 41bhp of power and this competes with the Kawasaki Ninja 300. The Yamaha R3 is a refined machine.

Also Read: BMW G310R – coming soon

Yamaha R3 Ride and Handling

The Yamaha R3 is shod with tubeless MRF tyres measuring 110/70 and 140/70 tubeless on 17 inch rims. The road-holding of this bike is very similar to its other siblings and instills confidence in tight cornering even at lower speeds. Overall a package which would certainly live up to being the elder sibling of the ubiquitous R15. The Yamaha R3 has demonstrated that refinement in terms of engine performance and ride quality along with excitement. Thrill that comes associated with the R series has again been introduced to the enthusiastic riders in India.

Also Read: Suzuki V-Strom 250 – Top Speed, Price, Launch

Yamaha R3 Price

The Yamaha R3 comes with an on-road price of INR 3,60,000 (on-road, New Delhi), approximately. This makes it seem a bit too expensive. Available only through select dealers will make this bike somewhat premium and rare. Great looks and Substantial performance certainly has packed quite a punch in in the Yamaha R3. However, we are not wrong in demanding a slipper clutch, USD Forks and ABS at this price point. Perhaps, introduction of those features could have either increased cost or delayed the launch further. Although Yamaha has forayed late into this segment the weapon with which it has arrived certainly is formidable.

Yamaha R3 Colours

The Yamaha R3 comes in two colour options: Black Lightning and Racing Blue.

Yamaha R3 Specifications

Gear ratio-3rd gear1.348 (31/23)Ratio-4th gear1.087 (25/23)Gear ratio-5th gear0.920 (23/25)Gear ratio-6th gear0.800 (24/30)