Yamaha took everyone by surprise with the announcement of the YZF-R3 back in October. But the arrival of the YZF-R3 was imminent given the fact that Kawasaki and Honda have evolved their quarter-litre products to the 300cc category. Now, the Japanese two-wheeler major has officially revealed the prices for this 300cc motorcycle from the YZF family for the European market. European customers will have to shell out €5,395 for the new YZF-R3 which comes up to about Rs 4.12 lakh, about Rs 15,000-20,000 steeper than the Kawasaki Ninja 300.
Yamaha has loaded the new YZF-R3 with a newly developed engine and a lightweight chassis. The YZF-R3 is powered by a 321cc inline two-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine that puts out 42PS of power and 29.6Nm of torque. The engine comes paired with constant mesh, 6-speed transmission. The R3 uses R-series technology which includes a direct-drive camshaft, forged pistons, carburized con rods, low-friction cylinders and much more.
The lightweight chassis is manufactured from high tensile steel tubing that gives an optimum balance of strength and rigidity. The braking power is provided by a large diameter 298mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc which come with ABS as standard. The Yamaha YZF-R3 will be available in two colour shades – Race Blue and Midnight Black.
| Engine | |
| Engine type | 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valves |
| Displacement | 321cc |
| Bore x stroke | 68.0 mm x 44.1 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.2 : 1 |
| Maximum power | 30.9 kW (42.0PS) @ 10,750 rpm |
| Maximum torque | 29.6 Nm (3.0 kg-m) @ 9,000 rpm |
| Lubrication system | Wet sump |
| Clutch type | Wet, Multiple Disc |
| Fuel system | Fuel Injection |
| Ignition system | TCI |
| Starter system | Electric |
| Transmission system | Constant Mesh, 6-speed |
| Final transmission | Chain |
| Chassis | |
| Frame | Diamond |
| Front suspension system | Telescopic forks |
| Front travel | 130 mm |
| Caster angle | 25º |
| Trail | 95 mm |
| Rear suspension system | Swingarm |
| Rear travel | 125 mm |
| Front brake | Hydraulic single disc, Ø 298 mm |
| Rear brake | Hydraulic single disc, Ø 220 mm |
| Front tyre | 110/70-17M/C 54H (Tubeless) |
| Rear tyre | 140/70-17M/C 66H (Tubeless) |
| Dimensions | |
| Overall length | 2,090 mm |
| Overall width | 720 mm |
| Overall height | 1,135 mm |
| Seat height | 780 mm |
| Wheel base | 1,380 mm |
| Minimum ground clearance | 160 mm |
| Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) | 169 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14.0 L |
| Oil tank capacity | 2.4 L |
We believe that Yamaha should work on bringing down the prices to compete against its ace rivals in India. The YZF-R3 will feel some serious brunt of competition from the KTM RC390 and the Honda CBR300R if Yamaha is not able to bring down the prices sufficiently. Do you agree with us? Share your thoughts and opinions with us through comments below.
