Yamaha India is set to re-launch its 300cc supersport offering in India, the YZF-R3. While this may take some time, we have already ridden the bike in Thailand and can tell you whether you should purchase it once it’s on sale.
On the design front, the 2024 Yamaha YZF-R3 resembles the older generation R1. Its sportbike silhouette and sizeable proportions make the R3 look attractive. The split LED headlights add to the bike’s distinct appearance and the duct in between is neatly integrated as well.
Powering the new YZF-R3 is a 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor that makes 40.4bhp and 29.4Nm. The engine is linked to a six-speed gearbox and nestled in a diamond chassis.
Then, it gets features like a fully digital LCD with multiple readouts, including a speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, fuel level reading, and more. However, Yamaha hasn’t equipped the R3 with any connectivity features and neither does it get a TFT like some of its rivals.
Speaking of the engine, the R3’s motor is quite smooth and refined. This is reflected in the entire rev range, with the engine’s redline being as high as 13,000rpm. Then, with such a linear power delivery, the R3 feels comfortable at high speeds and lets you extract the most of its potential.
However, it could have better low-end delivery since that is what you will need while crawling through bumper-to-bumper traffic in the city. Even in terms of tractability, we are impressed with the R3’s motor.
Apart from that, the R3 feels well-balanced and planted at high speeds. It inspires confidence and urges you to push further and ride spiritedly. However, there are a few areas where the Yamaha YZF-R3 needs improvement. And we have addressed all of those in our first ride review of the Yamaha R3.
