Yamaha has launched the 2018 YZF-R3 in India at 3.48 Rs lakhs (ex-showroom) at the 2018 Auto Expo. The motorcycle is now BS-IV compliant and features an ABS system.
For 2018, Yamaha has introduced new paint schemes for the R3 to give it a fresh look. It is now available in two paint schemes – black and blue. The wheels get colour coordinated rim tapes. At the heart of the R3 is a 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine. The engine delivers 41bhp and 29.6Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed transmission.
The Yamaha R3 rides on 41mm telescopic front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock. Brake setup consists of a 298mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, with ABS being offered as standard. It even gets stickeier Metzler radial tyres in place of previous bike’s MRF tyres.
Even with the addition of ABS and new tyres, there has just been a marginal hike in price of the bike. The Yamaha R3 was discontinued last year with the industry’s move to BS-IV emission norms. While its previous run wasn’t very successful, we can expect the ABS system to help attract a bigger audience. The R3 competes against the KTM RC390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the Benelli 302R.
