Top 6 things you need to know about the Yamaha YZF- R3

Yamaha has launched the YZF-R3 in the Indian market, nearly a year after global unveil. Priced at Rs 3.25 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the YZF-R3 will compete with the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Here are six highlights of this this entry-level sportsbike:

1.       Its  321cc parallel twin engine

The Yamaha YZF-R3 packs the same liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine from the quarter-litre YZF-R25, which has been rebored to 321cc. This engine pumps out a healthy 41bhp and 27Nm of torque, which makes it one of the most powerful motorcycles in the entry-level sportsbike segment, second only to the KTM RC390.

2.       KYB suspension

It is disappointing that Yamaha decided to stick to the conventional suspension setup for the YZF-R3, as upside-down forks (USDs) would have been a great feature to have on this bike. At the front, you get the conventional 41mm KYB forks, without provisions for any adjustment, while the rear gets a KYB monoshock with seven-step preload adjuster.

3.       MRF tyres

The YZF-R3 comes shod with 110/70 MRF Nylogrip Zapper FY at the front and a 140/70 Zapper S in the rear. Unlike the radial used in the Yamaha YZF-R15, the rear tyre of the YZF-R3 gets nylon construction. While the stickier Metzlers on the RC390 are definitely better for track riding, the MRF setup in the YZF-R3 is sure to last longer in real-world conditions. This should definitely help you save a ton money in maintenance!

4.       Digital instrument cluster

Along with a heptagonal tachometer, the YZF-R3 gets an interesting digital multifunction dash in its instrument cluster. It integrates a host of functions including a gear-position indicator, adjustable shift light, fuel gauge, fuel economy indicator, clock, two trip meters, water temperature indicator and an oil change indicator. This modern console is easy to read and by far one of the best looking in its class.

5.       No ABS!

The YZF-R3 comes with 298mm floating disc brake at the front and a 220mm disc in the rear. The disappointing part is that the YZF-R3 doesn’t come with ABS, even as an optional extra! Yamaha is planning to introduce an ABS version in the next few months, though this might push the YZF-R3’s price tag precariously close to that of the Ninja 300.

6.       Racy styling

The YZF-R3 draws inspiration from the Yamaha’s iconic R Series of sportsbikes, which exaggerate the bike’s true potential. The full fairing has been aerodynamically designed to cut down the drag coefficient of the bike and complements  the bike’s aggressive front. The YZF-R3 is offered in two paint schemes – midnight black and race blu.

The Ninja 300 has been the the lone wolf in this price bracket for long. It remains to be seen how the launch of the YZF-R3 affects the segment.