- BS4 Yamaha YZF R3 discontinued
- Internationally-sold next-gen model is still Euro4/BS4-complaint
- New Version with the BS6 update could be launched next year
Yamaha has discontinued the BS4 version of its entry-level sportsbike, the YZF R3, in India. According to our dealer sources, a majority of them have run out of stock of the motorcycle. As we know, only BS6 compliant two-wheelers will be sold from 1 April 2020 which makes the BS4 R3 ineligible to be sold in India after the said date.
Yamaha had launched a majorly-updated, next-generation R3 in the international markets in 2018. However, this model didn’t make its way to India. It sports Yamaha’s new-age design which is inspired by its elder siblings including the R6 and the R1. It is also more premium in terms of hardware incorporating upside down forks up front, as opposed to the telescopic units on its predecessor. Also, the previous semi-digital instrument cluster has been replaced by an LCD dash.
What has remained unchanged is the smooth-running 321cc, parallel-twin motor which produces 41bhp of power and 29.6Nm of torque. It comes mated to a six-speed gearbox. Surprisingly, Yamaha has still not introduced a slipper clutch in the R3 which is available in its smaller sibling, the YZF R15 V3.
The next-gen Yamaha R3 is likely to be launched in India, but not until next year. That’s because it is still Euro4-compliant, which is the European equivalent of BS4 emission norms. While we are shifting to new emission regulations now, European markets still have a year to make the transition. Yamaha will perhaps update the new R3 for Euro5 norms this year which could be followed by its India launch in 2021.
