Yamaha launched the 2018 YZF-R3 in India, recently. The bike which was missing in action from the 300cc supersport segment for a while has finally made a comeback. With the 2018 model, Yamaha has addressed the woes of the previous R3 consumer and equipped the bike with necessary hardware.
It goes head on with the Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC390, Benelli 302R and the Apache RR 310. We find out how the bike stacks up against its biggest rivals.
Design and features
In terms of design, the 2018 YZF-R3 continues to sport the same aggressive styling and riding position as the previous model. However, the bike now gets two new paint schemes- blue and black with colour coordinated rims. The bike continues with the analogue tachometer and part-LCD instrument console which displays speed, trip meter, odometer, fuel gauge, clock and gear indicator. The YZF-R3 now gets stickier Metzeler tyres as compared to the MRFs on the previous bike.
The KTM RC 390 looks aggressive and provides for a track-focused riding position. It gets a dual LED projector headlamp setup with LED daytime-running lights. The bike gets adjustable levers and a ride-by-wire throttle system. The KTM RC 390 rides on H-rated Metzeler tyres on both ends.
The Kawasaki Ninja 300’s design has been inspired by its bigger supersport sibling, the Ninja ZX-10R. The bike sports an analogue tachometer along with a small digital console that displays the speedometer, fuel gauge, odometer and clock.
The Benelli 302R sports a large fascia which integrates the aggressive looking split headlamp unit with LED DRLs. The bike gets a part-analogue part-digital instrumentation offers information like speedometer, odometer, two trip meters, fuel gauge and gear indicator. The Benelli 302R also rides on sticky Metzeler tyres for both the front and rear end.
The Apache RR 310 carries over the styling cues of the radical Akula 310 concept. The slightly higher set clip-on handlebars provide for a more upright stance making it suitable for touring as well. The bike gets distinctive dual-LED headlamps and shark fin-like LED tail lamps. The Apache RR 310 is the only bike here that gets a fully digital instrument console. It rides on Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on both ends.
Cycle parts
The Yamaha YZF-R3 rides on 41mm conventional telescopic forks up front and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are now aided by an ABS unit as standard and the setup consists of a 298mm and a 220mm disc brake for the front and rear respectively.
The TVS Apache RR 310 rides on KYB inverted front forks and a preload adjustable monoshock at the rear. Stopping power on the bike comes from a 300mm front disc and a 240mm disc at the rear with dual-channel ABS as standard.
Suspension duties on the KTM RC 390 are handled by WP with 43mm inverted front forks and a monoshock at the rear. Braking is handled by a 320mm disc at the front which is the largest among its competitors and a 230mm rear disc with ABS as standard.
The 302R rides on 41mm inverted forks and a reload adjustable rear monoshock. It uses Metzeler tyres while braking is done by twin 260mm petal discs for the front and a 240mm petal disc at the rear with ABS as standard.
The Ninja 300 rides on conventional telescopic forks and a rear monoshock. Braking on the Ninja 300 is done by a 290mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, without ABS, even as an option.
Engine
Powering the Yamaha YZF-R3 is a 321cc liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine that produces 41bhp and 29.6Nm of torque via a six-speed gearbox. This unit is now BS-IV compliant.
The Ninja 300 is powered by a 296cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 39bhp and 28Nm of torque. The unit is mated to a six-speed gearbox with slipper clutch.
The Benelli 302R is powered by a 300cc parallel twin motor which churns out 38.26bhp and peak torque of 26.5Nm via a six-speed gearbox.
The KTM RC 390 is the most powerful bike of the lot with its 373cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder that delivers 43bhp and 36Nm of torque. It is mated to a six-speed transmission with slipper clutch.
The TVS Apache RR 310 uses a single cylinder, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected 310cc engine. This engine produces 34bhp and 27Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed gearbox.
Pricing
The Kawasaki Ninja 300 is the most expensive bike here at Rs 3.60 lakhs and misses out on most of the features the other bikes offer. On the other hand, the bike will soon be replaced by the Ninja 400 in India.
Yamaha has priced the updated R3 at Rs 3.48 lakhs. With the addition of the ABS and better tyres, we can expect the bike to lure in more customers than the previous model. However, it continues to be on the higher side of the price spectrum.
The Benelli 302R too is priced at Rs 3.48 lakhs, while the TVS Apache RR 310 gets a Rs 2.15 lakh price tag. Meanwhile, the KTM RC390 rules the roost with its value for money package. It is priced at Rs 2.35 lakh.
