Yamaha YZF R3

Yamaha made a huge impact with the launch of the YZF-R15 in the entry-level performance segment few years back. The bike established the Japanese brand as a manufacturer of quality and performance oriented motorcycles. Since then, Yamaha have been silent and haven’t taken the game further. All that will change in 2015 as the tuning fork company plans to ride in the Yamaha R3 in India. The bike was developed by Yamaha as an entry-level performance bike for the global market but in our market it will be a premium offering. The bike was launched in Indonesia last year and the R25 prototype was also showcased at the 2014 Delhi Auto Expo where it created a lot of curiosity.

Yamaha's latest steed has the manic KTM RC390 in its sights.

The styling of the Yamaha R3 will please the Indian fraternity who have an affinity to supersport design. At the front is a neatly sculpted windscreen below which sits the twin lamp headlight. The fuel tank carries forward the edgy design language with subtle knee recess and is of proper proportion to give the motorcycle a big bike feeling. Similar to any modern supersport, the tail section is petite with the LED taillight being neatly integrated into it. The Yamaha R3 sports a part-analogue-part-digital instrument console; with an analogue tachometer and a LCD screen that houses the speedometer, odometer, fuel gauge and other details. The instrument cluster also features a shift light. Other design details include the two-into-one exhaust system with a stubby muffler, split seats and Y-spoke wheels. Overall design of the Yamaha R3 is striking to holds its own amongst the company of its rivals.

Providing firepower is a 321cc displacement liquid-cooled motor. The parallel twin mill pumps out 42PS at 10,750rpm and peak torque of 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm. The above numbers are on par with its rivals and the parallel-twin engine offers very good performance, both towards higher revs as well as very good and usable mid-range torque. Power is transmitted via a 6-speed gearbox. Overall mileage should be around 30kmpl. Talking about chassis, the Yamaha R3 gets equipped with a diamond type frame, which according to the manufacturer improves handling dynamics and helps in reducing the weight of the frame.

With respect to riding position, the clip-on bars and rear-set foot pegs result in a sporty stance but it's not overly aggressive and should lend the Yamaha R3 good commuting posture and should be comfortable for occasional touring duties as well. The seat height stands at 780mm which is 20mm lower than the Yamaha R15 which should be beneficial for short riders. Suspension duties are taken care of by meaty looking 41mm telescopic forks at front and a mono-shock setup at the back. Braking on the Yamaha R3 is done by single disc brakes at front and rear but ABS has been given a miss, at least at launch to keep costs low. The Yamaha R3 will be brought in as CKD kits and is priced at Rs 3.25 lakh ex-showroom.