BREAKING: Yamaha MT03 & R3 Launched In India

Both bikes will fire up the sub-500cc twin-cylinder segment in India

Christmas has come early this year with Yamaha being the Santa and finally launching the Yamaha MT-03 and R3 in India. While the streetfighter is priced at Rs 4,59,00, the supersport costs Rs 4,64,900 9 (ex-showroom Delhi).

Yes, it is a really expensive price tag for sub-400cc motorcycles, but the thing is, at present both bikes are being imported to India from Indonesia via the CBU (Completely Built Unit) route. Interestingly, the recently launched made-in-India Aprilia RS 457, a more powerful and electronically aided motorcycle, comes at a price tag of Rs 4,10,000 (ex-showroom Maharashtra). 

There is a saving grace, if the bikes are received well here, then Yamaha is likely to CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route, which shall drop the price by a significant margin, eventually.

Now let’s dive into the highlights:

• A smooth and melodious 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that produces 42PS and 29Nm. 

• Both are suspended on an inverted fork and monoshock setup. 

• Disc brakes on both ends with dual-channel ABS

• Surprisingly, both miss out on electronics including Traction control, slipper clutch and quickshifter. What’s funny is that the Yamaha R15M, gets all these goodies despite being a smaller bike.

• LCD console with no Bluetooth connectivity or navigation

• MT-03 is available in two colourways: Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black
• R3 comes draped in Icon Blue and Yamaha Black 

In the Indian market, both these bikes are set to rival the likes of TVS Apache RTR 310, BMW G 310 R, KTM 390 Duke and the QJ Motor SRK400. The R3, on the other hand, would rival the likes of the TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM RC 390.

All of these bikes are significantly more affordable than the Yamaha twins. Interestingly, some of them are also more powerful, feature-packed and electronically-aided. So currently, until there is a price cut, there is one thing for certain, the Yamaha MT-03 and R3 are really expensive for what they have to offer.