Ten Things You Must Know About the Upcoming Yamaha R3

We have already told you that Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt Ltd (YMIS) is going to launch its new entry-level performance motorcycle- YZF-R3 in India on 11th August 2015. Then there is hardly any doubt in saying that it is one of the most anticipated bikes in the country since its world debut held in October 2014. Indian enthusiasts are eagerly waiting for this machine but do you know what makes it so special? So, here we are with the 10 things you must know about the Yamaha R3.

1. Lightweight: Yamaha R3 is a light-weight supersport motorcycle with a wet weight of 169kg including full oil and the fuel tank, and the onboard engine makes power up to 41.4bhp at 10,500rpm. It results in a good power to weight ratio of 248hp per tonne, which makes it an A2-licence category supersport bike.

2. R-series DNA: The bike is based on the highly successful technology of the Japanese manufacturer, which have been used in the other R-series motorcycles. Like the R15, R125, R6 and R1, it has a pure supersport design for nimble handling over the corners.

3. Inline-Twin Motor: The R3 is powered by a smooth, strong 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine, which revs up to 12,500rpm. It gets forged aluminum pistons, an 180-degree crank and a single-axis balancer to minimize vibrations at higher engine speeds. The mill comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox and delivers torque up to 29.6Nm using an electronic fuel injection system.

4. Slim Chassis: Unlike the other R-series Yamaha's, the R3 is based on a diamond type frame instead of a Deltabox type. It has a slim and light chassis with agile, sporty handling along with a comfortable riding posture.

5. Aggressive Styling: The bike gets signature R-series dual headlight full fairing along with a transparent visor. It has all the features of a supersport motorcycle like masculine fuel tank, split-seat, raised tail, short side-slung type muffler and much more.

6. Mass-Forward, Aerodynamic Design: The Yamaha R3 has a mass-forward design to provide better traction on the front wheel, which helps during high speed or track riding. The aerodynamic bodywork also aids to the high-speed stability of the motorcycle and enhances your confidence while riding.

7. Sporty and Comfortable Suspension: The bike has a KYB suspension set-up with 41mm telescopic forks at the front and linkless rear suspension. The rear set-up just has a seven-step preload adjuster, and there are no damping adjustments. The set-up has been tuned well between stiff and soft to compensate both track and road riding conditions.

8. High-Performance Braking: The Yamaha R3 has a dual disc brake system including a front 298mm disc with two-piston Akebono brake caliper and a rear 220mm disc with single piston caliper. Anti-lock braking System (ABS) aids the braking on both the ends and it is a standard feature of the bike.

9. Daily Purpose Superbike: Riding position of the R3 is a bit different from the other R-series motorcycles. Instead of being completely track focused, the R3 has been engineered as a daily purpose superbike like Honda CBR250R and Kawasaki Ninja 300. It has a comparatively relaxed seating posture than its siblings, so you can also use it for your everyday rides or commuting.

10. Pricing and Competition: Price of the upcoming Yamaha R1 is expected to be kept around Rs. 3 lacs with its standard features. If the bike will be priced below this amount, it will directly hit the market of existing KTM RC 390. While a higher price will make it stand in front of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which is the most expensive quarter-litre class performance machine in India. The company might also offer some optional performance accessories with the bike for some additional cost.