Yamaha YZF-R3 is one of the exclusively featured quarter-liter sportbikes from the Japanese motorcycle brand Yamaha, therefore, Yamaha Motor Company Limited. It’s a twin-cylinder fully-faired sportbike from Yamaha that was born in 2015 targeting the entry-level sportbike enthusiast very especially focusing on the Asian and European motorcycle markets.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is considered the most competitive liter-class entry model in the Yamaha YZF-R sportbike series that caries Yamaha’s YZR-M core SuperSport DNA. The motorcycle was designed and manufactured in the shadow of Yamaha's flagship sports model YZF-R1 and then the YZF-R6 model. Therefore, the Yamaha R3 carries the new YZR-M SuperSport DNA along with legendary YZF-R1 and YZF-R6 styling. 

Meanwhile, in the success of YZF-R25, Yamaha released this bigger displacement model YZF-R3 in 2015 and marketed in other global markets. Consequently, Yamaha YZF-25 is marketed in Europe and Asia, and YZF-R3 is marketed in the USA, a few countries in Europe and now also in Asia. However, along with updated features and enhancements YZF-R3 holds a lightweight and a whole new MotoGP-inspired SuperSport look and attire that makes R3 the most radical quarter-liter sportbike now on the street.

Yamaha YZF-R3 – Physical Attributes:

The Yamaha YZF-R3 features Yamaha’s YZR-M1 SuperSport outline and styling beholding the YZR-M design profile on its exteriors. The new bodywork and ergonomics of the machine are absolutely sleeker and now more aerodynamic and refined. Its sleek bodywork and exterior profile solely echo the Yamaha’s YZR-M MotoGP® machine design inspired by the YZF-R1 and R6, which is now aggressively designed with new dual LED headlights underline Yamaha’s pure R-series DNA. 

In the exterior design, the front end of the machine is quite bigger with a glaring new look and face that boasted with larger windshield along with a new design of double headlamp. The light setup is now featured with all LED and an M1-inspired central air duct positioned between the lights. At the top, a new front fairing and a bubbled screen are featured that inspired by the iconic YZR-M MotoGP® models.

Behind the larger windshield, the YZF-R3 features an updated multi-function digital and compact LCD instrument cluster. This all-new digital display replaced the older round pit rev counter and now displays numbered parameters including the digital rev line. The extensively featured console is now furnished with various parameters like the gear position indicator, fuel capacity, real-time and average fuel economy, coolant temperature, clock, and an oil change trip meter with regular ODO parameters.

After the extensively featured cockpit, here the fuel tank is also designed iconic grabbing the shadow of YZR-M MotoGP machines. The tank is scalped and dented and carries the Yamaha badge from both sides. The aerodynamic side panels also got refreshment grabbing the shades of the MotoGP stars. Coming to the tail, it remains sharp like the earlier version along with a split seat, sharp tail panels, and under-seat sharp LED tail lamp setup.

In the other parts of the R3, the motorcycle is also enhanced even with minimal exterior updates like sticker or decal enhancements. Consequently, the machine is now crafted with golden-barrel USD forks in the front. The exhaust muffler now has a refreshed design and is featured with a bikini heatshield. The alloy wheel rims are shaded exclusively matching with the overall color scheme. Thus, in overall look and appearance the new R3 is furnished to be ready to attack the road or close-circuit racetrack.

Yamaha YZF-R3 – Frame, Wheel, Brake, & Suspension System:

Yamaha YZF-R3 is an exclusively designed sportbike manufactured by Yamaha under Yamaha’s pure YZR-M racing DNA. It incorporates the core elements from the MotoGP track racing sportbike designs, therefore, the frame, wheel, brake, and suspension systems. The YZF-R3 is designed on a high-tensile steel tube diamond frame along with a sporty aluminum swingarm following Yamaha’s SuperSport specifications.

In the wheels, R3 exclusively boasts fatter profile wheels fitted with highly rigid sporty alloy rims. Those are equipped with tubeless type street tires measuring 110/70-17 in the front and 140/70-17 at the rear. Here, the braking system is equally impressive that comes with wider hydraulic brake discs fitted on both the front and rear wheels. These discs are vented and petal-type, and the braking system is enhanced with a dual-channel ABS feature.

In the suspension system, the Yamaha YZF-R3 comes with a 37mm KYB USD hydraulic telescopic fork suspension at the front. At the rear, it features a preload adjustable type mono suspension that is center-aligned with the aluminum swingarm. Thus altogether, the Yamaha YZF-R3 offers an attractive and track race feature-packed wheel, brake, and suspension setup which is also copied in the larger YZF-R3 model.

Yamaha YZF-R3 – Engine Performance & Features:

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a stunningly designed MotoGP inspired sports machine that is tightly packed with YZR-M racing features and unbeatable engine performances. The motorcycle features a new-generation 321cc, inline twin-cylinder, four-stroke, liquid-cooled engine that incorporates EFI fuel injection and a DOHC 4-valve/cylinder system. The transmission of R3 consists of six-speed gears arranged in the pattern of 1-N-2-3-4-5-6, and the motorcycle features an electric start system.

To enhance precision, this engine includes an engine balancer placed in a refined manner to omit the primary vibration and mechanical noises, and the wet clutch system is paired with the slipper clutch system. Here, it features a 180-degree crank design to this inline-twin engine to ensure good engine response both in lower and higher RPM. Thus, it manages a power stroke in every 2-strokes.  Moreover, according to Yamaha R3 adopted the sophisticated R-series features like a direct-drive camshaft, forged pistons, carburized con rods, low friction cylinders, etc.

Coming to the power and performance figures, the Yamaha YZF-R3 engine has been optimized to deliver smoother power, excellent performance, and efficiency in both power output and fuel economy. The engine is capable of producing a maximum power of 42.0PS (30.9kW) at 10,750RPM and a torque of 29.5Nm at 10,000RPM. Consequently, the motorcycle can achieve a top speed exceeding 140kmph while can maintain a decent fuel economy under standard riding and environmental conditions.

Yamaha YZF-R3 – Target Customer:

The Yamaha YZF-R3 is an exclusively designed and precisely manufactured sportbike with a focus on track-racing performance. The motorcycle is developed in the shadow of Yamaha’s YZR-M MotoGP DNA and very specifically targeted the sportbike enthusiasts. Therefore, R3 is dedicatedly designed to cater to young riders, although sportbike lovers of any age can certainly opt for it. Consequently, it offers compelling and well-rounded features for those who are seeking an attractive, feature-rich, and high-performing sportbike within a reasonable price range.

Yamaha YZF-R3 – Rivals in the market:

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-25R

Honda CBR300R

Suzuki GSX-250R

CFMoto 250SR