New Yamaha R3 is one of the most-awaited bikes in India and as per the current details available, the brand has not announced anything regarding its official launch in the Indian markets. Earlier the 321cc motorcycle was expected to go on sale in India by the mid of 2020 but due to the coronavirus pandemic, the new-gen Yamaha YZF-R3 got delayed, and at present, we don’t have any confirmed details regarding the launch date.
The new model of Yamaha R3 features impressive design upgrades and improved equipment for dedicated riders. The bike features a slim twin-headlight design with more effective LED illumination and an R15 V3-inspired faux air intake in the middle. The front fairing is now more in line with the flagship Yamaha YZF-R1, offering enough space for the rider to hide behind during quick straight-road sprints.
The front end of the sports bike is equipped with 37mm KYB USD (Upside Down) forks for better handling while the fuel tank retains its original shape for the perfect R-series feel. The side fairing of the new Yamaha R3 is more linear now, leaving no empty see-through space as one can witness in the old generation model.
Another big upgrade is the new all-digital instrument console, offering white back-lit TFT with features like gear indicator, engine heat level, and digital clock. The clip-on handlebars now bring a sporty riding position while the rear end design of the 321cc bike stays more or less identical to the older version.
New Yamaha R3 is powered by the same 321cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, twin-cylinder engine. It is good for a maximum power of 42 HP @ 10,750 rpm and a peak torque of 28.8 Nm @ 9,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a 6-speed gearbox. In comparison to the India-spec BS4 model, the new model generates the same power output but the torque has been reduced by 0.8 Nm.
The sports bike weighs 170kg with 14-litres of fuel in the tank and all fluids included. In terms of braking, the new Yamaha R3 continues to be equipped with a 298mm front disc brake and a 220mm rear disc brake, which are further mated to a dual-channel ABS unit as standard.
Yamaha discontinued the last-gen R3 in India after the implementation of BS6 emission norms on April 1, 2020. It was available for INR 3.52 lakhs before being discontinued in the Indian markets. The BS6 model of YZF-R3 is expected to get a price tag of around INR 3.70 lakhs, and it will compete in the market with the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310, and the Benelli 302R.