Yamaha USA officially unveiled the 2021 version of the YZF-R3 Monster Energy Edition with MotoGP livery back in September last year. The entry-level supersport motorcycle reflects the racing legacy and draws inspiration from the Yamaha YZR-M1. Born for the track, the R3 Monster Energy MotoGP edition features a blue and black colour scheme while gets Monster Energy logos on both the front and side fairing including the front mudguard. The sports bike also features gold-finished USD front forks as standard, justifying its sportier look. Yamaha R3 Monster Energy Edition has been launched in the US markets with a price tag of $5,599 (INR 4.10 lakh, approximate).
Apart from the looks, no changes have been made to the sportbike mechanically. It continues to be 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 2021 model generates the same power output but the torque has been reduced by 0.8 Nm.
Last year, 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 market. The BS6 model of the YZF-R3 is expected to launch in India later this year with an ex-showroom 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.