Yamaha is all-set to introduce its 300 cc motorcycles, the R3 and the MT-03, on December 15. Both bikes will be launched in India at the Buddh International Circuit and we will get a small taste of both bikes on the same day too.
The R3 used to be on sale for a while but with BS6 norms coming into effect, Yamaha pulled the bike off the shelves. Now, it will be back with a BS6.2-compliant 321 cc parallel-twin motor. So will its naked sibling MT-03, both of which carry the same engine tune of a little over 41 horses and 29.5 Nm.
While both bikes share nearly the same components, the two mainly differ when it comes to the styling and ergonomics. The R3 employs a slightly sporty committed stance with its clip-on handlebars and you also get a neat R1-inspired fairing to tuck behind. The MT-03 doesn’t offer any wind protection of sorts but you will be seated a bit more upright, thanks to the higher placed flat and wide handlebars.
Expect Yamaha to slap on a premium price tag for both of these bikes. We think the R3 could come in at Rs 4 lakh while the naked could come in at Rs 3.80 lakh, both prices ex-showroom.
