Yamaha R3 And Yamaha MT-03 Buyers To Get Exclusive Welcome Box

Yamaha launched the R3 and MT-03 in India in December 2023. These bikes come at a price of ₹ 4.65 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and ₹ 4.60 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) respectively. While the prices had been disappointingly high for a bike that has not changed in terms of hardware, they still are a pick for some Yamaha loyal fans and enthusiasts. So to make the deal sweet Yamaha has introduced a welcome box along with the R3 and MT-03. 

Each welcome box contains 6 goodies. While there are some common goodies inside both these welcome boxes, depending on the style of the motorcycle there are different goodies too. The Yamaha R3 welcome box includes Oakley Sunglass and a VR46-Yamaha MotoGP T-shirt while the one with the Yamaha MT-03 includes a Casio G-shock Watch and Hoodie. Along with this, both boxes contain common goodies with PVR Gift Card, RS4GP Oil Extended Warranty and RSA.

The Yamaha MT-03 follows the design cues of its smaller brother, the Yamaha MT-15. Both share a central projector headlight flanked by sharp LED DRLs, creating a unified family aesthetic. However, the Yamaha MT-03 takes it a step further with a sleeker, more aggressive stance. Small spoilers flanking the headlight add a dynamic touch, while the broader shoulders and wider fuel tank give it a muscular presence compared to the Yamaha MT-15.

The Yamaha R3 takes a different design approach. It doesn't adopt the latest central projector headlight seen on its siblings like the R1, R6, R7, and even the R15. Despite this, the R3 retains its sporty appeal with a sharper headlamp design compared to the previous generation. This enhances its overall aesthetics, making it a visually captivating motorcycle.

At the core of both bikes lies a BS6-compliant, 321cc parallel-twin engine. This motor delivers a respectable 41 bhp and 29.5 Nm. Both bikes have 6-speed gearboxes. While the Yamaha R3 might appear sporty, it surprises with a comfortable riding position thanks to its low 780mm seat height. Interestingly, despite sharing core components with the Yamaha MT-03, both bikes have distinct personalities. The Yamaha R3 prioritises a sporty feel with clip-on handlebars and an R15-inspired fairing. In contrast, the Yamaha MT-03 offers a more relaxed riding posture with high, wide handlebars.

Yamaha's recent promotional offers, like "welcome boxes," could be a strategic response to a constant decline in R3 sales. In May 2024, sales figures dipped to just 21 units, compared to 34 units sold in April.  They have been constantly around 30+ units since January, except for February when they did 140 units. Information on MT-03 sales figures is currently unavailable. However, its price point being just ₹5,000 lower than the Yamaha R3 might be influencing some buyers to opt for the Yamaha R3 instead. 

The arrival of new competitors like the Aprilia RS457 and the strong value proposition of the KTM 390 Duke might also be influencing buyer decisions. Local assembly of both the Yamaha R3 and Yamaha MT-03 in India could be a game-changer for Yamaha. This would significantly reduce the cost, making these bikes more competitive and attractive to budget-conscious buyers.