2023 Yamaha R3 First Impressions

Good news Yamaha fans, the YZF-R3 is making a comeback into the Indian market after a hiatus of over half a decade. The bike coming to India isn’t the same model that was on sale as it has undergone a major update. We got to see the upcoming motorcycle in the flesh at the Madras International Circuit in Sriperumbudur this weekend and here’s our first impression of the 2023 Yamaha R3. 

Design & Features

One look at the new Yamaha R3 and the styling differences between the new motorcycle and its predecessor is clearly visible. The 2023 Yamaha R3 gets split LED headlights with a nice air scoop between them and it does give the bike a sporty face. The fairing panels and the fuel tank have also been redesigned and even the proportions of the new R3 look spot on. My only grouse is that the USD fork should have been golden as that would have enhanced the visual appeal of the bike further. 

On the features front, the Yamaha R3 doesn’t boast too many bits to brag about. The only talking point is the all-LED lighting. Instead of the semi-digital instrument console that we saw on the R3 sold in India previously, the new bike gets a fully digital unit. But, unlike the Yamaha R15M, it doesn’t get a TFT screen and there is no Bluetooth connectivity as well. This is a bit disappointing as the Yamaha R3 will carry a premium price tag but it doesn’t boast any modern features. 

Engine 

Powering the Yamaha R3 is the familiar 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor as seen on its predecessor. Power output stands at 41.5 bhp and peak torque is 29.5 Nm. The numbers are decent, but nothing groundbreaking and as we experienced on the older bike, the R3 is one of those bikes that delivers more than what the spec sheet conveys. It’s an engine that loves to be revved and the gearing is such that you can actually clock speeds around 170 kmph rather easily. Being a parallel-twin, the refinement level of this motorcycle is among the best in the segment. 

It gets a 6-speed gearbox, but surprisingly quickshifter isn’t offered even as an option. What’s even more baffling is that the Yamaha R3 also doesn’t get slipper clutch. These are crucial omissions as even the Yamaha R15 gets these features and I hope Yamaha is able to fix these shortcomings soon. 

Ergonomics 

The Yamaha R3’s strong point was that it wasn’t a hardcore track-focused motorcycle like the Yamaha R15 and that stands true for the new bike as well. The clip-on handle bar is now slightly lower, but the riding posture isn’t very aggressive. Even the footpegs are low-set, which means tall riders wouldn’t find themselves cramped for space as is the case with the R15. The sporty but relaxed riding posture should make the new R3 a good bike to tour, but I can confirm the same only after riding it. Seat height is very accessible at 780mm and shorter riders wouldn’t feel intimidated. 

Underpinnings

The big difference on the 2023 Yamaha R3 is the addition of a USD fork (non adjustable) which in theory should help improve its riding dynamics. The diamond-type frame is the same as seen on its predecessor and it misses out on the Deltabox chassis which the R15 gets. Another point to be noted is the simpler box swingarm instead of a premium cast unit. It gets disc brakes on both ends and dual-channel ABS will be standard. The display unit had Dunlop Sportmax tyres but we expect the India-spec motorcycle to get locally-sourced rubber to keep costs in check. 

Launch Date & Pricing

The 2023 Yamaha R3 will make its India debut around the festive season, so my guess is around October, 2023. The more crucial question is what will be its price? And there is no definitive answer as Yamaha is still contemplating whether to get the new Yamaha R3 to India via the CBU or CKD route.

The older Yamaha R3 was locally assembled and still it was priced at a premium and it could be the same story with the new bike as well. If it comes via the CBU route, then the Yamaha R3 could retail between Rs 3.70 and Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom), which will make it the most expensive bike in its segment. In terms of rivals, it will compete against the KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the TVS Apache RR 310.