Yamaha R3 – A Lightweight Option For Adventure Riders
The R3 is a great lightweight option for riders looking to get out and explore. Its 321cc engine is smooth and powerful enough to run through traffic and rip into redline on the racetrack.
For 2023, the R3 continues unchanged as Yamaha’s entry-level supersport and a stepping stone between the A2-friendly YZF-R125 and flagship R1. It features legendary Yamaha Superbike styling with an advanced twin-cylinder engine and an ultra-light chassis.
Engine
As the entry point into Yamaha’s sporty YZF-R lineup, the R3 needed to deliver exhilarating riding fun while allowing new riders to progress without outgrowing the bike. Yamaha accomplished this goal with its redesigned 321cc liquid-cooled parallel twin that easily outdistances the Honda CBR300R (286cc) and Kawasaki Ninja 300 (296cc).
The R3’s engine architecture features an integrated counterbalancer for smooth power delivery across the rpm range. The result is quick-revving performance with a broad spread of torque that makes it just as adept at tackling tight canyon corners as it is slogging down interstates. It also comes with a six-speed transmission that allows the rider to tailor gear selection to the conditions at hand. The R3’s compact frame and ideal 50/50 front/rear weight distribution further enhance the bike’s agility.
Transmission
The YZF R3’s smooth, powerful 321cc wunderbike engine gives you the confidence to ride in any environment. Its gold non-adjustable KYB 37mm upside down forks and stout monoshock with standard damping and preload settings strike a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance, for capable handling in everything from dynamic canyon carving to racetrack riding.
The YZF R3’s six-speed transmission features a wide range of gear ratios to match the power of its high-revving supersport engine and provide optimal fuel economy. Its lightweight, nimble chassis translates easily from tight city streets to wide-open racetracks, while communicative brakes keep you in control.
Brakes
The r3 has a fairly basic twin-piston sliding caliper up front, biting on a 298mm disc. It feels weak compared to the Ninja’s stoppers and lacks feel too. It also has a budget-spec master cylinder, which looks like it belongs on a 125 scooter rather than a peppy pocket rocket.
The 2019 r3 is a much more capable machine than the previous one, with new gold non-adjustable 37mm USD forks and a rear KYB shock with stiffer spring, compression and rebound damping rates. Combined with Dunlop GPR-300 tyres, it’s an enjoyable bike to drive.
It also comes with a neat display, which shows your speed, gear indicator, shift light and trip information. However, it doesn’t have ABS – a feature that many riders would like to see on entry-level sport bikes.
Design
Despite the frugal, twin-cylinder engine, it is capable of cruising comfortably on the motorway and still has enough power to pass cars off the motorway. Its rear mono-cross shock also has optimized spring and damping settings for handling capabilities across a range of road conditions.
Its low-profile fuel tank design and compact handlebar position enable a natural, confidence-inspiring ride for riders of all skill levels. A sleek, aerodynamic bodywork design with racing-inspired colors and graphics enhances the sporty look.
The YZF-R3 packs advanced Yamaha supersport DNA into an A2-licence class package. Its nimble, lightweight chassis is designed for exhilarating riding experience on everything from tight canyon corners to wide-open racetrack straightaways. It features an inverted front fork and mono-cross rear shock with optimized spring and damping settings that strike a balance between ride comfort and sports riding capability.
Performance
For a bike that’s designed to be the next step up from a 125, the Yamaha R3 has an impressively capable engine and plenty of drive. It’s a fun little machine that can be used to commute during the week and hone one’s skills on the weekend. It also handles surprisingly well on the track and can handle a few laps without feeling out of control.
The engine is a joy to use, with a small surge in the mid-range and a happy 7,000 rpm redline. The gearing is low, too, which helps to make the R3 easy for new riders to manage and to keep it from feeling like a 300-class bike. It also looks great, which is always a plus.
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