At the Buddh International Circuit in Greater Noida recently, Yamaha Launched the YZF R3 showcased by none other than John Abraham.
Later Praveen Sathaye took to the track on the R3 pushing the bike to test its limits. Here are his impressions.
The first impression one gets of the bike is about the way it looks. The twin headlamp styling which has almost become a Yamaha trademark has an even more reverse slit radical shape. The overall stance of the motorcycle is very comfortable and even for an average Indian height of 5 feet 6 inches planting both feet comfortably on the ground is not an issue.
The handlebars are placed comfortable and are not very aggressive. In fact despite the sporty seating position there is almost zero stress on the wrist as compared to many other bikes with clip-ons.
As soon as you thumb start, the engine revs to life with a deep throaty growl and since it has daytime running lights, one headlamp starts up with the engine.
Getting the bike into first gear is very smooth and effortless, a bit too smooth for comfort and so was shifting between gears where one missed the reassuring clunk of a notchy gearbox which affirmed that the gears had indeed shifted.
The throttle response is quick and the bike leaps ahead, very indicative of the new revolutionary injector. The short stroke on this bike makes it very rev happy and it is said to redline between 12500 to 13500 rpm.
Acceleration was good and the brakes certainly did their job seriously. However twin discs upfront and an optional ABS are certainly missed.
Equipped with tubeless MRF tyres measuring 110/70 and 140/70 tubeless on 17 inch rims, the road-holding of this bike is very similar to its other siblings and instills confidence in tight cornering even at lower speeds.
Overall the Yamaha YZF R3 would certainly live up to being the elder sibling of the ubiquitous R 15, the R3 that have demonstrated refinement in terms of engine performance and ride quality along with excitement and thrill that comes associated with the R series. An on-road price of Rs 360,000 (approximately) makes it quite reasonably priced. Available only through select dealers will make this bike somewhat premium and rare.
Great looks and substantial performance has certainly packed quite a punch to the YZF R3. However absence of a few technological advancements like a slipper clutch, USD Forks and ABS has come across as damp squib. Perhaps introduction of those features could have either increased cost or delayed the launch further.
Although Yamaha has forayed late into this segment the armoury with which it has arrived is certainly formidable.
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