2019 Yamaha R3 In The Works?

International sources suggest that the Yamaha R3 and R25 are due for a major design and mechanical update next year

The Yamaha YZF-R3 made its Indian debut in 2015, a year after the Yamaha R25 was launched internationally. However, due to BS4 norms, Yamaha had to withdraw the R3 from the Indian market in 2017, only to relaunch the BS4 version at the Auto Expo 2018. Apart from the BS4 update, the bike also received the much needed ABS feature and Metzeler tyres for better road grip.

Mechanically and asthetically though, the Yamaha YZF-R3 remains unchanged. This, however, is said to change, if we are to go by the updates published by a Japanese publication. Apparently, the Yamaha R3 is going to receive a radical design overhaul, with plenty of new features. Since the R3 and the R25 share the same bodywork, the changes will follow suit to both. Whether it will be done simultaneously or in a different time frame is hard to say.

Now the images here are rendered, but one thing’s for sure: both the R25 and the R3 will draw their design inspiration from the Yamaha R1 and R6 that are currently on sale. The best example of this possibility is the transformation that the Yamaha R15 received in its V3.0 avatar. So expect to see sharper bodywork, sleek LED headlamps and an edgy tail section.

The Japanese publication not only hints at updation on styling but also on the mechanical and performance fronts. Therefore, we can expect to see USD front forks replacing the traditional setup seen on the current model. Also, since Yamaha has endowed the R15 V3 with its Variable Valve Actuation (VVA) technology, there is a high possibility of seeing this tech on the next generation R3 and R25 as well.

With changes indicating towards a more aggressive looking motorcycle, we were left wondering about the ergonomics of the 300cc sportbike, especially with the seating posture that’s not overly aggressive. Thankfully though, the report also states that the new R3 will stay true to its identity, so the models are expected to retain their ergonomic setup, making them comfortable to ride around town as well as on the track.

The Yamaha R25 was born to rival the Kawasaki Ninja 250, while the R3 came into being when Kawasaki launched the Ninja 300. So it’s only obvious that Yamaha would either tune the R3 to produce more power and compete against the Ninja 400 or probably come with an all new R4.

We would love to see the latter coming to life with the new updates. The currently on sale Yamaha R3 with Metzeler tyres and ABS comes across as a attractive package at Rs 3.48 lakh, especially considering the heart aching price of the Ninja 400, at Rs 4.69 lakh (Both ex-showroom, Delhi).

Image courtesy: Young Machine