2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 Unveiled

Gets a sharper design and inverted forks. Sadly, the engine remains the same

Yamaha has unveiled the successor to the current-gen and much underrated 300cc sport bike, the YZF-R3. The 2019 R3 gets a host of tech upgrades to keep up with its rivals. However, what’s most impressive is the new design, which ditches the conservative design of its predecessor. The new R3 looks more aggressive thanks to a slim twin headlight design, which now comes with LED illumination, split by a faux air intake at the centre a la the R15 V3.0.

There’s even a bigger and more aggressive front fairing that resembles the one on the flagship R1. The new fairing should offer better aerodynamics, no doubt. The fuel tank, on the other hand, looks exactly like the one seen on its predecessor, albeit with shark gill-like vents at the front. Tank capacity remains at 14 litres. From the fuel tank onwards, to the rear end, the new R3 remains unchanged, with the LED tail lamps tapering towards the end.

Apart from the striking design, the other bits that ensure the new R3 gets your attention are the new inverted forks up front. The 37mm USD forks from Kayaba gets a classy gold finish, while promising a more sporty ride when compared to the laidback demeanour of its conventional telescopic forked predecessor. In fact, Yamaha says the new forks are more rigid and has better damping control without compromising on comfort. You’ll also be happy to note that Yamaha has ditched the previous semi-digital instrument cluster for a proper full-LCD screen.

Sadly, the new R3 doesn’t get the all-new powerplant that many have been hoping for. It continues to be powered by the same 321cc, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve motor with a compression ratio of 11.2:1. Power and torque outputs remain the same at 42PS @ 10,750rpm and 29.6Nm @ 9000rpm, respectively. We would have liked to see a slipper clutch and Yamaha’s VVA or Variable Valve Actuation with the new bike. But sadly, that’s not the case. However, Yamaha is confident that the improvement to the aerodynamics will give the new bike a 8-9kmph boost in top speed. The current-gen version boasts of a top speed of 180kmph.

Expect the Yamaha YZF-R3 to arrive in India in the first half of 2019. When launched it will continue to compete with the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and KTM RC390, among others.