Yamaha R3 And MT-03 Launching In India Tomorrow
They both pack a gem of a parallel-twin engine which is very versatile
After making us wait for what seems like forever, the Yamaha R3 is finally coming back to India. And accompanying it is its streetfighter sibling, the MT-03. And we’re very, very excited!
The highlight of both bikes is definitely the 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that makes 42PS and 29Nm. It’s smooth, high-revving and very tractable. So, be it commuting at low speeds in high gears or revving it to its redline out on a race track, the engine can do it all. Underpinnings include an inverted fork, a monoshock and disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS.
But what’s surprising is just how analogue both bikes are. Traction control, slipper clutch, quickshifter….they get none of these modern day electronic goodies, and even their LCD console feels dated. But then that’s also the charm of the R3 and the MT-03. They’re analogue and they remind you that motorcycles aren’t gadgets.
These things said, given that both bikes are coming through the CBU (Completely Built Up) route, they’ll be expensive. We think the MT-03 could cost around Rs 3.50 lakh, while the R3 could be priced at around Rs 4 lakh, ex-showroom. Rivals for the MT-03 would include the TVS Apache RTR 310, BMW G 310 R, KTM 390 Duke and the QJ Motor SRK400. The R3, on the other hand, would rival the likes of the TVS Apache RR 310, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM RC 390.