Yamaha YZF-R3 Discontinued For Updates

The entry-level sportsbike from Yamaha will soon be relaunched with BS IV-compliant engine and ABS

Yamaha has temporarily discontinued the YZF-R3 from the Indian market since it was just BS III-compliant and BS III vehicles are not allowed to be sold in Indian market since April 1, 2017. According to our sources, the motorcycle will be replaced with a BS IV engine and will be on sale from May 2017. We also expect the updated model to be equipped with ABS as the bike is offered with an ABS system internationally. Dealerships have already started bookings for the BS IV model at a token amount of Rs 25,000.

The motorcycle is powered by a 321cc 2-cylinder engine which develops 42PS @ 10,750rpm and a peak torque of 29.6Nm @ 9,000rpm, mated to a 6-speed transmission. For those who have experienced the bike, the engine is a gem to ride. The R3 is built on a diamond-type frame. The motorcycle gets telescopic forks at the front and a monoshock unit at the rear. Baking duties are handled by a 298mm disc rotor at the front and 220mm disc rotor at the rear. It is shod with a 110/70 R17 MRF tyre at the front and a 140/70 R17 MRF tyre at the rear. We expect the updated motorcycle to get grippy tyres compared to the earlier model’s long lasting ones.

Once the bike is on sale, it will face competition from its already established rivals – KTM RC 390, Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the upcoming Benelli Tornado 302R and TVS Akula 310. The earlier model was priced at Rs 3.26 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We expect a price bump of Rs 20,000 to Rs 30,000 for the ABS-equipped BS IV model.