Photography: Siddhant Gadekar
The Yamaha R15 has always been a fantastic beginner’s sportbike and the next logical step-up for Yamaha loyalists was the R3, back when it was sold here till 2019. It is back after a sizable gap but now you have a lot more potent options. Does the R3 hold a candle to its new-generation competitors? The answer is yes, but there is a catch.
The R3’s design is similar to the one sold globally in 2019 save for minor updates for 2023, like fairing-mounted LED turn indicators. The motorcycle looks dated especially when you compare it to the current-generation R15 V4.0 It even lacks the golden finish on the USD forks that would have upped the premium quotient.
It’s the same in the features department where it misses out on colour TFT-instrument cluster, ride modes, quickshifter, slip and assist clutch or even adjustable levers. It will be interesting to note customer reaction at Yamaha dealerships having the R3 parked next to the R15. That said, the LCD console is readable and well laid out.
The R3’s highlight has always been its 321cc liquid-cooled parallel twin motor. It delivers 42PS and 30Nm and effortlessly revs up to 12,000rpm! It impresses with its tractability and creamy power delivery and most of all by how relaxed it feels close to the redline. It is quick as well, with us managing to hit a top speed of 175kmph at the BIC. The motor is so tractable that you can lap most of the BIC circuit sticking to fourth gear. That said, I did miss the lack of a slip-and-assist clutch, especially while riding the motorcycle hard.
The R3’s ergonomics are not overtly aggressive and is comfortable enough to be ridden daily and for long rides. It shines in the corners too where it is quick to change directions and is composed enough for you to effortlessly carry triple-digit speeds through the fast-flowing sections. It gets a 298mm disc and a 220mm disc and the braking setup could do with more bite and feel.
Now to the catch — the price. At Rs 4.65 lakh, ex-showroom, the R3 is one of the most expensive motorcycles in its class, beating even the Aprilia RS 457 which packs in more power and features. As it stands it is hard to justify the R3’s premium over its rivals. We hope Yamaha rethinks strategies and significantly lowers the price of what’s a sweet and capable motorcycle.
