India likely to get the Yamaha YZF-R3

The Indian two-wheeler market is likely to get the Yamaha YZF-R3 and not the YZF-R25 as per the latest development from the company. As per a source, the company has imported two YZF-R3s from Indonesia for research and development. 

Each of these units was declared for Rs 1.88 lakh for the customs, which we find it interesting. Because the company had imported the R25 last year with an import value of Rs 2.16 lakh, which is almost Rs 40,000 more than the YZF-R3. 

The YZF-R3 was unveiled in October and is Yamaha’s answer to the Kawasaki Ninja 300. Cosmetically, this motorcycle looks very similar to the YZF-R25 that was unveiled in early 2014. It is built around the same lightweight tubular steel diamond type frame. It is powered by a 321cc, in-line twin cylinder engine which develops 40.5bhp and 29.6Nm of torque, through a six-speed gearbox.

Yamaha India has confirmed to launch their latest parallel-twin premium offering this year, but have been tight-lipped about the exact model. But because of the latest development, we believe that the YZF-R3 will hit the Indian shores but it will be very interesting to see at what price point they launch the bike because the KTM RC390 is priced very aggressively.

While we are yet to ride the YZF-R3, our friends at PowerDrift had the opportunity to ride the YZF-R25 in Indonesia and this is what they have to say about the motorcycle.