Nearly five months after introducing the exciting YZF-R25 for the Asian markets, Yamaha has revealed the YZF-R3 for Europe. The latter is due for public debut at the Milan motorcycle show on November 3, followed by a 2015 launch in Europe.
Design wise, the YZF-R3 shares most of its design cues with the smaller R25. It’s underneath, though, where there is one big change to be found. For starters, the R3 is powered by a 321cc, liquid-cooled, in-line twin cylinder engine. This 4-stroke DOHC motor develops around 40.5bhp of power and 29.6Nm of torque. Taking the competition into radar, the Kawasaki Ninja 300 makes 39bhp of power while the KTM RC390 tops the charts with 44bhp of power. All these motorcycles fall under the A2-licence category in Europe which restricts the legal power output of a bike to 47bhp.
Handling duties are courtesy of a lightweight tubular steel diamond type frame. The R3 features a short 1,380mm wheelbase and 298mm front disc upfront and 220mm disc at the rear. Tipping the scales at 169kg (wet), this new supersport motorcycle promises sharp handling and impressive straight-line speed. Noteworthy features include forged aluminium pistons, R6-inspired exhaust outlet, aerodynamic bodywork and ABS which is available as standard. The Asia-specific R25, however, doesn’t feature ABS even under the options list. Yamaha seems to have added it as standard in the R3 in keeping with the Europeans penchant for safety.
Scheduled to go on sale in Europe starting November 3, the YZF-R3 will take on Kawasaki’s Ninja 300, Honda CBR 300 and the KTM RC390. Yamaha India might contemplate launching the R3 in India instead of the Asia-specific R25 which is reportedly getting ready for its India-launch. That being said, there’s very little chance of the former coming to the Indian market given that it’s designed specifically for Europe. Yamaha enthusiasts in India are in for a treat either way. We are very much looking forward to a new supersport motorcycle from the Japanese brand. Are you?
