Yamaha R3 and MT-03 Discontinued in India: What It Means

Yamaha Motor India has quietly discontinued the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 in India, ending the CBU import run of these premium middleweight motorcycles. Both models have reportedly been pulled from dealerships with no inventory available as Yamaha halts their import and sales in the Indian market.

Why Yamaha R3 and MT-03 Failed in India

The Yamaha R3 and MT-03 were introduced as CBU motorcycles aimed at riders seeking capable mid-capacity machines beyond the 155–250cc segment. Under the hood, both bikes were powered by a 321cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine producing around 42 hp and 29.5 Nm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox — a package praised for smooth power delivery and usable performance on highways and urban roads alike.

Despite their global appeal and Yamaha’s strong brand heritage, sales in India remained limited. The high initial price tag, a consequence of CBU import duties, placed them at a premium compared to local rivals, making it tough to attract a broader customer base.

Yamaha attempted to stimulate demand earlier in 2025 by reducing prices by up to ₹1.10 lakh and further adjusting after GST revisions, but these efforts didn’t translate into significant sales traction.

Engines, Performance & Riding Experience

Both the R3 and MT-03 shared identical mechanicals, featuring a high-revving 321cc twin that balanced daily usability and spirited riding. The R3 offered a sporty, aerodynamic package inspired by Yamaha’s race bikes, while the MT-03 stood out with its naked, aggressive streetfighter stance and upright ergonomics for city commuting.

Chassis performance was competent, with lightweight frames, responsive suspension, and balanced handling suited to enthusiastic riders. Technology was modest but adequate for their class, including modern LED lighting and analog/digital instrumentation.

Market Impact & Future Outlook

With R3 and MT-03 discontinued, Yamaha’s presence in the midweight segment in India has shrunk. Enthusiasts speculate future launches or next-generation models could arrive — possibly in 2026 — but Yamaha has not officially confirmed replacements.

For now, the withdrawal underscores the challenges of premium CBU motorcycle sales in India, especially against competitively priced rivals from KTM, Aprilia, and others.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 in India marks the end of Yamaha’s latest effort to crack the middleweight bike segment here. While both bikes delivered solid performance and engaging rides with their 321cc twin engines, limited demand and price sensitivity hindered their success. Prospective buyers may now watch closely for new generation models or alternative offerings from Yamaha that better align with Indian market expectations.