Yamaha R3 and MT-03 showcased in India, to be launched in December

With their specs and features, the new Yamaha bikes are all set to rival the likes of Kawasaki Ninja 400, Aprilia RS 457, and TVS Apache RR 310.

• The MT-03 is a naked version of Yamaha R3, with the same technical specifications. 
• The 321cc engine powering the bikes produces up to 42bhp of power and 29.5 Nm of torque. 
• Yamaha will initially launch the R3 and MT-03 as CBU imports from Indonesia. 

Yamaha R3 sales have been stopped since India introduced the BS-6 norms early in 2020. Yamaha unveiled the new bikes on Sunday on the sidelines of the first-ever MotoGP race in India, along with its naked street bike version – the MT-03. After their expected year-end launch, the two will take on the Kawasaki Ninja 400, Aprilia RS 457, and TVS Apache RR 310.

With the ex-showroom prices starting at above Rs 4 lakh, the new bikes are going to be quite expensive. Before its discontinuation in India, the previous-generation Yamaha R3 last sold at an ex-showroom price of Rs 3.5 lakh. Considering the several upgrades seen in the new bike, the price hike isn’t a surprise. The bikes will initially be brought in as CBU imports from Indonesia, though Yamaha intends to switch to CKD production later on.

Both motorcycles feature the same 321cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine, paired with a 6-speed gearbox. For suspensions, they feature KYB upside-down front forks (130 mm) and a 125 mm rear mono shock absorber. The 298 mm front disc brake and the 220 mm rear disc brake are both equipped with ABS. The new bikes will be available at Yamaha’s premium Blue Square dealership network.