Revving up the anticipation, Yamaha’s Pavilion at the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) was stealing the show. During the MotoGP Bharat extravaganza, the Yamaha Pavilion, nestled right in the heart of the Fan Zone, was pulsating with activity. As a bonus, Yamaha’s presence at MotoGP Bharath spills beyond the Pavilion, with life-sized unveilings of their impending stars, the R3 and MT-03.
Moreover, 100 lucky customers got to rub shoulders with the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP riders – the dynamic duo of Fabio Quartararo and Franco Morbidelli, at the Yamaha Pavilion on the first day.
So, what’s the buzz about these eagerly awaited two-wheelers?
The Yamaha R3 and MT-03 are a pair of closely-knit siblings, sharing a common heart – a 321cc liquid-cooled parallel twin, liquid-cooled, DOHC engine, summoning 41 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 29.5 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm. Shifts will be smoother than a symphony, thanks to the 6-speed gearbox with slip and assist clutch.
But wait, there’s more! The Pavilion isn’t just about these two machines. It was a motorcycling wonderland, showcasing a star-studded line-up of performance-oriented bikes, including the R7, and MT-07.
Yamaha couldn’t have picked a better stage to unveil the Yamaha R3 and MT-03. The Indian launch of these models is likely to take place before the year’s end. This strategic move underlines Yamaha’s commitment to conquering the ever-growing entry-level premium motorcycle segment in India.
Our source, Dempsy Kushalappa brings you pictures of these desirable two-wheeled beasts.
Now, let’s turn the clock back a bit. Yamaha had previously dipped its toes into this exciting segment with the Yamaha YZF-R3. However, the bike’s journey was cut short due to the stringent BS-6 emission regulations implemented in April 2020. Moreover, the Indian motorcycling community was just not ready for the R3 back then.
In terms of hardware, the upcoming Yamaha YZF-R3 boasts a diamond frame, complemented by 37mm USD forks upfront and a pre-load adjustable KYB mono-shock absorber at the rear. Add to that the 298mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes. And you have a bike that’s as agile as it is powerful.
But what about the MT-03, you ask? Well, expect it to share many of these impressive specs with its sportier sibling, the YZF-R3. However, the MT-03, being a naked motorcycle, promises a more upright and comfortable riding position, perfect for those seeking versatility and style.
Now, for a moment of reflection. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has always been a crowd-pleaser, a symbol of desire on two wheels. With the launch of the new Yamaha YZF-R3, the Japanese motorcycle giant is poised to conquer the entry-level premium motorcycle segment once again, with all guns blazing.
But here’s the make-or-break question – how will these bikes be priced? As whispers of unofficial bookings echo through India, the success of the Yamaha YZF-R3 and MT-03 will undoubtedly hinge on their affordability. With the Aprilia RS 457 entering the market soon, Yamaha will have to play their cards well.
Yamaha’s faithful enthusiasts, especially the ones who’ve had an early taste of the R3 are eagerly awaiting the answer to that query, counting down the days until they can finally lay their hands on these two remarkable machines.