The entry-level sports segment is highly competitive, especially amongst the Japanese manufacturers. With the recent introduction of its new YZF-R3, Yamaha has now entered the fray.
A 320 cc liquid-cooled inline twin engine powers the R3. On a par with competition in the segment, brakes are single discs front and rear (298/220 mm, respectively). Rims are 17-inchers, seat height is an accommodating 780 mm, fuel capacity is 14 litres, and wet weight a slight 166 kg. MSRP is an affordable $5,099 and the R3 comes in your choice of black/red, blue/white or red/white.
Yamaha says the R3 provides a “solid combination of class-leading power and light, agile handling, plus an easy to ride personality.” Up against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR300R and KTM RC 390, we’ll have to wait and see if the new R3 can climb to the top of the class.
