New Yamaha R3 : After a long wait, Yamaha has finally brought back the YZF-R3 to India, and it’s turning heads for all the right reasons. With a sharp new design, improved performance, and race-inspired features, the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 is designed for both thrill-seeking riders and daily commuters who want a touch of excitement in their ride.

Priced at ₹4.65 lakh (ex-showroom), the R3 enters the Indian market as a premium option in the entry-level supersport segment. But with its sleek design, high-revving twin-cylinder engine, and quality components, Yamaha believes it offers excellent value for serious riders.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes the new Yamaha R3 such a compelling motorcycle.

Striking Design with Racing Pedigree

The YZF-R3’s design draws heavily from Yamaha’s bigger superbikes like the R6 and R1. With its aggressive front fairing, central LED headlights, sculpted fuel tank, and compact rear profile, the R3 looks fast even when standing still. Yamaha calls this the “R-DNA” – a family of race-inspired designs shared across their R-series models.

The aerodynamic bodywork isn’t just for show. It helps reduce wind resistance at higher speeds and offers better rider protection from air turbulence. The body is narrow and sleek, giving the bike a focused, race-ready look.

Offered in bold color options with subtle graphics, the R3’s build quality and paint finish are among the best in its class. Riders will appreciate the attention to detail, from the sharp angles to the matte-finished panels.

Twin-Cylinder Engine with Balanced Power

Powering the new R3 is a 321cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin engine, producing 42 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 29.5 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, this engine delivers smooth and consistent performance.

What makes the R3 special is how beginner-friendly yet thrilling it feels. The throttle response is sharp, but not jerky. It accelerates confidently without feeling overwhelming, making it suitable for both new and experienced riders.

The refined fuel injection system ensures better throttle control and fuel economy, offering an enjoyable ride both in city traffic and on open highways.

Top-Notch Suspension and Braking Setup

The R3 now comes equipped with upside-down KYB front forks and a preload-adjustable rear monoshock, offering better feedback and control on rough roads or tight corners. These high-quality components improve the bike’s stability and give riders more confidence while riding aggressively.

On the braking front, the R3 uses 298mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes, combined with dual-channel ABS as standard. This ensures excellent stopping power even in wet or slippery conditions.

With a wet weight of just 169 kg, the R3 remains nimble and easy to handle. The bike feels light on its feet, which is a huge plus in daily commuting or when navigating through traffic.

Comfortable Ergonomics with a Sporty Feel

Even with its racing posture, Yamaha hasn’t forgotten about rider comfort. The clip-on handlebars and rear-set footpegs provide a slightly aggressive yet natural riding stance. The seat height is 780mm, making it accessible to most riders, and the seat itself is well-cushioned for longer rides.

Despite being a supersport bike, the R3 offers good comfort over longer journeys, thanks to its upright seating triangle and smooth suspension. It’s practical enough for daily commutes and spirited enough for weekend rides.

All-Digital Console and Ride Information

The bike features an all-digital LCD display that shows essential ride data including speed, gear position, fuel level, trip meters, and more. The screen is easy to read under all lighting conditions, and adds a modern, clean look to the cockpit.

Although it lacks Bluetooth connectivity or navigation features found in some rivals, the console covers all the basics efficiently, keeping distractions to a minimum and rider focus on the road.

Fuel Efficiency and Range

The Yamaha R3 manages to be fuel efficient for a performance-oriented bike. It delivers a mileage of 25–30 km/l, depending on riding habits. With a 14-liter fuel tank, riders can expect a decent riding range of 350–400 km on a full tank, making it a capable tourer as well.

Who Should Buy the R3?

The R3 is ideal for:

• College students or young professionals who want a stylish and fast commuter
• Weekend riders who enjoy twisty roads and long highway runs
• Entry-level track enthusiasts who want to begin racing or improve their skills
• Motorcycle lovers looking for a balance between everyday usability and sporty performance

Competition and Final Verdict

In India, the Yamaha R3 competes with bikes like the KTM RC 390, TVS Apache RR 310, and Kawasaki Ninja 300. While all these bikes have their strengths, the R3’s smooth twin-cylinder engine, excellent build quality, and refined ride make it a standout option.

Yes, it’s slightly more expensive, but Yamaha justifies the price tag with its global quality standards, racing heritage, and premium riding experience.

Conclusion

The return of the Yamaha YZF-R3 is great news for Indian motorcyclists. It’s a beautifully designed machine that combines agility, power, comfort, and style in one well-rounded package. Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller bike or entering the world of supersports, the new R3 makes a strong case as your next ride.