NEW 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3

NEW 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3
While we wait patiently for a new YZF-R1 to be unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan this November, Yamaha surprised us at AIMExpo 2014 by introducing a new entry-level model for 2015 called the YZF-R3. In most basic description, this new R3 is an affordable sportbike with Yamaha R-inspired looks.

An all-new model that goes on sale in February, the $4990 Yamaha YZF-R3 is powered by a liquid-cooled 321 cc parallel-twin, a new fuel-injected DOHC four-valve powerplant with offset cylinders and forged pistons. The compression ratio is listed as 11.2:1, and peak power is produced at 10,750 rpm. Moreover, this new twin has a 180-degree crankshaft and a balancer, and its aluminum DiASIL cylinder dissipates heat well to reduce horsepower loss.

The frame and swingarm of the new R3 are steel, and Yamaha’s Derek Brooks said the bike’s ratio of swingarm length to wheelbase is almost identical to that of the R1. That, together with an effort to centralize mass, helps make the R3 a good-handling bike. Making the bike even better for a beginner is a manageable claimed wet weight of 368 lb., plus a seat that’s only 30.7 in. off the pavement.

In addition to a KYB fork with stout 41mm tubes, the new 2015 YZF-R3 is fitted with a KYB shock, clip-on handlebars, a sporty-looking full fairing, 10-spoke aluminum wheels, and brakes that feature a 298mm floating front rotor and 220mm rear. What’s more, the R3 has a compact LCD instrument panel with a multifunction meter that includes a gear-position indicator, fuel capacity, fuel economy, water temp, a clock, two trip meters and even an oil change indicator light. Lastly, three colors are available: Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red, and Raven, otherwise known as black.

Now, the million-dollar question: How will this new Yamaha YZF-R3 fare in the real world against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and Honda CBR300R? Yes, the Yamaha has an edge in displacement, but only one thing is certain: We need to put together a comparison test soon.




yamaha yzf-r3



SPECIFICATIONS
2015 Yamaha YZF-R3
MSRP
$4,990
ENGINE
ENGINE TYPE
321cc, liquid-cooled 2-cylinder DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
BORE & STROKE
68.0 x 44.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO
11.2:1
FUEL DELIVERY
EFI
IGNITION
Transistor Controlled Ignition
TRANSMISSION
Six-speed
FINAL DRIVE
Chain
CHASSIS
FRONT SUSPENSION
41mm KYB fork; 5.1 in. of travel
REAR SUSPENSION
KYB single shock; 4.9. in. of travel
FRONT BRAKE
298mm floating disc
REAR BRAKE
220mm floating disc
FRONT TIRE
110/70-17M/C 54H
REAR TIRE
140/70-17M/C 66H
DIMENSIONS
L x W x H
82.3 x 28.3 x 44.7 in.
SEAT HEIGHT
30.7 in.
WHEELBASE
54.3 in.
RAKE (CASTER ANGLE)
25°
TRAIL
3.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY
3.7 gal
FUEL ECONOMY
NA
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT
368 lb.