The Yamaha YZF-R3, usually called the R3, is a 321 cc parallel-twin sport bike that Yamaha has made since 2015. It is an entry-level machine aimed at riders moving up to their first full-size sport bike.
Yamaha YZF-R3 at a glance
| Maker | Yamaha Motor Company |
|---|---|
| Class | Entry-level sport motorcycle |
| Introduced | 2015 |
| Engine | 321 cc parallel twin |
| Notable feature | offset cylinder design, shared with the R25 |
| Induction | downdraft fuel injection |
| Wheels | 10-spoke cast aluminium |
| ABS | optional from 2017, dual-channel from 2018 |
| 2019 update | new fairing, KYB upside-down forks, lower clip-ons |
| 2025 update | winglets, assist and slipper clutch, Euro 5+ |
| Racing | WSSP300 titles in 2017 and 2022 |
Based on one source (English Wikipedia).
History of the Yamaha YZF-R3
The R3 was introduced in 2015 as an entry-level sport motorcycle in the same class as the Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR300R and KTM 390. The R3 and the R25 were the first Yamaha twins with an offset cylinder design. The engine uses downdraft fuel injection, the 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels reduce unsprung mass and the cylinders are all-aluminium.
ABS became optional for 2017, and the 2018 model had dual-channel ABS and was Euro 5 compliant. The 2019 update brought a new fairing design, KYB upside-down forks and clip-on handlebars lowered by 22 mm. It also added a revised fuel tank cover for better cornering, a full LCD instrument panel replacing the analogue needle, and a choice of Yamaha Black, Icon Blue and a 60th Anniversary white, red and gold livery.
In 2024 Yamaha unveiled the 2025 R3 with a new fairing design including integrated winglets, an assist and slipper clutch and further electronic updates to the LCD instrumentation, while carrying over the same engine. For 2025 the bike became Euro 5+ compliant and gained a slipper clutch and a new headlight design reminiscent of the YZF-R7 and the 2024 YZF-R9. The R3 has also proved competitive: it won WSSP300 championships in 2017 with Marc García and in 2022 with Álvaro Díaz, and scored multiple victories in 2023 with Matteo Vannucci and Mirko Gennai. Tests recorded a 0–60 mph time of 5.1 seconds and 0–100 mph in 19.82 seconds, and the 2015 bike braked from 100 km/h to standstill in 40 metres.
Design and features
- Offset-cylinder twin: the R3 and R25 were Yamaha’s first twins with this design.
- Light chassis: cast aluminium wheels and all-aluminium cylinders keep weight down.
- Regular updates: ABS in 2017, upside-down forks in 2019, winglets for 2025.
- Race success: WSSP300 titles in 2017 and 2022.
Yamaha YZF-R3 versions
- R3 (2015–2016): original model without ABS.
- R3 (2017–2018): optional ABS, then dual-channel ABS and Euro 5 compliance.
- R3 (2019–2024): new fairing, KYB upside-down forks and LCD dash.
- R3 (2025–): winglets, assist and slipper clutch and Euro 5+ compliance.
The R3 sits between the YZF-R125 and YZF-R6, and it shares its platform with the MT-03. More models are in the Yamaha collection.
Sources
- Yamaha YZF-R3, English Wikipedia: design, updates, racing, performance
