Japanese Motorcycle giant introduced the 2018 Yamaha YZF R3 in India at the Auto Expo 2018. The sports bike was launched by the brand ambassador John Abraham. The sports bike was launched at INR 3.48 lakhs (Ex-showroom, Delhi). Compared to the previous version, updated Yamaha R3 is expensive by almost INR 23,000.

2018 Yamaha YZF R3 has been re-launched as the previous version was taken out of production due to the non compliance of BS-IV norms in India. With the updated BS-IV engine, the new 2018 Yamaha YZF R3 also gets dual-channel ABS and Metzeler Sportec M5 Tyres as standard. The BSIV-compliant 321cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine produces 42PS of power and 29.6Nm of torque and is mated to a 6-speed gearbox.

With sharp and edgy looks, 2018 Yamaha R3 retains the twin cat-like headlamps, full fairing, clip-on handlebars and the sporty tail section with the semi-digital instrument cluster from its predecessor. Along with dual channel ABS, 2018 Yamaha YZF R3 sports telescopic front forks and a monoshock unit at the rear with front and the rear disc brakes.

Metzeler Sportec M5 tyres on the R3 gives better equipped than the MRF tyres that were being offered till now. The R3 didn’t really take off despite the entire 300cc-odd performance motorcycle segment seeing big growth, but with better specs, The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 will go up against the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the DSK Benelli 302R, TVS Apache RR 310 and the KTM RC 390.

Commenting on the launch, Motofumi Shitara, Chairman of Yamaha Motor India Group of companies, said, “The success and popularity gained by the YZF-R3 in India is a major achievement by the company. The development team has put all of their engineering skills and passion into developing this new model with dual channel ABS in order to provide improved riding experience and more excitement for the customers.”

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