The Yamaha MT-03 and the R3 were probably the most talked about motorcycles and the Japanese two-wheeler maker has finally launched them in India, priced at Rs 4.59 lakh and Rs 4.64 lakh respectively, ex-showroom. The Yamaha R3 was sold in India earlier, while the MT-03 entered the Indian market for the first time.
Both motorcycles, the Yamaha MT-03 and the YZF-R3 are based on the same diamond-type tubular frame, while the bodywork sets them apart. The MT-03 features minimal bodywork and an upright position, while the R3 gets a full fairing, clip-on bars, and a tucked-down riding position, but not as aggressive as a proper sportbike.
The street naked MT-03 and the fully-faired YZF-R3 are powered by the same engine, a 321cc, liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor that makes 41bhp and 29.5Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed gearbox. Unlike the KTN 390 Duke and the RC390, the Yamaha siblings do not get a quickshifter. This is strange as the entry-level R15 gets one.
In terms of equipment, both motorcycles get non-adjustable USD forks, a monoshock at the rear, 17-inch wheels, disc brakes at both ends with dual-channel ABS, an LCD instrument console, and more. The Yamaha siblings do not get electronic aids such as cornering ABS or traction control.
Competition for both motorcycles is intense in India, as the MT-03 competes with the segment leader KTM 390 Duke, Triumph Speed 400, TVS Apache RTR 310, and BMW G 310 R, while the R3 competes with the KTM RC390, TVS Apache 310 RR, BMW G 310 RR, the newly-launched Aprilia RS457, and more.
So how the motorcycles compare against the competition and how they ride will be out on our first ride review soon. Stay tuned for more on the Yamaha MT-03 and YZF-R3.
