Yamaha R3 And MT-03: A Symphony Of Performance Unveiled In First Ride Review

Yamaha has introduced the R3 and its naked counterpart, the MT-03, to the Indian market as fully-imported Completely Built Unit (CBU) models, priced at Rs 4.65 lakh and Rs 4.60 lakh (both ex-showroom), respectively.

Yamaha”s announcement of bringing the R3 and MT-03 to India earlier this year stirred excitement among riding enthusiasts. Here is a glimpse into their performance.

Design:

Both bikes feature familiar designs. The R3 boasts a typical sports bike appearance with a fully-faired body, projector LED headlamp, and a muscular appeal. In contrast, the MT-03 embraces the naked streetfighter style with minimal body panels and distinctive wolf-eyed LED lighting. Both share common features like a split-seat setup, a floating tail section, split grab rails, and an upswept single-sided exhaust muffler.

Features & Build Quality:

The bikes lack extravagant features, maintaining a basic LCD instrument panel with LED illumination. While sturdy, the build quality adheres to Yamaha”s standard. The absence of modern electronics, even a quickshifter, is notable. However, dual-channel ABS comes standard, a new addition for the India-spec R3.

Engine Performance:

The 321cc liquid-cooled, in-line twin-cylinder engine powers both bikes, delivering 41 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 29.5 Nm of peak torque at 9,000 rpm. The engine”s enthusiastic revving, especially past 6,000 rpm, showcases its performance. The absence of a slip and assist clutch is a drawback, and the six-speed gearbox feels slightly notchy. Brakes, on the other hand, perform admirably.

Ride & Handling:

Limited time on the track makes a comprehensive evaluation challenging, but both bikes exhibit a stiffer ride. Sharing the same diamond tube frame, the R3 feels stiffer and more track-oriented, while the MT-03, with a lighter build, handles city confines better. The R3″s committed sports bike riding posture contrasts with the MT-03″s more upright and relaxed ergonomics.

Verdict:

The Yamaha R3 and MT-03 deliver a pure thrill of motorcycling, providing high performance without being intimidating. However, their simplicity contrasts with their high price tags — Rs 4.65 lakh for the R3 and Rs 4.60 lakh for the MT-03 (both ex-showroom). As fully-imported CBUs, localisation is pending, raising questions about their competitiveness in the market. Despite the allure of their performance, the decision to purchase may require the heart to take precedence over the mind.