India Yamaha Motor has launched its much-awaited models – the track-oriented R3 and the street fighter MT-03 in the Indian market. While the R3 has been on sale in the country previously as well, its naked version the MT-03 has come on our shores for the first time. According to the brand, both the models aim to fulfill the growing aspirations of young R15 and MT-15 customers in India who are looking to upgrade to bigger motorcycles.
The new R3 and MT-03 share a 321cc liquid cooled, 4-stroke, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC and 4-valve per cylinder fuel injected engine that produces 42 PS of peak power at 10,750 rpm and 29.5 Nm of maximum torque at 9,000 rpm. Both the bikes are built on light-weight diamond frame and get upside down front forks, long swingarm and mono-cross rear suspension. You also get features like a multi-function LCD instrument cluster along with a LED headlight, taillight & turn indicators. Both get a get a seat height of 780 mm, ground clearance of 160 mm and a fuel tank capacity of 14 litres.
Yamaha says the track-oriented characters of the latest Yamaha R3 offer excellent riding confidence, quick-revving performance, and high-rpm efficiency. A near 50/50 weight distribution considered to be an ideal setup for supersport bikes, smoothly takes care of the handling performance. The handlebar crown is made of cast aluminum and presents a natural steering feel, while the fuel tank cover provides better grip to the rider. The claim is that the design provides better aerodynamic efficiency with the combo of fairings, windscreen, cross layered wing, and air duct work that directs airflow to the radiator.
The MT-03 comes from the hyper-naked family of the Japanese brand and is said to be a true master of torque. The bike carries an aggressive design where the twin-eye positioned lights dominate the front look. The fuel tank area bodywork makes it look like a big bike, something that always appeals to the buyer. The MT-03 offers a snug fit and comfortable sitting position to the rider and the tightly packed look for the front assembly further emphasizes the “mass-forward” body design image, a signature of MT family.
Both the motorcycles feature a compact and lightweight diamond frame chassis offering optimum balance of strength and rigidity, neutral handling, and easy manoeuvrability in traffic. The all-aluminum DiASil cylinder with offset design and heat resistant pistons stable engine performance with heat dissipation and reduced horsepower loss. Additionally, the 573 mm long swingarm along with mono-cross rear suspension and upside-down front forks ensure riding confidence. The bikes also comes with dual-channel ABS and you also get 298 mm disc at the front and 220 mm unit at the rear. Both run on 17-inch alloys with tubeless tyres.
These models will be available in India as Completely Built-Up Units (CBUs) which explains their more than expected prices. The R3 is prices at Rs. 4.65 lakh, ex-showroom and is available in Icon Blue & Yamaha Black colours. The MT-03 can be chosen in Midnight Cyan & Midnight Black colour options and is priced at a little lower Rs. 4.60 lakh. Both motorcycles will be exclusively sold through select Blue Square dealerships of Yamaha and bookings for them can only
be made online.
The author is a Senior Editor at carandbike.com.
