Japanese bikemaker Yamaha had unveiled and launched the updated version of its Yamaha YZF-R3 at the 14th Auto Expo in Greater Noida earlier in February. Reports in media suggest, the 2018 Yamaha has started reaching dealerships. The previous generation R3 missed out on anti-lick-braking system (ABS) and was criticised for its tyres. Thankfully, Yamaha has addressed these issues in the 2018 version of R3 which comes with Metzeller Sportec M5 Interact tyres as a standard provision. At front, it gets 110-section tyres whereas rear comes equipped with 140-section units. Besides, the 298 mm front and 220 mm rear disc units get a dual-channel ABS as a new addition. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 can be had in two colour options including Magma Black and Racing Blue.
In terms of design, Yamaha has retained most of the styling bits and it looks largely same as its predecessor. The prowess sources power from a 320.6 cc, parallel twin DOHC unit with liquid cooling and fuel injection good for maximum power of 42bhp at 10,750rpm along with 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm. This engine has now been calibrated to meet BS-IV emission norms. Transmission duties on the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 are carried out by a 6-speed gearbox.
It is based on the Diamond type frame and features telescopic fork at the front and monoshock absorbers at the rear. The bike has a kerb weight of 173 kg and comes equipped with a 14-litre fuel tank. Priced at Rs 3,48,000 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 rivals Benelli 302R and Kawasaki Ninja 300.