Yamaha Motor has updated the YZF-R3 with subtle changes for the 2018 model year. Originally launched in 2015, the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 gets cosmetic upgrades for the new year while retaining the same mechanicals. There are now three colour options on offer - Raven, Team Yamaha Blue and Vivid White. The motorcycle will continue to be produced at Yamaha's manufacturing facility in Jakarta, Indonesia, which remains the global hub and will be exported to several markets globally. Yamaha has announced that sales in the US will commence from February 2018. Dates for other markets including India are yet to be revealed.
While the new colour schemes lend a fresh appeal to the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3, the motorcycle continues to draw power from the 321 cc in-line twin-cylinder, liquid cooled engine that churns out about 41 bhp at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of peak torque at 9000 rpm. The motor comes paired to a 6-speed transmission.
(The Yamaha YZF-R3 uses the same mechanical setup for 2018)
Other components remain the same as well with suspension duties performed by 41 mm Kayaba forks up front and a monoshock unit at the rear sourced from KYB. Braking performance comes from 298 mm front and a 220 mm rear disc brakes. Internationally, the Yamaha R3 is available in both ABS and non-ABS versions.
The Yamaha R3 was raved for its touring skills and impressive performance, not only in India but globally as well. The bike though was discontinued in India earlier this year after Yamaha India did not upgrade the model to BS4 emission norms. That said, the Japanese manufacturer recently conveyed that the updated BS4 version will makes its way to India by the end of this year.
(Yamaha Motor India is expected to launch the BS4 YZF-R3 later this year)
It needs to be seen now if Yamaha Motor India will introduce the updated 2018 YZF-R3 in the country. The model, despite its limited sales, has built a niche in the segment, competing against the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC 390 and the newest addition - Benelli 302R. More details on the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 will be available in the following days.
