Yamaha India has sent an invite requesting us to block our dates on April 14 for a press conference. While the Japanese bike maker hasn't divulged any details about the event, it is likely that the company will be introducing the new Ray-ZR scooter in the country that was first unveiled at the 2016 Auto Expo. A potential replacement to the recently discontinued Ray in the company's lineup, the Ray-ZR could be the company's new entry-level scooter.
Yamaha India only recently reshuffled its complete product lineup discontinuing a host of dud selling models including the Ray scooter as well as the FZ-S V1 and Fazer V1 motorcycles. Having made space, the company is all set to introduce its new product lineup, especially scooters. The bike maker had conveyed at the time of unveil that the Ray-ZR will hit the showrooms by March; however, it seems, the launch was pushed by a couple of days. The event could see Yamaha announce the prices and specifications of the new Ray-ZR, while also announcing the delivery date.
Yamaha MT-03
The other possibility is that of a motorcycle being unveiled on April 14, as Yamaha promises an 'unveil' in its invitation. This bike, we believe, just might be the much awaited MT-03. For the most part, it was a given that the company will bring the R3's street-fighter version to the expo, but Yamaha chose otherwise and introduced the MT-09 instead.
Talking about the scooter, the Yamaha Ray-ZR is based on the same frame as the Alpha, Ray-Z and the Fascino. In terms of styling though, the Ray-ZR is sportier compared to its sibling and is targeted at young male buyers with two-tone styling and sporty graphics playing up the scooter. Power will continue to come from the same 113cc air-cooled, single-cylinder engine that is mated to an automatic transmission. Expected to be available with both drum and an optional front disc brake equipped versions, prices for the Ray-ZR are expected to start from around Rs. 50,000 (ex-showroom).
Also Read: Yamaha Ray, FZ-S & Fazer Discontinued From the Indian Market
Coming to the Yamaha MT-03, the bike is a naked derivative of the R3 and uses the same 321cc twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine tuned to produce 41.6hp of power and 30Nm of torque. The bike comes paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The street-fighter will be rivaling the KTM Duke 390, Kawasaki Z250 and the Benelli TNT 300 in the segment. Being a CKD, pricing will be in the vicinity of over Rs. 3 lakh (ex-showroom). Complete details on Yamaha India's plans will be available soon, so make sure to watch this space.
