Yamaha YZF-R3

Yamaha YZF-R3

2021 YZF-R3
Parent company	Yamaha Corporation
Production	2015–present
Assembly	Indonesia: Karawang, West Java (Yamaha Indonesia Motor Manufacturing) Brazil: Guarulhos, São Paulo (Yamaha Motor da Amazônia) (since 2022)
Class	Sport bike
Engine	320.3 cc (19.55 cu in) liquid-cooled 4-stroke 8-valve DOHC 180° inline-twin
Bore / stroke	68.0 mm × 44.1 mm (2.68 in × 1.74 in)
Compression ratio	11.2:1
Top speed	181 km/h (112 mph) (Estimated) 166 km/h (103 mph)
Power	31 kW (42 hp) @ 10,750 rpm (claimed) 27.4 kW (36.7 hp) @ 10,750 rpm (rear wheel)
Torque	21.8 lb⋅ft (29.6 N⋅m) @ 9,000 rpm (claimed) 19.8 lb⋅ft (26.8 N⋅m) @ 9,100 rpm (rear wheel)
Transmission	6-speed constant mesh
Frame type	Steel diamond
Suspension	Front: 41 mm telescopic fork Rear: swingarm
Brakes	Front: Single 298 mm hydraulic disc Rear: Single 220 mm hydraulic disc
Tires	Front: 110/70-17H Rear: 140/70-17H
Rake, trail	25°, 95 mm (3.7 in)
Dimensions	L: 2,090 mm (82 in) W: 735 mm (28.9 in) H: 1,140 mm (45 in)
Seat height	780 mm (31 in)
Weight	167 kg (368 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity	14.0 L (3.1 imp gal; 3.7 US gal)
Oil capacity	2.1–2.5 L (2.2–2.6 US qt)
Fuel consumption	4.2–4.9 L/100 km; 67–58 mpg‑imp (56–48 mpg‑US)
Related	Yamaha MT-03 Yamaha YZF-R25

The Yamaha YZF-R3, commonly R3, is a 321 cc (19.6 cu in) parallel-twin sport bike made by Yamaha since 2015. The R3 and the R25 are the first Yamaha twins with an offset cylinder design.

The YZF-R3 was updated for 2019. The update brought a new fairing design, KYB upside down forks and the clip-on handlebars lowered by 22mm. The update also saw a revised fuel tank cover to improve cornering capability, as well as a full LCD display, replacing the analogue needle in the old model. The 2019 model was available in 3 different colours: Yamaha Black, Icon Blue and the 60th Anniversary Edition colours, which featured a special white, red and gold livery.

In 2024, Yamaha unveiled the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3. This included a brand new fairing design with integrated winglets for aerodynamics, an Assist and Slipper clutch and further electronic updates to the bikes LCD instrumentation. The bike carried on the same engine from its predecessors.

The Yamaha R3 is an entry-level sport motorcycle in the same range as other 250–400 cc motorcycles like the Kawasaki Ninja 300, Honda CBR300R, and KTM 390 series. It has some design similarity to the R25, such as the engine. The engine uses a downdraft induction fuel injection system, and the 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight. The cylinders are all-aluminum. For 2017, the YZF-R3 offers optional ABS. The 2018 Model has dual channel ABS and is EURO IV compliant.

For 2025, the Yamaha R3 was made to be EURO IV+ compliant. The bike also received a slipper clutch and a new headlight design reminiscent of the Yamaha YZF-R7 and the 2025 Yamaha YZF-R9.

The 2015 R3 has a braking distance of 40 meters from 100-0 kph. According to some reviewers, the braking system is not powerful enough to match the engine power, and is also prone to fishtailing under hard braking (non ABS).

The R3 has also proved to be a competent race bike, scoring two WSSP300 Championship titles in 2017 and 2022 by Marc García and Álvaro Diaz respectively. In 2023, the bike saw multiple victories under the hands of Matteo Vannucci and Mirko Gennai.

The bike has a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds. 0-100 mph takes 19.82 seconds.

Yamaha Racing Division offer GYTR parts for the 2019 Yamaha R3.

• Official website (Europe)