Entry-level sportbikes have been coming on strong lately, with the recent release of the all-new KTM RC390, the updated-for-2015 Honda CBR300R and the Kawasaki Ninja 300, which received a major revamp for 2013.
Now Yamaha is getting into the game, as it announced today at the American International Motorcycle Expo (AIMExpo), in Orlando, Florida.
Introduced by recently retired Yamaha MotoGP racer Colin Edwards and his wife Alyssia, the all-new 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 a chip off the supersport block, with sharp, angular styling like its 600cc R6 and 1,000cc R1 big brothers. It is powered by a 320cc, liquid-cooled parallel twin with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, a 180-degree crank and fuel injection, held in place by a steel frame. The transmission has six gears and final drive is via chain.
The fully faired R3 has a 30.7-inch seat height and an LCD instrument panel. Suspension is by KYB, with a 41mm fork with 5.1 inches of travel and a single shock with 5.9 inches of travel. Braking is handled by dual discs (ABS is not available) and the wheels are 10-spoke cast aluminum.
The YZF-R3 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red or Raven for $4,990, starting in March 2015.
In related news, Yamaha also announced that an all-new YZF-R1 will be unveiled at the EICMA show in Milan, Italy, on November 3, 2014.
Sure would be helpful to show curb weight and payload numbers on ALL review specifications.
Can’t wait for an F or X model. Not interested in the RR look.