New Delhi: Yamaha has launched two new motorcycles in India today – the R3 and the MT-03. These are the latest offerings from the Japanese manufacturer in the premium segment, and they will compete with a number of other bikes in the market.
Engine and performance
Both the R3 and the MT-03 share the same 321cc, parallel-twin engine that produces 42bhp of power and 29.6Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a six-speed gearbox that features a slipper clutch for smooth shifts. The engine has been unchanged for a long time, and it is known for its reliability and refinement.
Features and equipment
The R3 and the MT-03 also have the same cycle parts and feature list. They have 17-inch wheels with tubeless tires at both ends, and they are equipped with USD forks at the front and a mono-shock at the rear for suspension. The braking system consists of single discs at both the front and the rear, with dual-channel ABS as standard. The bikes also come with an LED headlamp and an LCD screen for the instrument cluster.
However, compared to their rivals, the R3 and the MT-03 lack some modern features, such as ride-by-wire, traction control, multiple riding modes, adjustable suspension, and a full-color TFT display.
Price and availability
The R3 and the MT-03 are imported to India via the CBU route, which means they are fully assembled abroad and then shipped to India. This makes them more expensive than their locally manufactured or assembled competitors. The R3 is priced at Rs 4.20 lakh, while the MT-03 costs Rs 4 lakh, ex-showroom. The bikes will be available only at select Yamaha dealerships across the country.
The R3 and the MT-03 will face stiff competition from other bikes in their respective segments. The R3 is a faired sportbike that will go up against the likes of the TVS Apache RR 310, the BMW G310 RR, the KTM RC 390, the Kawasaki Ninja 400, and the Aprilia RS 457. The MT-03 is a naked streetfighter that will rival the KTM 390 Duke, the BMW G310 R, and the TVS Apache RTR 310. These bikes offer more features, performance, and value for money than the Yamaha duo.
