Yamaha YZF-R3 review, road test

The YZF-R3 looks very sporty. The Yamaha’s twin headlamps look sharp, and the pilot lamp in the centre looks good too. The wind deflector is transparent, and allows you to look at the road with ease when tucked in at speed. If you compare the front of the motorcycle with that of the smaller R15, it looks more muscular and grown up. The mirrors are wide enough for riders to easily see what’s happening behind.

The R3 has a sharply designed instrument cluster, with analogue tachometer and digital speedometer backlit in soothing white. The digital LCD also displays fuel and engine temperature levels, apart from an odometer and trip readings, along with the usual suspects. Behind sit clip-on handlebars, which end in a pair of comfortable palm grips. Switchgear is top notch and absolutely sublime to operate.

The tank is quite angular and muscular, and high set. The R3 seat is finished in black, and lets you move around easily, comfortable enough on long and short rides alike. The pillion seat is rather high and small, as is common on sportsbikes.

Overall fit and finish on the motorcycle is top notch, with nothing to complain about at all.