Yamaha YZF-R3 review, road test

The YZF-R3 reflects Yamaha’s racing DNA in its looks. We find out if it has the go to match the show.

Published on Feb 12, 2016 08:00:00 AM

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The Yamaha YZF-R3 runs on rails when attacking corners.

The sporty and nimble riding character of the bike makes it fun in the ghats.

It’s always impossible for motorcycles to provide us the best of all worlds, but Yamaha has come close enough with the YZF-R3. Throughout the test, the R3 performed well, be it in terms of everyday riding, or exclusively hard pushing on the twisting ghats.
The R3 shortcomings that need to be dealt with are a lack of ABS for the brakes, and weak tyres, besides which, you will find it hard to put your finger on anything else. The engine is very much to our liking, and so is handling.
At Rs 3.26 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Yamaha YZF-R3 makes a great bargain that also leaves change in your pocket compared to its ‘greener’ twin-cylinder rival from Kawasaki, which it matches or outdoes on virtually every front.
The Yamaha YZF-R3 then, gets a big thumbs-up in this test.