2024 autoX Awards: Yamaha R3 Performance, Quality and Value

2024 autoX Awards: The Yamaha YZF-R3 is a motorcycle I am eager to experience again. When the previous generation R3 was first launched in India a few years ago, I spent quite a bit of time getting to know it. It’s worth noting that the place where I first got my hands on an R3 in 2015 is at the same venue as our current testing ground for the ‘Best of 2024’ awards – the Buddha International Circuit. So, nine years later, I’m ready to rekindle my relationship with Yamaha’s twin-cylinder sport bikes, and my expectations are admittedly high.

I still vividly remember how forgiving the R3 was on the track, making even a novice rider like me feel like a pro. To my delight, the new Yamaha R3 retains this quality. Enter a corner too quickly or throttle too aggressively out of a corner, and the R3 remains stable, avoiding the often punishing reactions of track-focused bikes. It’s still a roomy motorcycle that can comfortably accommodate taller riders, and its ergonomic layout is relatively loose compared to rivals like the Aprilia RS 457. Its riding position strikes a balance between the highly engaged stance of a baby Aprilia and the more relaxed sport-touring stance of a Ninja 500-like bike.

Also read: Yamaha R3, MT-03 1000Km Review: Old School Rock

That said, the R3’s hardware feels a bit old-school, which may or may not be to your liking, depending on your preferences. It requires high revs to bring excitement – contrary to its otherwise easy-going nature. However, the 321cc twin-cylinder liquid-cooled engine with 41bhp and 29.5 Nm of torque is still enjoyable, while the slick 6-speed gearbox is a joy to use. In 2015, it was reasonably fast; now, by today’s standards, it’s pretty fast at best. It also feels under-equipped, especially compared to its own younger brother, the tech-heavy Yamaha R15. Its high price further affects its value proposition. However, for those who crave a pure riding experience, proven reliability and an iconic badge, there’s still nothing better than the Yamaha YZF-R3.