2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 launch review

Yamaha’s 2018 model YZF-R3 was a potent pint-sized sportsbike in its own right, but that didn’t stop the Japanese company introducing some fairly major changes for 2019 as the battle for supremacy in the sub-400cc market continues unabated.

One of five YZF-badged models in Yamaha’s local line-up, we recently put the updated 2019 R3 through its paces at the Australasian media launch via a 250km road ride through the picturesque Blue Mountains, followed by some track action at the new Luddenham Raceway.

Across both mediums the YZF-R3 was exceptional, and I can see why the model (past and present) strikes a chord with entry-level clientele (the LAMS market), returning riders and commuters alike.

The twists and turns of the Blue Mountains was ideal to get to know the 2019 model, and it not only impressed with its effortless and confidence-inspiring properties but it’s updated styling also turned heads as well.

The $6299 (plus on-road costs) YZF-R3 is powered by an unchanged 321cc twin-cylinder engine, with more than respectable performance figures (41.4hp/26.9Nm). Yamaha has resisted the urge to up the bike’s capacity like Kawasaki has done with its equivalent Ninja faired model, but it does claim an 8km/h boost in top speed thanks to a decrease in aerodynamic drag from the new fairing and windcsreen.

Even though the handlebar is set 22mm lower on the 2019 model, the sportier riding position is barely noticeable and the YZF-R3 still delivers a comfortable, upright riding position.

There’s also an all-new KYB 37mm upside-down fork to improve the bike’s front-end rigidity, and the improvement during cornering and braking is obvious. There's also a stiffer rear spring fitted to the preload-adjustable rear shock, but at the end of six hours on bumpy country roads with only two short caffeine stops the jarring had begun to take its toll.

The spring is not too stiff: in fact it’s still quite soft, but the shock is the budget part of the equation.

Yamaha has ditched the old combination of analogue/digital dash, replaced by an LCD dash that displays a large array of easy-to-read information including speed, gear indicator, fuel consumption, rev counter and trips for fuel reserve. There's even an adjustable shift light.

Chassis-wise, Yamaha has also retained the steel diamond type frame as well as the 298mm single brake disk and twin-piston caliper. Underneath the fairing, the R3 is unchanged from the headstock back, except for the above-mentioned stiffer spring in the rear shock.

As enjoyable as the road ride was, blasting a small sportsbike around a race track is just so much fun – and it was at Luddenham where the YZF-R3 shined brightest. This thing loves to rev, and the harder you twist the throttle the better it performs.

The tight and twisting 1.4km layout is perfectly suited to the R3, and the impressive amount of feedback from the updated suspension meant knees were on the deck from the very first lap.

The upside-down fork has taken the handling of the R3 up a notch. A solid front-end feel, with a lot less wallowing under brakes and impressive feedback allows the littler Yamaha's R-series DNA to shine through.

We had the 2018 Yamaha R3 Cup bike at the track to use as a comparison between the two. Handling wise, the new model is a winner hands-down. I felt a lot more comfortable leaning into a corner and under braking. The little rocket was giving me feedback through the suspension, letting me know if I’d leant it over a little too much or if I’d smacked a bump too hard instead of standing me upright or washing out the front wheel.

As expected, the new shock struggled when the pace picked up to track level. A quality set of brake pads would also be on my shopping list if I owned the YZF-R3.

I was also given the opportunity to sample the 2019 race bike at Luddenham. The machine will soon line-up in the Australian 300 Production Championship and the Yamaha R3 Cup, and with Ohlins suspension and sticky Pirelli Super Corsa tyres the YZF-R3 is transformed into a genuine race bike.

The machine is available in three colour options: Yamaha Blue returns, joined by Power Black and the eye- and millennial-catching Candy Satin Red with its matte finish.

The YZF-R3 was originally designed to draw new riders into the Yamaha family and retain them for life with its step-up philosophy. The 2019 YZF-R3 continues that theme.

It's an inexpensive race-inspired package and, for a student like me who has competition aspirations, it’s ideal. I can commute to university and then take to the race track on the weekends, and it will handle both duties with absolute ease.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, four-valve parallel twin
Capacity: 321cc
Bore x stroke: 60.0 mm x 44.1 mm
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 41.4hp (30.9kW) at 10,750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 29.6Nm at 9000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel diamond
Front suspension: 37mm KYB upside-down telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Rear suspension: Preload adjustable monoshock, 45mm travel
Front brakes: 298mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear brakes: 220mm disc with single-piston caliper
Tyres: 110/70-17 front, 140/70-17 rear

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 167kg
Seat height: 780mm
Wheelbase: 1380mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Economy: 4.8lt/100km (estimated)

OTHER STUFF
Price: $6299 plus on-road costs
Colours: Yamaha Blue, Power Black Candy Satin Red
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres