Launch: Yamaha YZF-R3

One of the most important aspects of a successful business is brand loyalty; if you can create that you are well on your way to creating a prosperous company. For motorcycle companies, it's about getting new riders in early, offering a good product and then having a clear product line ahead of them — mostly bigger, faster and more technologically advanced motorcycles.

Kawasaki and Honda already have successful formulas with the Ninja 300 and CBR300R, which are obvious stepping stones up into the larger Ninja and CBR supersport models. Yamaha has also adopted this philosophy with the all-new MT-07, a model designed to create loyalty in the MT family.

While Yamaha did have a sporty learner-approved motorcycle (LAMS) in the YZF-15, it wasn’t on the same level as its direct competitors and would have struggled to create loyalty in the ‘R’ series family of bikes, such as the YZF-R6 and YZF-R1.
But now it's taken the covers off the all-new YZF-R3, an entry-level supersport machine that shares much more with its ‘R’ series siblings than the YZF-15 ever did. Yamaha not only wants to be on the same level as its competitors’ models, but surpass them in every aspect. In fact, the engineers actually bought and studied the R3’s competitors so they could make the improvements deemed necessary.

According to Sean Goldhawk, Communications Manager at Yamaha Motor Australia, “The new R3 is targeted at new riders that want sporty performance, looks and also have the ability to commute on it.”

The Australian press launch for the R3 was held on the undulating and twisting roads of the Central Coast of NSW. The morning was wet before drying into a perfect autumn day. The wet roads of the morning allowed us to sample the R3 in a commuter sense before the dry roads allowed us to push its limits and test its sporty characteristics (admittedly want Yamaha wanted).

Powering the new R3 is a 321cc inline, DOHC, four-valve parallel twin that benefits from technology seen on Yamaha’s larger supersport bikes. It features direct drive cams, forged aluminium pistons, an offset cylinder design and 180-degree crank — all trickle-downs from the larger motorcycles. Claimed maximum power is 42hp (31kw) at 10,750rpm, while torque peaks at 29.6Nm at 9000rpm. This places the R3 above the Ninja 300 (39hp and 27Nm) and Honda CBR300 (30hp and 27Nm) respectively. However, the KTM RC390 pips all of them with a class-leading 44hp and 35Nm.

Twist the throttle and the R3 has a very lively and free-revving character. It pulls cleanly down low before a slight power surge at around 9000rpm, which is a trait the other Japanese models do not possess. It will do 0-100km/h in a touch under six seconds and continue onto a top speed of around 160km/h. The engine is buzz-free at high rpm and still has enough berries for highway overtakes. The torque around 3000rpm allows you to hold a higher gear in corners, which in turn keeps the motorcycle very stable and the throttle snatch-free.

Parallel twins don’t produce the best audio track, but the two-into-one exhaust offers an ear-pleasing note. Some of the test bikes were fitted with optional Akrapovic exhausts ranging from $420 (slip-on) to $849 (full system). The full system is quite loud, but the slip-ons are a perfect volume.

Connected to the engine is a faultless six-speed gearbox that didn’t show any misdemeanours throughout the whole day — and there was some hard riding. The clutch lever pull is light and predicable, and coupled with the torquey engine it offers confidence for a new rider.

Unlike the Ninja 300, the R3 is not fitted with a race-derived slipper clutch, but to be honest at the beginning it fooled me into thinking it had one. Under fast, un-revved down changes, the rear wheel stayed in line and did not suffer compression lock-up. I even put it under an extreme down change test (much like an accidental downshift from a new rider) and everything remained in line.

The R3’s engine is housed in a diamond-type tubular frame that makes use of a 41mm telescopic fork and a preload adjustable monoshock. With a weight distribution of 50/50, a swingarm/wheelbase ratio the same as the R1, and large wheels fitted, the R3 offers a solid handling riding experience and one that will boost new riders' confidence.

Corner tip-in is direct and accurate, while fast changes of direction (knee down to knee down) does not unsettle the chassis. The forks are slightly thicker than the Ninja 300 (37mm), which helps in creating a more planted front-end — especially if the speed creeps north of the speed limit.

With a seat height of 780mm (5mm lower than the Ninja 300), two feet on the ground should be the norm. The seat is plush and the footpegs are mounted low enough that my 182cm frame did not feel cramped. The reach to the handlebars is spot-on and I was able to comfortably tuck into a race position and move easily around from side-to-side.

Braking is handled by a single 298mm disc and two-piston caliper, while a single-piston caliper pinches the rear 220mm disc. The front unit is slightly larger than the Ninja 300, but the rear is smaller. In terms of braking performance the two can’t really be separated. On the R3 front brake lever pull is strong, progressive and offers enough power to easily activate the anti-lock braking system.

Styling wise there is no mistaking it comes from the Yamaha ‘R’ series. The front features a centrally located air duct just like the R1, and the high, pointy tail is reminiscent of the R6. Coupled with the blue and silver paint scheme (identical to the new R1), you would be forgiven for mistaking it as the new R1 from a distance. In my opinion it is the best-looking LAMS bike on the market at the moment.

The multi-function instrument panel includes an analogue tachometer and digital speedometer that is very easy to read. Other information available to the rider includes a shift light, fuel gauge and a gear position indicator, which many LAMS bikes miss out on.

There are three liveries to choose from — black, blue/silver and red/white, the multi-coloured versions being the pick. At $6999 rideaway it is priced accordingly against its direct competitors.

The R3 ticks all the boxes for new riders: it is affordable, offers a sporty riding experience and looks fantastic. If you are a new rider that wants a supersport bike then the R3 should be at the top of your list to look at. And if you do purchase it you may well be a loyal Yamaha customer for life.

TRANSMISSION
Type: Six-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel diamond
Front suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 130mm travel
Rear suspension: Preload adjustable monoshock, 125mm 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: 169kg
Seat height: 780mm
Wheelbase: 1380mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: $6999 rideaway
Colours: Black, Blue/Silver or Red/White
Bike supplied by: Yamaha Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 24 months, unlimited kilometres