Yamaha YZF R3

India’s sub-500cc motorcycle market was buzzing in 2023, and Yamaha closed out the year with the launch of two exciting models — the YZF-R3 and MT-03. While the R3 returns to Indian roads after a gap, the MT-03 makes its official debut. Both bikes are now on sale, with the R3 priced at ₹4.64 lakh and the MT-03 at ₹4.59 lakh (ex-showroom). These relatively high price tags are due to their CBU (Completely Built Unit) import status from Thailand.

The YZF-R3 is designed as a fully-faired sport tourer, offering aerodynamic styling and a more aggressive stance. On the other hand, the MT-03 takes on the naked streetfighter identity, showcasing a muscular yet minimalistic design with exposed hardware.

Both bikes share the same 321cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin engine, producing 40 bhp and 29.6 Nm of torque. They come mated to a 6-speed transmission with a slipper clutch for smooth downshifts.

In terms of features, dual-channel ABS is standard on both, while the R3 gets full LED lighting and an LCD instrument cluster. The MT-03, however, comes with a projector headlamp and misses out on some premium lighting tech. Neither model offers modern rider aids such as Bluetooth connectivity, ride modes, traction control, ride-by-wire, or a quick-shifter, making them slightly less tech-rich than some similarly priced competitors.

Overall, these models offer proven performance and Yamaha’s reliability, though they lean more on mechanical purity than electronic sophistication.