Yamaha Motor Company has confirmed the launch of the 2023 versions of the YZF-R3 and the MT-03 by the end of 2023 in the Indian market. Following this, the Japanese bikemaker has plans to roll out the YZF-R7, the MT-07, and the MT-09 next year, as per the statement issued by Eishin Chihana, Chairman, Yamaha Motor India. Besides, a couple of EV models are also likely on the cards. Some reports suggest that unofficial bookings for the upcoming YZF-R3 and the MT-03 are already underway. Note that the booking amount shall range from Rs 5,000 to Rs 20,000, depending on the dealership. As for the price, expect the updated YZF-R3 motorcycle to be in Rs 3.5 - Rs 4.5 lakh range, while the 2023 MT-03 could carry a sticker price of around Rs 3.7 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom. These motorcycles were displayed at a dealer conference held in April 2023, alongside a variety of other models, including the YZF-R7, MT-07, MT-09, and the flagship R1 M.
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2023 Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03: Engine and Transmission
The powertrain setup of the 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 remains similar to the previous version. The fully-faired YZF-R3 draws power from a 320cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine. Linked to a 6-speed gearbox, the motor cranks out 30Nm of peak torque at 9,000rpm and 42bhp of maximum power at 10,750rpm. In terms of mileage, the 2023 model is claimed to yield a fuel efficiency of 25.4km/l, as certified by WMTC (World Motorcycle Test Cycle).
Similar to its faired sibling, the naked MT-03 is powered by a 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin motor. The engine is mated to a six-speed gearbox and churns out 42bhp of maximum power and 29.6Nm of peak torque.
2023 Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03: Hardware & Cycle Parts
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 features a diamond-type frame and uses upside-down front forks. Whereas the rear end has a preload-adjustable rear mono-shock. For braking duties, the bike comes with single discs on both ends, along with a dual-channel ABS for protection. Additionally, the Indian-spec model also gets a safety feature of traction control, which the Japanese version misses out on.
Similar to the YZF-R3, the 2023 MT-03 is also equipped with inverted front forks and a rear mono-shock. For braking, the bike features a 298mm front and a 200mm rear disc, with ABS. The brakes are mounted on 17-inch alloy wheels, which are wrapped in 110/70 front and 140/70 rear tyres.
2023 Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03: Design & Features
Design-wise, the Indian-spec YZF-R3 is anticipated to get all-LED lighting and LED turn indicators that replace the bulb-type units found in the previous version. Other bits are likely to remain the same, including a twin-pod headlight, a split-style seat setup, a full fairing, a side-slung exhaust, and 17-inch alloy wheels at both ends. The MT-03, which is a naked version of the fully-faired YZF-R3, has an aggressive front profile. Its headlight unit includes a projector unit with LED DRLs. The bike gets a muscular fuel tank with creases and cuts, adding to the bike's overall muscular appearance.
Coming to the features, the MT-03 has dual-channel ABS and a fully digital LCD in addition to LED lighting. The instrument console includes all necessary instruments, such as a tachometer, trip meter, speedometer, and odometer. Meanwhile, the Japanese-spec YZF-R3 houses an LCD instrument cluster without Bluetooth connectivity and now even comes with a quick-shifter. It remains to be seen whether these features will be offered with the Indian-spec YZF-R3.
2023 Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03: Market Rivals
The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 is available in Japan at ¥7,29,000 (Rs 4.43 lakh, ex-showroom). The Indian version will be launched by late 2023. In India, the YZF-R3 will rival the likes of the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the Ninja 400, and the KTM RC 390.
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The MT-03's pricing could be around Rs 3.7 lakh (ex-showroom). When it rolls out in the Indian market, it will compete with the likes of the KTM 390 Duke and the BMW G 310 R. Upon launch, the new Yamaha R3 and the MT-03 will go on sale as completely built-up units (CBU), eventually transitioning to CKD production models.
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