New Yamaha R3, MT-03 India Launch on December 15: Here's What to Expect

Yamaha Motor India has finally revealed the launch date for its upcoming R3 and the MT-03 models after much anticipation surrounding the same. The bike giant has confirmed that both models are arriving on the Indian shores on December 15. After being offered for sale in India during the BS4 phase, the fully-fired R3 is making a comeback. Meanwhile, the MT-03 will be available in the domestic market for the very first time. Following the official launch, the deliveries for the bikes will commence by the end of the month. The two models, however, will not be offered in all Yamaha dealerships. According to the firm, the R3 and the MT-03 will be available for purchase at select Blue Square showrooms in over 100 cities across India. Interested buyers will be able to place bookings for the bikes via Yamaha India's official website. Here are all the key details regarding the specs, features, and design of both new models. 

Also Read: 2024 Yamaha MT-09 Breaks Cover Globally with Cosmetic and Mechanical Updates

Yamaha R3, MT-03: Design

In terms of appearance, the R3 mimics Yamaha's larger super sports, like the R7 and the R1, with its fully-faired body, low-set clip-on, and rear-set footpegs. In contrast, the MT-03 borrows design elements from the MT-07 and the MT-09, including a conventional muscular profile and hefty stance, as well as a twin-LED headlamp setup concealed within a large apron. The MT-03 takes on a sporty riding stance much like its supersport sibling, but due to the higher straight-line handlebar than the R3, the ergonomics of riding are slightly more comfortable.

Yamaha R3, MT-03: Drivetrain

The all-new bikes are powered by a 321cc, parallel-twin, DOHC engine that produces 29.5Nm of peak torque at 9,000rpm and 42bhp of maximum power at 10,750rpm. Additionally, the soon-to-be-released versions are mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip and assist clutch. 

Yamaha R3, MT-03: Hardware and Features

Speaking of other mechanical components, the suspension system on the motorcycles makes use of the same hardware. It comprises of rear monoshock with 125mm of travel and KYB upside-down front forks with 130mm of travel. The front 298mm disc and the rear 220mm disc handle the braking duties with the assistance of a dual-channel ABS. These are placed on 17-inch wheels shod with road-biased rubber.

Coming to the feature set, the bikes have LCD instrument displays, LED indicators, and dual LED headlamps, among other amenities. The LCD comprises readouts such as a trip meter, speedometer, fuel level indicator, tachometer, odometer, and gear position indicator. Both bikes, however, lack Bluetooth connectivity. 

Also Read: 2024 Yamaha MT-09 SP Marks Global Debut with New Styling, Hardware and More Features

Yamaha R3, MT-03: India Rivals

Upon launch in India, the R3 will compete against models such as the Kawasaki Ninja 300, the KTM RC 390, the TVS Apache RR 310, and the Kawasaki Ninja 400. On the other hand, the MT-03 will have direct competitors in the form of the BMW G 310 R, the recently launched KTM 390 Duke, and the TVS Apache RTR 310.