Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Aprilia RS 457 Spec Comparison: Which is Better?

Yamaha's newly launched YZF-R3 is a fully-faired version of the MT-03, and the bikemaker is pitching it as a sport bike. Just as the MT-03 street bike has rivals in the form of the KTM 390 Duke and BMW G 310 R, the Yamaha R3 finds its closest rival in Aprilia's first made-in-India RS 457, which is currently priced at Rs 4.10 lakh (ex-showroom, India). Meanwhile, the Yamaha R3 has been brought back to India as a completely built-up unit from Indonesia, hence the higher price tag of Rs 4.65 lakh (ex-showroom). While the pricing of both bikes is not on par, the R3 and the RS 457 make for a good comparison in terms of performance, styling, and more. 

Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Aprilia RS 457: Engine, Performance

The BS6 R3 continues to feature the same engine as before. This means that a 321cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine does the duty in the Yamaha bike. Power and torque figures are also the same, with 42bhp and 29.5Nm. The six-speed transmission continues unchanged as well. Also available is a slip-and-assist clutch for seamless operation. 

Also Read: Yamaha MT-03 vs KTM 390 Duke Spec Comparison: Which One Should You Buy?

The Aprilia RS 457, meanwhile, uses a 457cc, parallel twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine with a 270-degree crank and double camshaft timing. Mated to a 6-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch, this engine churns out more power than the R3 at 48bhp. The torque figure, on the other hand, stands at 44Nm. A bi-directional quick-shifter is also offered here but as an optional extra. 

Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Aprilia RS 457: Chassis

The Yamaha YZF-R3 uses a lightweight diamond-type frame, which is suspended by an upside-down front fork (130mm of travel) and a rear mono-shock (125mm of travel), while Aprilia's 457cc engine comes nestled within an aluminium perimeter chassis featuring pre-load adjustability at both ends. Aprilia's first made-in-India motorcycle offers a larger front brake than Yamaha's YZF-R3.

Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Aprilia RS 457: Styling

Style-wise, the new Yamaha YZF-R3 seems to mimic the older Yamaha R1. Although its design is about three years old, the R3 has been given a contemporary flair and sporty looks, with a sharper headlamp design, sporty fairing, clip-on handlebars, a curved fuel tank, split-style seats, a raked tail section, and a compact LED taillight. The model is available in Yamaha Black and Icon Blue paint options. 

Drawing inspiration from the larger RS 660, the Aprilia RS 457 supersport features signature double front fairing, split headlamps with built-in LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals, a split-seat setup, a transparent visor, aerodynamic vents on the side fairings, clip-on handlebars, rear-set footpegs, underbelly silencer, and streamlined 2-in-1 exhaust system. The bike is offered in three colour options – Prismatic Dark, Racing Stripes, and Opalescent Light.

Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Aprilia RS 457: Features

This is where the Yamaha YZF-R3 considerably lags. While the Aprilia RS 457 comes with a ride-by-wire system, riding modes, a Bluetooth-equipped TFT display, backlit switchgear, traction control, a bi-directional quick-shifter, etc., the Yamaha R3 is a no-frills, bare-bones motorcycle that features dual-channel ABS, an LCD instrument cluster without Bluetooth, and LED illumination for the headlamp. 

Also Read: Aprilia RS 457 Launched at Rs 4.10 Lakh! | Detailed Launch Walkaround | autoX

Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Aprilia RS 457: Price

When it comes to price, the Yamaha R3 (Rs 4.65 lakh) sits above the Aprilia RS 457, which is priced at Rs 4.10 lakh. Prices are ex-showroom.