UK Pricing indicative that the RC 390 could see tough competition from the Yamaha R3 - IAB Report

Could be launched in India as well.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 has been a long awaited product internationally. Recently launched in the UK the 321 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin that produces 41.5 bhp was priced at 4,799 Pounds (INR 6.62 lakhs) which is 200 pounds cheaper that the KTM RC 390 that comes in at 4,999 (INR 4.81 lakhs).

In India, Yamaha has a very good idea of the market pricing, specially since their current bikes such as the R15 and FZ FI have been doing well. Yamaha also understands the importance of a full-faired machine for the Indian market. Now with such pricing, Yamaha is prepared to offer higher technology at a cut-throat price from its competitors, meaning that KTM RC390 and similar single-cylinder based products (like the upcoming Pulsar 400SS) would face stiff competition from the R3.

The R3 being a twin-cylinder motorcycle would have much smoother power delivery and better overall build quality compared to the KTM or the Bajaj. And adding the Yamaha brand value to the equation, its a no brainer that the manufacturer will have a strong case to take the lead in the segment.

While maybe not bettering the track-focused RC 390 in handling dynamics, the R3 boasts a 50:50 weight distribution and is currently being manufactured at the company's Jakarta plant along with the smaller R25.

Also read: 2015 Yamaha YZF-R1 unveiled at EICMA 2014

While Yamaha is still unclear on its stand as to which of the two machines it would bring to India, the R3 would technically make more sense as it can go against the likes of the KTM RC 390 and the Ninja 300. In any case, if the manufacturer keeps a pricing strategy similar to that of UK for India, there is every chance that the tables will turn in their favor.

Competitors: KTM RC390, Kawasaki Ninja 300
Expected Price: INR 2-3 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date in Europe: 2015