Yamaha YZF-R3 spotted testing in India for the first time - Spied

Gets racing-derived features.

A Motoroids reader has snapped the Yamaha YZF-R3 on test in India, hinting that the Japanese two-wheeler major could introduce the sportsbike later this year. Revealed in the last quarter of last year, the Yamaha R3 is already on sale in markets like Thailand and Europe.

Yamaha's Indian operations imported these units of the R3 for R&D purposes in January this year. Power for the motorcycle comes from a 321 cc twin-cylinder engine capable of 42 PS and 29.6 Nm of torque, matched to a 6-speed transmission.

The R3 is positioned and priced over the smaller R25, which is another motorcycle reportedly under consideration for the Indian market. Where the R3 one-ups the R25 is in its racing-derived features such as forged pistons, a direct drive camshaft, carburized conrods and of course low-friction pistons.

Stopping power comes courtesy of a 298 mm disc up front and a 220 mm disc at the rear. The motorcycle is shod with telescopic forks up front and a swing-arm for the rear, while weighing 169 kg dripping wet. For the European market, the R3 is equipped with ABS as well.

Yamaha started this year in India with the launch of its commuter motorcycle, the Saluto, and its all-new scooter, the Fascino. Apart from these major launches, the Alpha, Ray and Ray Z were given updates, and the flagship R1 and R1M were also introduced.

Also read: Yamaha MT 25 (naked R25) spotted without camouflage

However, Yamaha India's executives have remained coy on the sportsbike segment in India. At a recent media interaction, Mr. Roy Kurian, VP, Sales & Marketing of Yamaha Motor India Sales Pvt. Ltd., asked us to "remain patient" when asked about products like the R3 and R25.

Rivals: Kawasaki Ninja 300, KTM RC390
Expected Price: INR 3 lakhs, ex-Showroom

[Spyshots from Motoroids]