The sports bike that was eliminated from the Yamaha’s Indian lineup, has been introduced with a host of upgrades for the model year 2018. The 2018 Yamaha R3 has been introduced once again at the price sticker of INR 3.48 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).
The reason behind taking back the motorcycle from the Indian market was its non-compliance for the BS-IV emission norms implemented from April 2017. At the proceeding 14th iteration of Delhi Auto Expo, the popular Bollywood Actor, John Abraham who himself a biking enthusiast and Yamaha’s brand ambassador launched the motorcycle. The similar model was unveiled at the global front in November 2017.
Cosmetically, the 2018 Yamaha R3 gets new colour scheme and graphic work. The new colour options include Racing Blue and Magma Black. Mechanically, the sports bike will continue to be powered by the same old powertrain of the previous model. Though, this one is BS-IV compliant. The 321cc in-line, twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled engine is capable of generating 41 bhp at 10,750 rpm and delivering 29.6Nm to the rear wheels with the aids of a coupled 6-speed gearbox.
With this updated Yamaha R3, the company is also offering new sticker Metzeler radial tyres. The bike suspends on 41mm Kayaba front forks and a rear monoshock. While braking duties, on the other hand, are performed by 298mm front and a 220mm rear disc that in combination with ABS.
The Yamaha R3 is the brand’s one of the most preferred sports bikes in India and hit the Indian market via CKD route all the way from Indonesia, where it is manufactured for export markets.