Yamaha releases updated YZF-R3
Yamaha Motor Australia has released details on their updated YZF-R3, which is now in Yamaha dealerships.
For 2019, the baby sportsbike that filled all three positions on the podium in last year’s Australian Superpsort300 Championship has been treated to a number of new additions, starting with new front suspension.
The all-new KYB 37mm USD front end features a larger surface area between the inner and outer fork tubes for improved fork leg rigidity, a sportier front-end feel and improved surface feedback. Matched to this, the monocross rear shock now carries an upgraded spring for more stable damping and improved mass centralisation.
The combination delivers what Yamaha says is outstanding handling during cornering and braking, as well as improved riding comfort.
Styling changes have been inspired by Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP bike and include a redesigned front fairing and windscreen. This change is also said to improve the bike’s aerodynamics, reducing drag by nine percent and improving top speed by 8km/h – features that’ll be welcomed by racers in this year’s Australian Supersport300 series!
The fairing’s central air inlet is also YZR-M1-inspired and directs airflow to the engine’s radiator for improved cooling.
Dual headlights and position lights are inspired by the current YZF-R1 sportsbike: the ‘big brother’ of Yamaha’s R-Series sports family.
While the new fairing improves the aerodynamic performance of the new model, a redesigned fuel tank and lower handlebars deliver better racing ergonomics. The tank is now lower by 20mm and wider above the knee indents, for easier tuck-in behind the fairing at high speed, while the handlebars are now 22mm lower. Despite the tank’s flatter shape, fuel capacity remains unchanged at 14 litres and front/rear weight distribution is a perfect 50:50 with the rider in place.
The other notable improvement for 2019 is the addition of a new multifunction LCD instrument display with a ribbon-style revcounter and large digital speedo. A gear position indicator, fuel level, engine temp, mileage, oil warning, tripmeter and clock also feature, with easily programmable displays, while the usual warning lights flank the new display.
The new YZF-R3’s engine is the same 321cc 4-stroke inline twin as the outgoing model, with forged aluminium pistons, all-aluminium DiSil cylinders and the latest combustion technology for smooth, easy-to-manage power. Fed by dual 37mm Mikuni throttle bodies, the listed maximums from this compact powerplant are 30.9kW at 10,750rpm and 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm.
The standard exhaust system can be upgraded with titanium headers and/or a slip-on silencer: part of a Genuine Yamaha Accessories range for the R3 that’s growing.
The six-speed gearbox and high-tensile steel diamond frame also carry over from the old R3, as does the braking package of a 298mm front disc with dual-piston caliper and a 220mm rear disc with a single-piston caliper. ABS is standard.
Dunlop Sportmax GP300 tyres are the standard rubber for the YZF-R3’s 17-inch cast alloy rims, while seat height is 780mm and wet weight remains a very light 167kg.
A choice of Yamaha Blue, Power Black and Satin Candy Red colours are available, with the good news being that pricing for the new, LAMS-approved 2019 YZF-R3 is unchanged from the 2018 model at $6,299 (+ ORCs).
See your Yamaha dealer for more details.
