Yamaha has brought the parallel-twin R3 supersports back to India. But it’s not alone, with a sports naked option in the MT-03. Both bikes share the same platform and are mechanically identical, with the differences being limited to the styling and rider triangles. Yamaha has decades of experience in the Indian market, but the 321cc twins will compete against bikes with bigger and more powerful engines. With the middleweight twin-cylinder market heating up, can the Yamahas put up a fight?
The R3 gets full fairing, and clip-on handlebars and has an aggressive hunched-forward riding position well suited to track riding or corner carving. The MT-03 has taller and wider handlebars that provide a more upright commuter-friendly riding position.
Both bikes are powered by the same 41.4bhp, 29.5Nm, 321cc liquid-cooled DOHC twin-cylinder engine with 4 valves per cylinder and a 180-degree crank, mated to a 6-speed gearbox. The twin-cylinder advantage helps the bikes stand out in the 300-500cc space with most rivals using single-cylinder engines.
Both bikes get a diamond frame, with the MT-03 weighing 167kg and R3 weighing 169kg with full fuel (14 litres) and oil (2.5 litres). Both bikes share an overall length of 2090mm and a 1380mm wheelbase. Seat height is a relatively low 780mm, which should make them accessible to riders of smaller stature. For comparison, the R15’s seat measures 815mm high. Ground clearance is 160mm – 10mm lower than the R15.
Both bikes have 17-inch wheels on the front and the rear with a 110/70 front tyre and 140/70 rear. Braking duties are handled by a 298mm front disc, and a 220mm rear disc. The twins also share a 37mm KYB USD fork allowing 130mm of wheel travel and a rear mono shock allowing 125mm of wheel travel.
The R3 will cost Rs 4,64,900 (ex-showroom). It’s up against the Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Rs 3,43,000) and Ninja 400 (Rs 5,24,000). Aprilia RS 457 costs Rs 4,10,000 (ex-showroom), and offers Italian looks with the benefits of local production. The MT-03 is priced at Rs 4,59,900 (ex-showroom) and will go up against the likes of the popular KTM 390 Duke (Rs 3,10,520) and the new TVS Apache RTR 310 (Rs 2,42,990), but with the advantage of an extra cylinder.