Yamaha R3 and MT-03 Launched In India, CBU Imported

 Yamaha has upped the excitement quotient for performance bike enthusiasts with the launch of the all-new MT-03 naked streetfighter and YZF-R3 faired.

• Yamaha expands performance two-wheeler range with MT-03 streetfighter & R3 supersport
• Both models are powered by an exhilarating 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine
• Priced at Rs 4.60 lakh & Rs 4.65 lakh respectively; imported as CBU units 

 Nevertheless, Yamaha is banking on the new models' superior performance, styling, and dynamics to attract buyers.

Yamaha MT-03: Aggressive Styling on a Lightweight Frame

Incorporating design cues from the mighty MT-15, the MT-03 features the same menacing face and taut bodywork on a more accommodating full-size platform. Yamaha has kept the weight in check at 167kg while the low 780mm seat height makes it unintimidating to ride. Suspension units comprise beefy inverted forks up front and a preload-adjustable mono-shock at the rear.

Propelling the motorcycle is a torque-biased 321cc parallel twin putting out 42hp and 29.5Nm - numbers that slot it neatly between Yamaha's entry-level 390 Duke competitor and its own faired sibling, the R3. Expect punchy acceleration coupled with a meaty mid-range rush.

Yamaha R3: Scaled-down R1 Styling with Supersport Dynamics

Sharing the same 321cc parallel twin motor and chassis as the MT-03, styling for the R3 is influenced by Yamaha's big daddy R1 with its teardrop LED position lamps and tri-eyed face. But the effect is mini-R1 given its accessible ergos. Generous ground clearance and a low 780mm seat height add to its friendly nature.

While rider aids are limited to ABS, the R3 impresses elsewhere with meaty 140-section rubber, preload-adjustable mono-shock, and USD front forks - cycle parts that endow it with sporty, confidence-inspiring handling characteristics. Think of it as a user-friendly Aprilia RS 457 alternative at Rs 45,000 lesser.

Familiar & Friendly 321cc Twin

Both the MT-03 and R3 twins share the exact same 321cc, liquid-cooled, 8-valve parallel twin motor with DOHC actuating four valves per cylinder. Output figures are modest by parallel twin standards - 42hp arriving at 10,750 rpm and 29.5Nm torque delivered at 9,000 rpm.

Real-world rideability should still be peppy thanks to a generous mid-range punch and a 6-speed gearbox. Expect triple-digit cruising speeds and capable highway performance not far shy of larger supersport machines. The engine itself has proved its reliability overseas already in the previous R3.

While uprated hardware is always welcome, Yamaha has skimped on modern gadgetry opting instead for a simple negative LCD console over fancy TFT instrumentation. However, dual-channel ABS fortunately makes the cut aiding braking performance.