Yamaha YZF-R3 revealed

We told you it was coming

YAMAHA has just revealed the new YZF-R3, which goes on sale in Europe and the UK next year.

The 321cc parallel-twin is a bigger version of the YZF-R25 which was unveiled for Asian markets in May.

With 42hp and 21.8lbft, the R3 looks good to take on competition in the European market from Kawasaki's Ninja 300, which makes 39hp and 19.9lbft. The R3 even threatens KTM's RC390, which makes 44hp and 25.8lbft.

The R3 has a tubular steel frame and a fully fuelled weight of 169kg. That gives it a power-to-weight ratio almost bang-on the limit for A2 licence holders of 0.2 kW/kg (0.27hp/kg).

ABS is standard and it's 5kg lighter than the ABS-equipped Ninja 300.

Braking is provided by a single 298mm floating front disc and 220mm rear.

It comes in 'Race Blu' or black and goes on sale in April 2015. It's due to be shown at the Eicma Milan motorcycle show on November 3.

Visordown has been predicting the arrival of a 320cc R3 for months.

Yamaha's release included:

'YZF-R3 Overview

Lightweight A2-licence category supersport bike for everyday use

Developed using pure R-series DNA

Powerful, smooth and strong 320cc inline twin cylinder engine

Slim and light chassis offering predictable and sporty handling

Aggressive R-series dual headlight full fairing

Aerodynamic bodywork with mass-forward image

Sporty and comfortable suspension

Strong braking performance with ABS as standard

Designed to fit everyday use in urban and highway situations

YZF-R3 Engine Technical Highlights

321cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline twin cylinder engine

Excellent power and torque characteristics

30.9kW/42PS @ 10,750 rpm

29.6Nm/3.0 kg-m @ 9,000rpm

Good low to mid-speed rideability

Direct drive camshaft for excellent high rpm performance

Forged aluminium pistons for reduced reciprocating weight

Light and strong carburized con rods

Lightweight DiaSil low-friction cylinders

Offset cylinders for reduced frictional losses

Compact combustion chamber design

R6-inspired 2-into-1 muffler

Primary coupled balancer

Progressive throttle pulleys for smooth acceleration

YZF-R3 Chassis Technical Highlights

Predictable handling

Lightweight tubular steel diamond type frame

169kg wet weight

Virtually 50/50 front/rear weight distribution

Short 1,380mm wheelbase

Long R1-inspired swingarm with identical swingarm/wheelbase ratio

41mm frontforks with 130mm wheel travel

Lightweight Monocross rear suspension giving 125mm wheel travel

Lightweight 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels

Floating 298mm front disc/220mm rear disc

ABS fitted as standard equipment

Multifunction instruments, analogue tachometer/digital speedometer

780mm seat height with separate rider & passenger seats

Clip on handlebars with wide 68 degree turning angle

14-litre fuel tank for good riding range

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

2015 YZF-R3

ENGINE

TypeLiquid cooled,4-stroke,DOHC,4-valve
In-line, 2-cylinder
Displacement321 cc
Bore x stroke68.0 × 44.1 mm
Compression Ratio11.2 : 1
Max. Power30.9 kW (42.0 PS)@ 10,750 rpm
Max. Torque29.6 Nm (3.0 kg-m) @ 9,000 rpm
Lubrication systemForce-feed lubrication,wet sump
Fuel supply systemFuel Injection
Clutch typeWet, multiple-disc
Ignition systemTCI
Starter systemElectric
Transmission systemConstant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission systemChain

CHASSIS

FrameDiamond
Front suspensionTelescopic fork, Ø 41 mm
Front wheel travel130 mm
Rear suspensionSwingarm
Rear wheel travel125 mm
Caster angle25º
Trail95 mm
Front brakeHydraulic single disc, Ø 298 mm
Rear brakeHydraulic single disc, Ø 220 mm
Front tyre110/70-17M/C 54H (Tubeless)
Rear tyre140/70-17M/C 66H (Tubeless)

DIMENSIONS

Overall length2,090 mm
Overall width720 mm
Overall height1,135 mm
Seat height780 mm
Wheelbase1,380 mm
Min. ground clearance160 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)169 kg
Fuel capacity14.0 litres
Oil capacity2.4 litres
Specification are subject to change without notice, in accordance with national regulation and legislations'

DON'T want to miss out on the latest motorcycle news? Then sign up to our newsletter Bugsplat to get the best stories, features and tests sent straight to your inbox each week.