Yamaha Unveils Radically Updated YZF-R3

Yamaha has unveiled the new 2019 YZF-R3, and the Supersport 300 class machine has undergone a radical makeover from the original offering.

The 2019 R3 gets a whole new look courtesy of a new fairing which Yamaha says has been inspired by the MotoGP YZR-M1 (though we also see Aprilia RSV4…) and brings the smallest capacity bike in Yamaha’s supersport range into line stylistically with its bigger brothers. The new plastics have been specifically designed to improve aerodynamic airflow over the previous R3 as well as pay homage to the MotoGP machine.

The new fairing and screen, Yamaha claims, reduces aerodynamic drag by 7% and helps boost top speed by up to 8km/h. The YZR-M1 inspired central air duct in between the LED headlights also functions to direct airflow directly to the radiator for improved engine cooling performance.

While the 42hp 321cc parallel twin remains the same, the suspension has seen an upgrade with 37mm KYB inverted forks replacing the standard telescopic forks of the previous generation bike, with the forks slotting into an all-new triple clamp that looks the business.

The cockpit has also seen an upgrade, with a new LCD dash unit replacing the analogue/LCD unit of the old bike, while the ergonomics have also been revised via a reshaped fuel tank and low clip-on style handlebars.

The 2019 YZF-R3 is due to be released to the global public in January 2019, with official New Zealand arrival and pricing yet to be confirmed by Yamaha Motor NZ at the time of writing.