2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 vs Benelli 302R - spec comparison

20/02/2018 - 17:00 | ,  ,  ,   | Praveen M

India Yamaha Motor brought back the R3 in its BS-IV guise, called the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 at this year’s Auto Expo. The bike goes head-to-head with the Benelli 302R, which costs the same as the R3.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 Black front at 2018 Auto Expo
The 2018 version retains the characteristic design lines of the older generation R3.

The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 and the Benelli 302R cost INR 3.48 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi for R3 & ex-showroom India for 302R). Yamaha has provided the new R3 with much-needed features like ABS and grippier tyres. The old R3 did not have ABS, and used MRF tyres for durability rather than outright grip. The Benelli 302R was launched in the country in July last year. The bike came with ABS and Metzeler tyres right from its launch.

Specifications2018 Yamaha YZF-R3Benelli 302R
Engine321 cc in-line twin DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection300 cc in-line twin DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection
Maximum Power42 PS at 10,750 rpm38.26 PS at 11,500 rpm
Peak Torque29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm26.5 Nm at 10,000 rpm
Transmission6-speed6-speed
Front SuspensionTelescopic fork41 mm upside down fork
Rear SuspensionMonocross type suspensionMonoshock
Front Brake298 mm disc with ABSTwin 260 mm petal discs with ABS
Rear Brake220 mm disc with ABS240 mm petal disc with ABS
Front WheelMetzeler Sportec M5 Interact 110/70R-17M/C 54H (Tubeless)Metzeler Sportec M5 110/70-R 17 54 H
Rear WheelMetzeler Sportec M5 Interact 140/70R-17M/C 66H (Tubeless)Metzeler Sportec M5 150/60 - R 17 66 H
Fuel Tank Capacity14 litres14 litres
Kerb Weight173 kg198 kg
Seat Height780 mm785 mm
PriceINR 3.48 lakhs (ex=showroom, Delhi)INR 3.48 lakhs (Ex-showroom India)

The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 makes 3.74 PS and 3.1 Nm more than the Benelli 302R at lesser revs, thanks to its bigger engine. Both bikes lack slipper clutch, and feature a 6-speed gearbox. The Benelli comes with more premium suspension and brakes, while the R3 makes do with the traditional fork and single disc for each wheel. The fuel tank capacities of the two bikes are the same too.

DSK Benelli 302R rear three quarters right side Indian launch
The 302R has a relatively curvaceous design, with dual-outlet exhaust.

Also Read: Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 – Spec comparison

With its 25 extra kilos, the Benelli 302R will take relatively more efforts to manoeuvre than the R3. It also gets a 5 mm higher seat. Overall, both the motorcycles are apt for sporty touring. Other rivals in this segment include the TVS Apache RR 310, KTM RC 390, and the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 - Image Gallery

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