Yamaha took the wraps off the 2019 R3 yesterday. Here are the facelifted model's live images from separate events held in Indonesia and Thailand.
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Visually, the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 features a revised fascia that now gets dual LED headlights and an updated fairing that Yamaha calls "cross-layered". The new fairing and windscreen have been developed in conjunction with wind tunnel and track tests, and are claimed to reduce aerodynamic drag by 7%, giving an increase of up to 8 km/h in top speed.
The new fairing and windscreen design pay homage to Yamaha's flagship MotoGP race bike, the YZR-M1. The YZR-M1 style central duct in the fairing functions to direct airflow to the radiator, contributing to engine cooling performance.
The YZF-R3 (and YZF-R25), unlike other YZF-R series models, do not feature the famed Deltabox frame. Instead, it's built around a steel tubular frame. The fuel tank capacity remains at 14-litres, but the redesigned shape of the tank and cover is aimed to offer a feeling of 'unity between the rider and machine'. Everything following the fuel tank is nearly unchanged. The new model is available in three colour options - Yamaha Racing Blue, Matte Black and Matte Red, although options may vary depending on the market.
Mechanical specifications remain mostly identical to the current generation model. The 321 cc, liquid-cooled, in-line twin-cylinder, dual overhead cam (DOHC), fuel-injected engine features lightweight forged aluminium pistons and all-aluminium DiASil cylinders with an offset design. It produces 42 PS of maximum power @ 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of peak torque @ 9,000 rpm. The lightweight supersport motorcycle has gained (KYB 37 mm) inverted front forks with its mid-life update.
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A fully digital instrument panel has replaced the semi-digital unit with the minor model change. A 298 mm single hydraulic disc brake at the front and a 220 mm single hydraulic unit at the rear perform the anchoring duties. Dual channel ABS is optional internationally, but expect that as standard in India.
In India, the Yamaha YZF-R3 competes with the likes of KTM RC390, Kawasaki Ninja 300, TVS Apache RR 310 and the Benelli 302R. The updated hardware makes it an even more appealing proposition. That being said, the same will result in a price hike. For reference, the current generation YZF-R3 retails for INR 3.49 lakh (ex-showroom).
[Image Source 1: Autostation.com]
[Image Source 2: Facebook.com]
