Before the KTMs, Yamaha was the first manufacturer to give Indians a taste of performance motorcycling. The Yamaha RD 350 and RX100 still hold a cult status. The Japanese giant now rules the roads with products like the FZ-S v3.0, R15 v3.0 and MT-15. Their global line-up has a few more products which will ‘rev your heart’. Here is a list of 5 Yamaha two-wheelers we wish to see in India:
New Yamaha R3: Lightweight supersport
While the old version is still listed on the Indian website, sales of the R3 in India has ground to a halt. The company is expected to launch the updated 2019 Yamaha R3 in the next few months. The 2019 R3 features an updated 37 mm upside-down KYB fork in the front and an all-digital instrument console. Styling cues have been borrowed from the R1. The handlebar geometry has been revised to make the riding posture sportier.
Powering the R3 is the same 321 cc liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder, DOHC mill. Coupled to a 6-speed gearbox, the engine can produce 42 PS of power and 29.6 Nm of torque. The European edition of R3 tips the scales at 169 kg. The outgoing version of R3 in India is priced at INR 3.51 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). Besides that, if India gets all the upgrades seen in the Euro-spec version, expect a steep price hike.
Yamaha India may subdue the higher costs by increasing the localisation levels of the bike. It gave a similar treatment to the R15 v3.0 and MT-15, both of which are sold in ASEAN region with a USD fork. The Indian R3 may skip out on the USDs and even on Metzeler tyres (present in the outgoing R3) to keep costs under check.
Yamaha R6: King of middleweight supersport
Okay, now this one is a long-awaited one. The Yamaha R6, if introduced, will be a direct rival to the recently introduced Kawasaki ZX-6R. Legend of the racetrack, the R6 is a through bred 600 class supersport. The predatory looks have been achieved by an aerodynamically chiselled front cowl and hidden recessed LED headlamps. Also, the R6 also features a die-cast magnesium subframe which not only helps in improving the aerodynamic efficiency but also handling.
At the heart of the R6 is a 599 cc four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC mill. The engine can churn out 118.4 PS of power and 61.7 Nm of torque. Electronic riding aides include a 6-position traction control system, riding modes and a quick-shifter (upshift only). The front suspension includes full adjustable upside-down KYB 43 mm fork. To save weight, the fuel tank is made of aluminium, while the exhaust system uses titanium.
Thanks to all these features, the R6 carries a premium price tag. To give you an idea, the R6 in the UK carries the price tag of GBP 11,799 while the range-topping R1 costs GBP 16,799. Let’s hope Yamaha can pull us a surprise by launching the R6 in India at a competitive price tag.
Also Read: 5 motorcycles that failed to set the sales chart blazing
Yamaha MT-03: Dark knight from Indonesia
Based on the R3 (the version sold in India), the Yamaha MT-03 provides an upright riding posture on a lightweight naked body. The mass forward silhouette with a compact chassis makes the MT-03 a great everyday ride. We just wish that Yamaha had plonked in an LED headlamp as well. Also, Yamaha should switch the mix of analogue-digital instrumentation console for the all-digital unit from the 2019 R3.
The MT-03 is powered by the R3's 321 cc liquid-cooled engine that produces 42 PS of power and 29.6 Nm of torque. The engine boasts plenty of torque in mid and high engine speeds. The suspension includes a conventional telescopic fork and a monoshock in the rear. The MT-03 weighs 168 kg. Besides that, the bike also gets an accessible seat height of 780 mm. Brakes include a 298 mm disc up front and a 220 mm unit in the rear.
If introduced in India, the Yamaha MT-03 can be expected to carry a price tag of around the INR 3 lakh mark. Also, globally, the MT-03 and MT-25 are expected to get an update soon. However, Yamaha India can continue with the outgoing model’s suspension setup to keep costs under check.
Yamaha NMax 155: An R15 v3.0 as an automatic scooter
We all love the R15 v3.0. What if the Japanese giants bring in an automatic scooter with the heart of the R15? Yes, that’s the NMax 155. The full-bodied maxi-scooter has a large LED headlamp bang in the middle of the front apron.
At the core of NMax 155 is the 155 cc liquid-cooled, SOHC engine. The fuel-injected powerplant can produce a slightly lower 15.1 PS of power and 14.4 Nm of torque. The compression ratio is lower, 10:5:1, instead of 11.6:1. The NMax 155 also features Variable Valve Actuation technology like the R15 v3.0. This technology allows the engine to provide ideal amounts of performance across all rev range.
The NMax 155 weighs 127 kg and its fuel tank can store 6.6-litre of petrol. However, the ground clearance stands at just 135 mm. Suspension duties are overseen by standard telescopic fork up front and gas-charged twin springs in the rear. Also, expect the NMax 155 to carry a premium price tag if launched in India, possibly around the INR 1 lakh mark.
Also Read: 5 KTM motorcycles we wish to see in India
Yamaha XMax: Quarter-litre scooter
The Yamaha XMax is a big-capacity maxi-scooter retailed in the ASEAN market. Its front apron houses twin LED headlamps, manually adjustable windshield and handlebars. The scooter also features a Smart Key System, a large 140 mm rear tyre and disc brakes at both ends.
The XMax is powered by a 250 cc liquid-cooled, SOHC engine which gets a forged piston and Diasil cylinder. The powerplant also gets a one-piece forged crankshaft. The engine produces 22.84 PS of power and 24.3 Nm of torque. Besides that, the scooter tips the scales at 179 kg and has a large, 13-litre fuel tank. Also, the twin-pod instrumentation includes LCD Multi-Information Display.
Also, the Yamaha XMax gets an electric power socket, hazard lights and an under-seat storage that can gobble in 2 full-sized helmets! If introduced in India, the XMax will have no direct competition, but Honda may be planning to launch the Forza 300 soon.
