Featuring a radical YZR-M1 inspired look, new performance-enhancing technology and refined ergonomics, the 2019 YZF-R3 is set to continue its winning ways on the track and in the showroom.
The new YZF-R3 joins the R-Series range alongside the YZF-R15, YZF-R6, YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M to complete a comprehensive line up of premium supersport models, all part of Yamaha’s step-up philosophy.
The value-packed RRP $6299 (+ORC) price is unchanged from the 2018 model, with three striking colours available; Yamaha Blue, Power Black and Satin Candy Red.
Key points
• New 37mm inverted front forks and Monocross rear shock
• New front fairing and screen
• Radical new YZR-M1 MotoGP inspired styling
• Reshaped fuel tank and lower handlebars for improved sports ergonomics
• New multi-function LCD instruments with easy-to-read display
• YZF-R1-inspired dual LED headlamps and position lamps
• High-revving 321cc inline two-cylinder liquid cooled DOHC four-valve engine
• Compact and lightweight high tensile tubular steel frame
• Refined performance with outstanding reliability and excellent economy
• 50/50 weight distribution for agile handling
• R-series DNA
• Choice of Yamaha Blue, Power Black and Satin Candy Red colours
• RRP $6299 +ORC unchanged from 2018
Engine
A reliable 321cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line twin-cylinder, dual overhead cam (DOHC), four-valve, fuel-injected engine is at the heart of the YZF-R3. Featuring the latest combustion technology together with lightweight forged aluminium pistons and all-aluminium DiASil cylinders with an offset design, the smooth-running and quick-revving YZF-R3 engine produces easy-to-manage power.
Suspension
An all-new KYB inverted front forks and triple clamp, combined with a Monocross rear suspension – featuring an upgraded spring on the preload adjustable KYB rear shock – provides stable damping and contributes to mass weight centralisation.
Achieving the right balance of comfort and sport riding performance for both street and track, the new KYB 37mm inverted fork features a larger surface area between the outer and inner tubes than on conventional forks. The inverted design significantly improves fork-leg rigidity, giving a sporty front-end feel and precise levels of surface feedback – while maintaining high levels of riding comfort.
Coupled with an all-new triple clamp, incorporating an aluminium handlebar crown with R-series styling, the new front suspension assembly works to provide the rider with outstanding handling during cornering and braking. The new inverted forks also enhance the overall specification of the 2019 YZF-R3 so that it more closely matches the premium appearance of the larger R-series models.
Chassis
A lightweight high tensile steel tubular frame with a simple design incorporates the engine’s crankcase as a stressed structural member of the chassis. The long asymmetrical swingarm design ensures the efficient transmission of engine power to the rear wheel and delivers excellent straight-line stability.
Ten-spoke cast aluminium wheels, single 298mm front brake disc with a floating twin-piston caliper, 32 degrees of handlebar steering range, a 780mm seat height and approximately 50/50 front-rear weight ensures the YZF-R3 chassis delivers agile and responsive handling.
Styling
The new YZF-R3 features a front fairing and windscreen design that pays homage to Yamaha’s flagship MotoGP race bike, the YZR-M1. The aggressive new look also achieves outstanding aerodynamic performance.
Developed in conjunction with wind tunnel and track tests, the new fairing and windscreen combination reduces aerodynamic drag by nine percent, enabling a decrease in air turbulence around the rider’s helmet when in a tucked position. This provides an increase of up to 8km/h in top speed. The YZR-M1 style central fairing duct also functions to direct airflow to the radiator, contributing to engine cooling performance.
The easy-to-ride character of the YZF-R3 is further enhanced for 2019 thanks to a new lower fuel tank and tank cover design, along with a handlebar position that is 22mm lower. Fuel tank capacity remains at 14 litres, but the redesigned shape of the tank and cover (31.4mm wider above the knee area and 20mm lower at the fuel cap) helps to achieve a feeling of unity between the rider and machine.
From riding around town to being tucked in on a straight, or banking over while apexing track corners, the ability to easily grip the YZF-R3 from multiple body positions allows the rider to take advantage of its full performance potential.
New YZF-R1-inspired dual LED headlights and position lights add to the aggressive look of the redesigned front fairing, and a new LCD instrument panel displays essential information that is easy to read at a glance.
Instrument panel
New multifunction LCD dash displays all the information required by the rider, on one easy-to-read display
Racing success
The YZF-R3 has already proven itself a winner in the showrooms and on the track, claiming the top three places in the 2018 ASBK SSP300 championship, with Tom Bramich taking the title ahead of fellow Yamaha YZF-R3 riders Zac Levy and Hunter Ford.
Genuine Yamaha Accessories
Genuine Yamaha Accessories enable every R-Series rider to transform their stock Yamaha into a unique bike. Designed to give enhanced performance, functionality and style, the range of components for the Yamaha R-Series models includes titanium exhausts and slip-on mufflers, billet covers, protectors and more. Yamaha is working closely with approved suppliers to develop new products, and so the Genuine Yamaha Accessories range of parts and accessories is constantly evolving.
