The news of Yamaha R7 and R3 sports bikes being spotted at the Madras Motor Race Track (MMRT) near Chennai is exciting for motorcycle enthusiasts. The sighting and reports suggesting a TVC (Television Commercial) shoot indicate a market launch for these bikes may be imminent.
Large bikes
Earlier this year, Yamaha showcased its range of large bikes at a dealer event, and both the R7 and R3 were part of the line-up. These bikes are designed to cater to different segments of the sports bike market.
The Yamaha R7 is a mid-capacity sports bike equipped with a 689cc parallel-twin engine that produces 72 BHP (brake horsepower) and 63 Nm of torque. It will be a competitor to motorcycles like the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Honda CBR650R, offering riders a balance of power and agility.
On the other hand, the Yamaha R3 is powered by a 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine, generating 42 BHP of power and 29.5 Nm of torque. This bike will directly compete with models like the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400, targeting riders who prefer smaller displacement bikes with sporty performance.
Here are the specs for the Yamaha R7 and R3:
Yamaha R7
- Engine: 689cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
- Power: 72.4 hp @ 8,750 rpm
- Torque: 63 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Suspension: 41mm KYB inverted fork, fully adjustable; KYB shock, spring preload and rebound adjustable
- Brakes: 4-piston Advics callipers, dual 298mm discs with ABS
- Wheels: 17″ front and rear
- Tires: 120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear
- Weight: 188 kg
Yamaha R3
- Engine: 321cc, liquid-cooled, parallel-twin
- Power: 42 hp @ 10,750 rpm
- Torque: 29.5 Nm @ 9,000 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed
- Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, preload adjustable; Monocross single shock, preload adjustable
- Brakes: 298mm disc front, 220mm disc rear with ABS
- Wheels: 17″ front and rear
- Tires: 110/70-17 front, 140/70-17 rear
- Weight: 170 kg
Here are some pros and cons of the Yamaha R7 and R3 sports bikes:
R7:
Pros:
- Performance: The R7 offers a mid-capacity engine with 689cc displacement, delivering a decent power output of 72 BHP. It provides a good balance of power and agility for riders who enjoy spirited riding on the streets and the track.
- Design: The R7 sports an aggressive and sporty design reminiscent of its bigger sibling, the Yamaha R1. It features sharp lines, aerodynamic fairings, and a typical dual headlight setup, giving it a visually appealing appearance.
- Handling: With its sporty chassis and suspension setup, the R7 offers excellent handling capabilities. It is designed to provide nimble and precise manoeuvrability, allowing riders to confidently navigate corners and enjoy a thrilling riding experience.
- Competition: The R7 competes with popular bikes in its segment, such as the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and Honda CBR650R, offering consumers more options.
Cons:
- Availability: Until the official market launch, availability might be limited, and there could be a waiting period for interested buyers.
- Price: The pricing of the R7 can be a determining factor for some buyers. As a mid-capacity sports bike, it may be priced higher than entry-level sports bikes, making it less accessible for budget-conscious riders.
- Riding Position: The aggressive riding position of the R7, typical of sports bikes, may not be suitable for riders seeking a more relaxed and comfortable riding experience.
- Features and Technology: While the R7 is expected to come equipped with modern features, it’s important to consider the specific features and technology, as it may vary depending on the market and trim level.
R3:
Pros:
- Entry-Level Sports Bike: The R3 is a popular choice for riders entering the world of sports bikes. It offers a good balance between performance and affordability, making it accessible to a wider range of riders.
- Lightweight and Maneuverable: With its compact size and lightweight construction, the R3 is easy to handle and manoeuvre, making it suitable for new and experienced riders. It allows for confident cornering and agile riding.
- Fuel Efficiency: The smaller displacement engine of the R3 contributes to better fuel efficiency than higher-capacity sports bikes. This can be advantageous for riders who prioritize fuel economy.
- Competitors: The R3 competes with other popular bikes in its segment, such as the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400, providing consumers multiple options.
Cons:
- Power: While the R3 offers sufficient power for an entry-level sports bike, more experienced riders might desire additional power and acceleration for high-speed riding or track use.
- Limited Highway Performance: The R3 may lack the top-end power and torque needed for comfortable highway cruising at higher speeds due to its smaller engine size.
- Ergonomics: The aggressive riding position, common to sports bikes, may cause discomfort for riders on longer rides or during daily commuting.
- Aftermarket Support: While the R3 has a decent aftermarket support system, it may not be as extensive as higher-capacity sports bikes.
Conclusion
While the TVC shoot at the Madras Motor Race Track hints at an upcoming market launch, it’s always best to wait for an official announcement from Yamaha to get accurate information regarding these bikes’ availability and launch timeline.
