Yamaha Motor Corp. rolls its little supersport that could over into the 2023 model year with all the delightfulness that held it in good stead over the recent years. The Tuning Fork Company adds another colorway to the existing paint selection, plus the MY22 World GP 60th Anniversary Edition from last year is still up for grabs with its racing livery for riders looking to own a little chunk of history.

No matter which you choose, the paint comes shot on aerodynamic bodywork taken from the MotoGP M1 platform to deliver low-drag penetration. This boosts fuel economy, acceleration rates, and top speed.

This bike first rolled in 2015 out of Yamaha's Indonesian plant. It was set up pretty much like the current model, but ABS was available in 2017. Two-channel ABS came in 2018 along with Euro 5 compliant emissions, making it a candidate for sale just about anywhere in the world. So here's what makes Yamaha's YZF R3 a friendly option, for those seeking solid performance along with super sport styling, at an affordable price.

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2023 Yamaha YZF-R3

9.00 / 10
Key Features
  • Two-Channel ABS
  • Nearly 50/50 Weight Balance
  • MotoGP® YZR-M1-Inspired Ergonomics
  • Smooth-Shifting Six-Speed Gearbox
  • Aggressive R-Series Styling
Specifications
  • Model: YZF-R3
  • Engine:: 321cc Parallel-Twin
  • Power Output: 42 HP
  • Torque: 21.8 LB-FT
  • Transmission: Six-Speed Manual
  • MSRP: $5,499
Pros
  • Economical Price
  • Decent Power And Speed
  • Clean Look, Nice Paint
Cons
  • Lacks Higher Electronics
  • Bar Position May Be Wearisome
  • Pillion Pad Is Minimal

2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 Performance And Capability

Blue 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 leaning into a curve
Yamaha
Team Yamaha Blue 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 leaning into a curve

The Yamaha YZF-R3 produces 42 horsepower and 21.8 pound-feet of torque. Power comes from a parallel-twin powerplant that runs with a 180-out firing order and a counterbalancer to deliver smooth tractable power. Plus, the cylinder bores are offset just a skosh to mitigate mechanical losses with a concurrent boost in output and offer improved fuel efficiency. Forged pistons in this advanced twin cylinder engine help lower reciprocating weight which makes for quicker spool-up times and make their own contribution to the snappy throttle response.

Bore and stroke measure at 68 mm and 44.1 mm respectively for an overall displacement of 321 cc which puts it toward the bottom of the range for this given bracket. Power flows through a six-speed transmission and a chain-type final drive for a YZF-R3 top speed of 112 mph, which makes it a viable option for travel on the fastest U.S. roads with plenty in reserve for passing. Yamaha's championship-winning technology ensures that there is a good spread of power and the refined engine character still manages to offer sporty performance.

Engine & Drivetrain

Engine

Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder; 4-valves per cylinder

Displacement

321 cc

Bore x Stroke

68 mm x 44.1 mm

Compression

11.2:1

Power

42 HP

Torque

21.8 LB-FT

Fuel System

Fuel injection

Final Drive

Chain

Gearbox

6-speed, multiplate wet clutch

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Design

Accessorized purple 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 on the stand
Yamaha
Accessorized Phantom Purple 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 on the stand at roadside

Sleek and chic, the “R3” builders took design cues from the factory MotoGP race machine for a bona fide racebike look. Make no mistake about the superbike styling though, the factory intends this bike to be quickly set up for actual race days. The mirrors and a rear mudguard carrying the back blinkers and tag can be quickly removed and their holes plugged. LED lighting mounts in the actual tip of the tail, well out of harm's way and as high as possible to aid with visibility from the rear. The short and sporty muffler design is not just styling but is also functional as it helps centralize mass.

Back up front, a port between the lights in the fairing funnels cooling air over and around the engine. Instead of it pressurizing the intake as you might think, it prevents thermal build-up under the cowling. The bubble screen runs with racing proportions, so you'll virtually have to put your chin on the tank to find it. The digital display holds the instrumentation just behind the glass where it has a chance of staying clean and dry. The compact multi-function meter packs a gear position indicator, info about average fuel economy, an oil change trip meter, and a clock.

The handlebars mount to the upper tripleclamp to encourage an aggressive, forward-leaning riding position. The tradeoff is comfort as it's tougher to push off to a vertical position to give arms, shoulders, and wrists a break.

A low-profile fuel tank design with a capacity of 3.7-gallon gives the R3 some legs with up to 207 miles from each fill-up. With its sporty top speed, that makes for a long-distance capable sled even at interstate speeds. If you really want to boost its capacity as a commuter/grocery-getter, the accessories catalog has top cases for around a bill for some inexpensive storage.

The fuel tank bears a broad upper flange up top and a narrow rear end where it meets the skinny waist and saddle to give your legs a break when you need to deploy your training wheels. This leaves room for some side-to-side body English. A narrow pillion pad joins with the usual folding footpegs for your passenger, and the pegs are also easily removed for race days.

Yamaha YZF-R3 Specs

Length

82.3 in

Width

28.7 in

Height

44.9 in

Seat Height

30.7 in

Wheelbase

54.3 in

Ground Clearance

6.3 in

Fuel Capacity

3.7 gal

Curb Weight

375 lb

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Chassis

Blue 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 cruising on the road
Yamaha
Team Yamaha Blue 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 cruising on the road

A tough Trellis-type frame serves as the main structure on the YZF-R3. To nobody's surprise, it uses the engine as a stressed member to complete the structure and delete a large chunk of the standing framework. This makes for an ultra-light chassis with good weight balance, which is perfect for urban commuting.

The inverted fork setup floats the front end on 5.1 inches of travel while the rear monoshock turns out 4.9 inches of travel with preload as the only suspension adjustment on this model. The advanced suspension setup hits the sweet spot and is a good balance between ride comfort and thrilling performance.

At only 375 pounds soaking wet, the small-displacement Yamaha doesn't quite rate dual front brakes. Instead, a single 298 mm disc and twin-piston anchor take care of business up front with a 220 mm and single-pot caliper handle at the rear, and ABS protection all around, to help boost rider confidence.

The stylish 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels are symmetrical with a 17-inch diameter. They come shod in Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 series rubber for enhanced traction. The steering head sets a rake angle of 25 degrees with only 3.7 inches of trail to make the R3 very nimble indeed. It has what you might call a high flick-ability factor that makes for a sporty ride with ultra-responsive handling, making for a lot of fun in the twisties.

Chassis & Suspension

Front Suspension/ Travel

Inverted telescopic fork/ 5.1 in

Rear Suspension/ Travel

Monocross single shock, adjustable preload/ 4.9 in

Rake

25°

Trail

3.7 in

Front Tire

110/70/-17 Dunlop® Sportmax GPR-300F

Rear Tire

140/70-17 Dunlop® Sportmax GPR-300R

Front Brake

298 mm hydraulic disc, ABS

Rear Brake

220 mm hydraulic disc, ABS

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2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 Price And Availability

The 2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 costs $5,499. That's in any colorway you like, and you get to choose from the Team Yamaha Blue package, Midnight Black package, and new-for-this-year, a Phantom Purple finish that is definitely my new favorite. As part of team blue's sportbike lineup, the R3 is a versatile machine that has an upright riding position to aid rider ergonomics and reduce rider fatigue, and a range of features, that overall makes for an enjoyable riding experience. It really is a super entry level sportbike.

Pricing & Features

Features

Warranty

One-year limited factory warranty

Colors

└ 2019

Matte Black, Team Yamaha Blue; ABS: Matte Black, Vivid White

└ 2020

Matte Black, Team Yamaha Blue; ABS: Matte Black, Vivid White

└ 2021

Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black, Electric Teal Blue

└ 2022

Team Yamaha Blue, Midnight Black; 60th Anniversary: Heritage White/Rapid Red

└ 2023

Team Yamaha, Blue, Midnight Black, Phantom Purple

Price

└ 2020

$4,999, ABS: $5,299

└ 2021

$5,299

└ 20202

$5,299, 60th Anniversary: $5,499

└ 2023

$5,499

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Competitors

The YZF-R3 with its in-line twin cylinder engine has plenty of competition, and from right close at that, with domestic foes ready to square off. First, the Honda CBR300R lowballs the displacement with only 286 cc packed away in its thumper which puts out 30.4 ponies against 40 horsepower from the Yamaha.

The bodywork is still supersport through and through, no doubt with a similar wind tunnel-tested pedigree. ABS is optional, and the price is $5,099 for ABS and $4,899 without to make it a slightly more economical choice.

White 2015 Honda CBR300R coming our of a curve
Honda
Pearl White 2015 Honda CBR300R coming out of a curve

Another bottom-tier sportbike is the parallel twin the Suzuki GSX250R ABS is even smaller than the CBR at only 248 cc, with a concurrent drop in power to 24 horses. The tradeoff is at the till with an even more frugal $4,999 price tag to leave the R3 at the top of the price range. You also can't dismiss the Kawasaki Ninja 400.

He Said

“Honestly, I think the R3 is worth the extra cheddar. It's still within the range of the beginner bracket, but with enough oomph to tackle the superslab with confidence. Definitely should be on the shortlist for any aspiring racers looking for something immediately track-ready.”

She Said

My wife and fellow motorcycle writer, Allyn Hinton, says, “For a sportbike, this has a relatively low 30.7-inch seat height so folks like me who are height-challenged have an option that isn't a cruiser. You could think of this as a sportbike trainer, but honestly, these small-displacement bikes are a blast to ride so you might keep this in your garage even after you buy a step-up bike.”

FAQ

Q: Is Yamaha YZF-R3 fast?

Top speed of the Yamaha YZF-R3 is 112 MPH. Zero-to-50 time is clocked at 5.2 seconds and the quarter-mile is 14.2 seconds.

Q: Is the YZF R3 a beginner bike?

While some riders would consider the YZF-R3 only a beginner's bike, the bike's light weight, easy handling, and lively performance appeal to experienced riders, too. Folks wanting a reliable commuter or a weekend fun bike can stay in this low-displacement field without the ambition of stepping up to bigger bikes.

Q: ​​​​​​​Is the YZF- R3 faster than Ninja 400?

By virtue of the larger engine with a little more power and torque, the Ninja 400 is slightly faster than the YZF-R3. Top speed of the Ninja 400 is almost 117 MPH vs 112 MPH on the R3. Ninja 400 zero-to-60 time is 4.6 seconds and quarter-mile is 13.2 seconds against the 5.2 seconds and 14.2 seconds of the R3. It's close enough that skill can overcome the difference.

Q: Can the R3 go on the highway?

With a top speed of 112 MPH, the YZF-R3 can maintain highway speeds with enough pedal left to accelerate. This makes it capable of safe highway travel.