Yamaha has released the new 2019 YZF-R3 that features a radical YZR-M1 inspired look, new performance-enhancing technology and refined ergonomics.

Together with the YZF-R15, YZFR6, YZF-R1 and YZF-R1M - the Rseries range is the most comprehensive line up of premium supersport models.

The new model is available in three colours - Yamaha Blue, Power Black and Candy Satin Red priced at $6299 RRP inc GST – the same value-packed price as the 2018 model. 

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.

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. An all-new KYB inverted front fork and triple clamp, combined with the Monocross rear suspension system - featuring a preload adjustable KYB rear shock - provides stable damping and contributes to a mass centralisation of weight. 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 has the YZF-R3 chassis delivers agile and responsive handling.

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 fork. The inverted design significantly improves fork 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 that incorporates 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, giving a heightened pride of ownership and true feeling of belonging to the R family.

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 seven percent, enabling a decrease in air turbulence around the rider's helmet when in a tucked position, providing 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 fuel tank and fuel 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. The lightweight 10-spoke wheels are shod with radial tyres, providing the YZF-R3 rider with the best possible grip in all riding conditions.

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. Tom Bramich claimed the championship ahead of fellow Yamaha YZF-R3 riders Zac Levy and Hunter Ford. At the final race of the highly competitive 2018 World SSP300 championship, Yamaha YZF-R3 racer Daniel Valle (BCD Yamaha MS Racing) claimed victory, with fellow R3-mounted riders claiming four of the top five places