Bikes

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Look

All-new model with 320cc twin-cylinder engine and R-series styling

By SR Staff

October 16, 2014

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 Raven

2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 Rapid Red

Yamaha has announced a new addition to the R series of sportbikes, the YZF-R3. The new bike is powered by a 320cc, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine with fuel injection, DOHC and four valves per cylinder. The chassis is based on a newly designed steel frame and swingarm with 41mm Kayaba front fork, a single 298mm dics brake up front, and 220mm rear disc brake. The bike’s seat height is just 30.7 inches, and claimed wet weight is 368 lbs. (for comparison, the Honda CBR300R is 357 lbs., and the Kawasaki Ninja 300 is 379 lbs.).

The new R3 will be included in Yamaha's Blu Cru contingency program for local and regional racers; the program offers technical support, contingency money, dealer discounts and rebates on GYTR parts. The R3 will be available in dealerships in March of next year in three color options with a list price of $4,990. Scroll through the gallery above to see each of the three graphics combinations.

Yamaha's press release for the 2015 YZF-R3 follows:

Cypress, CA October 16, 2014 –Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is proud to announce the newest member to join the acclaimed R-Series, the all-new YZF-R3.

Bred from the ground up using Yamaha R Series DNA the YZF-R3 features a 320cc, liquid-cooled, in-line two-cylinder, DOHC, fuel injected engine tuned to deliver excellent power and performance throughout the powerband.

Legendary R-Series styling with a full fairing gives the YZF-R3 that destined for the racetrack look and the low seat height of 30.7” make it available to a wide variety of riders looking for their first motorcycle or just prefer a lightweight, nimble machine.

The YZF-R3 features top notch components like KYB front suspension, lightweight aluminum 10-spoke wheels and a newly designed compact LCD instrument panel that displays all the important data at a glance.

The YZF-R3 will be available in three color options—Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Rapid Red and Raven––and will retail for just $4,990, with bikes available in dealerships beginning in March 2015.