Yamaha revises prices for R3 & MT-03, marks a decade of R3 globally

India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt. Ltd. has announced a price revision for its Yamaha R3 and MT-03 motorcycles, reducing prices by up to Rs 1.10 lakh. Effective from February 1, 2025, the move aims to make these models more accessible amid growing demand for premium motorcycles in India. The announcement also coincides with the global 10th anniversary of the Yamaha R3.

Following the revision, the Yamaha R3 is now priced at Rs 3,59,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and is available in Icon Blue and Yamaha Black. The MT-03, positioned as a streetfighter model, is now priced at INR 3,49,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi) and comes in Midnight Cyan and Midnight Black.

The Yamaha MT-03, designed as a hyper-naked street motorcycle, features an upright riding position, twin-eye LED headlights, and a mass-forward body design. Powered by the same 321cc engine as the R3, it offers a combination of performance and urban practicality. Its compact structure and mono-cross rear suspension enhance maneuverability in city traffic.

The Yamaha R3 has built a strong reputation among enthusiasts over the past decade, recognised for its lightweight diamond frame, aerodynamic design inspired by the YZR-M1, and a 321cc engine. It features a 50/50 weight distribution, a sporty riding posture, and an advanced braking system, making it suitable for both road and track use.

The most obvious change is the new appearance that follows the latest R design philosophy, also seen in the new Yamaha R9. This includes sleek LED DRLs flanking a single projector headlamp housed within a MotoGP-style central air intake, much like the Yamaha R15 V4. The side fairing panels have also been revised to go with the new theme, and Yamaha says they’ve reworked the tail section as well.

The mechanical changes are much smaller, with the same high-revving 321cc parallel-twin engine and no significant changes to the chassis either. While Yamaha doesn’t confirm whether the power figures have changed, they do state that the bike now features a slip-assist clutch. This will help improve high-speed riding on the racetrack, but should also result in a lighter clutch lever in the city. Yamaha also offers a quickshifter as an optional extra, although it only works for upshifts since the R3 still uses a cable throttle.

The bike continues with its KYB USD fork and monoshock, and there are no major changes to the riding position. However, Yamaha has made the front section of the rider seat narrower and used slimmer side panels under the seat. The company says that this will help shorter riders get their feet down more easily. That said, the R3 has always been a very friendly bike for short riders, and this change will only improve that.

The final change comes in a new LCD dash. While the R3 continues to miss out on a colour TFT, something that every other rival now offers, this LCD is now Bluetooth compatible. The new Yamaha R3 is available in three colours, two of them being the familiar Team Yamaha Blue and Matt Stealth Black, and the third is a striking new Lunar White/Nebula Blue.