2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Look

The R3 is back for 2020.

The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 is back for a return engagement. Sure, it may not have received much more than a mild helping of BNG, but it is still a great little motorcycle.Yamaha

Ever since the Yamaha R3 hit US shores back in 2015 these motorcycles have become increasingly popular with beginners, commuters, and lightweight trackday riders alike. As the entry-level machine into the world of Yamaha’s R-series sportbikes, the R3 fills the role of stepping-stone sportbike well. Even though the 2020 Yamaha R3 goes into the year unchanged, it still hits a price point of $4,999 for the base version, the low cost of entry making it attractive to many young riders.

The Yamaha R3 in Monster Energy livery, similar to what you would see MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi riding as he continues to build upon his racing legacy.Yamaha
On the track or on the street, the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 is going to make a bunch of riders happy, no matter where they ride.Yamaha
At the heart of the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 is its 321cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline twin-cylinder engine. This fuel-injected tiddler is a blast to ride.Yamaha

The R3 is also available with ABS for $5,299 but you also get to choose from Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Black, or Matte Silver options. For those looking for something a little more unique, then gaze in wild wonderment at the Monster Energy version at its $5,599 price tag. That’s right, for just under six grand you too can ride a MotoGP-inspired R-series sportbike of your very own.

It may surprise you to know that the Yamaha R3 chassis is quite capable on the track. Its inverted fork and great brakes make it easy to learn your way around your favorite course.Yamaha
Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires are fitted to the 2020 Yamaha R3.Yamaha
Got info? The 2020 Yamaha R3 dash looks like it belongs on a much more expensive motorcycle. It’s big, easy to read, and full of info.Yamaha

Check out what our first ride review from Kent Kunitsugu had to say about the 2019 YZF-R3. If you are looking to get into a fun bike, an inexpensive trackday weapon, or a fuel-efficient (Yamaha claims 56 mpg) commuter, the YZF-R3 should be on your list. It ticks all the right boxes.

A huge amount of effort was put into maintaining the R-series look and feel when the engineers created the Yamaha R3. Does this front end look familiar?Yamaha
The racy tailsection is sleek and follows the lines of its larger siblings. The YZF-R3 is meant to get you hooked on motorcycling from all angles.Yamaha
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 in Matte Silver.Yamaha
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 in Matte Black.Yamaha

2020 Yamaha R3 Specifications

PRICE $4,999; $5,299 w/ ABS
ENGINE 321cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC inline twin-cylinder; 8 valves
BORE x STROKE 68.0 x 44.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO 11.2:1
FUEL DELIVERY Fuel injection
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE 6-speed/chain
FRAME Steel trellis
FRONT SUSPENSION Inverted telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION Monocross single shock, adjustable for preload; 4.9-in. travel
FRONT BRAKE 298mm hydraulic disc; ABS model available
REAR BRAKE 220mm hydraulic disc; ABS model available
TIRES, FRONT/REAR Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300; 110/70-17 / 140/70-17
RAKE/TRAIL 25.0°/3.7 in.
WHEELBASE 54.3 in.
SEAT HEIGHT 30.7 in.
FUEL CAPACITY 3.7 gal.
CLAIMED CURB WEIGHT 368 lb. / 375 lb. (ABS model)
WARRANTY 1 year (limited factory warranty)
COLORS Team Yamaha Blue w/ABS; Matte Silver w/ABS; Matte Black w/ABS; Team Yamaha Blue
AVAILABLE November 2019
CONTACT yamahamotorsports.com