NEW METAL 2015: Yamaha YZF-R3

Here is a motorcycle that can do well: It is genuinely an entry-level bike, at 320cc and $4,990. It has confidently presented sportbike style, not “scooter cuteness.” It makes me think of a long-ago Yamaha model that was all things to all riders. The two-stroke RD350 twin, which was a sporting motorcycle, could be ridden two-up and also served club racers well for a decade.

The R3’s engine is a parallel twin of 68.0 x 44.1mm bore and stroke, the bore exceeding the stroke by the same high 1.55 oversquare ratio as in the 2015 R1. Yamaha learned the value of having a signature sound from the crossplane-crank R1’s “V-8 voice,” and in giving R3 a 180-degree crank will achieve a syncopated, interesting sound. This is a liquid-cooled sport engine, with DOHC, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection, and forged pistons.

Peak power comes at 10,750 rpm and will likely be in the vicinity of 45 hp. Its “offset cylinders” lessen friction by reduc­ing the angularity of the connecting rods on the power stroke, thereby pressing the pistons less hard against their cylinder walls. The liner-less bore is not hard-plated as in the Nikasil process but instead relies on the hardness of myriad silicon particles already present throughout the part, honed smooth and then treated. This saves 3 to 4 pounds in liner weight and adapts well to production.

A steel frame and swingarm are right for this YZF-R3, just as they were for the first 600 supersport bikes. While we love radical technologies, economical mass production delivers the goods that millions can afford. Weight with the 3.5-gallon fuel tank full is a substantial 368 pounds, but that’s only 16 pounds more than its great uncle, the RD350.

Yamaha’s light sporting twin returns.

MORE NEW METAL 2015:

» Yamaha YZF-R1

» Kawasaki Ninja H2R vs. H2

» Ducati 1299 Panigale

» BMW S1000XR

» BMW R1200RS

» Ducati Multistrada 1200

» Honda RC213V-S

» Yamaha YZF-R1M

» A Dozen More Motorcycles!