Yamaha YZF-R3 specifications
Yamaha · Supersport
Car and Bike says the low 780 mm seat, mid-mounted footpegs and comfier position let you ride long commutes and maybe long distances, that the parallel twin is tractable enough to ride at 40-50 km/h in fifth gear, and that the lightweight diamond-frame chassis, 37 mm USD fork and stiff setup give confidence in corners and when filtering through traffic.
Its headline verdict is a good motorcycle but too expensive for its own good, a point about the Indian price.
Yamaha YZF-R3
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model year | 2026 |
| Engine | 321cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder, 4 valves/cylinder |
| Displacement | 321cc |
| Bore x stroke | 68.0x44.1 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.2:1 |
| Transmission | 6-speed, multiplate wet clutch, Assist & Slipper clutch |
| Front brake | 298mm hydraulic disc, ABS |
| Seat height | 30.7 in |
| Wet weight | 373 lb |
| Wheelbase | 54.3 in |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 gal |
| Ground clearance | 6.3 in |
| Starting MSRP | $5,499 |
| Class | Supersport |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection |
| Front suspension | Inverted telescopic fork |
| Front suspension travel | 5.1 in |
| Rear suspension | Monocross single shock, adjustable preload |
| Rear suspension travel | 4.9 in |
| Rear brake | 220mm hydraulic disc, ABS |
| Rake (caster angle) | 25.0° |
| Trail | 3.7 in |
| Fuel economy (estimated) | 56 mpg |
BikeWale says that for the price you get a lovely engine, commendable handling, top build quality, good brakes and comfortable ergonomics, and found the R3 accommodating, spacious and comfortable even with its sporty rider triangle, which makes it comfortable for a daily commute and a spirited weekend ride. The write-up also says the high-speed stability is reliable enough to stay tucked in.
The R3 is the lightest and lowest of the Yamaha sports bikes at 373 lb and a 30.7 in seat, with a 54.3 in wheelbase, 25.0 degrees of rake and 3.7 in of trail.
The chassis has an inverted fork with 5.1 in of travel and a Monocross shock with 4.9 in and preload adjustment, a 298 mm front disc and a 220 mm rear disc with ABS, on 110/70 and 140/70 Dunlop Sportmax tires. Ground clearance is 6.3 in, and the bike is rated at 56 mpg.
R3 against the alternatives
At $5,499 it is $3,900 below the R7 at $9,399, and $3,800 below Kawasaki's ZX-4R at $9,299. The R3 has a smaller engine than either. So it is not the choice for a rider who wants track performance.
It is the choice for a new rider who wants the look and position of a sportbike at the lowest price and weight.
YZF-R3 against the Ninja ZX-4R and CBR650R
Kawasaki's ZX-4R and Honda's CBR650R are larger and much more expensive.
Yamaha YZF-R3 — specification referenceYamaha · Supersport
The 2026 Yamaha YZF-R3 is Yamaha's entry-level supersport, a smaller counterpart to the YZF-R7 built for new and lighter riders who want sportbike ergonomics without a middleweight engine's power and weight. It uses a 321cc twin and costs $5,499, and it is unchanged from 2025.
What changed on the 2026 Yamaha YZF-R3 since 2025?
Nothing in the published specifications: engine, chassis and dimensions carried over from the 2025 model; 2026 Yamaha YZF-R3 across model years.
- Model-year range
- 2024–2025
- Compared editions
- 2
- Specification entries
- 22
- Entries that differ
- 3
- Transmission
- 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch; 6-speed; multiplate wet clutch; with Assist & Slipper clutch.
Older campaigns: 19V341000 (May 2, 2019, model years 2019, service brakes); 18V861000 (December 4, 2018, model years 2018, engine and engine cooling).
2026 Yamaha YZF-R3 questions
Is the Yamaha YZF-R3 comfortable for commuting?
BikeWale found it accommodating and comfortable even with its sporty rider triangle, and Car and Bike says the low seat and mid-mounted pegs allow long commutes.
How much does the 2026 Yamaha YZF-R3 cost?
Yamaha lists $5,499 for the 2026 model. It has a 321cc twin, weighs 373 lb and is unchanged from the 2025 R3.
Other models in this reference: Yamaha YZF-R1, Yamaha YZF-R9.