2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 review: the call of the big R
With only 109 registrations in 2018, to say that the Yamaha YZF-R3 did not find its audience in France is a no-brainer. But his first evolution could boost his career thanks to his extra rigor and sex appeal.. Test of a naturally A2 small sports bike that deserves to be (re) known !
Test YZF-R3 2019 Page 1: simply effective
The year 2019 begins in a sporty way with Yamaha, which hands MNC the straps of its new YZF-R3 in the wake of! Observed side by side, these two small-displacement sports motorcycles bear an obvious air of parentage. Or rather an "R", thanks to their face modeled on the, their openwork triple tree as on the and their dummy air intake M1 MotoGP style (details in).
- MNC file : All the YZF-R3 news
- MNC test : YZF-R125 2019, a hell of a cost for young bikers
Even their fairing sides offer a similar profile, while "gills" strip the front of their tank. Twin sisters, the little Rs? At first glance, yes. A closer look actually reveals significant differences, some of which are rather surprising….
Surprisingly, it is thus the smallest best equipped: the R3 is satisfied with a 2-piston caliper with axial fixation (4-piston radial on the 125), an inverted fork of 37 mm (41 mm on the 125) and does not receive the very "Racing" lever guard of the YZF-R125. The rear of the 300 cc is also less airy than that – pierced on each side – of the 125 cc.
Its tubular frame is also more classic than the perimeter of the 125 cc, which really shows off with its aluminum swingarm (steel on the R3). Finally, the 321 cc twin-cylinder of the YZF-R3 does not receive any modification while the single-cylinder of the YZF-R125 has, among other things, a new variable intake system. !
How to explain this difference in treatment? Simple: the 125 cc – built in Saint Quentin (02) – is intended for young beginner bikers (A1) European, preferably well-off considering its price of 5,299 euros. The 300 cc is manufactured in Indonesia and originally targets the Asian markets, where it embodies the equivalent of a Superbike..
Sport-GT atmosphere
Its 42 hp, however, naturally falls under the A2 motorcycle license (limited to 47.5 hp), now mandatory for all new bikers, young and old. And this is not its only quality: its new racy line, its full weight of 169 kg and its price of 5899 euros make it an attractive and accessible first motorcycle on the Old Continent..
After having his wrists massacred by the, MNC welcomes the less radical ergonomics of the YZF-R3 with relief. Its half-handlebars – yet lowered by 22 mm – do not tilt the bust excessively, to the delight of the joints. Same thing for the legs, little strained: the position – very pleasant – evokes a sport-GT.
Its saddle located at only 780 mm offers a decent reception for a sports motorcycle: it is neither a sofa nor a stool! Compact between the thighs, the R3 also allows you to put two feet flat from 1.70 m: an asset for beginners, as well as its excellent turning radius and its very flexible clutch if not progressive..
Its compromise between sportiness and comfort is really skillful and hits the mark, in town and on the track. Easy to understand but rigorous, the R3 moves from one universe to another with remarkable ease: a flawless sublimated by a satisfactory protection for a sportswoman (first third of the helmet, bust and part of the shoulders protected).
Its front axle continues this demonstration of versatility: its steering is both docile and precise, neutral when setting the angle and stable enough to confidently titillate its limits. These are surprisingly high, including on the track: it is a light motorcycle therefore responsive, but reassuring because it is balanced and predictable..
Its suspensions fit honorably into this table: a zest of additional progressiveness would serve the cause of pure efficiency, but the compromise remains very correct, without excessive harshness or depressing softness. Its fork – non-adjustable – impresses with the precision of its guidance, despite a little braked start to the race for the benefit of comfort.
Only its ground clearance and braking are open to criticism, especially on the track. The first point arises from the slightly set back position of its footrests (for a sportswoman), which are also devoid of rubber. The second observation is due to the somewhat puny nature of the simple two-piston caliper: the 4-piston radial device of the YZF-R125 would be more suitable..
The front brake does its best, but its bite and power are limited. You need a minimum of grip to slow down effectively, especially since the rear brake is absent subscribers. The pedal has the consistency of a wet sponge and its action furiously evokes the action of urinating in a stringed instrument…
An efficient twin cylinder but a little limited
In terms of mechanics, the YZF-R3 identically renews its twin-cylinder stalled at 180 cc discovered in 2015. This vertical twin of 42 hp and 29.6 Nm accepts to go down between 1500 and 2000 rpm on the first reports, without knocking but with a certain roughness on the go-around. Available, it drives the 6th at 50 km / h at 4000 rpm.
The acceleration is moderately tonic before mid-revs: overtaking in 6th gear at 80 km / h (5000 rpm) is possible, but do not expect to shiver at this moment by activating the accelerator with the otherwise very long pull! However, the bike quickly catches 130 km / h, then settles easily at 160 km / h, then slowly climbs towards its limits located shortly before 190 km / h (odometer).
The thrust actually becomes interesting from 6000 rpm, a regime where slight vibrations appear under the saddle. It then acquires an invigorating sporty character up to 13,000 rpm of the switch. It’s a two-sided engine, which succeeds each other perfectly: gentle and helpful at low revs, playful and determined in the laps. All things considered, of course !
More punch, however, could not harm it against the strongest of its rivals … The twin cylinder of the Kawasaki Ninja 400 – best seller in the category with 409 immats – takes advantage of its additional 78 cc (399 cc against 321 cc) to spit 45 hp and 38 Nm of torque (+ 3 hp and + 8.4 Nm), while the 373.3 single-cylinder of the lightweight KTM RC390 outputs 44 hp and 35 Nm (+ 2 hp and + 5.4 Nm).
Verdict: a very good development
The YZF-R3 is evolving in the right direction through relevant modifications: its new look suits it perfectly and its optimized suspensions improve its dynamism. Pleasant and efficient, the Yamaha is a motorcycle that manages to combine sportiness and pleasure. The same with the twin of the MT-07 would be damn salivating !
The only small faults: perfectible braking and an engine with performance limited by its capacity, although voluntary and economical (4.3 l / 100 km on the dashboard during our test). But at 5899 euros, it is better placed than the RC390 (6099 euros) and the Ninja 400 (6199 €) and stack 1000 euros cheaper than the "big" Honda CBR500RR (6899 €) !
- All the details of our 2019 YZF-R3 Test in our photos captioned in
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