2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

Model Update: 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 LAMS

By Bike Review • 5 years ago

Oct
2018

For 2019 Yamaha have revealed a heavily revamped YZF-R3, with their popular LAMS/Learner legal machine featuring all new R-series inspired styling, aimed at bringing the machine closer to the brand’s supersport and superbike offerings.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

Powered by a 321cc twin-cylinder engine that delivers excellent performance for a broad range of riding, whether it be navigating cross-town traffic, carving twisty roads, or participating in a track day, the new 2019 YZF-R3 aims to continue the bike’s reputation as a user-friendly lightweight supersport.

With an accessible seat height for a sportsbike themed machine at 780mm and an ergonomic, relatively upright riding position with raised clip-on style ‘bars, the new YZF-R3 is an ideal bike for first-time riders or experienced sportsbike pilots who prefer a compact, nimble and agile machine.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 features

Liquid-cooled high-revving 321cc inline two-cylinder DOHC four-valve engine
Compact and lightweight high tensile tubular steel chassis
New YZR-M1 MotoGP inspired styling
New front fairing and screen
Up to 8km/h top speed increase
YZF-R1 style dual LED headlamps and position lamps
Reshaped fuel tank
22mm lower handlebars
New 37mm inverted front forks (previously 41mm forks)
Monocross rear shock
New multi-function LCD dash
Idealised 50/50 weight distribution

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

The reliable 321cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line twin-cylinder, dual overhead cam (DOHC), 4-valve, fuel injected engine is the heart of the YZF-R3 and features the latest combustion technolog, lightweight forged aluminium pistons and all-aluminium DiASil cylinders with an offset design. This ensures the the smooth running and quick-revving YZF-R3 engine produces easy-to-manage power.

A lightweight high tensile steel tubular frame with a simple design incorporates the engine’s crankcase as a stressed structural member of the chassis, resulting in a balance of rigidity and weight.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

The long asymmetrical swingarm design ensures the efficient transmission of engine power to the rear wheel and excellent straight line stability, while the Monocross rear suspension features a preload adjustable KYB shock that gives stable damping and contributes to a mass centralization of weight.

Combined with the new inverted front forks, new triple clamp, 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels, a 298mm front brake disc with a floating twin-piston brake caliper, 32 degrees of handlebar steering range and approximately 50/50 front-rear weight distribution, the YZF-R3 chassis delivers agile and responsive handling.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

To help achieve the right balance of comfort and sporty performance for both street and track, the 2019 YZF-R3 features all-new KYB 37mm inverted front forks. Featuring a larger surface area between the outer and inner tubes than on conventional forks, the inverted design significantly improves fork rigidity, giving a sporty front-end feel and precise levels of surface feedback – while maintaining comfort.

Coupled with an all-new triple-clamp that incorporates an aluminium handlebar crown with R-series styling, the new front suspension assembly works to provide the rider with great handling during cornering and braking.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

The easy-to-ride character of the YZF-R3 is further enhanced for 2019 thanks to a new fuel tank and fuel tank cover design, along with a handlebar position that is 22mm lower. Fuel tank capacity remains at 14 litres, but the redesigned shape of the tank and cover (31.4mm wider above the knee area and 20mm lower at the fuel cap) is aimed at helping achieve a feeling of unity between the rider and machine, while suiting multiple body types and riding positions.

The new YZF-R3 also features a front fairing and windscreen design that pays homage to Yamaha’s flagship MotoGP race bike, the YZR-M1, with an aggressive look that also achieves outstanding aerodynamic performance.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

Developed in conjunction with wind tunnel and track tests, the new fairing and windscreen combination reduces aerodynamic drag by seven percent, enabling a decrease in air turbulence around the rider’s helmet when in a tucked position, and giving an increase of up to 8km/h in top speed, which will no doubt prove a boost to these bikes in competition but mainly be a styling advantage to new riders.

The YZR-M1 style central duct in the fairing also functions to direct airflow to the radiator, contributing to engine cooling performance, while YZF-R1 inspired dual LED headlights and position lights add to the aggressive look of the redesigned front fairing, along with a new LCD instrument panel which displays information that is easy to read at a glance.

2019 Yamaha YZF-R3

The lightweight 10-spoke wheels are shod with radial tyres with Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 rubber fitted to the bikes in the images provided, and ensuring a standard fitment tyre which should handle a broad range of riding conditions.

The YZF-R3 will be available at Yamaha dealers starting in January 2019, and will be available in Yamaha Blue and Power Black with official Australian pricing and availability yet to be released.