Video Review: 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 sportsbike
Yamaha’s 2020 YZF-R3 is a small-capacity sportsbike that brings a lot to the table despite it’s small displacement and LAMS label. Jack picked the R3 dressed in a special edition Monster Energy livery and put it to the test on the backroads and on the work commute.
Also check out our feature article on building up a YZF-R3 into a fully-fledged racebike!
2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 Tech Talk
Yamaha’s 321cc liquid-cooled, inline twin -cylinder engine delivers broad power and performance throughout the rpm range. With a 180-degree crank design and integrated counter-balancer, the layout minimises vibrations for a smooth, refined engine character.
With a compression ratio of 11.2:1, double overhead cams (DOHC) and four-valve cylinder-heads, the 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 motor is designed for quick revving performance and high-rpm efficiency to deliver an exciting ride with a broad spread of power.
Yamaha’s 321cc, inline twin-cylinder engine delivers excellent power and performance throughout the rpm range.
A downdraft induction fuel injection system provides easy starting, excellent fuel economy, and responsive performance. Yamaha’s unique DiASil—a high-silicon aluminium alloy engine block is used to ensure excellent heat dissipation, with an innovative offset cylinder design that reduces horsepower loss and improves both power and fuel efficiency.
Forged aluminium pistons—the same technology used for the YZF-R1 and YZF-R6—means lighter weight and excellent strength at higher temperatures, ensuring reliability at higher rpm. The short muffler design features modern styling and helps to centralise mass, improving agility.
Forged aluminium pistons means lighter weight and excellent strength at higher temperatures.
The YZF-R3 features an inverted fork with optimised spring and damping settings, significantly improving fork rigidity, front-end feedback and control feel. The design also includes a YZR-M1-inspired top clamp for improved supersports style.
The single-shock design further centralises mass and is tuned to strike a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance, for capability across a wide range of uses, from urban commuting to track days. It’s also adjustable for spring preload, to account for passengers or cargo.
The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 features a near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for enhanced performance.
The 298mm floating-mount front disc is featured, supported by a 220mm rear disc. The YZF-R3 ABS model also features an antilock braking system.
Stylish 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels minimise unsprung weight for improved suspension responsiveness and refined handling.
Thanks to the engine placement and overall machine dimensions, the YZF-R3 features a near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for enhanced performance.
The R3’s aggressive design continues the legendary styling born from the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine and improves overall aerodynamics at high speeds, too. The R3 features compact LED headlights with a central air duct that maximises cooling airflow for the engine.
Styling born from the YZR-M1 MotoGP machine and improves overall aerodynamics at high speeds.
LED elements are used for both the taillight unit and headlights.
The compact multi-function meter informs the rider of gear position, fuel capacity, real time and average fuel economy, water temp, clock and an oil change trip meter.
2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 Specifications
Price: $7,799 (Standard – but $7,299 until end of June 2020) – $7,899 (Monster) R/A
Colours: Icon Blue, Matt Silver, Power Black, Special Edition Monster Energy
Claimed power: 30.9kW [41.4hp]@10000rpm
Claimed torque: 29.6Nm [21.8ft-lbs]@9000rpm
Wet weight: 167kg
Fuel capacity: 14L
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline twin-cylinder, eight-valve four stroke, 68 x 44.1mm bore x stroke, 321cc, 11.2:1 compression, TCI ignition,
Gearbox: Six speed, constant mesh
Clutch: Wet multi-disc
Chassis: Steel diamond-type tubular frame, long steel asymmetric swingarm
Rake: 25°
Trail: 95mm
Suspension: 37mm KYB USD forks, 129.5mm travel, Monocross shock, preload adjustable, 124.5mm travel
Brakes: ABS, single 298mm floating rotor, two-piston caliper (f), single 220mm rear rotor, single-piston caliper (r)
Wheels & Tyres: Cast aluminium 10-spoke, Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 , 110/70–17in (f), 140/70–17in (r)
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 1380mm
Ground clearance: 160mm
Seat height: 780mm
Overall height: 1140mm
Overall length: 2090mm
Overall width: 730mm
Instruments: Full digital multi-function display
2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 Gallery
The Verdict | Video Review: 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 sportsbike
Off-Tap!
Are you in the market for a LAMS machine that you can daily and has some edge? The 2020 YZF-R3 delivers brilliant performance, with a great chassis and good motor, you just can’t go wrong here.
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