In the entry level sport bike segment, 2016 saw KTM unveil the new RC390, new Duke 390 and Duke 125. Suzuki unveiled the new GSX125, GSX150, GSX250 and V-Strom 250, Kawasaki unveiled Versys 300, while Honda unveiled the much awaited CBR250RR. With KTM, Suzuki, Honda raising their game with the launch of fantastic products this year, its time Yamaha reciprocated the same.
Folks at motoblast now reveal that Yamaha is preparing to give thorough updates to their R25 and R3 fully faired sports bikes. Styling updates will include a much sharper and sportier design. It will also get LED headlamps and LED taillamps for better visibility.
As far as riding is concerned, that too is going to get sharper as both bikes will now be built on the new generation Deltabox frame, unlike the existing tubular frame. In addition to this, it will also get upside down forks in the front. This alone will make riding the new generation Yamaha’s a huge improvement compared to the current lot. Apart from that, there might be some other refinements made to the engine which will result in a more responsive ride.
Yamaha R3 made its debut in India last August, amidst much fanfare. Sadly, the bike was priced at an astronomical sum of INR 3.25 lakhs (ex-showroom, New Delhi). It went on to clock sales of 140 units and 256 units in August and September respectively which are impressive considering the price tag. But there were some dealer problems, and soon the sales of Yamaha R3 declined, so much so that in some months not a single unit of R3 was sold in India.
The R3 is propelled by a 321 cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled engine that produces 42 PS and 29.6 NM of torque. The potent motor is mated on 6-speed gearbox. The bike weighs 169 kg and has a 14-litre fuel tank. Suspension system is composed of front telescopic forks and rear monoshock. Both wheels are retarded by a disc brake each but ABS is not on offer even as an option.
Speaking about R25, it is not on sale in India. It is powered by a twin cylinder 250 cc engine which delivers 35.5 hp at 12,000 rpm and 22.1 Nm torque at 10,000 rpm mated to a 6-speed gearbox.
New RC 390
via motoblast
