Much awaited in India, the new 2021 Yamaha R3 has been launched in the US
Yamaha has unveiled YZF-R3 supersport motorcycle in the US market with minor changes and a new colour option. There are no changes to the engine of other mechanical parts. As compared to 2020 R3 that was available for USD 4,999 (Rs 3.67 lakhs), the 2021 model is priced at USD 5,299 (Rs 3.89 lakhs).
Electric Teal colour option
One of the key updates is the addition of an Electric Teal colour option for 2021 R3. Teal is a trending colour and Yamaha seems to have matched it quite well with the new R3. The teal shade allows the bike to be more expressive, as compared to the usual blue and black colour options available with R3.
Teal coloured fairing, fuel tank, front fender and headlight cowl create an interesting contrast with the rest of the bike, which is largely done in black. Another dash of flamboyance comes from the bright orange coloured alloy wheels, which appear similar to that of KTM bikes. Sporty graphics on the fairing and headlight cowl further enhance the bike’s visual appeal.
Talking about the 2020 R3, the bike was available with Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Black and Matte Silver colour options. While the Blue and Black colour options have been retained, the Matte Silver won’t be available with 2021 R3. Another change is that Matte Black has been renamed as Matte Stealth Black, even though there does not appear to be any difference between the two.
While the Electric Teal and Team Yamaha Blue coloured models will be available in November 2020, the Matte Stealth Black option will be available from December 2020.
Yamaha R3 2021 engine
Engine is the same as earlier, a 321 cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder unit. It is rated to deliver 42 hp of max power at 10,750 rpm and 28.8 Nm of max torque at 9,000 rpm. Engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox with multiplate wet clutch. The bike is estimated to deliver 56 miles per gallon, which is around 24 km/l. Estimated top speed is 110 mph (~ 180 km/h). R3 can go from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.5 seconds.
Talking about the Indian market, Yamaha R3 BS4 variant was discontinued in the country. It is expected that Yamaha will launch BS6 compliant R3 in India in the coming months. Launch of BS6 R3 probably got delayed due to the lockdown and uncertainties surrounding Covid-19 pandemic. In USA, it is not yet certain if new R3 will be available as EURO-5 compliant model. If we look at mandated emission norms, BS6 is roughly the same as EURO-5 emission standards.
