Targeting a hole in its sport/supersport lineup, Yamaha yesterday introduced the brand new R3 at the AIMExpo in Orlando.
Noting internal stats that revealed a shift away from its large and middleweight supersport machines and a growing niche in the small displacement category, Yamaha unveiled the R3, expected in Canadian markets by spring 2015.
The fuel injected, 320 cc twin features offset cylinders, forged pistons, an engine balancer and a six-speed transmission. While still considered an introductory bike, the R3 maintains the race-bred quality of the existing R1 and R6 with featuers such as clip-ons, body styling, a 41 mm KYB front fork and spoked aluminum wheels. Packaged in a steel frame with a steel swingarm, the lightweight performer checks in at an impressive 167 kg (368 lb) soaking wet.
Yamaha claims class-leading power, though dyno figures were not available. The 2015 Yamaha R3 will retail for a competitive $4,999 in Canada and comes in Yamaha Blue, Vivid Red and Metallic Black.
Building upon the success of its WR450 off-road bike as well as the popularity of its competition-only YZ250F, Yamaha also introduced the WR250F. Based on the race-winning YZ, the WR250F’s engine has been retuned for off-road/enduro and aggressive trail riding. The frame and suspension comes from the YZ as well, though the WR version comes with a six-speed transmission, a radiator cooling fan and electric start. The WR250F will retail in Canada for $8,799.
A kitted-outnow version of the YZ250F was also introduces, the YZ250FX. Designed to be competitive in cross-country/hare scramble competition out of the box, the YZ250FX sells for $8,749.
A cafe racer-inspired version of the popular Star Bolt cruiser, the Bolt C-Spec, was also introduced. The base bolt has been modified with a longer 41 mm fork with boots, longer shocks, a 1.6 inch increased ride height, a new seat design with a removable cowl cover, and a sportier riding position featuring clip-on handlebars and footpegs moved back 5.9 inches. Dozens of cafe, vintage and urban-styled accessories are also available. The C-Spec will retail in Canada for $9,699.
Not done yet, Yamaha also showed off the 155 cc SMAX scooter as well as front cowl-adorned, SE versions of the Raider and Stryker cruisers.
Oh, and we also saw a sneak peak teaser video for the 2015 R1, set to be unveiled on November 3. Visit yamaha-motor.ca for more info.
Discussion about this post