Well, in our market, we just got the Yamaha YZF-R3 back on sale after being discontinued for a short period. The updated R3 that we have on sale now offers decent value considering how overpriced the new Kawasaki Ninja 400 is. The R3 comes with ABS, a refined twin-cylinder motor, over 40 PS of power; so it has everything to attract a quarter-litre segment aspirant.
But, new rumours suggest that in 2019, Yamaha might completely revamp the YZF-R25 & YZF-R3. The bike will get an all-new design, sharper and edgier than the current look. The new design will be more in sync with the litre-class supersport sibling, the R1. The rendering image backing up this rumour shows us that the new bike will look more of a supersport motorcycle, than a relaxed sports tourer.
Expected additions on the 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 would be a sportier riding position, new LED headlamps and full digital instrument console. It is also being said that the power output of the R3 would be bumped up beyond 45 PS.
Currently, powering R3 is a 321cc motor producing 41.9 HP of power & 29.6 Nm of torque matched to a 6-speed gearbox.
But, would this then result in a price hike? Market sentiment already considers the Yamaha YZF-R3 to be a fair bit overpriced, forget the Kwacker Ninja 400. Yamaha, we are waiting for a massive product refresh, but lets keep the pricing intact, if now lower. Please! (If these rumours are to be true though)