2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 long-term review, first report

Every day spent with the YZF-R3 reminds you of what a spectacular job Yamaha has done with it.

Published on Feb 13, 2017 06:00:00 AM

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2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 long-term review, first report

The MRF Zapper tyres lose traction easily.

Seating geometry is comfortable enough to use the R3 for touring.

Open the throttle and the experience is really rewarding.

The most beautiful thing about this machine is its ease of ride. Want it to lean in? It does so effortlessly. Want it to stop? It does that too, with composure. Want to be comfortable at the same time? Somehow it manages to do that as well. Some of my weekend jaunts have included much larger displacement machines for company. The R3 manages to keep up with them too, except on the straights (no replacement for displacement, right?). The corners are where the bigger, heavier fellows tend to fall behind.

One place where Yamaha has fallen short is with the YZF-R3’s rubber. Maybe it was a cost-cutting measure, or the potential of this machine was vastly under-estimated; the MRF Zapper tyres just can’t seem to keep up with the R3. Of course, when they do heat up, things improve. But in city conditions, where constant traffic will not allow you to get these tyres up to speed, expect a fair amount of scares.

The MRF Zapper tyres lose traction easily.

So, after clocking some amount of saddle hours on this machine, I can certainly say that I am now a fan. The fit and finish levels on this R3 are superb; even after a fair amount of spirited riding, the panels haven’t developed any rattles and the clutch and gears are still buttery smooth. The power on tap leaves little to be desired (in Indian riding conditions, of course). I’d be quite keen to see how much better it would be to ride with some better rubber thrown in.