In mid-2022, we broke the news that Yamaha was evaluating re-entering the premium motorcycle market in India after its multi-year hiatus, but there has been no development on that front until now. In what appears to be a dealer meet, the company showcased the Yamaha R3, R7, R1M, MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 models, hinting that we may see these bikes go on sale in the near future.
- To be brought in as CBU imports; launch in coming months
- Aerox, R15, MT-15 to receive updates soon
Yamaha big bikes India launch details
Arguably the most eagerly awaited motorcycle of this lot is the R3 – last sold in India in 2019 – and the bike showcased appears to be a 2023-spec model. The EU-spec Yamaha R3 (which is the one we'll likely get in India) is powered by a liquid-cooled, 321cc, parallel-twin engine that makes 42hp at 10,750rpm and 29.5Nm at 9,000rpm. When launched, the R3 will compete with the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 in our market.
Yamaha also showcased the MT-03 sports naked motorcycle, which is essentially a more powerful and better-equipped version of the MT-15 currently on sale. The MT-03 shares its underpinnings with the R3 and will rival the KTM Duke 390 in India.
The MT-07 and the MT-09 street naked models were also present at the dealer event. The former is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin putting out 73.4hp and 63Nm, while the latter gets an 890cc inline triple-cylinder engine making 117hp and 93Nm. The MT-07 will go up against the likes of the Kawasaki Z650 and the Honda CB650R, while the MT-09 will rival the Kawasaki Z900 and the Triumph Street Triple 765.
The R7, meanwhile, is a fully-faired sportsbike that shares its platform with the MT-07. Its most direct rivals in India are bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Honda CBR650R.
Also on display was Yamaha’s R1M superbike. Powered by a 200hp, 998cc, inline four cylinder engine, the R1, much like the R3, was on sale in India a few years back. The R1M can be distinguished from the standard R1 by its carbon-fibre body panels and Ohlins suspension.
While it remains to be seen which of these models will go on sale in India, Eishin Chihana, Yamaha India chairperson, told us last year, “Big bikes like the MT-07 and R7, we are trying to bring in some batches. Not big quantities, but enough to satisfy our top-range customers.”
A launch timeframe is also yet to be defined, but we expect Yamaha’s big bikes to hit showroom floors in the coming months. And as they will be coming in as CBU imports, expect them to be priced on the higher side in their respective segments.
Yamaha Aerox 155, R15, MT-15 updates
Alongside these big bikes, Yamaha also revealed some updates for the Aerox 155, R15 and MT-15 models. The Aerox 155 maxi-scooter is also set to get a new paint scheme, with a silver base coat, black contrasting elements and golden touches. In what will be a first for the Aerox, this paint scheme also comes with golden coloured alloys.
Similarly, the R15 is also due to get a new white paint option, with grey graphics and orange-coloured alloy wheels. As for the MT-15, Yamaha is expected to introduce a more affordable variant without LED indicators and Bluetooth connectivity, which was also spotted at the event.
Which big bikes should Yamaha launch in India? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
Yamaha FZ-X review: the X-factor