Yamaha’s YZF-R3 LAMS machine updated in 2019
While 2018 marked the 20th anniversary of the YZF-R1, 2019 will see its smaller capacity sibling the YZF-R3 receive a styling update to bring the popular LAMS machine closer to the brand’s premiere class and supersport offerings.
Yamaha has also opted to retain the 321cc powerplant, unlike Kawasaki who boosted the Ninja to 399cc with their latest model update. Updates to the 2019 model include new 37mm USD forks, revised ergonomics including ‘bar height and tank position and more aerodynamic fairings, with the brand boasting a boost of 8km/h as a result.
With Yamaha’s heritage of building sought after Supersport motorcycles, the rider-friendly YZF-R3 provides an ideal option for riders of all skill levels – starting at new riders – to experience the ‘R World’.
New USD 37mm forks & triple clamp
To help achieve a balance of comfort and sport performance for both street and track, the 2019 YZF-R3 features all-new KYB 37mm USD front forks, compared to 41mm forks on the previous model. Featuring a larger surface area between the outer and inner tubes than on conventional forks, the inverted design significantly improves fork rigidity, giving a sporty front-end feel and precise levels of surface feedback while maintaining riding comfort.
Also featured is an all-new triple clamp that incorporates an aluminium handlebar crown with R-series styling, bringing 2019 YZF-R3 closer to the premium appearance of the larger R-series models.
Renowned 321cc twin-cylinder engine
The 321cc liquid-cooled, four-stroke, in-line twin-cylinder, dual overhead cam (DOHC), 4-valve, fuel-injected engine is the heart of the YZF-R3. Featuring the latest combustion technology together with lightweight forged aluminium pistons and all-aluminium DiASil cylinders with an offset design, the smooth-running and quick-revving YZF-R3 engine produces easy-to-manage power.
WorldSSP 300 proven chassis
A lightweight high tensile steel tubular frame with a simple design incorporates the engine’s crankcase as a stressed structural member of the chassis, resulting in an ideal balance of rigidity and weight.
The long asymmetrical swingarm design ensures the efficient transmission of engine power to the rear wheel and delivers excellent straight line stability, while the Monocross rear suspension system features a preload-adjustable KYB rear shock that gives stable damping and contributes to a mass centralisation of weight. With approximately 50/50 front-rear weight distribution, the YZF-R3 chassis delivers agile and responsive handling.
The all-new inverted front forks and all-new triple clamp join 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels, a 298mm front brake rotor with a floating twin-piston brake caliper, 32 degrees of handlebar steering range, and an inviting 780mm seat height.
Lower ‘bars and revised fuel tank
The easy-to-ride character of the YZF-R3 is further enhanced for 2019 with a new fuel tank and fuel tank cover design, along with a handlebar position that is 22mm lower but still including sporty clip-on style ‘bars. Fuel tank capacity remains 14 litres, but the redesigned shape of the tank and cover (31.4mm wider above the knee area and 20mm lower at the fuel cap) helps to achieve a feeling of unity between the rider and machine.
Improved aerodynamics
An aerodynamic new front fairing and windscreen design pays homage to Yamaha’s flagship MotoGP race bike, the YZR-M1, with an aggressive look that sees a top speed boost of 8km/h.
Developed in conjunction with wind tunnel and track tests, the new fairing and windscreen combination reduces aerodynamic drag by seven percent, enabling a decrease in air turbulence around the rider’s helmet when in a tucked position, and giving the potential increase in top speed. The YZR-M1 style central duct in the fairing also functions to direct airflow to the radiator, contributing to engine cooling performance.
Additional new features
New YZF-R1 inspired dual LED headlights and position lights add to the aggressive look of the redesigned front fairing, and a new LCD instrument panel displays essential information that is easy to read at a glance.
2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 features
- High-revving 321cc inline 2-cylinder liquid cooled DOHC 4-valve engine
- Compact and lightweight high tensile tubular steel chassis
- New YZR-M1 MotoGP inspired styling
- New front fairing and screen gives up to 8 km/h top speed increase
- YZF-R1 style dual LED headlamps and position lamps
- Reshaped fuel tank and lower handlebars for improved sports ergonomics
- New 37mm inverted front forks and Monocross rear shock
- New multi-function LCD instruments with easy to read displays
- Idealized 50/50 weight distribution for agile handling
| 2019 YZF-R3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS |
| ENGINE | |
| Type | Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-stroke, 4-valves |
| Displacement | 321cc |
| Bore x stroke | 60.0 mm x 44.1 mm |
| Compression ratio | 11.2 : 1 |
| Maximum horse power | N/A |
| Maximum torque | 29.6 N・m (3.0 kgf・m) / 9,000 r/min |
| Starting system type | Electric starter |
| Lubrication system | Wet sump |
| Clutch type | Wet, Multiple Disc |
| Fuel system | Fuel injection |
| Ignition system | TCI |
| Transmission system | Constant mesh, 6-speed |
| Final transmission system | Chain |
| CHASSIS | |
| Frame | Diamond |
| Front suspension | Upside-down telescopic fork |
| Front wheel travel | 129.5 mm |
| Rear suspension | Swingarm |
| Rear wheel travel | 124.5 mm |
| Caster angle | 25o 00′ |
| Trail | 95 mm |
| Front brake | Hydraulic single disc brake, Ø 298 mm |
| Rear brake | Hydraulic single disc brake, Ø 220 mm |
| Front tyre | 110/70-17M/C (54H) (Tubeless) |
| Rear tyre | 140/70-17M/C (66H) (Tubeless) |
| DIMENSIONS | |
| Overall length | 2,090 mm |
| Overall width | 730 mm |
| Overall height | 1,140 mm |
| Seat height | 780 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,380 mm |
| Min. ground clearance | 160 mm |
| Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank) | 167 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity | 14 L |
