2023 Yamaha YZF-R3 [Specs, Features, Photos]

The R3’s inverted fork works with a Monocross rear shock to provide exceptional handling, with balanced chassis rigidity, a near 50/50 weight balance, and damping and spring settings designed for a wide range of road conditions.

Compact Chassis

With a fully-fueled weight of only 375 pounds and a seat height of only 30.7 inches, the YZF-R3 is ultra-light, nimble and confidence-inspiring on everything from tight city streets to wide-open racetracks.

High-Revving Supersport Engine

Yamaha’s championship-winning technology gives the YZF-R3 a broad spread of power with exciting high-rpm performance.

Practical Performance

A range of exclusive technologies ensures the YZF-R3 combines Yamaha’s legendary refinement and reliability with thrilling performance, all while sipping fuel at an efficient 56 mpg.

Sleek R-Series Styling

Featuring flowing bodywork and ergonomics inspired by the MotoGP® YZR-M1, complemented by new colors and graphics, the YZF-R3 is sleek, aerodynamic and refined.

Yamaha’s unique DiASil—a high-silicon aluminum alloy—engine block is used to ensure excellent heat dissipation, with an innovative offset cylinder design that reduces horsepower loss and improves both power and fuel efficiency.

Compact Exhaust System

The short muffler design features modern styling and helps to centralize mass, improving agility for ultra-responsive handling.

High-Revving Engine Architecture

With a compression ratio of 11.2:1, double overhead cams (DOHC) and four-valve cylinder heads, the YZF-R3 motor is designed for quick-revving performance and high-rpm efficiency to deliver an exciting ride with a broad spread of power.

Modern Fuel Injection

Downdraft induction fuel injection system provides easy starting, excellent fuel economy and responsive performance in all conditions.

Potent Twin-Cylinder Powerplant

Yamaha’s 321cc liquid-cooled, inline 2-cylinder engine delivers excellent power and performance throughout the rpm range. With a 180-degree crank design and integrated counterbalancer, the layout minimizes vibrations for a smooth, refined engine character.

Six-Speed Transmission

A smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox ensures the rider always has the right ratio, whether riding through tight canyon corners or racetrack straightaways.

Strong, Lightweight Pistons

Forged aluminum pistons—the same technology used for the YZF- R1—mean lighter weight and excellent strength at extreme temperatures, ensuring reliability at higher rpm.

The YZF-R3 features an inverted fork with optimized spring and damping settings, significantly improving fork rigidity, front-end feedback and control. The design also includes a YZR-M1-inspired top clamp for improved supersport style.

Monocross Rear Shock

The single-shock design further centralizes mass and is tuned to strike a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance, for capability across a wide range of uses, from urban commuting to track days. It’s also adjustable for spring preload which accounts for passengers or cargo.

Perfectly Balanced

Thanks to the engine placement and overall machine dimensions, the YZF-R3 features a near 50/50 front/rear weight distribution for enhanced performance, especially in dynamic canyon-carving or racetrack riding environments.

Potent Braking with ABS

The 298mm floating-mount front disc brake ensures excellent stopping power, supported by a 220mm rear disc, and an anti-lock braking system boosts rider confidence and prevents wheel lock-ups in reduced-traction conditions.

Sportbike-Spec Wheels & Tires

Stylish 10-spoke cast aluminum wheels minimize unsprung weight for improved suspension responsiveness and refined handling. Grippy Dunlop® radial tires offer enhanced traction and feedback for sporty riding too.

Digital Instrumentation

The compact multi-function meter informs the rider of gear position, fuel capacity, real time and average fuel economy, water temp, clock, and an oil change trip meter—all presented in a clean, modern layout.

LED Lighting

Light Emitted Diode (LED) elements are used for both the taillight unit and headlights. Not only do LEDs offer long life with minimal power draw, they provide brilliant illumination for confidence and visibility day or night.

Refined Sportbike Ergonomics

Thanks to the low-profile fuel tank design and relatively compact handlebar position, the rider is able to naturally grip the machine for confidence, especially when tucking aggressively behind the windscreen on the racetrack.

Sleek R-Series Styling

The R3’s aggressive design continues the legendary styling born from the YZR-M1 MotoGP® machine and improves overall aerodynamics at high speeds too. The glaring face of the R3 features compact LED headlights with a central air duct that maximizes cooling airflow for the engine.