Yamaha YZF-R3 Discontinued In India; New-Gen Likely Launch In 2021

2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 gets two new colour 1

Yamaha YZF-R3 has been discontinued in India as it won’t be upgraded to meet BSVI emission standards

Yamaha’s India division will be discontinuing the popular YZF-R3 soon as it won’t be on sale when BSVI emission standards come into effect from April 1, 2020. The Japanese manufacturer has introduced the BSVI compliant version of its existing models already as the R15 V3.0, Fascino 125, Cygnus Ray ZR 125 Fi and MT15 were unveiled in an event in Chennai back in December 2019.

The YZF-R3 unfortunately is not part of the BSVI lineup though as it has not gained Euro5 updates in the overseas markets. Only limited BSIV stocks appear to be available across the country and new reservations are not being taken as the engine won’t be upgraded. Locally, the YZF-R3 had been brought into the country via CKD (Completely Knocked Down) channel.

Considering the costs involved in updating the engine to meet BSVI standards and that the supersport is not a volume seller in the premium space, it is a no-brainer that Yamaha is showing the R3 its exit doors. We do hope to see the YZF-R3 make a comeback in the near future and the timeline could coincide with its Euro5 updates likely taking place sometime early next year.

2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 gets two new colour
2020 Yamaha YZF-R3

The 2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 was applied with substantial updates not so long ago. It gained mechanical changes as well as design revisions to keep the lifecycle of the existing generation going forwards. Some of the important bits are new clip-on handlebars, dual LED headlamp unit, redesigned side fairing, an all-digital instrumentation, faux RAM air inlet, KYB-sourced USD front forks and pre-load adjustable monoshock, new cast aluminium wheels, etc.

It is powered by the 321 cc parallel twin-cylinder engine, which is good enough to produce a maximum power output of 41 bhp and nearly 30 Nm of peak torque. It is connected to a six-speed transmission and comes with several standard technologies and equipment including dual-channel ABS and slipper clutch.

2020 Yamaha YZF-R3 gets two new colour 3

In India, the YZF-R3 put up against KTM RC390 and Kawasaki Ninja 300. The latter will also get BSVI updates presumably towards the end of this year.