***** Isn't it great?! Sena has made our lives so much easier with their Sena Bluetooth Audio Back for GoPro (linked below). It allows riders to pair their Sena BT headsets to their GoPros for clear and clean audio recording. -Hi-Viz Brian * www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-bluetooth-audio-back-for-gopro-with-waterproof-housing
Been riding a used R3 for about 6 months now and absolutely love it. Im a newbie and it’s a Perfect beginners bike. I’m 5’9” and flat foot it easily. And it gets 67 mpg which is amazing. There are times when I wish it had a tad more passing power but the handling makes up for that. I ride mainly twisties along the West coast.
why would anyone dislike this video well i wouldn't understand....Professionally done, interesting and effective...great work and motorcycle...thanks for bringing this to us
I'm liking these bike reviews that y'all have been posting. Clear audio, good angles & talking about things that other reviewers might not mention. Keep them coming!
This video ages splendidly! Checking this out in 2019 while I am mulling over picking this beauty. Mind you, planning on getting this model, not the 2019 update (which is not available in India yet, luckily?)
Nice vid guys, very well done. Too bad about those bias-ply tires, but it's probably gonna be a first upgrade for a lot of people. I run Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires on the Ninja 300 (stock sizes) and I love 'em. It's also less rotating mass (by 3.1 lbs.) and they heat up a lot more quickly, with more outright grip. No slipper clutch either for the R3, but it looks like a strong contender for the Ninja 300. Can't wait till I can do my own review of this. I had to throw some clip-ons on the 300 to like it in the twisties...so I am really wondering how the stock riding-position is with the R3.
JohnnyXCG AHH! Congrats. Send me an email to cs@revzilla.com referencing this post so you can celebrate in Hi-Viz with a HV t-shirt and some TZ cash. ;-) -Hi-Viz Brian
Ross MK so far so good. Very good bike for work-home everyday commuting. Good MPG(around 55),lightweight, ez to handle. My color is blue, and I think blue is the best color out of 3, very shiny under the sunshine. I put 200 miles on it . Installed the fender eliminator, maybe will change the exhaust in the future.
It's the waterproof case that comes with the Sena Audio Back for GoPro. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sena-bluetooth-audio-back-for-gopro-with-waterproof-housing
Im 46 years old I've owned the following, 94 CBR600, 96 zx9R, 87 GSXR1100, 89GSXR1100, 03 GSXR1000 and a 03 CBR 954. My point? I'm over having the fastest bike on the road......... I want one of these...... they look like a ton of fun :)
im taking my 2015 R3 with stock tires , what tyre pressure would you recommend for track, im anxious as its my first track day and i want my tyre to grip well.
Each track and daily conditions are different. When you arrive, ask one of the track day organization staff or coaches what they recommend for the day.
I have a question for RevZilla.com.What tires would you replace the stock tires with when they wear out?I heard the stock tires are bias/ply and you have to stay with bias/ply.That if your bike didn't come with radials.Than you have to stay with bias/ply.
Torben Munkler It depends on the bike, so it's not a totally hard and fast rule. In the case of the R3, you can switch to radials. Some countries limit you to "approved" tires, so check your local laws first. The R3 takes a 110/70-17 front and 140/70-17 rear tire. In those sizes, I'd recommend the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/pirelli-diablo-rosso-ii-rear-tires *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/pirelli-diablo-rosso-ii-front-tires
Great first bike! I bought the 2016 matte grey version and outgrew it eventually. Nimble, has enough power but not too much to get you in trouble, and easy to learn on. Giving it to my wife when she learns to ride!
This is a nice bike, I changed my tires to pirelli angel gt which is nice for road and mileage. The sound feels unique too, r3 has a nice top end power compared to ninja. It's an agile machine too, traffic jam isn't a big problem for this bike.
Amazing review, how tall and heavy you are? im looking for the bike but i don't wanna look to big on that, i hear people saying its a bit smaller. I'm 6'5", 210pounds.
Awesome video! I have a quick question.. Between the cbr300r and the r3, which would you say is easier to shift? As in, physically, which takes less force with the shift lever? I have a used rebel 250 and feel like I have to practically stomp on the shift lever to get anywhere.. am upgrading to either the cbr300r or r3 very soon! Also, do you think with it being 2016 now that the 2015 bike prices will drop? When do the bike prices usually drop, or is it random? Thanks for your time!
been looking for an A2 bike for a while and i only found RevZilla by looking for yzf-r3 reviews. I'm damned impressed, just found my next youtube binge content.
I have a 2015 r3 my only complaint stock clip on height I flipped the triple clamp and clip ons, and did a larger tire upgrade 10+....10,000 miles later still no regrets in buying this bike
Went and looked at the red r3 today and will be back to purchase this week. Amazing bike feels so much more comfortable than the ninja 300 and cbr 300 everything is so tight and sleek
Would like to share that in Australia it is the exact opposite with the ABS on this bike. It is available in ABS only, non-ABS models do not exist. That could mean that we are forced to pay more. For anyone that is interested it sells for $6999 Drive away (so includes registration, taxes etc) which at time of writing is equivalent to US $5259 or £3372
No, its a plus just don't do things like tailgate and you should be fine. I've been riding for over 10 years and never had a ABS bike. Lastly, if you're new to riding run that yellow or red to avoid sudden or hard braking cause you are not too used to hard braking.
Hey, Cj Mullane! Spurgeon knocked-out a video for you to help explain his recommendations. -HVB * ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-I0v5K0DOojQ.html
I'm pretty stoked... I feel as though there's been a gap for high production quality media for motorcycles on RU-vid and if revzilla is expanding out from their in store product reviews... That can only be a good thing! Just a shame I live across the Atlantic... :P
I sat on the R3 at Bike week. Compared to my Ninja 300, I don't really like the R3. It feels smaller, suspension is very soft, and the plastics looked cheap. To be fair, I just wanna see someone bring one to Jennings May 30-31. Wanna see how it does
would you suggest this bike for a first timer? because I want to get a motorcycle but I dont know exactly what brand is the best and I want a bike I won't get bored of a few months later. Do you have any suggestions for a first timer bike?
Frankly, your first bike should be a bike you'll grow out of in a year or two, as you'll learn faster on something small and light. Consider a used bike in the 300cc class from Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, or Kawasaki that you don't mind dropping and picking back up. This Yamaha R3 is has enough power to keep you excited for a few seasons but not so much power that you crash it into a wall. -DrewZilla
hi there, I'm jumping from 200cc to a bigger bike, what would be your best choice, a new Yamaha R3 or a used ninja 650 or a used Yamaha XJY diversion, thanks from Veracruz, Mexico
+Jose Manuel Leal Marquez You don't necessarily need to buy new. The R3 is a great bike, but you can probably get a better deal on a used Ninja 650 or XJ6/FZ6. Those two 600-650 bikes are much more manageable than a 600cc supersport (CBR, GSX-R, R6, etc.), so moving from a 200cc bike should be fine. Long ago, my first bike was an air-cooled Honda Nighthawk 250 (234cc). I then moved to my second bike, a Suzuki SV650 (645cc), and the transition was easy. Whether you choose an R3 or a 650, they're great bikes. -DrewZilla
+RevZilla my dream bike it's the Suzuki gladius, I think it's the SV650 in the US, I'm going for it, or the XJ6, also my wife it's going to appreciate the comfort passenger seat/position, super sport it's not my kind of bike but your review made my mind want that ninja, anyway you are the best, gracias hermano
One more thing.. Please do a review on KTM rc 390 Yamaha R3 Kawasaki ninja 300 Honda cbr 500 This is going to be one hot shootout........ Results on the review would be shocking I reckon. My bets on KTM rc 390 the pocket rocket. It's got everything covered. Ride . handling. Suspension. Tech.FI.ABS.slipper clutch. Great dashboard.and looks way better then anything in its class. The only thing is. It's a single cylinder. Pushing out 44 hp. And heats up pretty quickly. Otherwise it's a blast to ride.... Keep up the good reviews flowing. Cheers mate.
***** All are priced very close to each other in some countries. All are positioned as sporty beginners bike in some countries and as hardcore performance bike in few others.Even though its 500cc it has slightly more power, but its offset by its massive weight. The yamaha and the ktm produces similar amount of power. Ktm producing more torque but the yamaha fights back with its higher revving twin. The ninja is the underdog here but still it manages to come close.So all three are comparable. Just that the manufacturers are taking a completely different approach in engine department. Potential buyers do consider all the bikes before buying one.
Allan Francis Xavier The KTM is built in India, so quality is low... KTMs built in Austria are already problematic, can u imagine one made on a budget and built in India? But hey, it's your money.
***** I'm pretty sure everything he mentioned puts out 44bhp which is to comply with the new license category for under 21s in the UK so I think it's a fair comparison.
I currently have a harley 883 and want to try out sportbikes, but I think this would be too under powered for me and was thinking about a 600cc? any suggestions?
Don't hold your bike with the handlebars, your hands might slip off. Standing on the seat with the cops chasing you using your hands to flip the cops the bird, now that's the way its done, right trolls? Seriously, you guys should make more Bike reviews.
MeestahChuklesOne4 Absolutely, though it's more about whether your body can handle those long distances. The bike will do highway speeds all day and get good gas mileage. Once sport touring windscreens are available for the R3, getting one would help block wind for better long distance comfort. -DrewZilla
I had the pleasure of breaking in a 2013 Ninja 300. They finally have all the kinks worked out for the 2015 and here goes Yamaha. Awesome!!! I'm very glad they didn't use those fugly FZ6R pegs and even more glad they put some true sportbike handlebars on this. This bike is very good looking and the extra 20CCs will likely be noticeable over the Ninja 300. The one thing that was awesome on the 300 is that sweet spot between 7K and 10K on the RPMs. It be nice if the entire powerband was as sweet. I wonder if the R3 achieved that.
had a very important cuestion for you guys, what would be more effective to turn in a sport touring bike, the R3 or the MT-03, because I like this style and my size it's difficult to ride a 650. My idea is change the handlebar risers for a look like the fz6r this with the R3, with the MT-03 change the risers and put a windshield only. please help
The R3 uses clip-on bars, so it's difficult to use a taller one-piece handlebar. You would need taller riser clip-ons, potentially longer throttle and clutch cables, and there may be clearance issues with the windshield. Instead, you're better off putting taller risers and a windshield on the MT-03. -DrewZilla
***** The R6 has been great for so long, and now we have the new R1 and this new R3, not to mention the FZ/MT-09 and -07 as well as the FJ-09! Incredible! How do I choose? Guess I need them all haha! -DrewZilla
I finally got my black R3 from Mountain Motorsport Kennesaw, Ga at 2:00 and set out to start the break in. As expected, it was crap for the first 30 minutes until the engine began to loosen. I rode 80 miles and happy with the suspension and power, but those horrible bias tires will be replace next week when the Marietta Store gets them in. It seemed like every 10 minutes the bike improved, but it doesn't like to turn right as much as the left, even with pressure on the clip on and hanging over more. That should improve as everything wears in. I must say, I don't miss the big Triumph 955i, because this bike is almost as long, just not as high or heavy. The acceleration is wonderful, but I didn't push it over 9000 RPM for more than a second. On the interstate, I constantly switched between 5th and 6th gear to stop any droning. Did I say it hauls, because it does. It's easy to lift the front wheel in the first four gears, and really, I only used 6th gear to mix the rpm. It is truly a bike overdrive and not as usable as I hoped, but that should get better with time.
I just got this bike. As a new rider. A short rider might I add. I have to get a lowering kit before I can use it but this video makes me so anxious to get on it
I've been looking at what should be my first bike, (26yr old barely received my permit from the DMV lol) and I think this might be it. Have been thinking about the Honda CBR250R, Ninja 250R and this.. Heavily falling for this right now.
Is the top speed really just 106-107 Kph or was it in Mph? I'm thinking Mph because a 125 cc Vespa that weight 125 Kg, could hit 106 Kph so this is Mphh right?
Currently saving five thousand bucks to afford this beast. I am looking at the black and red version! One thing that's confused me is that some of the bikes have the big R3 logo on the right side, near the front, and under the gas tank. Whereas other versions have the smaller R3 logo in roughly the same spot. Is it just me, or is there 2 different versions? Perhaps I was looking at the 2015 version vs the 2016 version? Some clarification would be greatly appreciated!
I like that Yamaha hasn't polluted their R series of bikes by naming other less-sporty bikes with an R designation. When you see R#, you know it's a sportbike. I think Honda watered-down the impact of their flagship models by naming all bikes in a series after them. When you hear CBR, you should think of their track-focused sportbikes, but there's beginner bikes named CBR too. They did the same offroad, with CRF labeling every dirt bike, including what used to be the XRs and the Z50, later XR50 - there are more non-competitive, non-race CRFs than there are true CRF race bikes. To me, that ruins the impact of the name. What if every Chevy were called a Corvette? I'm sure it's Honda's thinking that since CBR and CRF are their high-end race bikes, naming everything CBR/CRF will help sell those because it'll make owners think they're riding steeds of the same gene pool or something. Honda needs to learn, when everything is special, nothing is special.
Hey RevZilla I Love your Videos never knew before that you review bikes too. Keep up the Good Work Guys!! P.S. Please Review KTM Duke 200 and 390... plz plz plz plz plz
motojc We got this question so many times that Sean actually wrote an article comparing the sub-400 class of bikes. Hope this helps! -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/common-tread/which-sub-400-cc-sportbike-is-right-for-you
awesome! thanks! I'm stuck in China where either of these would cost over $8K. Things I rode for granted in the States costs x3x4 times and out of reach...
A year ago I think it was 1k, but Honda raised the prices of the CB's. For me, if 1-1.5k would get me a significantly better bike, I'd pay the extra cash.I ended up with the R3.
+VTECheart Cool. But that's because your looking at the new 2016 cbr500r. That bike suspension, forks, and fairings were all changed of course it's going to be more. But honda did lower the price on the 2015 model since it's old. Now it's around $1000 off.
I wanna get one of these as a second bike, but I'm worried it won't be much of an upgrade from my 2001 ninja 250. I've sat on one, and I absolutely love how it feels and looks from the cockpit, but I want to know how well it rides first hand and see if it would really satisfy my desire for a little more acceleration and power
Is that a voice over during the street section? If it isn't, what the hell is that microphone? I'm really skeptical that you could record so clearly and with *zero* wind noise at 106mph... Sounds like a guy talking into a high quality desk mic. If that's not true, then take my skepticism as high praise but I'm doubtful.
i ride cbr300r and r3 both extensively. honda to me has better craftmanship and overall performance. after riding the honda i can clearly tell r3 has less responsive and linear brakes, less traction tyres, and overall just feels more slippery. r3 has 10 more hp, which looks great on paper as a selling point, where honda put their money on excellent brakes, balanced design, and tighter bolts and nuts, and its 1000 dollars cheaper. r3 is faster on the straight, but in twisty roads honda is as fast and feels a lot more in control. i can hit 180 on r3 and 175 on honda. r3 is good for money, cbr300r is excellent for money (got mine for $3999+tax CND).
Excellent video review! Well done! Appreciated the clear audio. Looks like Yamaha has a hit on their hands, though I'm waiting to hear how the RC390 performs. Comparing them side to side at the bike show last year, I preferred the KTMs overall look, fit, and feel, but the R3 certainly is the business. Drop some Gold Valves in the forks, a good quality aftermarket shock on the back, and a set of Q3s and it would be a blast on a tight track.
The US version does not have ABS. It's sold with ABS in other markets though. Honda, Kawasaki, and KTM do offer ABS on their 300-class bikes in the US. -DrewZilla
+Aayush piya Here are all the helmets we carry in blue (rvz.la/1UDvwi8). We cannot guarantee a perfect match to Yamaha, but many of them look very close to Yamaha Blue. -DrewZilla
Chase Jasper Down Well, be sure to eat your Wheaties! Then, make sure you have perfectly coiffed hair and beard while simultaneously looking slightly disheveled but in a nonchalant, devil-may-care way. Finally, when you think you're ready, there's always www.revzilla.com/jobs BOOM! -DrewZilla
LMAO! Got the breakfast (shredded wheat), beard (fake), Devilish grin like I tied a distressed woman to a railroad track (didn't actually do that), and now applying for the fun! Hahahaha! Great 80's montage by the way!!!
God I'm so torn between this or and R6, I'm just starting out riding and I really like the look of this bike and how tailored it is to new riders, but I'm a heavier guy (~230) and I'm just not sure it'll be able to carry me that well. Any thoughts anyone?
Even at 230, I would not start on an R6. You'll be just fine on an R3. Learn to master the smaller bike first before moving up to something larger. -DrewZilla
the ktm rc390 is never going to be as comfy as the r3, since it's clip ons are placed in a sport bike position vs the laid back position of the r3. But if you want torque and a sporty position the rc390 is for you.
+theonethebeast I'd avoid the RC390, but you could definitely consider the 390 Duke. Both the Duke and the R3 would be fine for a beginner bike. If you can, I recommend finding a dealer, so you can sit on each bike. -DrewZilla
I've been trying to get opinions and/or find answers for a few months now so I'll here also. I'm about 5'10" 280lbs. I'm looking at getting my first bike next riding season (march 2016) after I take my MSF class and get my license etc. I really like the looks/styling and such of the R3, and I only plan on using a bike for non-highway commuting and riding around town. People say I would get bored of a 300 which I don't plan on taking it to the track or racing around so I don't really see that as an issue. I just want to know if the R3 (or any 300 in general), would be a good fit for a person my size.
+VomiT Even at your size, I think a 300 would be a great first bike, and with the R3 technically being a bit over 300cc in size, it still has a good amount of oomph. For something a little bigger yet still affordable, look at the KTM 390 Duke as well as the Honda CB500F. -DrewZilla
+RevZilla Thanks man, I got a chance to sit on one today and it fit/feels really nice to me. Which is great I'll be getting one start of next riding season since there isn't much left this year here.
It's possible it could fit you. It's worth finding one at a dealer to sit on. If you can find a Honda or Kawasaki dealer, I recommend sitting on their 300cc models as well. -DrewZilla
Love the look of this bike. Is it really a great entry level bike compared to Honda's and Kawasaki's 300? If it doesn't have ABS I would imagine its not as safe as the other 2.
+Nick Plaminek They offer it with ABS outside the US, but here in the US, having ABS on the Honda and Kawasaki give them an edge for safety. Even without ABS, though, we still consider the R3 a great bike. -DrewZilla
Nice review! I'm looking at getting my first bike and so find these very helpful. You are one of the few guys that seem to favour the CBR300R over the Ninja 300, or at the very least rate them on par with each other. I'm curious as to why that is...also how it compares to the R3? I was strongly considering the CBR300R until I heard this was coming along, nothing wrong with the Ninja but every newer rider I knows seems to have one so I wanted to be a bit different. :)
Thanks for the response, and appreciate the insight. A review MCN did also reported that the Honda handled better than the Kawi, sounds like fun to me! I'm looking forward to reading that article. :)
***** Awesome write-up mate, covers all the questions n00bs like myself tend to wonder about and the table comparing specs is useful. :) The R3 isn't out here yet, and is likely to cost more than the Honda. I'm a stickler for build quality, also as a car guy "fun" = handling over outright acceleration to me. As such it is probably between the CBR300R and R3. It depends on the price disparity, but leaning towards the CBR300R as my first bike. :)
+Evandro Ramos Oh, it's the Dainese Laguna Seca EVO Perforated Race Suit in Black/Black/Fluo Red. It's on closeout and is being replaced by the Laguna Seca D1 Perforated Race Suit. -DrewZilla *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-laguna-seca-evo-race-suit *www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-laguna-seca-d1-perforated-race-suit
Sorry it me so long to reply, I LOVE this bike!! I have 300 miles on it so far and it's a blast to ride!! plenty of power to be fun but so much it scares the crap out of me, lol. It just feels like a dirt bike also, I mean really light!! Awesome bike!!
Gurus Kansas No I haven't I have heard some negative comments on the brakes on these but they seem pretty good to me. I don't ride in the rain either though so that would be a consideration if you do. Keep in mind the cbr300r is down about 10 horsepower from the R3, the R3 seems plenty powerful but if you drop almost 1/3 of the power I don't think I would like it near as much as I do.
