Yamaha PH releasing a new sport bike soon

Not taking the fight lightly

Yamaha Motor Philippines just recently revealed teasers on their official social media page on what might be the Philippine debut of a new sport bike.

While we're holding out hope for a YZF-R4, it seems more likely that Yamaha PH will reveal a newer YZF-R3. The styling closely resembles that of the YZR-M1 MotoGP race bikes of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales.

It will be powered by a 321cc liquid cooled engine churning out 41.5 Ps at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of torque. The revised engine features a compression ratio of 11.2:1.

It is built from compact and lightweight high-tensile steel tube frame to return a near 50/50 front and rear weight distribution. This also results in a lower fuel tank and handlebar position. It has modern 37 mm KYB upside-down front forks with a YZR-M1 inspired top clamp. It has a 298 mm disc in front and a 220 mm disc for the rear brake, and possibly, ABS as standard.

Finally, it has a new, fully digital instrument cluster with gear position, real time and average fuel economy, and an oil change trip meter.

The Indian market however, which also has strong demand in the 250-400cc category motorcycles, might be getting the 'R4', albeit powered by a twin cylinder, 250cc engine.

A few days ago, we got news that Honda Japan will be launching their ‘new’ CBR 400R but did not receive word if it is also going to be available internationally, especially in emerging markets like the Philippines. While smaller in displacement by 79cc, the new R3 might still go head to head with Kawasaki’s Ninja 400 (43.9 Ps) and KTM’s RC390 (43.5 Ps) on the racetrack. Suzuki, however, has yet to introduce their contender in this promising segment. A GSX-R 400 perhaps?

Viñales back in PH

Those that want a glimpse of the the new YZF-R3 should head to the Yamaha Start Your Legacy event in Eastwood Libis Open Park on February 9. It will be graced by MotoGP rising star, Maverick “Top Gun” Viñales, who will be back in the country for the event. The YZF-R3 will likely be on display if not launched as part of the program. We will also be introduced to our very own riders, Masato “Chairman” Fernando, and Kyle “Wonder Boy” Paz, as they represent our country in the upcoming 2019 Asia Road Racing Championships (ARRC). The ARRC is an official FIM-sanctioned racing event in the regional motorcycle road racing championship for Asia held since 1996. Through the ARRC, it is not too far of a possibility that our promising guns like Fernando and Paz will have a shot at the Moto3 or even the top MotoGP classes in the near future.