Yamaha

Yamaha 9th Jan Event TeasedAmong many possibilities, Yamaha 9th Jan event could launch new colours for Fascino or Ray ZR, or R3 or MT-03 : Maybe a new EV launch tooYamaha recently announced a virtual launch event held on 9th of January, 2024. The event is expected to light up buyer’s world with “new hues”. The new colours could either be offered with company’s scooter range for MY2024, or motorcycles. Considering YamahaRacing hashtag was used in the post.Yamaha 9th Jan Event – What could it be?If we take a look at 2W market in India, scooters contribute to just as much volume as motorcycle does. Within scooter realm, Honda Activa is the one to beat. TVS has put up a spectacular show with Jupiter and is slowly inching towards 1 lakh per month mark. Suzuki often comes up in the top 10 scooters list too.If we take November 2023, Yamaha missed the cut-off to make it to top 10 scooter chart. Ray ZR 125 sold 11,402 units and Fascino sold 8,565 units. This is what we think Yamaha is working on. New colours to already stylish and retro scooter may bring a desired effect for intended buyers.The “new hues” could be with its sporty motorcycles too. Primary colours that we can see in the teaser are White, Purple and Blue. If we look at Yamaha’s portfolio internationally, there are Intensity White and a Phantom Purple on offer with R3 and others. These colours resemble the highlighted colours in Yamaha’s recent teaser.New colours for Fascino possibleYamaha R3 in India lacks both these colours and the MT-03 lacks Icon Blue, which is the third colour we can see in Yamaha’s teasers. Yamaha R3’s primary rivals are Aprilia RS457 which entered production recently and Kawasaki Ninja 400 and to some extent, KTM RC 390. The fiercest rival by far is RS457 which has more features, performance (on paper) and kit when compared to R3 and MT-03.More appealing colours could prove beneficial for Yamaha’s multi-cylinder offerings. If we take Fascino and Ray ZR, both lack White, Purple and Icon Blue shades as of writing this article. Also, Yamaha’s FZ lineup lacks these new teased colours too.Is Yamaha launching its first EV?We can’t deny the possibility of Yamaha launching its first EV on 9th January as well. The company has showcased multiple electric scooters for Indian dealers in an event. Considering TVS X costs Rs. 2.5 lakh (ex-sh), Yamaha could initially import e-scooters at that price point and later take CKD approach, based on demand.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 launchedIn terms of functionality, Yamaha is not likely to fettle with mechanicals with any of its products. Both Fascino and Ray ZR get the same 125cc Fi Hybrid air-cooled motor that generates 8.2 PS of max power and 10.3 Nm of peak torque. It is mated to a V-belt automatic transmission. Users should be able to experience tangible difference in terms of ascent, standing and passing acceleration. More

Image – R rohit RiderIn both domestic and export markets, it was the Yamaha FZ and RayZR that commanding highest salesYamaha India sales for Nov 2023 in domestic markets ended on a positive note though exports fell significantly on a YoY basis. Yamaha Motor Company has reported a total (domestic + exports) of 80,844 units sold in November 2023 as against 67,118 units sold in November 2022, thus relating to volume growth of 13,726 units.Yamaha Sales November 2023In domestic markets, the company sold a total of 60,212 units in November 2023. This was a 37.46 percent YoY growth as against 43,802 units sold in November 2022. However, on a MoM basis, sales declined by 11.17 percent from 67,784 units sold in October 2023. Yamaha FZ once again topped sales charts in domestic markets list last month with 16,233 units sold, up 103.22 percent YoY from 7,988 units sold in November 2022. This was volume growth of 8,245 units with the FZ capturing a 26.96 percent share in the company portfolio. MoM sales however, dipped 9.82 percent from 18,000 units sold in October 2023.Yamaha sales and exports Nov 2023 vs Nov 2022 – YoY comparisonRayZR has also seen a YoY growth by 5.62 percent to 11,402 units in November 2023, from 10,795 units sold in November 2022 to command an 18.94 percent share. MoM sales dipped by 17.79 percent as against 13,870 units sold in October 2023. At No. 3 on the domestic list was Yamaha R15 with significantly higher YoY sales by 33.74 percent to 11,270 units, up from 8,427 units sold in November 2022. However, MoM sales slipped by 13.07 percent over 12,964 units sold in October 2023.The only model in the company portfolio to post a YoY and MoM growth in sales was the Yamaha MT15. Sales improved by 44.28 percent YoY to 9,140 units from 6,335 units sold in November 2022 while MoM sales grew by 4.62 percent over 8,736 units sold in October 2023.Yamaha sales and exports Nov 2023 vs Oct 2023 – MoM comparisonFascino sales dipped 12.61 percent YoY and 26.23 percent MoM to 8,565 units while with 3,602 units of the Aerox sold last month, it was a 38.33 percent MoM growth from 2,604 units sold in October 2023. In October 2023, Yamaha also introduced the Monster Energy MotoGP Edition of the Aerox priced at Rs 1.48 lakh.Yamaha FZ, RayZR Command Exports ListExports in the past month stood at 20,632 units, down 11.51 percent YoY from 23,316 units sold in November 2022. MoM exports however, grew marginally by 2.72 percent from 20,085 units shipped in October 2023. In export markets as well, it was the Yamaha FZ and RayZR that claimed top spots. FZ exports dipped 15.21 percent YoY to 10,380 units, down from 12,424 units sold in November 2022 while MoM exports grew 13.87 percent when compared to 9,116 units shipped in October 2023. The FZ currently commands a 50.31 percent share on this list.RayZR exports grew YoY and MoM by 81.42 percent and 41.34 percent respectively to 4,510 units. There had been 2,486 units and 3,191 units shipped in November 2022 and October 2023 respectively. Saluto RX was next with a 1.90 percent YoY growth to 2,036 units while exports dipped 30.32 percent MoM from 2,922 units shipped in October 2023. It was followed by the MT15 which has seen increased overseas demand by 792.16 percent YoY to 1,820 units from 204 units shipped in November 2022 while MoM exports improved by 52.94 percent from 1,190 units shipped in October 2023.Yamaha export list also included R15 (692 units), SZ (480 units), FZ25 (438 units), Saluto (182 units), each of which have posted a YoY de-growth. However, R15 exports grew significantly on a MoM basis by 129.14 percent. The list also had Fascino (90 units) and Aerox (4 units).Yamaha has also been active in the Indian two wheeler segment with the recent launch of two new multi cylinder motorcycles – Yamaha YZF-R3 and MT-03. Both these models are being imported as CBUs and sold through select Blue Square showrooms across the country. More

Yamaha MT-03Despite being a single-cylinder bike, 2024 KTM 390 Duke highest power, torque, hardware, electronics and features than Speed 400 and MT-03Where Yamaha YZF-R3 used to be on sale in India, this is the first time Yamaha is launching its MT-03 in the Asian subcontinent. In India, however, Yamaha MT-03 is quite a niche as it is the only 300cc to 500cc multi-cylinder street naked motorcycle. So, we pit it against 40bhp+ naked motorcycles to see how MT-03 fares.Newly Launched Yamaha MT-03 Vs RivalsIn a recent post, we compared YZF-R3 vs its logical rivals. To compare MT-03, we have selected new 2024 KTM 390 Duke with a larger 398.63cc engine and Triumph Speed 400. We didn’t involve motorcycles like BMW G 310 R or the new TVS Apache RTR 310 as they are not close to 40 bhp. Dominar 400 is out because 2024 390 Duke is a better representation of Bajaj-KTM partnership.Zontes’ 350cc line and QJ Motor have worthy 40bhp+ contenders, but they’re not mainstream motorcycle brands in India yet and they cost more than 2024 KTM 390 Duke, which is not a good thing. So the trio for this comparo is Triumph Speed 400 priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh, 2024 KTM 390 Duke priced at Rs. 3.1 lakh and Yamaha MT-03 priced at Rs. 4.6 lakh (all prices ex-sh).Considering 40 bhp power and 37.5 Nm torque priced at Rs. 2.33 lakh (ex-sh), Triumph Speed 400 is the most affordable and will satisfy a wide variety of buyers that prefer old-school non techy motorcycles. It is the best-looking motorcycle in this comparison too, striking the right balance between neo and retro.Yamaha MT-03 Vs RivalsPowertrain hardware is top-notch too. DOHC, 4V head, liquid-cooling, throttle-by-wire, 6-speed gearbox, slip and assist clutch and associated performance. Both 390 Duke and MT-03 don’t have universally likeable designs as they take their aggressive appeal to the max, raising quite some brows and splitting opinions.Stepping to 390 Duke for Rs. 3.1 lakh (ex-sh) unlocks a host of electronic goodies, features and performance-related hardware updates along with actual performance. It boasts a 45.37 bhp and 39 Nm torque, highest in this comparison. It has ride modes, a bi-directional quickshifter, cornering ABS, traction control, launch control, supermoto ABS mode and more.2024 390 Duke from KTM offers the most valueThe 5-inch fully digital instrument cluster is a coloured TFT unit and is the only one to pack it in this trio. This unlocks smartphone connectivity along with turn-by-turn navigation. Front USD telescopic forks are fully adjustable for compression and rebound. While rear mono-shock unit offers compression and rebound adjustments. Brakes and fuel tank are the largest with Duke as well.Even at Rs. 4.6 lakh (ex-sh), Yamaha MT-03 feels quite bare bones. The high price is because Yamaha is bringing MT-03 to India via CBU route from Indonesia. It has a smaller 37mm USD telescopic front suspension setup, smallest brake rotor size, skinniest rear tyre and the least amount of features.But MT-03 is the only one with a twin-cylinder architecture and brings a high-revving engine that has a characteristic smoothness and sound that single-cylinder bikes can’t match. Yamaha MT-03 can strike a much better prospect in India if they bring it via CKD route, reducing price significantly. Until then, it remains the only multi-cylinder street naked motorcycle in 300cc to 500cc segment. More

Yamaha YZF-R3 Icon BlueAprilia RS 457 is easily the prettiest motorcycle here, along with offering the most performance and features for a reasonable priceThe void of an Italian offering in 300cc to 500cc multi-cylinder motorcycle segment left by Benelli 302 R is now filled by Aprilia RS 457. But Yamaha launched its long-awaited YZF-R3 in India India yesterday. Did Yamaha steal Aprilia’s thunder or will the Italian hold its own? We pit other fitting rivals like Kawasaki’s Ninja brothers (300 and 400) along with KTM RC 390 to see what’s what.Newly Launched Yamaha R3 Vs RivalsKTM RC 390 is a wild card entry into this comparo as it is the only single-cylinder motorcycle here. Until Triumph Thruxton 400 is launched in India, of course. The price point is the most interesting aspect of this whole comparison. Within the multi-cylinder fully-faired motorcycle umbrella, Ninja 300 is the most affordable. Still desirable or not, that’s debatable.If you are price-conscious, then KTM RC 390 at Rs. 3.18 lakh must serve you well, considering its performance and kit. Speaking of performance and kit, we think Aprilia has pulled off quite an impressive feat by cramming a lot, for very reasonable price. Aprilia has achieved this by locally manufacturing RS 457 at their Baramati plant.Yamaha R3 is a CBU, imported from Indonesia. Depending upon response, Yamaha might introduce a CKD version as well with price advantages. But considering Aprilia RS 457’s price point, it looks like there is quite a bias towards RS 457 as it offers more than R3 for a much lower price. The 47 bhp and 43.5 Nm torque are easily the highest in this comparo. Also, we think Aprilia RS 457 is the prettiest motorcycle in this comparo.Yamaha R3 Vs RivalsJapanese offerings in this list (Yamaha and Kawasaki) prove to be screamers, making the meat of their power at much higher RPMs. More performance at less RPMs along with significant displacement gain over others will make RS 457’s case stronger. The 175 kg kerb weight of Aprilia is also impressive, yielding the highest power-to-weight ratio in this comparo.The weight of R3 and Ninja 400 are lower than that of RS 457. Surprisingly, one would think that KTM having half of engine components should weigh less. But owing to lighter and more expensive material selection with Yamaha R3, Aprilia RS 457 and Kawasaki Ninja brothers are evident here.Yamaha R3 Vs Rivals – Specs, hardware and featuresNinja 300 still offers RSU telescopic forks. Having profound riding experience with Ninja 300 for around 4 years, better componentry would help in sharper cornering. Even 160cc single cylinder motorcycles are getting USD forks these days. Other misses in Ninja brothers are halogen headlights and turn indicators. Even at Rs. 5.24 lakh (ex-sh) for Ninja 400.Aprilia RS457Except for slip and assist clutch, they don’t really offer any special attributes. That said, even the Yamaha R3 misses out on any of the special attributes and features like a TFT dash that Aprilia and KTM offer. Aprilia is the only one with adjustable front suspension (preload) and ride modes. Both Yamaha R3 and Ninja 300 get 140-section rear tyre, which is slightly skinny when compared to 150-section tyres of rivals.None of the contenders in this comparison have a dual-disc brake setup at the front, which would have looked dope. If you’re wondering, Benelli 302 R used to offer a dual-disc setup at the front. Considering everything, Aprilia RS 457 comes off as the clear value proposition in this comparo based on spec sheet. Until Yamaha brings in R3 via CKD route at a lower price point and KTM launches next-gen RC 390 with larger 399cc engine. More

Image – EIMOR CustomsYamaha’s domestic sales increased significantly in October 2023 with most models showcasing double digit growthYamaha Motor India has revealed their sales performance for October 2023. During the past month, the company has recorded outstanding growth in domestic markets. Exports fell on a YoY basis but made up in terms of MoM sales. Yamaha now gears up for launch of the new R3 and MT03 on 15th December 2023. They will be sold exclusively via the company’s Blue Square dealershipsYamaha Sales Oct 2023 – Domestic MarketTotal sales (domestic + exports) stood at 87,869 units. In terms of domestic sales, the company saw a total of 67,784 units sold last month, up 14.53 percent from 59,187 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales also grew by 5.61 percent from 64,182 units sold in September 2023.In domestic markets, it was the Yamaha FZ that was at the top of sales charts. It saw 18,000 units sold, down 11.94 percent YoY from 20,440 units sold in October 2023. The FZ commands a 26.55 percent share of the company portfolio. MoM sales were more positive with a 21.03 percent growth from 14,872 units sold in September 2023. The Yamaha FZ was also at No. 3 on the list of top 10 150-200cc motorcycles sold last month after the Bajaj Pulsar and YVS Apache.At No. 2 was Yamaha RayZR, making it the company’s highest-selling scooter with 13,870 units sold in October 2023. Sales increased by 18.72 percent over 11,683 units sold in October 2022. MoM sales however, dipped by 12.79 percent as there had been 15,904 units sold in September 2023.Yamaha Sales October 2023 – DomesticYoY and MoM growth was reported for the Yamaha R15, sales of which stood at 12,964 units last month. It was a 61.30 percent YoY and 16.47 percent MoM growth from 8,037 units and 11,131 units sold in October 2022 and September 2023 respectively.There was also the Fascino that saw sales cross the 10,000 unit mark last month to 11,610 units, up 10.56 percent YoY from 10,501 units sold in October 202. MoM sales however, fell by 3.36 percent from 12,014 units sold in September 2023. The domestic sales list also included 8,736 units of the Yamaha MT15 and 2,604 units of Aerox.Yamaha Exports headed by FZ and RayZRExports fell to 20,085 units in October 2023, down 8.52 percent from 21,956 units shipped in October 2022. MoM exports, however, showed more positive results with a 5.57 percent growth from 19,026 units exported in September 2023.Yamaha Sales October 2023 – ExportsIt was the Yamaha FZ that also led the company export list despite a YoY and MoM decline. Exports dipped to 9,116 units last month, down 15.08 percent from 10,735 units sold in October 2022. MoM exports also fell by 4.54 percent from 9,550 units sold in September 2023. The FZ currently commands a 45.39 percent share on the Yamaha export list.RayZR followed with 3,191 units shipped last month, an 81.41 percent growth from 1,756 units sold in October 2022. MoM exports also grew albeit marginally by 1.88 percent from 3,132 units sold in September 2023. It was the SalutoRX that came in next with 2,922 units exported last month with a 35.09 percent MoM growth.It was followed by the Saluto which recorded a 236.67 percent YoY growth to 2,020 units, up from just 600 units exported in October 2022. MoM exports dipped 11.25 percent from 2,276 units shipped in September 2023. The export list also had MT15 (1,190 units), SZ (660 units), FZ25 (482 units) and R15 (302 units) out of which it was only the MT15 that posted YoY growth.However, on a MoM basis, each of these models saw exports increase significantly. Yamaha Alpha exports were at 112 units while the Fascino dipped 61.21 percent MoM to 90 units from 232 units sold in September 2023. More

Yamaha R3 and MT-03Yamaha R3 and MT-03 are set to launch in India by the end of this year with models arriving dealers by mid-December 2023In April 2023, Yamaha showcased a few multi-cylinder motorcycles to various dealers across India. The showcase included fully-faired bikes R3 and R7 along with naked MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09. As confirmed by CEO, first ones to be launched in India are R3 and MT-03, followed by others in the future. Blue Square dealers are on the verge of being prepped for the launch to provide a seamless experience for buyers.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 inching towards India launchYamaha enthusiasts will surely be delighted to try out the big bikes. As of now, Yamaha’s India portfolio has a 150cc product as its flagship. That will change soon as our dealer sources have confirmed Yamaha’s internal notification, revealing crucial info regarding the motorcycle’s launch and a few behind-the-scenes processes.For starters, Yamaha will sell R3 and MT-03 only through its 200 Blue Square premium dealerships across the nation. These Blue Square dealerships offer customers much more than just a buying experience by being a one-stop solution to dive into Yamaha’s Call Of The Blue’ campaign and providing access to Yamaha’s Blue Streaks rider community.As seen in the circulatory passed by Yamaha Motor India, the company intends to provide a certain experience to their premium customers. In that light, we can see all the rigorous requirements Yamaha poses to their Blue Square dealers in order to get eligibility for R3 and MT-03 sales and aftersales. The sophistication of this new 321cc platform is evident as Yamaha is mandating dealers for more experienced and better-qualified manpower.Yamaha R3 and MT-03 dealer eligibility criteriaIf a Blue Square dealer meets all the minimal setup requirements, their name will be finalised for R3 and MT-03 model supplies. Yamaha will finalise the dealer list for R3 and MT-03 sales by 30th November 2023. Interested dealers can get eligibility on a later date too by meeting eligibility requirements. Hence the dealer list will be updated on 15th of every month. Supply of models to dealerships will commence by mid December 2023.Specs and featuresStarting with R3 and MT-03 seems like a good move, as this segment can generate the best possible sales numbers. Bigger capacity R7, MT-07 and MT-09 may also emerge as popular options when launched in the future. As of now, the best-selling 500cc+ segment motorcycle is Royal Enfield’s 650 platform with 90% market share in October 2023.Yamaha’s decision to bring its multi-cylinder bikes to India is a long pending demand from enthusiasts. Powering Yamaha R3 and MT-03 is a 321cc, twin-cylinder engine that churns out 42 PS of max power. Torque output is 29.5 Nm for R3 and 29.6 Nm with MT-03. The bikes are equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced features. Some key highlights include full-LED lighting, USD forks, full LCD meter and dual-channel ABS.Seat height is 780 mm, which should ensure optimal balance and handling. Ground clearance of 160 mm seems adequate for a variety of our famed roads. The bikes have 17-inch wheels at both ends, shod with 140/70 rear and 110/70 front tyres. Going by Yamaha’s pricing history, R3 and MT-03 may command a premium in pricing.Back when on sale, R3 rivalled KTM RC 390, Benelli 302R and Kawasaki Ninja 300. Now, it has to lock horns with Aprilia RS 457, updated KTM RC 390 with 399cc engine and Kawasaki Ninja 400. While MT-03 has a unique proposition of being the only multi-cylinder 300cc-400cc naked bike. But rivalry with updated KTM’s 390 Duke is evident. More