Yamaha

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

R15 Monster Energy MotoGP EditionYamaha India has witnessed a remarkable surge in domestic sales, with some of its models showing impressive growthIn terms of domestic sales, Yamaha India reported a total of 64,182 units sold in September 2023. This figure reflects a substantial increase compared to the same month in the previous year when the company had sold 56,939 units. This impressive performance represents a 12.72% year-on-year growth, highlighting Yamaha’s growing presence in the Indian market.Yamaha Sales Sep 2023 – Domestic MarketRayZR scooter emerged as the top-selling model for Yamaha, with 15,904 units sold. This marks a significant increase from the 8,143 units sold in September 2022, translating to a remarkable 95.31% growth. RayZR secured a 24.78% market share in September 2023.Yamaha India Sales and Exports Sep 2023 vs Sep 2022 – YoY performanceYamaha’s FZ motorcycle secured the second position with 14,872 units sold. Although this represented a decrease from the 20,453 units sold in September 2022, it is important to note that the model still commanded a substantial 23.17% market share. Fascino scooter followed closely behind, with 12,014 units sold in September 2023, marking a growth of 16.10% compared to the previous year. It secured an 18.72% market share.R15 garnered 11,131 unit sales, exhibiting a growth of 16.55% year-on-year. It accounted for 17.34% of the market share. MT15 saw 8,691 units sold, with a growth rate of 7.27% compared to September 2022. It maintained a 13.54% market share. Aerox scooter made an impressive debut, with 1,570 units sold in its first month on the market. FZ25 recorded no sales in September 2023, down from 343 units in the same month last year.Yamaha India Sales and Exports Sep 2023 vs Aug 2023 – MoM performanceYamaha India Sep 2023 Export PerformanceWhile Yamaha’s domestic sales witnessed substantial growth, the export segment painted a different picture. The company reported a total of 19,026 units exported in September 2023, compared to 25,185 units in September 2022, representing a decline of 24.46%.FZ motorcycle was the top export model, with 9,550 units shipped in September 2023. Although this figure was lower than the 10,013 units exported in the same month last year, the FZ maintained a dominant 50.19% market share in exports. RayZR scooter, which performed exceptionally well in the domestic market, experienced a 6.48% decline in exports, with 3,132 units shipped.Saluto witnessed a significant boost in exports, with 2,276 units sold, compared to just 600 units in September 2022. This marked a substantial growth rate of 279.33% year-on-year. Yamaha exported 2,163 units of the Saluto RX. MT15 showed remarkable export growth, with 1,105 units shipped, reflecting a substantial increase of 376.29% year-on-year.R15 faced a sharp decline in exports, with only 276 units sold, down by 74.30% from the previous year. Yamaha’s Fascino scooter, while popular domestically, had only 232 units exported in September 2023. SZ saw 192 units exported, down by 89.96% from the same month last year. FZ25 reported 100 units exported, representing a significant decline of 92.28%. More

Yamaha Tenere 700 ExtremeThe new Kashima coating for the 43 mm USD telescopic front forks of Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme has allowed for lower frictionYamaha India is currently not known for big bikes as the company’s flagship here is a 150cc single-cylinder motorcycle. That said, Yamaha has an impressive range of enthusiast motorcycles in its Global portfolio including its Tenere ADV line. Yamaha has added a new Tenere 700 Extreme to the global lineup too.Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme Breaks CoversFor Indian market, Yamaha is planning to reintroduce its multi-cylinder motorcycles, starting with YZF-R3 and MT-03. Yamaha even showcased MT-09, MT-07 and YZF-R7, which could launch alongside or at a later date. That said, there are speculations about launching Tenere 700 as well.Yamaha currently sells Tenere 700 and Tenere 700 World Raid in select markets. Now, there is a more extreme version of Tenere 700, which Yamaha calls, well, Tenre 700 Extreme. The company will launch it soon in select global markets, expanding the off-roading envelope and offering more mechanical capability to tackle the beaten path.Tenere 700 Extreme is pitted at more experienced off-road riders to could put good use of bike’s upgraded mechanicals. Speaking of upgraded mechanicals, Yamaha has worked on the 43mm USD telescopic front suspension setup. It now gets a new Kashima coating within the internals, which reduces friction and wear and tear.Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme featuresThere is 20 mm extra suspension travel too, which should enhance confidence during hard landing from jumps. 260mm ground clearance ensures hassle-free trail riding and hardcore off-roading. With higher ground clearance, seat height is up too, at 910 mm, which is likely to sweat even tallest of riders.Off-road worthy hardwareOther off-road hardware includes adjustable suspension, larger Titanium footpegs, flat one-piece seat, dual-purpose knobby tyres, wire-spoke rims, up-swept exhaust, front beak, a tall windscreen, knuckle guards, a tall side stand, engine protection and more.Speaking of the engine, it is a 689cc parallel-twin, DOHC, liquid-cooled unit that develops 73 bhp of peak power at 9000 RPM and 68 Nm of peak torque at 6500 RPM. This engine is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Company claims 4.16L fuel consumption per 100 km. Which translates to 24 km/l. Couple that with a 16L fuel tank, Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme should have a tank range of about 380 km.Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme breaks coversComponentry includes KYB 43mm USD telescopic front forks, swingarm-mounted KYB Piggyback rear shock absorber, dual 282mm disc setup at the front and single 245mm disc at rear, 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels, 90/90-21 front and 150/70-18 rear tyres, and more. Yamaha Tenere 700 Extreme boasts a relatively low 205 kg wet weight (with 16L fuel and 3L engine oil), which is impressive.Rally-type 5-inch colour TFT screen with navigation and LED lighting are notable features. We expect Yamaha to launch the Standard Yamaha Tenere 700 in India in the future. More

Yamaha E-FV Mini RacebikeFor all the kids aspiring to be future racing riders, Yamaha E-FV mini racebike can be the first step to achieving this goalTeam Blue is one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the world and is renowned for its technologies and innovations as well. This is evident from the slew of concept vehicles Yamaha has showcased till now. Most recent of Yamaha’s concepts are E-FV mini racebike and ELOVE self-balancing scooter. Both of them will be showcased at Japan Mobility Show between October 25th and November 5th.Yamaha Unveiled E-FV Mini RacebikeRacing is one of the core qualities at Yamaha and it shows with the products that they launch. The company even has “Revs Your Heart” as its tagline. Now, Yamaha is known for its YZF-R series fully faired sports bike that can rev anyone’s heart at a racetrack.But the recent trends in motorcycling world favour electric powertrains and Yamaha has to cater to young racing riders too. This is where Yamaha’s new E-FV mini racebike concept shines. It is a fully-faired mini electric bike that will allow kids to get a taste of racing and motorcycling at a young age.This is key if kids want to pursue professional racing for their future and want to start out young. Yamaha E-FV mini racebike allows kids to get accustomed to vehicle dynamics, handling, and corner-carving at a young age, without complicating the learning process with clutch and gearbox operations.Yamaha E-FV Mini RacebikeBecause E-FV is an electric vehicle, Yamaha is adding sensory experience of the real deal with speakers that emit fake exhaust notes. Earlier this year, CFMoto Papio XO-01 mini cafe racer images leaked and looks adorable too.Yamaha ELOVE self-balancing scooterSelf balancing 2W vehicles are one of the hottest trends for manufacturers to hop on. Yamaha is no stranger to self-balancing tech as it has already demonstrated this tech with Motoroid concept in the past. However, Motoroid looked very complicated and futuristic and may never break through the curtains.Yamaha’s newest ELOVE self-balancing electric scooter concept shows a design that could go into production within a decade. All the components look conventional and feasible for mass production without breaking the bank.Yamaha ELOVE self-balancing scooter conceptWe’re talking about conventional componentry like RSU telescopic front forks, twin swingarm-mounted rear shock absorbers, disc brakes at both ends, a conventional and familiar scooter layout and more. All the mechanism for self-balancing tech to work is likely to be concealed below its seats.Overall design is quirky and minimalistic and even has conventional headlights. We can see translucent front apron panels that give us a glimpse of the complex mechanism to self balance the front end. Yamaha ELOVE concept is a solid step towards the company’s goal to achieve zero motorcycle-related deaths by the year 2050.Yamaha ELOVE self-balancing scooter concept drawings More