Yamaha’s range-topping R1M superbike was also displayed at the event.
In mid-2022, we broke the news that Yamaha was evaluating entering the premium motorcycle market in India once more after its multi-year hiatus, but nothing developed on that front until now. In what appears to be a dealer meet, the company showcased the Yamaha R3, R7, R1M, MT-03, MT-07 and MT-09 models, hinting that we may see these bikes go on sale in the near future.
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To be brought in as CBU imports; launch in coming months
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Aerox, R15, MT-15 to receive updates soon
Yamaha big bikes India launch: Details
Arguably the most eagerly awaited motorcycle of this lot is the R3 which was last sold in India in 2019 and what appears to be a 2023 spec model has been showcased here. The EU-spec Yamaha R3 (which is the one that we will likely get here in India) is powered by a liquid-cooled, 321cc, parallel-twin engine that makes 42hp at 10,750 rpm and 29.5 Nm at 9,000 rpm. When launched, the R3 will compete with the KTM RC 390 and Kawasaki Ninja 400 in our market.
Also showcased at the event was the MT-03 sporty naked motorcycle, which is essentially a more powerful and better equipped version of the MT-15 on sale here currently. The MT-03 shares its underpinnings with the R3 and it will rival the KTM Duke 390 in India.
The MT-07 and the MT-09 street naked models were also present at the dealer event. The former is powered by a 689cc parallel-twin putting out 73.4hp and 63Nm, while the latter gets an 890cc inline-triple cylinder engine making 117hp and 93Nm. The MT-07 will go up against the likes of the Kawasaki Z650 and the Honda CB650R, while the MT-09 will rival the Kawasaki Z900 and the Triumph Street Triple 765.
The R7, meanwhile, is a fully-faired sportsbike that shares its platform with the MT-07. Its most direct rivals in India are bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja 650 and the Honda CBR650R.
Also on display was Yamaha’s R1M superbike. Powered by a 200hp, 998cc, inline four cylinder engine, the R1, much like the R3, was on sale in India a few years back. The R1M can be distinguished from the standard R1 by its carbonfibre body panels and Ohlins suspension.
While it remains to be seen, which of these models go on sale in India, Eishin Chihana, Yamaha India chairperson mentioned to us last year that, “Big bikes like the MT-07 and R7, we are trying to bring in some batches. Not big quantities, but enough to satisfy our top-range customers.”
A launch timeframe is also yet to be defined, but we expect Yamaha’s big bikes to hit showroom floors in the coming months. And as they will be coming in as CBU imports, expect them to be priced on the higher side in their respective segments.
Yamaha Aerox 155, R15, MT-15 updates
Alongside these big bikes, Yamaha also revealed some upcoming updates for the Aerox 155, R15 and MT-15 models. The Aerox 155 maxi-scooter is also set to get a new paint scheme, with a silver base coat, black contrasting elements and golden touches. In what will also be a first for the Aerox, this paint scheme comes with golden coloured alloys.
Similarly, the R15 is also due to get a new white paint option, with grey graphics and orange-coloured alloy wheels. As for the MT-15, Yamaha is expected to introduce a more affordable variant as a model without LED indicators and Bluetooth connectivity was also spotted at the event.
Which big bikes should Yamaha launch in India? Let us know in the comments.
Also see:
Yamaha FZ-X review: the X-factor