Could This Be The 2022 Yamaha YZF-R3?

 So the earlier images from the leaked Yamaha video may have been a bit misleading due to the quality. Sure, the overall design resembles an R15 V3, but a closer look reveals new and exciting details about Yamaha’s upcoming bike. The test mule might just be an all-new YZF-R3! 

Here’s what fuels our theory. In the new spy image, the bike looks visually bigger than the R15-V3. The tank, for instance, seems more muscular, while the entire front end, including the side panels, appears to be inspired by the YZF-R7. Same goes for the tail section which is wider and more pronounced than the R15. 

The overall ergos seem to be a bit more relaxed too. The wider clip-ons and taller mounting position lead to a less aggressive rider triangle. The footpegs aren’t higher-set either, which may not only be more comfortable but also leave more room for taller riders.

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Next up is the suspension. The bike appears to be using a premium USD fork with an axially mounted caliper, identical to the setup on the international-spec R3. That’s a godsend compared to the simple telescopic fork seen on the earlier R3. That wraps up all we know about Yamaha's upcoming bike.

Besides, it's a lot easier for the Japanese brand to test its BS6 vehicles here in India instead of countries like Thailand which still adheres to BS4 regulations. Expect the bike to use the same 321cc parallel-twin engine putting out similar power and torque figures, if not more. That wraps up all we know about Yamaha's upcoming bike.

It’ll be interesting to see how Yamaha positions the bike in terms of pricing. The previous-gen R3’s eye-watering price tag put off buyers aplenty. But if Yamaha’s recent pricing strategy is anything to go by, it could price the R3 competitively. If it does, it may take on the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the upcoming KTM RC 390 which is due for an update.

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