2024 Yamaha R3: Performance With An Economical Ownership Experience! - In-Depth Feature Review!

[@jasonthompson6267]

Love my 2017 R3! It does everything well. quick weekend rides, work commute, Twisties. It is just a ton of fun and super easy on the wallet!

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@thejaysun]

My 1st bike was a 2016 yzf r3 and it was perfect! So glad I started on it. Great machine

[@PeterLoweOne]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@joek81981]

As recently as 2007, the sweetest small-cc sport bike you could buy was the gen 1 Ninja EX250. Google one of those, they're dreadful. Now look at this or a half a dozen other small cc bikes. Its a great era for small displacement motorcycles and I feel like it'll only get better. No manufacturer used to give a piping-hot s**t about this market segment. Now its better than ever. Everyone's got at least one and they don't sleep on them either.

[@PeterLoweOne]

This is true, there are a LOT of great smaller displacement bikes right now! It's definitely the best time in my life for these types of bikes. So much power, great handling. Comparing these bikes to the small displacement bikes of the past, it's just not even close!

[@braydenjones603]

I'm 56, and just over 6'. Did my Australian Pre-Learner course 2 weeks ago and passed the RKT to get my L plate last week. I went into the city today firstly to look at a Triumph Scrambler. Sat on a Scrambler, then the Speed. I thought the Speed felt a better fit for me. Maybe I've shrunk a little lol and am not 6'2" like I thought I was. I mentioned that I really wanted a sport bike and was directed to an R3. It put a smile on my face immediately. I walked out having bought a black R3 100km demo model at $1000 off. I'm happy to have purchased a fun bike that should be easily manageable and great to learn on. I didn't want to ride it home through the city and 50 kms up the highway in the rain today, so it's getting freighted up to a quiet family address next week. Exciting stuff! Can't wait!

[@RabidRainy]

I've never ridden a bike, went into a dealership and found the Yamaha R3 - Ever since I sat down it I fell in love with it! I'm so glad to hear many great things about it and I'm pretty hellbent on it being my first bike now. I just want something to get out there and ride safely while having some fun. I'm super happy to hear it's easy on the wallet too!

[@domminicamalan8713]

My Wife and I are about to take our courses.. New riders here.. lol. I've been researching bikes and found that the R3 would be perfect for me. Not only am I a short rider, I'm older as well. So I don't need an expensive Rocket.. lol. I'll be moving onto a touring model in two or three years depending how the prior go.. Thanks for the video.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That's great! Thanks for watching! Congratulations on starting this journey! You're going to love it!

[@mindzeyeproductions8560]

I wouldn't say "cheap" because you're not being cheated out of anything on this motorcycle. "Price efficient" is a better term to use. You get everything you need out of a lower CC motorcycle for way less cost than other smaller engine bikes. The only cheap thing on this bike is the old blinkers. However, there is fun to be had with being able to easily get hands on with your bike and customize the blinkers with TST Halo's for example.

[@BlackArroToons]

Cool R3. Nice review. 321 CCs of a twin cylinder engine are plenty for a fun, reliable motorcycle for the roads and freeways. I rode a Ninja 250R for 15+ years because it did everything I wanted including passing cars on the freeways when needed most times. Faster isn't always more fun as I've learned by riding smaller engine bikes early on, and best to keep racing for a closed track. These smaller bikes can keep a rider out of the trouble a more powerful bike can open up.

[@carloscruz-kj7jz]

About to make a decision on this nice bike. Thanks for the amazing explanation brother.

[@R3-Freedom]

Love my 2015 yamaha r3, best beginner bike, and enough power to play around ❤

[@Sony-xz7bv]

Please do a review on the Yamaha Yzf r7. Love ur videos.

[@PeterLoweOne]

That will be coming soon!

[@anirbanghosh5066]

So nice motorcycle, will kp it and getting NX 500 as second bike,different category

[@SWTrailsAndWheels]

We need an R4 soon to keep up in the space.

[@PeterLoweOne]

But the Ninja 400 is no longer... it's now a Ninja 500 (technically a 451cc) so does Yamaha have to chase more cc's to stay competitive, or should they go a different direction and chase better specs, or better handling like the KTM RC390, or should they do what they're doing and stay competitive to the entry level rider by having a bike that is cheap on insurance, can run regular 87 octane gasoline? Lots of decisions to make if you're Yamaha.

[@deedle6073]

Yamaha should make an inline 4 600cc

[@salskars6637]

@@PeterLoweOne - Kawi could have at least put inverted forks on the "N500/451cc". I wouldn't trade-up my N400 for the N500 btw.

[@temporaryname8905]

Hey Peter, I prefer the sound and looks of this bike over the Ninja 500 but worry it doesn't have enough power. 5 foot 8 inches 182-185 lb depending on the day before kit. I regularly drove 80 mph in my Honda Fit when passing Semis on a 30 minute commute each day. Even 70-80 the Fit could get out of the way if somebody crazy came along. If I needed to quickly accelerate 70-80 would the R3 be able to do that, would a Ninja 500, or would I just need to go to R7 at that point? Again I don't plan on driving that fast all the time but I want to be able to ride in the left lane over the right lane on our 3-4 lane highways.

[@salskars6637]

Yes, just not as fast as a 600cc obviously. The trick is the power band: when in 6th gear and needing to pass or make room, you would drop a gear to fifth or even 4th; speed up to the necessary speed then shift up to the comfortable overdrive 6th. An example of this bike sweet-spot in the powerband is 3rd and 4th (for twisties/track). Peter has some of the best detailed reviews but if you want a highway test vid, check out Chase on Two Wheels. He did a shoot out with all the smaller cc bikes too. For canyon-carving, watch decaliboy (search R3 on his channel) where he out rides bigger bikes and shows what the R3 can do. I've had everything from liter bikes to 800s and I now have a Ninja 400 by choice and fun-factor - simply due to what Peter stated regarding power to weight ration and flickability. You can just dog the crap out of these bikes and it always feels like your racing. lol. I'm watching this vid again because I love these R3s and periodically regret not buying the R3 (R3 looks slightly better with it's integrated front fairing imo but that N400 engine is awesome). Always best to test ride, even if you have to pose as a potential buyer from a private seller. Best of luck - Godspeed.

[@leandrofg04]

I actually like my 2018 R3 more than this one, I think they messed up the looks of the bike with those headlights, they're less aggressive looking. I wish Yamaha had an affordable sports bike between my 300 and the R6 that I could get. Since there's not I'm looking at the ninja 450.

[@enricohagn]

Nothing wrong with a Kwaki 👍

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, it's tough to make money in the small displacement segment. Kawasaki certainly has a winning recipe and they win on the sales numbers, but I agree, it would be nice to see Yamaha step into that category. We'll see what the future holds!

[@TD2253]

Nice review Peter! Yeah, Yamaha needs to up their game on their beginner bikes. For about $400 bucks more, you can get a CFmoto 450SS packed with features like a slipper clutch, LED lights, TFT and wireless connectivity display and Brembo brakes. I ride a 2021 Ryker 900 Ace and im used to the power that it delivers, but it's a much heavier (around 600 lbs) 3 wheel motorcycle. I'm looking to get a beginner 2 wheel, but i think i need at least a 400cc to get myself out of trouble out here in the SoCal freeways (loaded with Teslas).

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'd like to see Yamaha update the R3, but I will say that the balance of this bike, and the engine are actually high points for me. I was really surprised how much I enjoyed this bike when I took it out for a ride. I don't think you're missing anything from the "fun" perspective with this bike, but on a spec sheet, it's falling behind for sure. I always advise against buying bikes from a spec sheet. There are a LOT of great bikes on paper, that just don't deliver the real world excitement and fun of bikes that don't measure up on the spec sheet.

[@TD2253]

@@PeterLoweOne thanks Peter, I'm really considering the R3 as one of my solid choices for my first 2 wheel bike.

[@abinashswain451]

Great review as usual... 👌 I personally like the design of this bike as it gives me the vibes of the Yamaha YZR M1 Motogp bike. However I can not deny the fact that an update is long overdue.. The competition is way ahead and Yamaha must update it in 2025 otherwise it will be too late. A small point noticed the R3's Indian units have the turn signals in LEDs. Rest of the bike is identical.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Interesting that they get LED signals in India. I'm finding a lot of bikes from a variety of brands that get LED signals in other markets aren't getting them in North America. I'm not sure why.

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

Im taking my MSF course on July 20 and 21. Once i pass, I'll be looking at a first bike. Im torn between the R3, kawasaki nija 500, kawasaki eliminator, or the reble 500. Im 50 years old and know i dont want a super sport or a big touring bike

[@mrlozano]

How did you do in your MSF? Did you get a bike yet? If you like cruisers check out Royal Enfield's Classic 350! Has a vintage look to it if you're into that aesthetic. This Yamaha r3 is pretty sweet tho too.

[@bearded_wolverine3503]

@mrlozano I did great passed with flying colors

[@autobotdaniel]

I'd love a video on the 2024 mt-09

[@PeterLoweOne]

I just compared it to the XSR900. I'll have more videos of it soon. Check out my channel to see what's up on that bike. More coming soon!

[@twelvegage6894]

Need the 2024 r1 walk around!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I did that. Here you go. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZq8dXeFn7loq6s

[@imnotsofancy6241]

Been looking into street bikes with a good bang for your buck value. How do you guys like the R3? Anything a prospective owner should know?

[@loncarlotipay]

new subscriber here from phil..honestly nice review i like the way you explain. keep it up. ❤ by the way in your opinion what will you choose yamaha r3 or kawasaki ninja 400? and why? thanks ..😊

[@flatmatrix360]

Time for an R 5

[@PeterLoweOne]

Should Yamaha chase Kawasaki up the CC ladder? Or should they do something different? I'm not sure what I'd do if I were them.

[@salskars6637]

Yes, an R5 with round dual headlights.

[@twowheelsr6]

I was looking through the website at a 2024 r1 and you guys have it there for like 5k more than the actual Yamaha website does. It goes for every single bike too. Mt07 for 10k that’s just crazy, that’s 2k more than Yamaha itself 💀

[@PeterLoweOne]

A couple of things. I'm a reviewer, not a dealer, so I'm not tied to the pricing on the website, what I am tied to is the honesty of these dealers, and there are a couple of things to remember. I film in Canada, and these bikes are listed in Canadian dollars. Secondly, they may be listed with certain fees included. I've bought bikes from the dealers that I work with and they are very honest and fair with pricing, so if you have questions about their pricing, by all means, call them up and ask them to make sense of the prices. I'm positive that you'll be satisfied with their answers.

[@twowheelsr6]

@@PeterLoweOne I’m not saying you, but I do understand now. I thought this dealer was located in the US.

[@enthalpy]

I can’t decide R3 or MT-03. I know they are the same base, but they are both different and appealing enough that I can’t decide.

[@LonelyRiderr]

R3

[@RapRapKun]

Is there a chance for a honda bikes in the future?

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'm trying to land the local dealer, but they seem content on making their own material. I haven't had the opportunity to speak to the actual head of the dealership, so hopefully that will change soon. If not, I'll have to head out of town to film those bikes.

[@DrRobotnikPingas]

Why does your Yamaha R3 have these weird old looking indicators? Mine came with stock LED indicators.

[@PeterLoweOne]

I film in Canada. I'd love it if this bike came with LED indicators. It seems that a lot of brands still use incandescent indicators in North America when other areas get LED.

[@DrRobotnikPingas]

@@PeterLoweOne Oh… Ok. I‘m from Germany maybe the european version is different.

[@danielmfraser]

thanks from UK

[@brianthompson324]

Peter! Help me . I can’t decide between z500 and z650. I can get a new 2023 z650 for 700 more dollars. I’m 6’2 , 215 lbs. Thoughts?

[@PeterLoweOne]

Oooh. That's tough. The Z650 is going to have more torque but sacrifice a little bit of the lightweight handling feel that makes the Z500 feel so special. I don't think you should take MY advice, or anyone else's advice, I think you should make the decision that is best for you, not the decision that is best for me, but based on your size and weight, you're at the point where I would assume the Z650 is going to be a little better suited for you. I could be wrong, but I'm about 6 feet and 175 or so and the Ninja 500 is a LITTLE bit more compact than the 650. You'll have to let me know if you agree or disagree with me. I'll be doing a Ninja (or Z) 500 comparison with the 650's in the future, so stay tuned because I'll talk about the pros and cons of each and you can decide which one is best for you based on what you value the most.

[@brianthompson324]

I’m gonna go sit on a few this week. I’m terrible with large purchases. I don’t wanna do this again next year. Thanks for your help.

[@Karthik25007]

I bought the same bike in India last month, do you think they’ll update it in the coming months

[@iustitiaepervenit]

no. you're safe

[@vnay4915]

Which city do you live in? How is Yamaha after-sale service support?

[@Karthik25007]

@@vnay4915I live in Bangalore and the service here is pretty good

[@abinashswain451]

No not in the coming months for sure but, they may do it next year 2025.

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

I noticed that experienced riders love those small displacement bikes how 🤔come thy all small cc bikes like 👍 300 400 500

[@PeterLoweOne]

Small bikes are an absolute blast to ride, and the feeling you get from the way these handle, can't be matched on larger, heavier bikes.

[@TfGamess]

R3s in europe have LED turn signals

[@christosswc]

True, these turn signals look monstrous, or should I say, disastrous. Maybe those guys get a cheap entry level option next to more premium options.

[@DrRobotnikPingas]

That’s why mine has LED turn signals? I really wondered why some had old looking indicators

[@TfGamess]

@@DrRobotnikPingas yes

[@Live.toLearn]

Please do 2024 cbr650r !!!

[@PeterLoweOne]

I'll try! Still working on a reliable Honda connection.

[@herrtomas6729]

Hi Peter. Two tonight, good.

[@PeterLoweOne]

Yeah, I had some time to fit them both in today! Thanks for watching! Have a great weekend!

[@eelongMast]

it's not cheap in India tho 😀

[@yasseralsaidi1168]

JAVA city decafe

[@Ohrbbie]

Really wish they'll just make an R4 and scrap the R3

[@PeterLoweOne]

But an R4 wouldn't be up to date anymore either with Kawasaki introducing a Ninja 500 to replace the 400. Is the play for them to increase displacement like Kawasaki? Or to compete in other ways? I'm not sure what I would want to do if I was Yamaha.

[@kushpaladin]

i don't care if a new R3 has a bigger engine as i have my 2020 R3 geared for more acceleration and less top speed. but i would love to have the Ninja 500's TFT display and usb-c outlet, and the same updated R7-style fairings the new R125 got

[@KavemanZero5]

@@PeterLoweOnethe feeling is mutual. Which is why I feel, they should do an R4 with an in-line parallel twin, but with almost 450cc and 45hp… Yamaha being modest about them naming R3 despite 321cc, they could still have the R4 with the 450cc and give Kawasaki a run for their money.