2021 Yamaha YZF-R3 Buyer’s Guide: Specs, Prices + Photos

January 2, 2021

The 2021 Yamaha YZF-R3 goes all-ABS this year, as the non-ABS version is no longer available. Otherwise, the Yamaha R3 is unchanged other than some color shuffling. Team Yamaha Blue and the Monster Energy Yamaha MotoGP Edition (at a $300 premium) return, and are joined by two highly contemporary treatments—Matte Stealth Black and Electric Teal.

Still powered by a 321cc parallel-twin, the YZF-R3 is not quite as dedicated to sport riding as the YZF-R1 superbike. The ergonomics on the R3 are a bit upright, with the clip-on slightly above, rather than below, the top triple-clamp. This keeps the 2021 Yamaha YZF-R3 a comfortable motorcycle for street duty. Although the suspension is non-adjustable—except spring-preload for the shock—it works for a wide variety of riders and conditions. The R3 is adaptable for track days, though you will want to stiffen the suspension and upgrade from the longer-life Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires.

For someone looking for a stylish around-town sport motorcycle capable of embarrassing larger sport motorcycles when the twisties get especially tight, the 2021 Yamaha YZF-R3 is an outstanding choice. It’s difficult to beat the feeling of an agile twin that revs to 12,500 rpm, and barely busts the $5k price barrier.

Yamaha YZF-R3 Review

2021 Yamaha YZF-R3 Specifications

ENGINE

Engine: Parallel twin
Displacement: 321cc
Bore x stroke: 68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression ratio: 11.2:1
Valvetrain: DOHC; 4 vpc
Fuel delivery: EFI
Transmission: 6-speed
Final drive: Chain

CHASSIS

Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable KYB inverted fork; 5.1 inches
Rear suspension; travel: Linkage-assisted spring-preload adjustable KYB shock; 4.9 inches
Tires: Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300
Front tire: 110/70 x 17
Rear tire: 140/70 x 17
Front brake: 298mm disc
Rear brake: 220mm disc
ABS: Standard

DIMENSIONS and CAPACITIES