Yamaha R6 Vs R3

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Yamaha manufactures some of the finest motorcycles, and the R6 and R3 are two of its most popular models. So, which one should you choose?

The R6 boasts a powerful 600cc engine, while the R3 model offers 321cc displacement. Both superbikes are designed for speed. The R3 is nimble, light and manageable. On the other hand, the R6 is a street-legal racing machine.

We understand your concerns, which is why we have created this Yamaha R6 vs R3 comparison. This will help you figure out the model that will work best for you and allow you to make the right buying decision.

As motor enthusiasts and experienced riders, we understand the capabilities of both the R6 and R3. Moreover, we have tested the two bikes to compare their features, power, speed, and maneuverability to offer you an in-depth comparison.

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The Yamaha R6

The R6 has been among the most profitable 600cc sportbikes in terms of sales volume or racing victories. It had a novel engine that could produce 108 horsepower when it was first developed. The R6 later received many changes, the first of which was the addition of fuel injectors in 2003, followed by the switch to YCC-T ride-by-wire in 2006.

In 2017, it introduced a significant number of functions, including styling and chassis from the R1 and ride settings and stability control. An aluminum gas tank, magnesium chassis and motor covers, and titanium cylinders and muffler are among the other attractive features of the four-cylinder R6.

While the R6 may be a little too harsh for everyday use, it is, without a doubt, one of the most capable racing bikes in the 600cc classification. However, this ride is not suitable for beginners due to its weight and difficult handling.  

In the extreme sports category, the R6 is a monster. For starters, it has a 600cc liquid-cooled engine. It has a transverse inline-four engine that produces 116.7 horsepower at 14,500 RPM. The engine has sixteen titanium vents and is a DOHC. It can generate a whopping 45.5-foot lbs. of power and achieves a rating of up to 160 miles.

The flat-four is mated to the engine and is housed in an aluminum Delta box twin-spar structure. The suspenders on the R6 are made up of a three-way changeable twisted 43mm KYB fork in front and a variable KYB mono-shock in the rear. The seating height on the motorcycle is 33.5 inches. Matte Grey, intense white or silver and Yamaha blue are the three colors offered on the 2018 version of the YZF R6.

When it comes to superbikes, it's better to begin with a motorcycle with a lesser capacity, such as the R3. After you've gotten a feel for the bike, move up to the intermediate category, which includes 600cc motorcycles like the R6.

The Yamaha R3

The R3 is Yamaha's entry point into the R World, allowing sporty riders to experience the company's coveted super sports allure. The R3 premiered in 2015, and for the 2019 season, it received updated style, electronics, and an overturned fork.

The R3 uses a downflow induction fueling system to function. This supplies gasoline to the motorcycle's liquid-cooled 321cc straight engine with two cylinders, allowing it to generate 42 horsepower at 10,750 RPM. The R3 can reach a maximum speed of 111 miles per hour and has a torque output of over 21.8-foot lbs.

The 200 horsepower monster rides on an aluminum Delta box chassis with an infinitely adjustable upturned KYB fork and an adjustable mono-shock, very much like the R6. The Yamaha R3 was developed to participate in the 300cc class as a more economical ultralight race bike. It's for individuals who can't afford the R6 bike's higher performance and higher price. It has a short seat and looks a lot like the R25.

Other models like Kawasaki Ninja 300 and the KTM 390 compete with the R3. You won't be able to force the R3 to its utmost power unless you rev it all the way up to 7,000 rpm. The bike has quick acceleration, going from 0 to 60 km/h in about three seconds.

The motorcycle's seat height is fixed at 30.7 inches, and a 375 lbs. ABS variant is available. The motorbike gets a respectable 56 miles a gallon, which is adequate for city touring. Moreover, the R3 comes in two colors: White and raven black.

The bike has 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels to minimize unsprung mass. You'll also notice that all the cylinders are composed of aluminum. The problem is that the motorcycle's braking system isn't up to the task of bringing all that power to a complete stop. To slow down, you'll have to be intelligent and let go of the accelerator on time. The suspension isn't fantastic as it only allows for minor changes.

Differences between the Yamaha R6 and R3

The important differences seen between the R6 and the R3 have been discussed in detail in this section to help you determine the variations in speed, design, and suspension of the two rides. Even though both motorcycles are great in their own sense, as described above, there are still several areas where one outperforms the other in terms of engine capacity, layout, and suspension.

Speed

The first factor to consider while purchasing any sports bike is speed. The R6 is quicker, thanks to a DOHC 600cc liquid-cooled engine. This allows the motorcycle to achieve a maximum speed of almost 160 mph while generating 45.5-foot lbs. of torque. In comparison, the R3 liquid-cooled 321cc straight DOHC double cylinder engine produces 21.8-foot lbs. of torque and the maximum speed offered is limited to 111 mph.

Comparing the two engines would be unfair because the two motorcycles were designed for different markets. Yamaha designed the R3 to be a quick bike that is more inexpensive than the R6. The R3 produces 42 horsepower at 10,750 rpm, whereas the R6 produces 121 horsepower at 13,000 RPM.

When it comes to performance, you must be cautious when selecting a superbike. The R3 is an excellent starter bike since it enables you to understand how to handle a superbike without being overly aggressive. It's also a fantastic option for you if you are looking for your first superbike. You can switch to the R6 once you've gotten the hang of racing at limited speeds.

Design

Next up, we have the engineering and overall layout of these spectacular models by Yamaha. The R6 has an advantage over the R3 in terms of design. When building the R6, Yamaha's primary goal was to create a motorcycle that was fast and offered good maneuverability. So, when R6 was updated in 2017, it received a significant lift, which resulted in an 8% decrease in friction.

A magnesium frame, aluminum fuel tank, titanium cylinders, exhaust, and stability control are now available in R6. The flat-four is wrapped in an aluminum delta box twin-chassis. Matte grey, intense white or silver and Yamaha blue are available color options.

The R3's simple design is identical to that of the R25. It has a short seat and a windshield that will help deflect wind when you are riding at high speed. Yamaha built 10-spoke cast-aluminum wheels and a downflow fuel injection system to keep the weight of the bike low. ABS is included with the YZF-R3. All the cylinders on the R3 are made of aluminum.

Dual ABS braking and the fact that the motorcycle is Euro IV compliant are among the enhancements made to the 2018 variant.  ABS variations of the bike can be bought in Yamaha blue, black, and matte silver options.  

Suspension

The R3 is a terrific entry-level motorcycle with a fuel efficiency of 56 miles a gallon. The front suspension is telescopic KYB (41mm), while the back suspension system is mono-shock KYB. You get a 30.7-inch-low seat.

For the R6, straps are stronger. The front forks are 43mm three-way variable, while the rear fork is a mono-shock four-way adjustable. At 33.5 inches, the seating is taller than the R3.

The R3 is your best option if you're searching for an entry-level motorbike. The bike accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in under three seconds, which is impressive for an entry-level ride. The R3, on the other hand, has been criticized for its low braking range. It has a stopping distance of 131.5 feet, as per the bike makers. This is the duration it will take to come to a stop from 100km/h to 0km/h.

It's no surprise that Yamaha's R6 is one of the most popular superbikes. Changes for 2017 include a more durable aerodynamic shape that takes cues from its bigger sibling, the R1. There are also several electrical features, such as stability control and enhanced suspension. The bike has been discontinued now, and the 2020 model was the last version of this incredible right.

When it comes to efficiency, the R6 is in a league for itself when contrasted to the R3. The R3 is the R1's less expensive sibling. It is quick, but many users have complained about its braking mechanism. However, if you are not looking for a lot of speed and just want an entry-level ride, then the R3 can certainly be your ticket to the world of superbikes. It will offer decent form and will provide a great learning experience thanks to its amazing features and easier maneuverability.

The R6 is our best pick if you want something which will cause a stir, while the R3 is a good choice if you want an entry-level motorcycle.