Hey everyone, so I’ve been meaning to share my experience with my 2019 Yamaha R3. It’s been a wild ride, and I thought it’s about time I spill the beans on what it’s like to own and ride this beast.

First off, let me take you back to when I first laid eyes on this beauty. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was strolling through the dealership, not really planning on buying anything, just window shopping, you know? But then, there it was, the R3, looking all sleek and powerful. I had heard some buzz about the 2019 model getting a makeover, like a new upside-down 37mm KYB fork and an updated rear shock and some other stuff. And man, it looked good, way better than I expected.
I remember chatting with the dealer about how it compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 400 and the KTM RC390. There was this whole thing back then about Kawasaki having a monopoly on the little sportbike market, but the R3 was making some serious waves. I mean some websites, I saw some forums or whatever that are all about Yamaha, and let me tell you, the R3 was the talk of the town. They were hosting meetups and events and all that. They were also talking about racing, racing parts, and whatnot. There was even this one comparison I remember reading, some “real-world” one between the R3 and the Ninja 400, probably on that forum too. Good times, huh?
Anyway, I took it for a test ride, and boy, was it an experience. The handling was just superb. It felt sporty yet comfortable, which is a tough balance to strike. The dealer mentioned something about it coming to India as a CBU, which I guess explains the refined ride quality. And those new radial Dunlop Sportmax tires? They gripped the road like nothing else.
So, I ended up buying it. Yeah, impulse purchase, but no regrets! Riding it on the open roads and highways has been a dream. There was this one guy I met at a meetup, a real Yamaha fanatic, who told me if you’re into mixed conditions, go for something like the Apache RR310, and for all sorts of roads, the BMW 310R is your best bet. But for me, the R3 was just perfect for those long, highway rides.
I’ve done a few tweaks here and there. Lowered the clip-ons a bit, which makes it look even more aggressive, plus it feels like I’m riding a mini version of those big YZR-M1 bikes, just without the insane price tag. And the redesigned fuel tank? It’s not just for looks; it actually makes the ride more comfortable.

What I Really Like
- Handling: Seriously, it’s like the bike reads your mind.
- Looks: It’s a head-turner, no doubt.
- Comfort: Long rides are a breeze.
A Few Quirks
- It’s not the cheapest in its class, but hey, you get what you pay for.
- Sometimes, I wish it had a bit more oomph, especially when overtaking.
All in all, getting the 2019 Yamaha R3 was one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s not just a bike; it’s been a companion on countless adventures. If you’re on the fence about it, just go for a test ride. Feel the wind, hear the engine roar, and you’ll get what I’m talking about. Ride safe, folks!