India Yamaha Motor brought back the R3 in its BS-IV guise, called the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 at this year’s Auto Expo. The bike goes head-to-head with the Benelli 302R, which costs the same as the R3.
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 and the Benelli 302R cost INR 3.48 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi for R3 & ex-showroom India for 302R). Yamaha has provided the new R3 with much-needed features like ABS and grippier tyres. The old R3 did not have ABS, and used MRF tyres for durability rather than outright grip. The Benelli 302R was launched in the country in July last year. The bike came with ABS and Metzeler tyres right from its launch.
| Specifications | 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 | Benelli 302R |
| Engine | 321 cc in-line twin DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection | 300 cc in-line twin DOHC engine with liquid cooling and fuel injection |
| Maximum Power | 42 PS at 10,750 rpm | 38.26 PS at 11,500 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm | 26.5 Nm at 10,000 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed | 6-speed |
| Front Suspension | Telescopic fork | 41 mm upside down fork |
| Rear Suspension | Monocross type suspension | Monoshock |
| Front Brake | 298 mm disc with ABS | Twin 260 mm petal discs with ABS |
| Rear Brake | 220 mm disc with ABS | 240 mm petal disc with ABS |
| Front Wheel | Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact 110/70R-17M/C 54H (Tubeless) | Metzeler Sportec M5 110/70-R 17 54 H |
| Rear Wheel | Metzeler Sportec M5 Interact 140/70R-17M/C 66H (Tubeless) | Metzeler Sportec M5 150/60 - R 17 66 H |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 14 litres | 14 litres |
| Kerb Weight | 173 kg | 198 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 785 mm |
| Price | INR 3.48 lakhs (ex=showroom, Delhi) | INR 3.48 lakhs (Ex-showroom India) |
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R3 makes 3.74 PS and 3.1 Nm more than the Benelli 302R at lesser revs, thanks to its bigger engine. Both bikes lack slipper clutch, and feature a 6-speed gearbox. The Benelli comes with more premium suspension and brakes, while the R3 makes do with the traditional fork and single disc for each wheel. The fuel tank capacities of the two bikes are the same too.
Also Read: Yamaha YZF-R15 V2.0 vs Yamaha YZF-R15 V3.0 – Spec comparison
With its 25 extra kilos, the Benelli 302R will take relatively more efforts to manoeuvre than the R3. It also gets a 5 mm higher seat. Overall, both the motorcycles are apt for sporty touring. Other rivals in this segment include the TVS Apache RR 310, KTM RC 390, and the Kawasaki Ninja 300.
