Sportbikes
2015Yamaha YZF-R3
45 fields on record
The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 is an approachable lightweight sportbike designed for entry-level riders and commuters seeking affordable thrills. Known for its nimble handling, fuel efficiency, and manageable 321cc liquid-cooled engine, the R3 delivers genuine sport bike performance without intimidating complexity. Its sharp styling and responsive chassis make it ideal for new riders progressing to middleweight machines.
- Capacity
- 321.0 ccm
- Engine
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Wet weight
- 166.9 kg
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Power
- 42.0 HP (30.9 kW)
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- A small-displacement full-fairing sportbike built for spirited canyon runs, twisty backroads, city commuting and occasional track days.
- Built for
- Nimble, revvy and confidence-inspiring. The 321cc twin loves to be wound out, rewarding smooth inputs while staying gentle enough not to intimidate.
- Not ideal for
- Not for riders chasing big highway power, long two-up touring comfort, or any off-road use. Taller/heavier riders may find it cramped over distance.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Will it fit you?
Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to usEngine
- Capacity
- 321.0 ccm
- Power
- 42.0 HP (30.9 kW)
- CO2 Emissions
- 97 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 29.6 Nm (3.0 kgf-m)
- Engine type
- Parallel Twin, four-stroke
- Fuel consumption
- 4.20 litres/100 km (23.8 km/l)
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2516 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 68.0 x 44.1 mm
- Compression
- 11.2:1
- Cooling system
- Liquid
- Fuel system
- Injection
- Starting
- Electric
- Ignition
- TCI
- Valves per cylinder
- 4
- Lubrication system
- Wet sump
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
- Clutch
- Multiplate clutch
Performance
- 0-60 mph
- 2.60 seconds
Dimensions & weight
- Wheelbase
- 1379 mm
- Overall length
- 2090 mm
- Overall width
- 719 mm
- Overall height
- 1135 mm
- Seat height
- 780 mm
- Wet weight
- 166.9 kg
- Fuel capacity
- 14.00 litres
- Ground clearance
- 160 mm
- Oil capacity
- 2.60 litres
- Dry weight
- Not on record - add it
Chassis & suspension
- Frame
- Steel frame and swingarm
- Front suspension
- 41mm KYB telescopic fork
- Rear suspension
- KYB single shock
- Front wheel travel
- 130 mm
- Rear wheel travel
- 124 mm
- Rake (fork angle)
- 25.0°
- Trail
- 94 mm
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Single disc
- Front brakes diameter
- 298 mm
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Rear brakes diameter
- 220 mm
- Front tyre
- 110/70-M17
- Rear tyre
- 140/70-M17
Other
- Color options
- Team Yamaha Blue/Matte Silver, Raven, Pearl White
- Warranty
- 12
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 2015 | 2017 | 2020 | 2022 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 14 L | 14 L | 14 L | 14 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Safety Recalls
⚠ 4 recalls may applyVISIBILITYOct 2020 · 20V611000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2020 YZF-R3, 2020 MT03 and 2018-2020 XMAX scooters. Condensation or other contaminates may adhere to the rear reflector lens reducing its effectiveness.
Risk: A less reflective rear reflector increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflector, free of charge. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-888-266-3085. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990139.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCHFeb 2017 · 17V112000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. Water can enter and corrode the ignition switch resulting in an unexpected engine stall.
Risk: An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ignition switch subassembly, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLYFeb 2017 · 17V111000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, engine vibration can cause the fuel tank mounting bracket to contact the fuel tank, which overtime, may result in the tank leaking fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of a ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank bracket. The fuel tank will be inspected and replaced if necessary. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 9, 2017. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's number for this recall is 990112.
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BARSep 2015 · 15V593000
Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2015 YZFR3 motorcycles manufactured January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2015. The affected motorcycles may have an incorrectly manufactured upper triple clamp (handle crown) that may crack while riding.
Risk: If the upper triple clamp fractures, a loss of steering control may result, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Yamaha will notify customers, and dealers will replace the upper triple clamp with a new one, free of charge. The recall began on October 16, 2015. Owners may contact Yamaha's customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha's recall number is 990099.
These recalls cover some 2015 bikes of this model. Whether one applies to a specific bike, and whether the repair has already been done, depends on its VIN — check your VIN with NHTSA or ask a dealer.
Source: NHTSA. View all Yamaha recalls →
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Yamaha YZF-R3?
The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Capacity of 321.0 ccm (19.59 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha YZF-R3 have?
The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Power of 42.0 HP (30.9 kW).
How many gears does the Yamaha YZF-R3 have?
The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Yamaha YZF-R3?
The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Torque of 29.6 Nm (3.0 kgf-m or 21.8 ft.lbs).
How much does the Yamaha YZF-R3 weigh?
The 2015 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Wet weight of 166.9 kg (368.0 pounds).
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