Sportbikes
2016Yamaha YZF-R3
45 fields on record
The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 is a lightweight, nimble sportbike engineered for novice and intermediate riders seeking an accessible entry into sport riding. Its compact 321cc liquid-cooled engine delivers predictable power with excellent fuel economy, while the agile chassis and low seat height inspire confidence during cornering and everyday commuting. Known for its reliability, affordability, and user-friendly ergonomics, the R3 remains an ideal platform for developing riding skills.
- 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 (30.7 kW) @ 10750 RPM
What’s new for the 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3
vs the 2015| Spec | 2015 | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 42.0 HP (30.9 kW) | 42.0 HP (30.7 kW) @ 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 29.6 Nm (3.0 kgf-m or 21.8 ft.lbs) | 29.6 Nm (3.0 kgf-m or 21.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM |
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 (30.7 kW) @ 10750 RPM
- CO2 Emissions
- 97 CO2 g/km
- Torque
- 29.6 Nm (3.0 kgf-m) @ 9000 RPM
- 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
- 2.90 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 | 2016 | 2017 | 2020 | 2022 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc | 321 cc |
| Seat height | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm | 780 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14 L | 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
⚠ 3 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.
These recalls cover some 2016 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 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Capacity of 321.0 ccm (19.59 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Yamaha YZF-R3 have?
The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Power of 42.0 HP (30.7 kW) @ 10750 RPM.
How many gears does the Yamaha YZF-R3 have?
The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Gearbox of 6-speed.
What is the torque of the Yamaha YZF-R3?
The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Torque of 29.6 Nm (3.0 kgf-m or 21.8 ft.lbs) @ 9000 RPM.
How much does the Yamaha YZF-R3 weigh?
The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R3 has a Wet weight of 166.9 kg (368.0 pounds).
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