The new 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 has finally arrived with no less than Yamaha MotoGP rider, Maverick Viñales, taking off the wraps at the Eastwood Open Park in Libis, Quezon City.
The styling of the new model closely resembles that of the current YZR-M1 MotoGP race bikes of Valentino Rossi and Maverick Viñales.
It is powered by a 321cc liquid cooled engine churning out 41.5 Ps at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of torque. The revised engine features a compression ratio of 11.2:1. It is built from compact and lightweight high-tensile steel tube frame to return a near 50/50 front and rear weight distribution. This also results in a lower fuel tank and handlebar position.
It has modern 37 mm KYB upside-down front forks with a YZR-M1 inspired top clamp. It has a 298 mm disc in front and a 220 mm disc for the rear brake, and ABS as standard. Finally, it has a new, fully digital instrument cluster with gear position, real time and average fuel economy, and an oil change trip meter.
The 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 is offered in three colors: Blue, Matte Black and Matte Red, with an SRP of P259,000.
2019 riders introduced
Besides the new model, Yamaha Motor Philippines also took the opportunity to update the public on its commitment to racing and the development of its local riders.
Maverick “Top Gun” Viñales first introduced the National Team duo of Masato “The Chairman” Fernando and McKinley Kyle “Wonder Boy” Paz of UMA Racing Yamaha Philippines Team. Dominant in virtually every track in the nation, their goal has now shifted to the Asia Road Racing Championship. Both are eager to represent the country and show the racing caliber of Filipino Riders.
Winning now isn’t the only goal for Yamaha, with a long-term campaign for future competitions already underway with the Underbone King Sniper 150 National Championships. Considered as an elite class, 12 selected riders will compete for a spot at the national team in their next tournament. Then, there were the riders for the 10th Yamaha Grand Prix Season – UB150 category. The longest running one-make race in the country has continued to develop the skills of riders and preparing them for the next level of competition. The batch of racers this year are a mixture of perennial contenders and new challengers ready to make their mark.
Aside from the Championship, bragging rights are also at stake with riders being divided into regional teams of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Yamaha also continued its partnership with 4S1M racing team and Phoenix Yamaha Koso-Faito Racing Team who are both share the commitment of excellence on the racetrack. The 2019 Yamaha Racing Season is shaping up to be one to watch and with all these riders raring to start their legacy, it’s going to be a spectacle to see.