The Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition has been unveiled as a special tribute to Yamaha’s 70 years of innovation and racing heritage. This edition retains the proven 321cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine delivering around 42 hp and 29.5 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and chain drive. It maintains a lightweight chassis with a wheelbase of 1380 mm, a seat height of 780 mm, and weighs about 169 kg wet. The bike hits a top speed of approximately 180 km/h, making it an agile super sport motorcycle suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike in the A2 category.
Design & Visual Upgrades
The core of this Yamaha R3 70th anniversary edition is cosmetic — changes that catch the eye and distinguish the bike as “limited edition.
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Special livery: The bike carries a striking white-and-red “speed-block / racing-heritage” color scheme. In many markets, the paintwork also includes gold accents — for instance, Yamaha’s signature tuning-fork emblems are rendered in gold — to accentuate the celebratory theme.
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3D-style graphics & side panels: On the side fairings, you’ll find red “tiling” graphics with a 3-dimensional effect — so it’s not just a flat decal but more of a stylized graphic treatment that gives depth and texture.
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Black accents & cohesive detailing: Alongside the bright white-red paint, there are tasteful black patches — especially on front fascia and lower fairings — that make the overall look more aggressive and grounded. Even the fuel tank, tail section, wheels etc. are coordinated to give a complete, “show-ready” presence.
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Badging & branding: Expect prominent “R3” logos and Yamaha branding (fuel tank, fairing etc.) that help distinguish this Anniversary Edition from a regular R3.
Specifications & Features
Despite the flashy new look, mechanically the Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition is fundamentally the same as the standard R3. Yamaha hasn’t tampered with the engine or chassis — which for many riders is a plus: you get the familiar reliability and ride-dynamics, but with an extra dash of personality.
Here are the key mechanicals and features:
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Engine: 321 cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled — identical to the regular R3. Output remains ~40.4 bhp and ~29–30 Nm of torque.
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Chassis & suspension: Diamond-type lightweight frame; 17-inch alloy wheels; upside-down (USD) telescopic front forks (non-adjustable) and a rear mono shock.
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Brakes & safety: Single disc brakes front and rear (298 mm front / 220 mm rear), with dual-channel ABS.
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Modern amenities: The R3 retains its TFT (or LCD) instrument cluster, along with features like an assist-and-slipper clutch to make gear changes smoother and help avoid rear-wheel hop under aggressive downshifts.
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Lighting & comfort: LED lighting (headlamp, tail, turn signals), ergonomic bodywork and a sporty yet manageable posture — all combining to make the R3 as rider-friendly as ever.
About Yamaha R3 70th anniversary edition
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For enthusiasts & collectors: If you care about more than just performance — if you value heritage, exclusivity, looks, and want your ride to reflect a story — this special edition adds emotional value. It’s not merely a bike; it’s a statement.
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For newcomers to sport bikes: The R3 has always been considered one of the most approachable entry-level super sport bikes. The Anniversary Edition retains that accessibility — but now with added “character.”
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For everyday riders who want flair: In practical terms, it’s the same reliable, easy-to-handle sport bike. But thanks to the graphics and livery, you get a premium look that stands out on the road without compromising usability.
Important for you in India: availability in India is uncertain. While the standard R3 is sold in India (ex-showroom ~ ₹3.39 lakh), many reports suggest this special Yamaha R3 70th-Anniversary Edition may not be launched here — likely due to pricing, demand, and the fact that it’s a limited commemorative run.
Conclusion
This special edition primarily focuses on an aesthetic upgrade to celebrate Yamaha’s legacy rather than mechanical changes. Pricing is expected to be slightly higher than the standard model, which retails around INR 3.39 lakh in India, although this special edition’s release is mainly targeted at select international markets. Given the modest reception of previous R3 models in India at higher price points, its availability there remains uncertain.
The Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition is a beautifully crafted homage to Yamaha’s storied racing history, combining nostalgic design elements with the practicality and performance of a modern super sport bike. It makes an excellent choice for enthusiasts who appreciate heritage and want a distinctive yet capable motorcycle in the compact super sport segment.
