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Before you buy
2 known problems · 1 high- Learner legal
- LAMSYes, every version sold here is LAMS approved.
- Watch for
-
highClutch pressure plate bearing failuremediumGear shift torsion spring breakage
- Running cost
- Valve check every 40,000km · $4k–$6.5k used est. Aug 2026
Recalls
5 on record
REC-001515
29 Jun 2016
Defect: The clutch pressure plate bearing may fail when operated frequently, and the oil pump drive gear may break due to excessive stress.
Hazard: The clutch may fail to operate, the transmission may not shift properly, and the engine may seize due to lack of engine oil supply.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-001516
1 Mar 2017
Defect: Engine vibration transmitted to the fuel tank may cause the spot weld of the bracket to break, and corrosion of the switch electrical terminals may develop due to water contamination.
Hazard: A broken fuel tank bracket could result in fuel leakage, and the loss of electrical power could stall the engine while riding.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-001523
22 Jan 2019
Defect: Due to a defective shift mechanism torsion spring, riders may not be able to select the desired gear.
Hazard: Inability to shift gears properly may make the motorcycle difficult to manoeuvre, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-001522
22 Jan 2019
Defect: Due to insufficient hose material curing at manufacturing, cracking may develop in the radiator coolant hose.
Hazard: A cracked hose may leak coolant onto the road surface, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-001530
20 Dec 2020
Defect: The Rear Reflector Assembly may not comply with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 47 for reflection luminosity.
Hazard: Insufficient reflector luminosity may make the motorcycle less visible to drivers of other vehicles, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange replacement of the rear reflector assembly, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
Ask the seller for proof the recall work was done; a dealer can check by VIN. Search any bike at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Price (AUD)
$4k–$6.5kest. Aug 2026
Type
Sport
Origin
Japan
Built in
Indonesia
Overview
The first generation YZF-R3 (RH07) was Yamaha's answer to the Kawasaki Ninja 300, bringing a rev-happy 321cc twin that became a massive success on the road and in production racing. Despite its aggressive supersport styling, it has relatively high clip-on bars, making it comfortable enough for daily commuting.
Engines & variants
321cc Inline Twin (LAMS)LAMS approved
Under the limits as standard. No restriction required.
Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
321cc
Power
30.9kW @ 10750rpm
Torque
29.6Nm @ 9000rpm
Seat height
780mm
Weight
169kg wet
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
0–100
~5.5sunverified
Top speed
~175km/hunverified
Fuel
14L
Economy
4.2 L/100km
Service
10,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
40,000km
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven
Pros
- Brilliant, high-revving engine that is great for highway and track
- Low seat height makes it very approachable
- Huge aftermarket support
Cons
- Standard brakes feel slightly wooden
- Suspension is soft and easily overwhelmed by heavier riders
Known problems
high
Clutch pressure plate bearing failure
Early R3s could have the clutch pressure plate bearing fail under load, resulting in clutch loss or transmission lockup. Covered by Australian recall REC-001515.
Fix: Ask a Yamaha dealer to check the VIN and confirm recall REC-001515 has been done.
medium
Gear shift torsion spring breakage
The shift shaft torsion spring can break, stranding the bike in gear. Covered by Australian recall REC-001523.
Fix: Confirm recall REC-001523 has been done, or replace the spring with the updated part.
unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.
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