Hey guys,
I finally got a chance to demo the new Yamaha YZF-R3 at a yamaha test drive event and just a few days ago actually bought a used 2013 ninja 300 so I thought I'd tell you guys some quick opinions from now riding both bikes.
Ive owned a 250 for the past 2 years so both were a significant step up in power thats noticeable.
Right off the bat the R3 is definitely a beautiful bike, no doubt, but for me I still think the Ninja 300 has a more aggressive look to it from a first glance. The Ninja 300 just has more character to it IMO.
Initial thoughts after riding...
There is something about the R3 that to me just feels more planted than the Ninja 300, especially at high speeds but even felt sturdier at low speed maneuvers as well. The dash area just feels more bulky and wide which may play into that. During the demo I was able to take it up to 80 and still felt like there was a ton of power still waiting to be used. Reving shy of 7k in 6th, the bike just felt more comfortable at higher speeds. The Ninja 300 still has more than enough passing power at that speed, just felt a tad more wrung out. I feel like the extra power the R3 has over the Ninja 300 though is used in the lower rev range and more evenly distributed. From my experience, the Ninja 300 tends to release most of its power in the higher RPM's, which is when it really starts to pull what it offers. You really have to rev it up there to feel its full potential. Whereas the R3, I was getting that extra pull of power much sooner and its an actual pull you can feel, one that pushed me back a little. Nothing significant, but a noticeable jurk. Definitely enough to put a grin on my face. One thing I LOVE about the R3 is its incredibly smooth clutch, it releases rite where you'd think and is very easy to pick up instantly. I still am getting used to the friction zone being so far out on the Ninja 300, I personally am not a fan of that clutch at all. I know theres a method to their madness with that but its just not for me.
Another really cool thing is the R3 actually has a gear indicator built into the dash! Very nice of yamaha to add and just an extra thats quite convenient.
Overall an incredibly smooth and sturdy ride, almost felt like a bigger bike than the 300. I absolutely love both bikes though but in the end of the day if I could only pick one I would go with the R3. As for now, with the R3 starting at around 5k plus dealer fees, etc, the Ninja 300 is much more appealing seeing that you can purchase used models for under $3600.
I only have 2 years experience riding 250s/650s/700s (so far haven't had a change to ride a 600 yet
) so I still have a lot to learn but that is my opinion based on my more novice yet growing riding experience.
Also, if any of you get a chance to ride the FZ-07 definitely do it! What a fantastic bike, got a chance to demo one the same day and its definitely the most entertaining bike I've ever rode. Hoping to upgrade to that in a year or so.
If you guys have any specific questions definitely post below. I'll also upload some pics of the R3 I rode.
I finally got a chance to demo the new Yamaha YZF-R3 at a yamaha test drive event and just a few days ago actually bought a used 2013 ninja 300 so I thought I'd tell you guys some quick opinions from now riding both bikes.
Ive owned a 250 for the past 2 years so both were a significant step up in power thats noticeable.
Right off the bat the R3 is definitely a beautiful bike, no doubt, but for me I still think the Ninja 300 has a more aggressive look to it from a first glance. The Ninja 300 just has more character to it IMO.
Initial thoughts after riding...
There is something about the R3 that to me just feels more planted than the Ninja 300, especially at high speeds but even felt sturdier at low speed maneuvers as well. The dash area just feels more bulky and wide which may play into that. During the demo I was able to take it up to 80 and still felt like there was a ton of power still waiting to be used. Reving shy of 7k in 6th, the bike just felt more comfortable at higher speeds. The Ninja 300 still has more than enough passing power at that speed, just felt a tad more wrung out. I feel like the extra power the R3 has over the Ninja 300 though is used in the lower rev range and more evenly distributed. From my experience, the Ninja 300 tends to release most of its power in the higher RPM's, which is when it really starts to pull what it offers. You really have to rev it up there to feel its full potential. Whereas the R3, I was getting that extra pull of power much sooner and its an actual pull you can feel, one that pushed me back a little. Nothing significant, but a noticeable jurk. Definitely enough to put a grin on my face. One thing I LOVE about the R3 is its incredibly smooth clutch, it releases rite where you'd think and is very easy to pick up instantly. I still am getting used to the friction zone being so far out on the Ninja 300, I personally am not a fan of that clutch at all. I know theres a method to their madness with that but its just not for me.
Another really cool thing is the R3 actually has a gear indicator built into the dash! Very nice of yamaha to add and just an extra thats quite convenient.
Overall an incredibly smooth and sturdy ride, almost felt like a bigger bike than the 300. I absolutely love both bikes though but in the end of the day if I could only pick one I would go with the R3. As for now, with the R3 starting at around 5k plus dealer fees, etc, the Ninja 300 is much more appealing seeing that you can purchase used models for under $3600.
I only have 2 years experience riding 250s/650s/700s (so far haven't had a change to ride a 600 yet
Also, if any of you get a chance to ride the FZ-07 definitely do it! What a fantastic bike, got a chance to demo one the same day and its definitely the most entertaining bike I've ever rode. Hoping to upgrade to that in a year or so.
If you guys have any specific questions definitely post below. I'll also upload some pics of the R3 I rode.