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Test Rode New R3! Ninja 300 vs R3: My Opinions

135K views 127 replies 59 participants last post by  TOXIC  
#1 ·
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.
 
#3 ·
Nice write up on the Yamaha. Thanks for the information. I saw a FZ09 at Costco today. Sure would like to have one of those in my garage.
 
#4 ·
Cool review, thanks for sharing it ! I need to try it once they have it here at the local shops :)


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#5 ·
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.
That something is a better quality stock head bearing.
 
#13 ·
I actually think the R3 looks pretty mean. Sure the Ninja looks a little more aggressive but that front on the R3 looks pretty sweet to me.

I like the bars too, I'm not a huge fan of how the stock 300 bars sit.

One thing that we all need to hold out for is the aftermarket scene for the R3. When it comes to these little bikes it seems to be all about the mods.

Ninja 300 has a huge mod scene and can unlock a little more power that is very usable, it will be interesting to see what the R3 can do.
 
#18 ·
THANK YOU! I have been waiting a long time to hear a write up on the R3. I have been riding my 300 around for only a couple hundred miles now and for some reason I already want more power but I am committed to riding it out for a few seasons for experience. I wouldn't upgrade to the R3 but its nice to know it has some more power throughout lower RPMs. I havent decided whether to sell my 300 at close to what I paid for it after putting $600 in mods to it or to pass it down to my sibling when he is ready for what i paid for it...

sorry for going off track a bit but thank you for the review. I am sure many people are glad to hear it.
 
#20 ·
Agreed. I'm very surprised Yamaha decided to not incorporate ABS into this new model, particularly considering the bike appears to check all the boxes as a formidable entry into this class. They really fumbled on the 1-yard line in that regard, as this will likely be a deal breaker for many. Additionally, the moment Yamaha decides to add this and/or a slipper, the resale values for these will be substantially reduced.
 
#24 ·
This is a sneak preview from one of the testers that he posted on one of the Triumph forums I frequent.

http://www.triumph675.net/forum/showthread.php?t=180498

Title is a little misleading- if you read down the thread he actually talks about the 300 class comparo. Good news- our 300 is still unbeaten; he does not state it verbatim (he is not allowed as data still not published) but if you read in between lines you realize it's been a tie between our ninja and most probably the R3. From his tone you can feel the ninja was closest to his heart, at least that was my feeling.
 
#37 ·
Congrats, I still have yet to see the R3 in person! Was a difficult decision for me several weeks back deciding if I wanted the Ninja 300/R3/RC390 but in the end I got a killer deal I couldn't pass up. Wish the weather we had the past couple weekends would make another debut!!!
 
#33 ·
I looked at the bike in person for the first time yesterday and the bike looked great with only 1 exception: The gas tank looks like shit. It is super skinny, just as skinny as the CBR 250 which was parked at the showroom I was at right next to it so I could compare it. I would have a really hard time overlooking how cartoony it is, there's no way you would think this is a 600 at first glance unlike the Ninja, which is a shame because I like everything else better than the Ninja.
 
#35 ·
The R3 also has a smaller volume gas tank compared to the Ninja. While I am sure the bike gets good MPG, this is mitigated by the small tank. For comparison, the R3 has a 3.7 gallon tank compared to the Ninja at 4.5 gallons.