When I first heard about the new Yamaha R3 I was a bit disappointed. It has almost the same horsepower as the cbr500 and weighs 60 pounds less, has a racier feel with a 13000rpm redline, awesome looks, and all this for 4999$. 1700$ less than the CBR. After thinking about it for awhile though I'm glad I got the CBR. Better for long travels, better gas mileage, smoother and more comfortable. Was anyone else upset after seeing the new R3 ? I'd like to hear everyone else's opinion on this.

Why would anyone be upset? There is no review of the R3 yet. It looks to be the best beginner sport bike. I would love to test ride one next year.

 

Why would anyone be upset? There is no review of the R3 yet. It looks to be the best beginner sport bike. I would love to test ride one next year.

You just said it looks like the best new beginner sportbike but you don't understand why people would be upset for already buying the 500r ? Lol ok .....

 

I haven't seen specs on the US r3, but the euro claims 42hp. Topping the scales at 370lbs. That's a 55lbs difference, and with roughly 5hp less. I thinks it's going to be quite interesting.

 

I haven't seen specs on the US r3, but the euro claims 42hp. Topping the scales at 370lbs. That's a 55lbs difference, and with roughly 5hp less. I thinks it's going to be quite interesting.

Yeah for sure! I think it'll be faster

 

Just hit senior status! Lol :deathmetal

 

The R3 is lighter (368lbs vs 425lbs) so it'll be more nimble.
The R3 has a better weight to power ratio (368/42 = 8.76lbs/HP vs 425/47 = 9.04lbs/HP) and will likely be quicker.
The R3 has a redline of 12,500 vs the 500Rs 8500; sportier? Yes.
The R3 has more more comprehensive clocks including features like a gear position indicator and water temp indication.

The 500R has larger tires (120/160 vs 110/140 on the R3).
The 500R's extra mass will likely make it less jittery on the highway.
The CBR makes at least 10 ft-lbs more torque than the R3. This would make the bike feel better around town and off the line even if it loses the on-ramp challenge.
The 500R is available with ABS. I don't believe the R3 is (could be wrong...)

"Better"? The R3 likely checks more "sporty" boxes though I still believe the 500R checks more practical, everyday-livable boxes. I haven't ridden an R3 though. I think it looks good but so does the CBR.

For track days, I'd likely want the R3. For the trip to and from the track, I'd take the 500.

 

So it looks like a tie for pros and cons. All very good points but you forgot to compare prices. The msrp on the R3 is 1700$ less, might as well say 2000$ after tax

 

The Dash is much nicer on the R3 with an anolog tach, temp gauge, and gear position. I'm not a fan of the digital tach on my CBR500.

 

Don't do this to yourself. There is always going to be something better after you buy. Also the difference in price is not 1,700. The msrp of the 500R is $6,299, and in reality it's going for much less. Since the R3 is new I suspect out the door prices will be similar.

The R3 does look sweet and I could have seen myself going for it if it was available when I was looking, even though I just turned 51. Really don't care what anybody thinks I look like.

When they become available go take a look and try to test ride one. If you still feel like you would much rather be on that bike, then do what you have to to make it happen. Even if you lose a little money.

The CBR is not your last bike. Neither is the R3. How long will that keep you happy until you want the R6 anyway? A new version must be in the works, you could just wait a year and get that.

 

Don't get me wrong, I am happy with my decision now. I just wanted to see what other people were thinking. And I was comparing it to the 500RA model with a 6800msrp here in Canada. Also Yamaha is already advertising them for 4999$ standard ABS in Canada. This is a really good point though I'm going to be outgrowing them both in a couple years anyway so thanks

By the way for my next bike I'm getting either a vfr800 or a used CBR600f4i. I'd never buy a 600rr or R6

 

Don't worry - an F4i hardly feels old

 

A clean used CBR600f4i was next on my list had I not found a deal on my 500r. Love those in the black/yellow!

 

I think a better comparison would be the CBR300 v R3

The CBR500r is more of a sports tourer than a sports bike where as the other 2 are small bore sports bikes.

in the ducati world it would be comparing a 900ss vs 916 bothe bike are made for completely different riding

 

Are you kidding?? That'd be like comparing a ford escort to a Toyota corolla. Both small economy cars but only a fool would chose the ford.

The R3 is better than the cbr300 in every single possible way and is even in the same price range.

 

I think the R3 wastes the 300R: Thirty-five ccs more displacement, eleven more horsepower, parallel twin vs single cylinder, wet-weight only 4-lbs more than the 300R, 41mm fork vs 37mm on the CBR, price looks to be about the same...

Honda should have tried harder on the 300R. Given the superior Ninja300 already on the market it's going to face a hard-sell with the R3 soon and perhaps even the KTM RC390. With those bikes in its class, why would anyone go to the 300R except perhaps brand loyalty?

 

I think Honda will sell more 300s than all the competitors just because it's a Honda which is really sad. I've owned a lot of Yamaha's and I find the quality of a Yamaha is actually better

 

^^^^ I agree^^^^^ I dont think they are selling that many of the 300r's
I know that the VTR250 isnt selling as its priced too high but the CBR500's are selling quite well.

the small production racing will be interesting to watch as the Ninja's seem to dominate that.

 

I know that the VTR250 isnt selling as its priced too high but the CBR500's are selling quite well.

I had a couple of grey-import VTR250s and really liked them.

Do they sell them in your country? What's the price and how much is the CB300?

 

Yamaha is nailing with its efforts. FZ07 FZ09 and the R3, all good values. I think the FZ07 is going to be offered in a full fairings in the future as I think Yamaha will let the FZ6R just fade away.

 

If the FZ-07 had ABS in the states, that would have been my bike.

 

"Wow. You're an idiot. It must be awful having no common sense eh dumbass ?"

As a Canadian, I didn't know Canadians could be this rude. Completely uncalled for. This fine forum is no place for comments such as this.

Glen

 

"Wow. You're an idiot. It must be awful having no common sense eh dumbass ?"

As a Canadian, I didn't know Canadians could be this rude. Completely uncalled for. This fine forum is no place for comments such as this.

Glen

I guess you didn't read the stupid ignorant comment he made before that. His comment was uncalled for not mine. All I said was I didn't want a comparison between R3 and cbr300 because it was pointless. It's my right to say what I think. Then he takes offense and say's this -

" I wont bother with this as I bow down to your years of motorcycling wisdom ,But you obviously have many years of experience and are the king of what's right and relevant."

When somebody starts being idiotic then I have no problem calling them an idiot. Thanks

 

: popcorn:

 

:deadhorse

 

Note on the resale value of the 500R. My bike sat for 3 months at the dealer at 4899. It was a 13 with 7,100 miles. I noticed they dropped it to 3999 and it lasted a few days.
At 3999 that is a steal for such a quality ride, mine had not one scratch.
If only I had room in the garage for one more ride.

 

One thing that makes me go for the cbr500x, which has the same engine as the R, or the F, is that it has a true ptwin engine. The R3 has a 180 deg ptwin, and it just doesn't sound right for me.

 

The CB500s and the R3 have parallel twin engines with pistons 180* apart, if I ain't mistaken.

 

preface: Before i decided on the cbr500 i strongly considered other bikes, Ninja 300 was one i almost got. Also since i got the Yamaha S-max and was totally impressed with the build quality and performance of the bike i thot for sure next bike would a Yamaha.

Almost went with the fz07. Price was not much more than cbr. Sit ergo was good but the only thing that stopped me was no abs.

so now on topic, next i was set on the R3. Blue one at first but later the red one. Almost put a deposit down on one. But said i wanted to wait until i saw one in person.

got to sit on one a month or so ago, sit ergo was really nice, but again no abs. so decided to go with the honda.

with 820ish km on it i did first oil change today. Crossed the 1k milestone on todays ride. On the ride i stopped in at a local multibrand dealer. Had another sit on the R3. And a little voice said maybe i should have got it instead. I then put my foot on the peg and knew right there i made the right choice. The R3 would have killed my knees, similar to the Ninja 650. Upright ergo and up and back pegs were torture.

but, like the Yamaha fz09 has the fj09 cousin, if they brought out a fj07 i would be all over that as the fj model has a faring and abs.

 

500 to r3 is a step backwards

 

I must agree. The Yamaha R3 is without a doubt a great looking motorcycle, but it's simply far too small for me. (and I am just 5'8" tall/168 lbs) :eek Had Yamaha designed this bike to accommodate adult-sized riders, I would have been all over it in a heartbeat, but even a small guy like myself feels like he's sitting on a minibike. Seems like it's about half the bike that my 500F is.

Now, for those of smaller stature than myself, sheesh, for under five grand you sure cannot go far wrong with the R3. My daughter is 5'4", 130 lbs, and it would be a perfect fit for her. Looks great, handles great, and at an unbeatable price... this thing will sell like hotcakes; it's just no good for me.

Glen

 

I might have been too harsh on the CBR500 bikes. New bike Europhia. I am only getting 50-55 mpg overall, not that great for 321cc and a lot more work in the gear box to get it going in the lower mph range. Once its gets up to speed its feels fine. Cycle World tested it at 5.1 Sec 0 to 60 MPH.
The 500 line mainly needs to asap tune up is turn it feels and how it holds the line. If it did that it would be much improved. The R3 is for my size and weight perfection in handling.

 

That is to be expected from a high-strung engine like the R3. That's what separates the Ninja/R3 from the Honda 300/500. As a weekend rider, I want the high strung bike. Typical daily riders may opt for the 500. It takes a certain amount of energy to move any bike down the road against the force of the wind, regardless of engine size. It becomes more difficult to beat 60 mpg without either going torquey down low or really small cc. The 500 is a bit of both, only 471cc and torquey.

 

Quote:
"...Cycle World tested it (R3) at 5.1 Sec 0 to 60 MPH."

"This guy seems to manage 5.23 secs for the CBR500R. Don't know if there are more independent figures out there but that seems about right."

I did four runs of 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) ranging from 5.0 - 5.2 seconds on my CB500FA. Therefore, 0-60 mph is definitely 5 seconds or a shade under.

Glen

 

Quote:
"...Cycle World tested it (R3) at 5.1 Sec 0 to 60 MPH."

"This guy seems to manage 5.23 secs for the CBR500R. Don't know if there are more independent figures out there but that seems about right."

I did four runs of 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) ranging from 5.0 - 5.2 seconds on my CB500FA. Therefore, 0-60 mph is definitely 5 seconds or a shade under.

Glen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whXJqwQc0LQ

GT6SuzukaTimeTrials 3 months ago
I was debating between a CBR300 and Ninja 300. Now I want a CBR500...

 

My 2 cents !!! .......

Went to "Yamaha Ride Day" this morning and test drove the R3. Its the little things I didn't like. I found the mirrors were too close in...had to fold my elbows in lots to see. My knees were pretty bend to compared to my CBR500 (and my old CBR250 as well)...I felt like a "monkey on a football" . LOL And yeah ...you can rev it up good and really twist the wrist on it BUT I think that would get old fast (unless thats what you are looking for). R3 would be ok for a town bike.

BUT for me ... I find the CBR500 better cause ...1) the seating position is better, more comfortable on butt, back and legs 2) smoother motor (less vibes). I guess I just like my Hondas !!! :honda

 

Unfortunately, there are no sales of modern VTR250s. The older VTR250s were sold in the USA from 1988-1990. I have a 1989 model and I love it. It gets 60 MPG and loves to run fast. $4000 is the pricing on the CB300 (plus tax and transportation). I sat on one and it felt perfect. But I had already bought a CB500FA.

ride safely,

 

I think in Australia they sell the newer VTR250 with FI but I'm not sure.

I wonder how much more expensive it is over the CB300.

I had the Ninja 250 and the Nighthawk 250 but the VTR is in a class by itself, by far the best 250 I've ridden.