Straight SHOOTER

Now that Yamaha has taken the CBU route with the R3, can it still provide the right blend of practicality and performance? Or has it been relegated to being just another option in the market?

- Abhinav Jakhar

There are certain Japanese brands that I respect immensely, thanks to unwavering commitment to making motorcycles that don’t just work well, but excite too. When it comes to motorcycles, Yamaha has always held a particularly special place in my heart. I distinctly remember hearing the RX100 whizz past me in my younger years with that unforgettable exhaust note. I was instantly intrigued by its sparse but distinct styling. Also, the first ever motorcycle I rode and learnt to ride on was the Yamaha G5, a simple but fun-to-ride commuter. These motorcycles cemented Yamaha’s reputation of blending practicality with performance. Recently, I got my hands on the YZF-R3, and wondered if Yamaha’s heady blend is still alive and kicking.