Tag Archives: sportbike

2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 and R7 Preview 

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The 2025 YZF-R3 gets new bodywork inspired by Yamaha’s MotoGP bikes.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 has been the stepping stone into the brand’s R World of sportbikes since its debut in 2015, and it gets revamped for 2025 with new bodywork and instrumentation to enhance its style and practicality.  

2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 

The 2025 YZF-R3 is freshened with styling inspired by Yamaha’s YZR-M1 MotoGP racebike, including a bolder front fairing, sleek new side panels, and a sporty new tailsection with signature R-series tail wing. Slimmer side covers match a narrower seat to provide a shorter reach to the ground, and seat height is 30.7 inches. The YZF-R3’s relaxed riding position is otherwise unchanged. 

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Don’t let the R3’s racy bodywork lead you to believe it’s uncomfortable, as it has a fairly open riding position.

Yamaha YZF-R3 Review 

New LED lighting adds a more contemporary appearance, including a new single projector-type headlight flanked by four-element position lights, along with a new LED taillight and turnsignals. 

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Full LED lighting is now part of the 2025 YZF-R3 package.

Instrumentation is provided by new LCD gauges that now display connected smartphone information along with vehicle data. Yamaha Motorcycle Connect connectivity works in conjunction with the free Y-Connect app to connect the bike to your phone, which includes the ability to view incoming calls and message notifications. A new USB-A socket is located next to the display to provide power for phone charging or heated gear.  

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The 2025 YZF-R3 comes equipped with a new LCD instrument panel with smartphone connectivity. A USB charging port sits to the left of the gauges.

No changes were announced for the R3’s revvy 320cc parallel-Twin engine, but the fuel-injected powerplant now includes Yamaha’s Assist & Slipper clutch that reduces clutch effort and eases engine-braking forces for smoother downshifts from the 6-speed transmission. The R3 should still be able to achieve 110 mph.  

2025 Yamaha YZF-R9 Preview 

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The YZF-R3’s relatively low seat height of 30.7 inches makes it accessible for most any rider.

For suspension, the R3 retains its 37mm inverted KYB fork and KYB monoshock, the latter adjustable for spring preload. Brakes are also unchanged from the 298mm front-disc setup with a 2-piston caliper and 220mm disc with 1-piston caliper on the rear wheel, both backed up by standard ABS. Curb weight is listed at 373 lb, and Yamaha claims the bike sips fuel at a 56-mpg rate.  

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The YZF-R3’s sleek new styling looks at home on a racetrack.

Added up, Yamaha says the 2025 YZF-R3 puts “an emphasis on lightweight, nimble handling, and real-world practicality” and is “a perfect choice for everyone from first-time riders to experienced track day enthusiasts.”  

The 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3’s sporty package has a retail price of $5,499 in your choice of Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black, or Lunar White/Nebular Blue. It will arrive at dealers in December. 

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The updated YZF-R3 will be available in three colorways, including this Lunar White/Nebular Blue.

2025 Yamaha YZF-R7 

Yamaha’s popular YZF-R7 returns unchanged for 2025, still powered by the 689cc CP2 parallel-Twin engine with a 270-degree crankshaft for a V-Twin-like exhaust note. The fully faired sportbike will hit dealers in December priced at $9,199 in your choice of Team Yamaha Blue or Matte Raven Black. 

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The YZF-R7 returns for 2025 and will be available in Matte Raven Black or Team Yamaha Blue.

Learn more about Yamaha’s complete lineup at the Yamaha Motorcycles website.  

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

The post 2025 Yamaha YZF-R3 and R7 Preview  appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

Lightning Strike Electric Motorcycle First Look

After months of teasing out aspects of its new model, the day has finally arrived. Lightning Motorcycles officially launched the Strike, an electric sportbike with a variety of configurations to match both budget and ride style.

The standard Strike will start at $12,998 and features a 10-kWh battery and AC induction motor which promises 90 hp, 180 pound-feet of torque, and a top speed of 135 mph. This battery will offer a range of 70/100 miles highway/city and come with Level 1 and Level 2 charging options. Level 1 provides a full charge overnight from a standard 110-volt outlet at home, while Level 2 offers a full charge in two to three hours at any J1772 public charging station. Level 3 fast-charging and a more efficient onboard charger (from 3.3 kilowatts to 6.6 kilowatts) are options for the standard strike, but each upgrade will cost $1,500 a piece.

There will also be a midrange Strike that packs a larger, 15-kWh battery. It’s power output and charging inlet configuration are the same as the standard Strike, but its range is increased to 105/150 miles highway/city. Weight goes up slightly as well, with the midrange Strike weighing 465 pounds. The standard Strike tips the scales at 455 pounds. The Level 3 charging upgrade and onboard charger upgrade are options here too. A midrange Strike will start at $16,998.

The Strike Carbon is the best of the best, with a 20-kWh battery capable of 150/200 miles highway/city. It’s got 120 hp and 180 pound-feet of torque, all three charging inlets, and the 6.6-kilowatt onboard charger. Regarding other elements of its build, the Strike Carbon will also come with the Lightning Performance Package. That means Öhlins suspension throughout, Brembo braking kit, and an AIM Strada racing dash. It weighs 485 pounds, will price at $19,998, and be the first version of Strike to be delivered to customers starting July 2019.

The standard Strike can be upgraded with some or all of the performance parts included on the Carbon.


RELATED: Zero SR/F Electric Motorcycle First Look


Engineers sought to make the Strike as aerodynamically efficient as possible, so devised its sportbike look through wind tunnel testing to help reduce drag and thereby improve range. The rider triangle was developed more for street riding, with an emphasis on comfort and broader usability. It’s more open and natural than the ergos of Lightning’s LS-218 superbike, which provided inspiration for the Strike.

To help keep people from looping the Strike and its 180 pound-feet of torque when the light turns green, Lightning refined throttle response to provide predictable and manageable power. There’s no specifics as to exactly how power delivery will be managed in today’s news, however.

Will the appeal of this Silicon Valley-engineered sportbike part you with your hard-earned cash? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com