[Vignesh_N/A]

Few suggestions from my two months of ownership

• Add a radiator grill asap. It gets easily damaged during waterwash
• You can buy a fender extender of interceptor to extend the front mudguard. Helps greatly. You might need to drill holes on the mudguard.
• Add a fork cover if you plan to use it on highways.
• I have modified my pillion seat. The comfort can definitely be improved. We recently did 500 kms one day ride and it wasn't deal breaking.
• The sporty premium Yamhalube is best avoided. Consider other brands. You will notice big difference in how effortless the engine and reduction in vibrations as well.
• PPF is must. Atleast for the front panel, rear panels and tank. These parts pick up scratches easily.

On top of this, R3 surpasses my expectation for touring.
The suspension is just about right. It isn't plush though, the deeper potholes are felt. Coming from Naked street bike, it took some time for me to get suited to R3's ergonomics, but still managed to do the first 1000 kms in less than 2 days.

[Sudarshan42]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

[b]
Considering, I have ridden the sporty R15 and the comfortable CB350 Highness, this sits bang on in middle. Best of both worlds for sure!

There was a recent meme/war on the subreddit r/indianbikes started by an unsuspecting user who wanted to sell his CB350 and buy an R15. Because of the sheer difference in the type of motorcycles these two represent, the sub went mad and still references this event.

Your statement on finding a middle ground between the two would be met with cheers because of that

[Kilometeor]

Originally Posted by Vignesh_N/A

Few suggestions from my two months of ownership

• Add a radiator grill asap. It gets easily damaged during waterwash
• You can buy a fender extender of interceptor to extend the front mudguard. Helps greatly. You might need to drill holes on the mudguard.
• Add a fork cover if you plan to use it on highways.
• I have modified my pillion seat. The comfort can definitely be improved. We recently did 500 kms one day ride and it wasn't deal breaking.
  

Super nice. Please provide pointers on the modification of pillion seat. Did you put a grab rail also?

[Vignesh_N/A]

Originally Posted by Kilometeor

Super nice. Please provide pointers on the modification of pillion seat. Did you put a grab rail also?

I retained the shape of the stock seat and added 1" seat foam and a new cover. It was done in Hosur.

For the grab rail, I am planning to weld a bent pipe in the shape of a handle to the top of saddle stay.

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by Vignesh_N/A

Few suggestions from my two months of ownership

• Add a radiator grill asap. It gets easily damaged during waterwash
• You can buy a fender extender of interceptor to extend the front mudguard. Helps greatly. You might need to drill holes on the mudguard.
• Add a fork cover if you plan to use it on highways.
• I have modified my pillion seat. The comfort can definitely be improved. We recently did 500 kms one day ride and it wasn't deal breaking.
• The sporty premium Yamhalube is best avoided. Consider other brands. You will notice big difference in how effortless the engine and reduction in vibrations as well.
• PPF is must. Atleast for the front panel, rear panels and tank. These parts pick up scratches easily.

Thanks for the suggestions. Radiator guard, I will surely consider to fit as soon as possible especially knowing about the radiator fan failures on my previously owned R15.

Originally Posted by Sudarshan42

There was a recent meme/war on the subreddit r/indianbikes started by an unsuspecting user who wanted to sell his CB350 and buy an R15. Because of the sheer difference in the type of motorcycles these two represent, the sub went mad and still references this event.

Your statement on finding a middle ground between the two would be met with cheers because of that

Haha, True! I too have been silently following this reddit stuff.

Originally Posted by Ashishknainan

Congratulations for your new bike. This is one bike I had always wanted to own but somehow had to let go for other (practical) reasons.
Yamaha and for that matter any Japanese engineering bike or car is all about having an effortless riding/driving as well as ownership experience. Having used R15 for over 3 years before shifting to a Honda car, I used to love riding the bike everyday morning. I am sure your 300cc engine must be a charm undoubtedly.

Happy riding!!

Thanks! The engine is indeed the star of the show! Its almost like a quote from Enzo Ferrari - "You pay for the engine, rest of the car(bike in this case) is free"

[R15M_Rider]

First Service Impressions, A bone-chilling scare due to a rather silly mistake, Welcome Kit

So, under a month of ownership, with 22 days into the ownership, I had nearly reached the 1000 km mark today morning. Before starting from home for the service center, my odometer read around 982 km. For first service I had chosen the same Shanti Motors, Pallikarnai from where I had taken delivery. The service center is roughly 9.1 km from my place. I reached the service center at 9.15. I also enquired about what oil they will be using for the R3. I wanted them to use the higher grade RS4GP oil. The person filling the details for service wasn't aware of it. Later I enquired on call with a person on call whom I had interacted with during bike delivery. Clarified that RS4GP was indeed used. As per usual circumstances, I was informed that, bike can be collected in evening around 5PM. They also mentioned that this was the first 2024 R3 to come to their service station. It made me a bit nervous but they did mention they had serviced the previous generation R3s in the past.

Reached the service center at 5.15 PM. They told me to wait for 20 mins with the DB entry of service records and stuff. 20 mins eventually became 45-50 mins eventually. But I had expected this considering my previous service experiences with the R15 in other Yamaha service centers. Bill service came at Rs 3585/-. Majority of the cost due to two cans of RS4GP. I came to know R3 requires 2.3 liters of engine oil and each can of RS4GP comes at Rs 1500/-. Expensive for sure, but I wanted the best for my bike. Rest was mostly chain cleaning and lubing. My goldfish memory forgot totally about the "complimentary RS4GP oil replacement" which is part of the welcome kit.

Having filled up the sheet, I paid the amount and then inspected the bike for a bit before starting. It was indeed nicely polished and cleaned. Until this point, everything seemed Okay.

After riding for a while in heavy traffic thanks to returning commute of people from office in evening, I could definitely feel the engine starting to feel slightly more smoother and also most noticeable was the heat which has reduced quite significantly when compared to before. By significant, I mean, for what I experienced before from first since delivery.

The scare:

After riding for sometime in traffic, suddenly the engine starting to cut off and turn on whenever I pulled the clutch. The headlight was also blinking with the LCD console, behavior seen when you turn off and turn on the bike. This was occurring in middle of traffic on a busy road. It scared the living daylights out of me . I was in shock and panic, every-time I had that mentally scarring noise of the engine shutting and starting itself even now as I type this. At that time I didn't know what could be the cause with already my stressed up mind. Thankfully I was near my home and made up my mind to put of up with this and think about the cause after reaching home. Each time, I pulled the clutch during this period, I was praying that this won't lead to a huge issue.

Upon reaching home, I shut down the engine with the kill switch. Then shut off the rest after moving the key to the off position in the ignition. That is when I noticed something by accident. They didn't seem to be in the "full on" position. It was in between off and on! Like it wasn't twisted fully to the right. Once again, twisted the key in the ignition to on fully this time, then started the bike. Went for a round around the area to test my theory. And voila! The issue had vanished. I think thanks to the lubricants/oil added around the ignition and clutch, I think it became a bit sticky and ignition might not have been at full on position and some speed humps on the way home would have caused it to move into a position where the ignition system was confused, whether the bike is on or off. Lesson learnt, need to ensure, the key in ignition is fully on from now onwards.

The peculiar additional 7km on the Odo:

Upon reaching home, I checked the odometer. It was set at trip in the service center. Odo was reading 1015 km. Now hang on a minute, I left the bike at service center at 993 km (KMR seen in service sheet also). While returning, I overshot a u turn exit by mistake which added another 5 km to my return trip to home from service center. That means, it should read a maximum of 993 + 15 = 1008 km. Where did the extra 7 km come from? Did someone at service tamper the odo a bit(highly unlikely). Did someone go for a joyride/testride(quite likely). They did say this was the first 2024 R3 at their service center so did some fellow joyride it as its quite rare? Whatever it maybe, it did leave a sour taste in my mouth of what otherwise has been quite a decent service as far as mechanical stuff and cosmetics are concerned. The fact that there is a possibility of a guy joyriding/someone offering the bike you bought with your hard earned money, as a test-ride to someone, without knowing of what the consequences might be if something happens, how that person is riding/revving the bike, no matter how reliable the Yamaha engine is, it hurts deeply for sure. I only hope whoever rode it, didn’t do so rashly. Lets say even if it’s a service center person ride for 7 km to make it 1000 km if there is some policy mandated that odo reading must be 1000 or above, then atleast they could’ve told me/hinted me. If only I had taken a picture before service and noticed the odometer reading before leaving. Another lesson learnt I guess, need to be super careful and need take images of the odometer reading before and after service to cross-verify. Fellow R3 owners, is this something that has happened to you as well? Please do share.

Well, that wraps up the first service experience. What should've been a typical and decent service, just spoilt with the additional odometer reading and of course a very scary experience thanks to my own silly error. Lessons learnt in the end though!

Welcome Kit:

Last, but not least the welcome kit, I had received last week from Yamaha. I guess amongst the 2024 R3 BHPians I know, I got it earliest from delivery date, in 3rd week or so. I won't go into detail, but it contained stickers, a Yamaha MotoGP jersey, Oakley sunglasses, a PVR Cinema Gift card worth 3K. The Oakley sunglasses are worth 10k being the most valuable item here.

Wrapping up this post on a positive with another couple of pics taken of the beautiful machine taken before in the last couple of weeks

Until Next Time then,

Ride Safe!

[Vignesh_N/A]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

Lets say even if it’s a service center person ride for 7 km to make it 1000 km if there is some policy mandated that odo reading must be 1000 or above, then atleast they could’ve told me/hinted me.

There is nothing like that. I had over 1050 kms for my 1st service. Plus the bike wasn't taken for test drive. It had the same odo.

This doesnt happen with KTM as well. At the maximum, it would be 2 kms. And what needs to be tested on a 1000 km run vehicle?

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by Vignesh_N/A

There is nothing like that. I had over 1050 kms for my 1st service. Plus the bike wasn't taken for test drive. It had the same odo.

This doesnt happen with KTM as well. At the maximum, it would be 2 kms. And what needs to be tested on a 1000 km run vehicle?

Then it’s a bit unfortunate for sure. I agree, there is no convincing genuine reason for someone to ride it that too for 7 km.

Minor Update:

Sharing some observations after today’s commute:

Mechanically, I feel the service guys have done a good job only. I can feel the difference with the oil change. The throttle response, the slick gear shifts, the response you get from the engine when you rev match, just got even better and a lot smoother. If it weren’t for that 7 km addition in the odo, I really would’ve been fully satisfied.

[Vignesh_N/A]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

I can feel the difference with the oil change. The throttle response, the slick gear shifts, the response you get from the engine when you rev match, just got even better and a lot smoother.

Give the credits to the engine oil. I went for whatever that yamaha calls as sporty premium stuff, and the vibrations are just bad. I have done 3000 kms post oil change. I am planning to change it atleast to liquimoly or castrol power1 ultimate.

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by Vignesh_N/A

Give the credits to the engine oil. I went for whatever that yamaha calls as sporty premium stuff, and the vibrations are just bad. I have done 3000 kms post oil change. I am planning to change it atleast to liquimoly or castrol power1 ultimate.

Absolutely! That is for sure. I even was using RS4GP on my old R15 too. It’s damn expensive. But, you certainly will feel the difference. I was really persuasive for asking them to use RS4GP at any cost instead of the Yamalube Sporty Premium. Once you start using this grade of oil, you will surely never go back.

[bf1983]

Nice write up! The biggest problem I see with this bike is that it makes your team bhp handle incorrect. ��

[R15M_Rider]

Originally Posted by bf1983

Nice write up! The biggest problem I see with this bike is that it makes your team bhp handle incorrect. ��

True! I badly wanted to own my first bike too. More than once, I even mentioned it was a keeper for life. But then reality is, I am not yet comfortable with maintaining and most importantly using both of them equally. But as I mentioned in the initial post, the R3 wouldn’t have happened if it weren’t for the R15. So I guess in a way, I am glad the TBHP handle can’t be changed

[R15M_Rider]

A Small Update:

I got a call from Shanti Motors last week. It seems they have noticed this review posted here on TBHP. Overall they were pretty cool about what was written including the additional "loan processing" charges which wasn't communicated properly. I took this opportunity to enquire about the extra kilometers added on bike when I left it for first service and of course, the complimentary oil change which should've been without charge.

1. As per the dealer, it's standard procedure for a mechanic to take the bike for a spin to check the clutch, throttle response etc. They said, they took the bike 3-4 km to and fro from the showroom, adding that extra 7 km. They assured me that, only the mechanics are allowed to handle the bike and it wasn't given for some test-ride or something else. Personally, as much as I believe they know what they are doing, still obviously it feels little uneasy. 7 km is a big distance for the purpose of testing. Yes that area, where the showroom is, doesn't have a lot of U-Turns which might be adding to the additional distance. Still wish there was a better and safer way to check the bike rather than riding on a busy road for a long distance.

2. Regarding the oil change, I told them that, along with the welcome kit, my first oil change should've been included as complimentary. They checked and it seems they had received the oil. Got the amount refunded for 3k (2 cans of 15k RS4GP). Maybe this review caught their eye , but still on this point, Kudos to Shanti Motors, Pallikarnai.

While I can't say how the case is with other dealers, any of the new 2024 R3 owners can definitely try to approach the dealers for this incase the complimentary oil change isn't offered in the first place since ideally it is part of the Welcome Kit.

[R15M_Rider]

Sudden Refusal To Crank in traffic, Spares Availability & Service Experience:

6th December 2024: It was an usual commute to office. End of the week, looking forward to the weekend, and as usual returning home from office dealing with typical Friday night traffic. With heavy traffic at a signal, I turned off the ignition and waited along with my fellow commuters for the lights to change. As soon as the signal was given, I pushed the ignition knob down. No sign of cranking! Tried again, nothing, then again, 2-3 times, absolutely dead! The lights, the LCD console, was on, engine warning light was on, but it just refused to crank. Middle of the road, with impatient commuters honking left and right. Without any option, I turned on the hazards, wheeled the bike into the service road carefully. It was very congested too but somehow managed to push to a spot with reasonable amount of space. First call to dad about my situation, then called the MD of Shanti Motors, Pallikarnai (same showroom where I took delivery from) and explained about that had transpired. At first, there was some reluctancy since the workers had left and was told to try and get in touch with a nearby dealer. But thankfully, got a call back within 2-3 mins. He recommended to try RSA of Yamaha and at the same time two mechanics were sent to my location from the showroom. So whomever was quicker to reach, will get there. While the RSA number provided by Yamaha had that usual out-sourced recorded message like instructions, it did eventually got me in touch with someone, but he was a bit far off and since it would take too long, I declined and opted to wait for the technicians from Shanti Motors to arrive.

Checking the battery voltage, wasn't the issue as it turned out

After a total hour of waiting, two technicians arrived. At first they inspected the battery, checked the voltage, everything seemed pretty normal. But just no sign of cranking. Then they took it to a nearby street and managed to jump start it. All this time, I was in constant touch with the MD of Shanti Motors who recommended for the technicians to take the bike back to showroom to check the issue the following day as there was no root cause found yet and it could occur anytime again. Reluctantly, I agreed, I didn't have much of a choice. So many emotions were going through the head. They rode the bike back while I returned home with my brother who had come after I called him. I was hoping badly, it was just a small niggle and tomorrow, everything will return to normal.

7th December 2024: First thing, I went back to the showroom, that is around 11.00 AM. It seemed the bike still wasn't inspected by technicians yet. Initially, I wasn't happy with how things were going. First response I got was, it will be checked on Monday morning only. But I wasn't ready to accept that. Once again after some persuading, and some calls, the service guys finally inspected the bike with the OBD tool. It turned out that something in the Stator Assembly unit had failed, which I found after some searching, provides power for the motorcycle's many electrical needs, including lighting, ignition, the fuel pump, and the starter. No wonder it wasn't cranking! By the end of the day, it seemed that the part needs to be ordered from Yamaha directly and out of the two main factories, only Surajur plant near Delhi had stock of a new stator assembly. It would take at least 5-7 working days for the part to arrive at the showroom, basically a week.

What the Stator Assembly looks like

Being my dream motorcycle and the fact that such an issue happened this early in ownership, was really hard to digest for a few days. Way too emotional too. Even the service guys said, this has never occurred before on an R3, just so happens I was the one to land in this. But I was assured that, this would be covered under warranty and the bike would be given back as soon as the part reached the showroom. What happened, as happened, will just need to push through a week and hope for the best.

One good thing was, there was never a scenario where I was left in the dark. Each and every time, be it a message/through phone call, my queries/concerns were always addressed. So communication with the dealer was without any hiccups. Soon by the end of the week (14th Dec 2024), I decided to visit the showroom once just to get the tracking no. Seemed it reached Chennai. Only a matter of time it reaches the showroom. Finally, on 16th Dec evening, got confirmation that the part has reached the showroom and work has begun. Next day evening, the bike was ready. They mentioned, they even arranged for a senior technician to inspect the bike thoroughly to ensure no further hiccups will be possible. They said, they will test ride the bike again, though personally I didn't feel comfortable earlier of this practice, this time I felt it was very much required to ensure smooth sailing. Bike was given a good wash before getting delivered. As it was under warranty, no charge was added. I guess the stator assembly costs Rs 7900/- as per the bill amount shared.

Back Home!

So, to conclude then,

Was I disappointed? - Of course I was. Frankly never in my wildest dreams I imagined, such a scenario would occur to me. I mean machines can go wrong, but I never expected it to be this early in ownership, that too from Yamaha. Emotions were really high during the first few days of this episode. But in the end, it wasn't a nightmare, not even by a long stretch. Thankfully, Yamaha too had stock of spares at one of their manufacturing plants, no idea, how much longer it would've taken if this had to be imported like the bike! Of course, while I cannot comment on how such scenarios are handled by Yamaha dealers/service centers in general, my experience was really good with Shanti Motors, Chennai. As impatient I was initially, my messages/calls were never ignored and was in constant touch during this whole episode. So, definitely, thumbs up for the same. It was not one of those cases where, after taking delivery of the bike, the folks treated you differently when you land in a problem.

And just within three days, thanks to rainy, wet and slushy road surface, back to normal

Having ridden for 2 days after receiving the bike, no sign of any further trouble seen. Hope to cover many kilometres without worry from now onwards!

Ride Safe!

[b16h22]

Originally Posted by R15M_Rider

Sudden Refusal To Crank in traffic, Spares Availability & Service Experience:

Not a great look on Yamaha honestly. We generally associate the Japs to above average reliability but a stator coil failure is a substantial issue for a bike that's just a few months old and a CBU import. First gen 390s and BMW 310s had stator coil issues but that cropped up later in the ownership tenure.