Good news for bike lovers in India—Yamaha has dropped the prices of its popular R3 and MT-0 motorcycles by nearly ₹20,000. The move comes right after the government’s decision to reduce GST on motorcycles under 350cc from 28% to 18%, making mid-capacity bikes more affordable for enthusiasts.
Both the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 fall under this category, and Yamaha India has wasted no time in passing on the tax benefit directly to customers.
Yamaha R3: Now More Affordable
The Yamaha R3—a sportbike known for its sleek design and everyday usability—now comes with a new ex-showroom price of ₹3,39,028, down from ₹3,59,900.
That’s a direct price reduction of around ₹20,872.
For riders who were on the fence about upgrading to a premium 300cc bike, this new price makes the R3 a much more attractive option. It’s Yamaha’s way of saying—performance doesn’t always have to come at a premium.
Yamaha MT-03: Street Fighter Gets a Price Slash
The Yamaha MT-03, the streetfighter twin of the R3, also benefits from the GST revision. Its price now stands at ₹3,29,608 (ex-showroom), compared to the earlier ₹3,49,900.
That’s a cut of roughly ₹20,000, bringing it closer to rivals in the same class.
The MT-03 appeals to riders who prefer an upright, aggressive stance and city-friendly ergonomics — and this new pricing could help Yamaha tap into that growing market of young urban bikers.
Why The Price Drop Matters
This reduction isn’t just about lower prices—it’s part of a larger market shift.
The government’s GST rate cut on bikes below 350cc has made performance motorcycles more accessible to Indian buyers. For many, it bridges the gap between entry-level commuters and high-end superbikes.
Yamaha, which already lowered prices for some of its smaller models recently, has strategically positioned itself to benefit from the move. In fact, earlier this month, the brand slashed prices of its entry-level bikes by up to ₹17,500, signalling a strong push to boost sales across its portfolio.
A Familiar Engine With Proven Performance
Both the R3 and MT-03 are powered by Yamaha’s 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine, which produces 41.4 bhp and 29.5 Nm of torque.
They share the same performance DNA but differ in design and riding character:
- The R3 is a fully-faired sportbike designed for speed and aerodynamics.
- The MT-03 is a naked streetfighter aimed at comfort and daily rideability.
Both bikes come equipped with telescopic front forks, a rear monoshock, and dual disc brakes with ABS, ensuring a perfect balance of comfort, control, and safety.
These features make them capable city performers while still offering enough excitement for weekend highway rides.
Previous Price Cuts and Market Buzz
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Yamaha has trimmed prices for its mid-capacity models. Earlier in 2025, the company had already reduced the R3 and MT-03 prices by nearly ₹1 lakh, responding to slower-than-expected sales after launch.
Now, with the GST relief added to the mix, the two models are positioned to attract a broader audience — especially first-time performance bike buyers who previously found them slightly out of reach.
However, there’s one concern among enthusiasts: Yamaha India still hasn’t launched the latest international versions of the R3 and MT-03, which have already been introduced in markets like Europe and Japan. Fans are still waiting for confirmation on when those updated versions will reach Indian showrooms.
What This Means For Buyers
For anyone eyeing a reliable, premium, yet affordable 300cc motorcycle, this is the perfect time to make a move. The price drop brings Yamaha’s R3 and MT-03 closer to competitors like the KTM Duke 390, TVS Apache RR 310, and Kawasaki Ninja 300.
With the revised GST rate, riders can now enjoy Yamaha’s proven engineering and twin-cylinder performance at a more accessible price point.
Final Take
The government’s tax reform has clearly given a push to India’s mid-size motorcycle market — and Yamaha is making the most of it. The R3 and MT-03 were already strong contenders for riders seeking refined performance and style. Now, with prices lower by around ₹20,000, they’ve become even harder to ignore.
