The latest GST update in India has presented welcome relief for motorcycle enthusiasts, particularly those who aspire for mid-capacity performance bikes. With the government reducing the tax burden on motorcycles less than 350cc from 28% to 18%, there are a number of popular models that have become cheaper. Amongst the greatest gainer of this update is Yamaha’s MT-03 and R3, both of which are the company’s most respected premium models in the Indian marketplace.
Yamaha R3 and MT-03 See Price Drop of Rs. 20,000
Thanks to the new GST structure, both bikes have received a price reduction of around Rs. 20,000. Following the revision, the Yamaha R3 is now priced at Rs. 3.39 lakh, while its streetfighter sibling, the MT-03, costs Rs. 3.30 lakh (both ex-showroom).
This marks the second major price cut for the duo in 2025. Earlier in January 2025, Yamaha had surprised enthusiasts by slashing the prices of both models by a massive Rs. 1.10 lakh, making them far more competitive in the premium motorcycle segment. With this latest reduction, Yamaha continues to strengthen its position in India’s sub-350cc category, making its bikes more accessible to enthusiasts.
Sharing the Same Platform, Different Personalities
The Yamaha R3 and MT-03 are built on the same platform, yet cater to distinctly different riding styles. The R3, with its aggressive fairing and sporty ergonomics, appeals to those who crave the thrill of corner carving and highway touring. On the other hand, the MT-03, the naked version, offers a more upright and street-friendly riding posture, ideal for city commutes and spirited weekend rides.
Both bikes are powered by a 321cc, liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder engine that produces smooth and linear power delivery. Known for its refinement and engaging character, this motor is paired with a six-speed gearbox, ensuring a lively performance across all gears. Complementing the engine is a lightweight diamond-type frame and a well-tuned suspension setup, providing excellent handling and stability — qualities that make these bikes some of the most enjoyable to ride in their class.
A More Balanced Proposition Than Ever Before
When the Yamaha R3 and MT-03 were reintroduced to the Indian market in 2023, their initial pricing positioned them well above competitors such as the Aprilia RS 457 and Tuono 457, which made them harder to justify despite their proven reliability and engineering finesse.
However, the recent back-to-back price revisions have dramatically changed that narrative. With prices now starting just above the Rs. 3.3 lakh mark, both bikes offer a compelling mix of performance, refinement, and brand reliability, giving riders more value for money than ever before.
What the Price Cut Means for Enthusiasts
For enthusiasts who once admired the R3 and MT-03 from afar, this new pricing brings these machines within reach. The bikes’ legendary Yamaha build quality, refined twin-cylinder engine, and engaging ride dynamics make them ideal for both beginner and intermediate riders seeking to upgrade from smaller single-cylinder motorcycles.
The GST-driven reduction also signals a positive shift for India’s mid-capacity motorcycle market, as brands may now find greater incentive to bring in high-quality international models at competitive prices.
Final Thoughts
The new GST regime has not only made motorcycles under 350cc more affordable but also reignited enthusiasm for models like the Yamaha R3 and MT-03. With their current pricing — Rs. 3.39 lakh for the R3 and Rs. 3.30 lakh for the MT-03 — Yamaha has struck a near-perfect balance between premium performance and accessibility.
Both bikes, with their proven engineering and distinctive personalities, now make a lot more sense for Indian riders looking for a refined, reliable, and fun-to-ride motorcycle that doesn’t break the bank.
Yamaha’s strategic pricing, coupled with the government’s pro-consumer GST reforms, might just be the boost needed to revitalize the sub-350cc performance bike segment in India — and the R3 and MT-03 are leading that charge in style.