The Yamaha YZF-R3 in Action
There are only a few things that can lure me out of my house on a lazy Sunday: a new motorcycle, and good food. Last Sunday, it was the promise of both that compelled me to forego the comforts of my bed. Having slept through most of the morning, I was woken up by my friend's phone call around 11 o'clock. She curtly reminded me that I had promised to help her out at her food stall near the world famous Chakuchak weekend market in Bangkok. For my efforts, I would be rewarded with free food. It sounded like a good deal, as last night's dinner, was nothing to write about.There was only one problem. My friend wanted me there in 30 minutes. Even if I made it with the limited time I had, it would take me 30 minutes just to find a parking slot for my car. Pondering over my options, I suddenly remembered that I had the Yamaha YZF-R3, too.
Google Maps told me the journey from my house to the Chakuchak weekend market would take 30 minutes. I had no time to waste. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has a digital clock on the instrument cluster, which would help me keep track of time. It was around midday when I set off, and with the sun blazing I put my helmet on and made a run for it.
In the area where I live, there was little traffic, with it being Sunday, and I got to unleash the 41 horsepower of the Yamaha YZF-R3 on more than a few occasions. On a straight section, I noticed I was doing 120km/h in fifth gear. It's a lot of speed, but on the Yamaha R3, you can hardly feel it. The engine was at ease, and I still had another gear to play with.
Being the responsible citizen that I am, I quickly eased off, and the R3 comfortably settled just under 100km/h. Though it has a little bit more than twice the cubic capacity of the YZF-R15, Yamaha has managed to keep this motorcycle just as compact. This helps greatly, as I learned while weaving through heavy traffic when I came closer to the Chakuchak weekend market. And I must add: while highway rides are fun on the Yamaha YZF-R3, it can tackle traffic jams with ease, too.
Reaching the Chakuchak market, I quickly parked the motorcycle at the motorcycle parking and glanced at the clock. 12:29pm it said. I had a minute to spare. I walked to my friends stall where she was sweating it out, the orders coming in thick and fast. I put on my apron and accepted the post of sous chef, in the hope of enjoying a decent meal at the end of my shift. But with so many hungry people to feed, there was not much food left for either of us. The silver lining in all this, though, was that I could go dinner-hunting on the Yamaha YZF-R3….Tag: Yamaha YZF-R3 300cc Parallel-Twin Sportbike Performance Riding Handling
