[techyiam]

I'm looking to get an R3, however, a couple of issues cropped up while on a test ride.

One issue is that the engine is somewhat vibey at idle, and seems to keep at that level in the background as the rev's go up.

The second issue has to do with the transmission. I find the shifting from 1st, or 2nd, balky/notchy at times. I have read that it was supposedly be positive and smooth.

Are these issues only pertains to this test-bike, or that's how the R3 is.

In comparison to the test-bike, the Ninja 300 engine feels more refined and smoother. This can be said with the shifting as well. I did not rev past 7500 rpm on the R3 test-bike.

Forum's consensus would be appreciated.

 

[nick]

I'm looking to get an R3, however, a couple of issues cropped up while on a test ride.

One issue is that the engine is somewhat vibey at idle, and seems to keep at that level in the background as the rev's go up.

The second issue has to do with the transmission. I find the shifting from 1st, or 2nd, balky/notchy at times. I have read that it was supposedly be positive and smooth.

Are these issues only pertains to this test-bike, or that's how the R3 is.

In comparison to the test-bike, the Ninja 300 engine feels more refined and smoother. This can be said with the shifting as well. I did not rev past 7500 rpm on the R3 test-bike.

Forum's consensus would be appreciated.

hmm ive never noticed any of those problems with my r3. but then again this is my first bike so i dont really have anything to compare it too haha

 

[techyiam]

Thanks your reply. A data point is a data point.

The bad shifting wasn't as subjective. I had to make a couple of attempts to shift into the next gear. If you did not experience any difficulties in shifting into the next higher gear, that's a good sign.

 

[nick]

Thanks your reply. A data point is a data point.

The bad shifting wasn't as subjective. I had to make a couple of attempts to shift into the next gear. If you did not experience any difficulties in shifting into the next higher gear, that's a good sign.

i do notice that shifting is a little clunky as im shifting into 2nd or downshifting to 1st other than that its fairly smooth

 

[Maverick]

over 1200KM and I can attest to not always a smooth shift. I notice it on 2 to 3 vs 1 to 2.

I blame it more on carelessly not completely letting the shift lever sit free (top of foot rests against it), then I will have a missed/notchy 2 to 3 shift.

If Im sure to relax my foot after my 1 to 2 shift and not put any load on the shift lever at all it will shift butter smooth from 2 to 3.

Just what Ive noticed personally.

Could just be the clutch cable needed adjustment on the demo. Could also just be in my head but I find it shifts smoother after a fresh oil change as well.

As for vibes... Im very happy with how seemingly vibeless this motor is compared to any other dirt bike/atv Ive ever ridden.

 

[Dman250r]

I have noticed the bushings in some of the R3 shifter linkages are a little loose fitting. Best thing would be to get bearings fitted or aftermarket rearsets.

 

[YR3]

hmm ive never noticed any of those problems with my r3. but then again this is my first bike so i dont really have anything to compare it too haha

Good choice of a first bike, sure beats the CBR250 I started out with

 

[RandyD]

Coming from a former Buell and Ducati owner I don't find it to be terribly notchy. You do have to firm and positive but that's an old race habit so it's not a problem for me. My wife has issues finding neutral but that's just a beginner rider issue IMO

 

[Lollingthunder]

Compared to my motorcycle, when I ride the wife's R3, the shifting is loud and clunky. Also I notice when the motorcycle first starts, it vibrates a lot. But after riding for 20+ minutes, it doesn't vibrate so much. I'm basing this on staring at the rear indicators. Haha.

 

[Ravaloft]

Problem I have is if I pop to neutral at a red light when it goes green and I try to go to first the bike usually won't do it. I know I press the lever down hard but it just doesn't go.

 

[Maverick]

Problem I have is if I pop to neutral at a red light when it goes green and I try to go to first the bike usually won't do it. I know I press the lever down hard but it just doesn't go.

Try a couple different things

1) Adjust your clutch cable to Operating Manual specs (10-15mm at end of lever) Its very easy to do.

2) Roll the bike forward or back slightly before selecting first while the clutch is pulled in

3) Dont sit holding the clutch in, only pull the clutch in right before you go to select first.

I was experiencing this as well and it was very frustrating, I now check my adjustments weekly and dont hold the clutch in at lights and it drops to first 95% of the time.

 

[Ravaloft]

Try a couple different things

1) Adjust your clutch cable to Operating Manual specs (10-15mm at end of lever) Its very easy to do.

2) Roll the bike forward or back slightly before selecting first while the clutch is pulled in

3) Dont sit holding the clutch in, only pull the clutch in right before you go to select first.

I was experiencing this as well and it was very frustrating, I now check my adjustments weekly and dont hold the clutch in at lights and it drops to first 95% of the time.

I am very guilty of #3 just to avoid not being able to pop into gear. The able has been adjusted by a tech at a local bike meet at the dealer where I had gotten the bike. So time to try #2 . Thanks Mav

 

[nick]

Problem I have is if I pop to neutral at a red light when it goes green and I try to go to first the bike usually won't do it. I know I press the lever down hard but it just doesn't go.

this use to happen to me as well. i found it easier to get to first by rolling the bike slightly forward while taping down on the lever at the same time

 

[Blueballs]

I have some slight problems getting into 2nd or 3rd but im not sure if that's new rider error or the bike. There was a thread on the Ninja 300 forum how they were having problems engaging gear from a stop and it had to do with the way the transmission is, if I find it i'll post it they explained it well. Try not to shift down a bunch of gears at once, space it out and it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[axif86]

over 1200KM and I can attest to not always a smooth shift. I notice it on 2 to 3 vs 1 to 2.

I blame it more on carelessly not completely letting the shift lever sit free (top of foot rests against it), then I will have a missed/notchy 2 to 3 shift.

If Im sure to relax my foot after my 1 to 2 shift and not put any load on the shift lever at all it will shift butter smooth from 2 to 3.

Just what Ive noticed personally.

Could just be the clutch cable needed adjustment on the demo. Could also just be in my head but I find it shifts smoother after a fresh oil change as well.

As for vibes... Im very happy with how seemingly vibeless this motor is compared to any other dirt bike/atv Ive ever ridden.

I agree with the 2nd to 3rd shifting. I experience the same. Hard shifts sometimes and at times it shifts perfectly smooth. All other gears shifts are smooth. Still not narrowed down what it is. I'm gonna pay attention now to the shift lever sitting free since you mentioned it.

 

[techyiam]

Thanks for the great input, appreciate it.

 

[RS125]

Does the R3 have issues with the suspension (especially the rear shock)? I've read a lot of reviews, and some reviewers really like the suspension, while others hate is and say that it criplles the bike. Some quotes:
" Even on the street the R3's soft shock was problematic, as it caused the rear to sag and made steering heavy."

"I'm concerned your R3 had the spring problem, so I discussed the situation with Yamaha's product team to determine if you had a pre-production bike or if they've made the correction and should allow you a follow-up test. They confirmed they will look into the problem."

"I had a chance to put in a lap on this bike with YCRS, and while it has a ton of potential, there is one fatal flaw that I'm surprised isn't mentioned. The suspension is complete ****. The springs are really, really soft, like sprung for a 120 lbs rider and there very little damping, so as you pick up the pace, you're just pogoing around all over the place. Get that sorted and you have a brilliant little bike."

"Does it handle?
Oh yes. Better than you can ride it, in fact. I spent two days with middle-aged men, some of whom had raced MotoGP and won Superbike titles, and I’ve gotta tell you that if the R3 did not handle, we would have known. The fact is, it did. Magnificently. This is due to its balance (almost a perfect 50-50 split front and back), fat 41mm forks (the fatter they are, the more rigid they are, kiddies, and rigidity is a desirable thing in a fork), an adjustable-for-preload rear shock, hollow axles (any reduction in un-sprung weight is a good thing), and a steel diamond-type frame that uses the motor as a stressed structural member. It’s very agile, but stable in corners and despite its light weight, it’s not all that easy to unsettle even if you’re doing crazy stuff"

 

[t-rav_12]

Coming off a pre-gen ninja 2-fitty as my daily commuter, I think the R3's suspension is very "sporty" for a stock small displacement bike. It's not as firm or desirable or adjustable as my built suspension on my track bike ninja 2-fitty, but keep in mind that we got a pretty sweet package for the price point. Suspension is considerably easier to build up or replace than building up your motor, and Yamaha din't get chincy in the engine department. I'd wager that the majority of new R3 owners aren't going to race their bikes, so the manufacturer needs to cater to the masses, all while cutting costs on production.

 

[AJ Nin]

The Ninja 300 transmission may be a little smoother with slightly less vibration, but if so, it isn't much. You can't go wrong with either bike, but I also don't think one bike is better than the other. Acceleration, comfort, riding position, transmission, vibration are pretty equal. I've owned 3 Ninja 300's and might have bought a new one except for the limited color selection for 2015. I think the R3 is a better looking bike. Really it boils down to looks, color selection, best deal, best dealer, or which one you want to race...things like that. The R3 doesn't have ABS or a slipper clutch and it has a smaller gas tank. These are negatives. The R3 has slightly better high speed power for passing and handles 80 mph slightly better I think. My R3 has more vibration the higher you get in the revs which is typical, but it is never vibey.

 

[michaeln56]

Problem I have is if I pop to neutral at a red light when it goes green and I try to go to first the bike usually won't do it. I know I press the lever down hard but it just doesn't go.

Try slipping the clutch a little bit while holding down on the shifter. Some transmission movement will let the gears mesh properly and let you shift into first