Yamaha has marked its 70th anniversary with the reveal of the Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition, a visually stunning supersport model that pays tribute to the brand’s rich racing heritage while retaining the core performance the R3 is globally loved for. The special edition, showcased alongside the updated R-Series lineup for 2026, features a striking white-red or gold-white celebratory livery inspired by the iconic 1999 YZF-R7.
With refreshed colours, commemorative graphics, and Yamaha’s renewed motorsport spirit, the R3 steps into 2026 as both a collector’s piece and a symbol of Yamaha’s 70-year journey from innovation to international racing dominance.
Key Takeaways: Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition and 2026 Supersport Updates
- Yamaha R3 receives a special 70th Anniversary Edition for 2026, featuring white-red or gold-white colours inspired by the historic 1999 R7.
- The anniversary livery includes bold graphics, raised 3D red tiles, and gold tuning-fork branding, giving the R3 a premium, collectible appearance.
- Mechanically unchanged, the R3 continues with its proven 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, USD forks, diamond-type chassis, and dual-channel ABS.
- The updated R-Series lineup for 2026 includes Anniversary Editions of the R1, R9, R7, and R3, all featuring Yamaha’s heritage race colours.
- In India, the older R3 remains priced at Rs 3.39 lakh (ex-showroom), while the new anniversary edition is unlikely to launch.
- 70th Anniversary theme draws from Yamaha’s racing DNA, seen recently at MotoGP Assen, Suzuka 8 Hours, and the ADAC Sachsenring Classic.
A Brief Look Back at Yamaha’s 70-Year Journey
Yamaha Motor began in 1955 as a division of Nippon Gakki—today’s Yamaha Corporation—under Genichi Kawakami, who believed that “if you’re going to do something, be the best.” Using WWII machining equipment built for aircraft propellers, Yamaha produced its first motorcycle, the YA-1, which famously won the Mt. Fuji Ascent Race just nine days after Yamaha Motor was founded.
That victory established Yamaha’s identity as a performance-driven brand, laying the foundation for seven decades of racing excellence across MotoGP, endurance racing, motocross, and global supersport championships.
Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition: A Modern Sportbike Wearing Historic Colours
The Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition stands out as one of the most visually striking models in Yamaha’s 2026 supersport lineup. Designed to honour seven decades of engineering and racing achievements, the R3 features an exclusive livery inspired by the legendary white-red scheme of the 1999 YZF-R7, one of Yamaha’s most iconic homologation machines.
A Celebratory Paint Scheme That Commands Attention
Depending on the market, the R3 anniversary edition is offered in:
- White & Red historic racing colours, or
- Gold-White commemorative scheme
The fairing, fuel tank, seat cowl, and wheel rims feature bold anniversary graphics. In the red-white version, 3D red tiles appear raised on the side panels, adding depth and giving the motorcycle a custom racebike feel. Yamaha branding on the headlamp and fuel tank, black accents on the lower fairing, and limited-edition decals complete the design.
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Every element of the colourway has been curated to make the R3 look like a motorsport celebration on wheels.
Proven Performance: The Heart of the R3 Remains Untouched
While the special edition R3 receives a dramatic visual upgrade, Yamaha has retained its proven mechanical package. The motorcycle continues to be powered by a:
- 321cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine
- Producing 40.4 bhp and 29.4 Nm
- Paired to a smooth 6-speed gearbox
- Equipped with an assist and slipper clutch
This engine has long been praised for its responsive character, smooth power delivery, and urban-plus-highway versatility—qualities Yamaha chose not to alter for the anniversary series.
Hardware That Balances Agility and Stability
The R3 continues with:
- Diamond-type chassis
- Non-adjustable USD front forks
- Rear monoshock
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Single disc brakes at both ends
- Dual-channel ABS
The riding dynamics remain sharp, confidence-inspiring, and ideal for both daily rides and spirited weekend runs.
A modern TFT display enhances the cockpit, while the lightweight construction and balanced geometry keep the R3 competitive in its class.
India Availability: Anniversary R3 Not Expected Soon
The older Yamaha R3 model (non-anniversary) is currently priced in India at Rs 3.39 lakh, ex-showroom. Yamaha has not launched the 2026 global R3 yet, and the 70th Anniversary Edition is unlikely to arrive due to the earlier lukewarm response caused by premium pricing.
Global markets, however, will receive the R3 70th Anniversary Edition in 2026 as part of a limited-production run, making it highly appealing to international collectors and supersport enthusiasts.
Part of a Larger Celebration: Full R-Series Anniversary Lineup
The R3 joins Yamaha’s wider 2026 70th Anniversary R-Series lineup, which includes:
- Yamaha R1 – $19,699
- Yamaha R9 – $12,899
- Yamaha R7 – $9,699
- Yamaha R3 – $5,699
Each model wears the historic white-red colours, complete with speedblock graphics and a gold tuning-fork logo reminiscent of Yamaha’s factory racing machines from the 1990s.
R3’s Place in Yamaha’s Racing Heritage Celebrations
Yamaha’s 70th year has also seen historic appearances at MotoGP Assen, Suzuka 8 Hours and the ADAC Sachsenring Classic. At the Sachsenring, the Yamaha Racing Heritage Club showcased restored icons like the TD-1B, YZR500 and YZR750, ridden by legends including Steve Baker, Carlos Checa, and Graham Read.
The R3’s anniversary edition visually connects to this heritage, representing Yamaha’s commitment to blending modern performance with timeless racing identity.
The R3’s New Chapter in Yamaha’s Supersport Future
The Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition is more than a cosmetic update—it is a tribute to the brand’s motorsport achievements, global racing influence, and decades of engineering progress. While mechanically unchanged, its celebratory design, heritage colours and limited-edition appeal make it one of the most special iterations of the R3 ever created.
As Yamaha steps into its eighth decade, the R3 stands as a reminder of where it all began and where the supersport future is headed: shaped by history, engineered for performance and built with a racing spirit that has never faded.
FAQs on Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition
1. What is special about the Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition?
It features exclusive white-red or gold-white racing-inspired colours, 3D graphics, heritage decals, and premium visual upgrades while retaining the proven 321cc twin-cylinder engine.
2. Will the Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition launch in India?
The special anniversary R3 is unlikely to launch in India due to the previously weak market response and premium pricing of the standard R3.
3. What engine does the Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition use?
It uses the same 321cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled engine producing 40.4 bhp and around 29.4 Nm, identical to the standard model’s performance.
4. What is the price of the Yamaha R3 70th Anniversary Edition globally?
Yamaha has priced the R3 70th Anniversary Edition at approximately 5,699 USD for international markets as part of the 2026 R-Series lineup.
5. Which Yamaha bikes get the 70th Anniversary colours?
The exclusive anniversary colours are offered on the Yamaha R1, R9, R7, and R3, featuring the iconic 1999 R7-inspired white-red livery and heritage speedblock graphics.
