The hidden gem in this
bike is its updated ECU,
which can transfer twice
the information in the
same given time and
that’s across the board
Credibility hasn’t been only increased in the
looks department. Just as with the R6’s 2017
update, the R3 has had some very important
mods made to the front end. The standard
41mm forks of the old bike have been laid to
rest and a much more modern and higher
quality set of 37mm USD KYB units have taken
their place. These forks are non-adjustable but
a higher standard spec ensures a more refined
ride under all conditions. There are already fork
kits available for budding racers through Ohlins,
which I was lucky enough to test (more on that
later). New triple clamps hold the forks and a
new more aerodynamic front guard rounds out
the package. I mentioned before that the linkage
is the same, which it is, but a sportier more
controlled internal rear shock setting is fitted
this year with a slightly firmer rear spring, which
matches the improvements to the front end.
Ergonomically the bike feels roomier, a new
tank sits 20mm lower than the old model but
keeps the same capacity by being wider at the
top. The bike is a tad more than 31mm wider
and, although this difference doesn’t sound
much, it allows the rider to really feel part of the
bike when cornering and changing direction.
Due to the lower nature of the bike the bars are
also lower than last the gen’ machine, but don’t
let that fool you into thinking it’s an out-and-
out racer ‘cause it’s not. The seating position
at 780mm feels low and comfortable and not
crouched at all.
A new dash’ has certainly blinged up the
cockpit; gone is the analogue clock with an LCD
unit siting in its place. It’s got the standard fare of
information for a bike like this, with trip meters,
fuel economy and fuel gauge taking up most of
the screen with a bar-type tacho’ across the top
that whips across the screen every time you give
the little R3 a rev.
Lighting has been brought into the 21st century
with twin LED reverse-slant lights up front
offering better performance than before and
there’s a matching LED tail light.
The hidden gem in this bike is its updated ECU,
which can transfer twice the information in the
same given time and that’s across the board. It
means the fuel is metered better, the tune feels
better and the ABS works better. All those things
contribute to making the 2019 R a much more
rounded package.