2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 vs 2020 BMW G 310R

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3

Sport

Engine
Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
169 kg / 373 lbs
2020 BMW G 310R 2020 BMW G 310R

Sport

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Top Speed
88.9 mph
Weight
158.5 kg / 349 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20182020
Colours-HP Motorsport, Cosmic Black, Racing Red
Make ModelYamaha YZF-R 3BMW G 310R
Dimensions
Seat Height779.7 mm / 30.7 in785 mm / 30.9 in
Wheelbase1379.2 mm / 54.3 in1374 mm / 54.1 in
Ground Clearance160 mm / 6.2 in-
Height1 135.3 mm / 44.7 in1080 mm / 42.5 in.
Length2090 mm / 82.3 in1988 mm / 78.3 in
Width718.8 mm / 28.3 in896 mm / 35.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-158.5 kg / 349.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity14 Litres / 3.7 US gal11 Litres / 2.9 US gal
Wet Weight169 kg / 373 lbs158.5 kg / 349 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-143.0 km/h / 88.9 mph
Max Power30.9 kW 41.4 hp @ 10750 rpm25 kW / 34 hp @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque29.6 Nm / 3.0 kg-m @ 9000 rpm28 Nm / 20.7 ft-lb @ 7500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2115 HP/kg
Engine
CO2-77.3 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement321 cc / 19.5 cu-in313 cc / 19.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinderSingle cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke68.0 x 44.1mm80 x 62 mm
Compression Ratio11.2:110.6:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid Cooled
Emissions-Euro 4
Exhaust valve diameter-27.2 mm
Fuel Consumption-3.33 litres/100 km (30.0 km/l or 70.64 mpg)
Fuel InductionElectronic Fuel Injection, 32 mm throttle bodyBMS-E2
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition-
LubricationWet sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve Diameter (Intake)-33.5 mm
EV Specifics
Battery Capacity-12V, 8 Ah
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple-disc coil springWet multi-plate
Final DriveO-ring chainChain, O-ring
Gear Ratios-1st 3.000 / 2 nd 2.063 / 3rd 1.588 / 4th 10286 / 5th 1.095 / 6th 0.955:1
Primary Drive Ratios-3.083:1
Transmission / DriveConstant Mesh, 6-speed6-Speed, constant-mesh
Chassis
Frame TypeDelta boxTubular steel frame in grid structure with bolt-on rear frame
Suspension - Front41mm KYBø telescopic fork41mm Telescopic fork
Suspension - RearAdjustable KYB® single shockAluminium swinging arm in conjunction with a directly mounted spring strut
Rake25°-
Steering Head Angle-64.9°
Trail93.9 mm / 3.7 in102.3 mm / 4.02 in
Wheel Travel - Front130 mm / 5.1 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear124.4 mm / 4.9 in131 mm / 5.5 in
Electrical Systems
Alternator-330W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 300mm disc
Brakes - RearSingle 220mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc
ABS-Standard
Rims - Front-3.0 x 17
Rims - Rear-4.0 x 17
Tyres - Front110/70-17M/C 54H110/70 R17
Tyres - Rear140/70-17M/C 66H150/60 R17
Wheels-5-Spoke, light alloy die-cast

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 and the 2020 BMW G 310R are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 - Advantages

  • Larger fuel tank: More range between stops - an advantage on touring routes and remote roads.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.

2020 BMW G 310R - Advantages

  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More front wheel travel: 140 mm vs 130 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 vs 2020 BMW G 310R - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 and 2020 BMW G 310R?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 uses Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder, while the 2020 BMW G 310R is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which has the larger fuel tank, the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2020 BMW G 310R?
The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the larger tank at approximately 14 litres vs 11 litres for the 2020 BMW G 310R. At 5-6 l/100 km that is roughly 233-280 km vs 183-220 km between stops.
Does the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or 2020 BMW G 310R have ABS?
The 2020 BMW G 310R is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 or the 2020 BMW G 310R?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 Yamaha YZF-R 3 has the edge in larger fuel tank and fuel injection, while the 2020 BMW G 310R stands out for standard ABS and higher front wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.