I picked it up today and put 43 miles on it before the lovely Puget Sound traffic said Lets go home. This R3 is pretty committed to sport side riding feel compared to the 250/300R. This R3 is more towards the R lineage than sport touring. Their is noticeable lack of legroom compared to the CBR500R which is a lounge chair to me. My arms are sore as I am not used to clip ons. I know I will get used to the riding position within a few more hundred miles. Both the CBR300R and CBR500R are more comfortable for any size rider imo.
The power in the bike in no way feel anything like a starter bike. You can be on the freeway in 4th gear just fine, whether that is a good thing for the engine is up to you. Passing power not an issue within reason of course on any kind of road. The gear indicator is a terrific thing to have, once you have it you wonder why bike makers just don't make it standard.
The ride is connected, any input to to the left or right is felt right away, their is no lag feeling that I felt on the FZ6R , that bike was way too top heavy and sedate in handling for me. Its a compact bike, I really suggest bigger riders think about it long and hard before pulling the trigger. Its feels smaller than the Ninja 300 to me, maybe its the narrow handlebars. The suspension at my weight 135pd soaks up bumps nicely, no pogo stick feel like the CBR250R.
The stock exhaust is louder for a 321cc bike, engine braking sounds, twin cylinder boom its there. Feels more mechanical sounding than VROMMM VROOM. The Ninja 300 is more stealthy sounding. The stock tires bias ply Michelin Pilot Street feel good and planted. I don't think this needs an aftermarket exhaust at all, the bike is light enough and loud enough period.
Its so more planted on the road and agile than any bike I've ever had, more than the CBR500R which I put 7k more on. If this bike fits your frame I highly doubt you will not like the tight handling and crisp turn in.
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