I guess, this somewhat proves the “sports-tourer” tag the R3 is given actually makes sense. I also felt really happy him smiling and that personal pleasure to see dad riding my treasured possession
BHPian R15M_Rider recently shared this with other enthusiasts:
Got the second service done early just as I clocked 5.4k in Feb. At 5k, the Oil change indicator started blinking. Logically, oil change is to be done at every 5k, so if first oil change was at 1000 km, then it should’ve ideally been at 6k. After discussing with fellow R3 owners, most suggested we can continue till 6k while others suggested to get it done at 5k itself. Eventually I relented and got it done at 5.4k. Service was anyway due around 21st March, so instead of 2 visits to the service center in 2 months, decided to get both 2nd service and oil change done on 24th Feb 2025.
Left the bike at Shanti Motors, Pallikarnai once again, got it delivered in evening of the same day. Amount came around Rs 3926/-, with 2 litres of RS4GP engine oil as usual making up 3k. The technician mentioned, injector cleaning can be done in next service around September/around 10,000 km as they were still good enough. Attaching the service bill below:
As usual, the bike has been used more or less daily by me. Office commutes, just casual errands, and of course many Sunday morning rides. Once in 2-3 weeks, I myself wash the bike (gives much better satisfaction even though may not achieve the same result as having it done properly outside ) and every 500-600 km, lube the chain. Also had a ride with three other 2024 R3 owners and an R15 recently, including two BHPians – @V.Max and @Vignesh_n/a. Anyway, will let the pictures do the talking!
Maybe its just me, but I seriously think we are going to miss this twin headlight design as newer R3s and even other manufacturers will start moving towards more aerodynamic designs with projector headlights. Timeless and classy!
Dad rides my R3
Today (16-03-2025), had a breakfast ride with my dad to the usual MDK (Muduliyarkuppam Boat House) on the ECR. As usual, with me on the R3 and my dad on the CB350 H’ness. While returning after Mahabs, I suggested, maybe he could try riding my R3 for some distance. He had ridden it previously only in our street for hardly few 100 metres, so I was genuinely curious how he would feel to ride this twin cylinder machine.
For context, my dad is 58 years old and prefers cruiser/upright handlebar position motorcycles. Regarding the CB350 related stuff and my dad’s previous motorcycles, please check out this thread – (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/motor…le-my-dad.html)
So, here is the unbiased pointers he has shared after riding for 15 km from his perspective :
1. Stability & Handling : Rock steady. Very easy to flick/change direction without much effort. He also didn’t notice significant difference between the slipper clutch of the CB and the R3’s normal wet clutch. Gear shifting was also butter smooth.
2. Power Delivery – Huge difference, effortless in acceleration. I mean, its a 42 BHP bike and coming from the 20 BHP relaxed CB350, this is a given. But he never felt it was intimidating to ride a machine with twice as many horsepower. Absolute pleasure to ride. Sweet Engine he says. This I felt was kind of important because, I really wanted to know it felt to ride a 40 BHP bike for him. Linear power delivery definitely makes it so much more friendly.
3. Riding Position – Initially, he was a bit reluctant to ride as he felt the clip-ons was too committed. But I insisted, these clip-ons are much more raised than the R15 and he shouldn’t be that concerned. After riding it, he agreed it was much more comfortable than he had expected. In highways with less traffic, he even says that he would prefer riding the R3 over the CB350 due to this and the above 2 points, 150-200 km is very much possible.
4. Not ideal for city commutes – In city, he would still prefer his CB350 over the R3 any day. Especially in traffic. Clip-ons even though raised, he says causes strain in the accelerator hand which could be a hassle in stop and go traffic. On highways and touring, though as mentioned, he loved it way more.
I guess, this somewhat proves the “sports-tourer” tag the R3 is given actually makes sense. I also felt really happy him smiling and that personal pleasure to see dad riding my treasured possession. In the end, I could see he was smiling and know that he did enjoy riding it! “Semma Vandi” (Awesome Machine/Vehicle) he concludes.
Always special to see these machines together!
Odo reads 6,320km as of writing this post.
Until next time,
Ride Safe!
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