EICMA 2015 saw the Yamaha MT 03 being launched for the European market, increasing our hopes that this bike might find its way into the Indian market as well. Yamaha also launched the MT-10 at EICMA 2015.
Yamaha expanded the MT range with the small twin-cylinder 321cc, which does duties on the Yamaha YZF R3 as well. The bike is to be sold in Europe from February 2016, we might just see the bike being displayed at the Auto Expo 2016 in New Delhi and launched for the Indian market soon after.
After its initial launch of the MT range of motorcycles by Yamaha in 2013, the company first showed the MT 03 at the Tokyo Motor Show, which left people unsure of whether this bike was meant for local markets only. Now that the bike has been launched at EICMA 2015 for the European market, it is a matter of when and not if, Yamaha will launch this in India. The new Yamaha MT-03 is designed to be easily accessible to all types of riders, from the novice to the more experienced riders claims Yamaha.
Upright riding position of the Yamaha MT 03
Designed in anticipation of a daily use in an urban environment, the MT-03 is equipped with ergonomics that naturally offer high levels of comfort. The saddle-handlebar-foot peg dynamics have been designed to create the optimum upright riding posture that should suit riders of different physical statures. The handling is helped by the wide handlebar and the large steering angle of 68 degrees, especially in traffic.
Seat height of 780 mm
The MT 03 is equipped with split seats with the seat height being 780 mm, this is pretty decent allowing a wide range of riders to enjoy this bike. This also gives the feeling of sitting “in” and not “on” the bike, and allows you to rest both feet on the ground during Stop & Go. The pillion seat promises to be comfortable and also has aluminum grab rails for increased comfort of the pillion.
Design ‘mass-forward ‘
The MT genes shows its influence on the styling of the MT 03 as well. The silhoutte of this bike like its larger siblings gives it a front weighted look, giving it a muscular appearance. The appearance of “mass forward” is reinforced by the central location of the muffler with the engine tilted forward, as well as the fuel tank and the vents, contrasting with the narrow and minimalist tail emphasizing the line “ready to shoot forward”.
Engine 2-cylinder inline 321cc
The engine is same as the one used on the YZF-R3, the two-cylinder, in-line, 4-stroke, DOHC, 4-valve, liquid-cooled engine promises to work just as well as it does on its faired sibling. To promote increased efficiency of operation, the engine has lightweight pistons and forged steel connecting rods.
Light weight and compact chassis
The chassis is based on that of the YZF-R3, and has been developed using the latest technology for structural analysis. This has enabled Yamaha’s designers to create a component light and compact, and was able to ensure excellent rigidity balance. Its minimalist design has very little welding or crimping, creating a structure in which compact size and low weight contribute significantly to achieve excellent handling performance, lightness and agility. The main tubes of the frame are made of 35mm steel using the base of the engine as a structural element of the frame. This has helped Yamaha’s designers in reducing the overall weight.
Floating front disc 298 mm, 220 mm rear disc, ABS as standard.
To ensure a braking force is vigorous and precise, and also with great sensitivity, the MT-03 is equipped with a disc brake floating front large diameter of 298 mm with a 2-piston caliper, while the rear wheel mounts a disc of 220 mm. ABS is standard.
The new MT-03 will be available in two colors Midnight Black and Blue Race from February 2016, priced at € 5,090 in Europe.
Yamaha MT 03 Technical Specifications
