Yamaha MT-03 – The YZF-R3 gets naked!
With its strong engine and compact chassis, and powered by the new 321cc 2-cylinder engine that debuted in the YZF-R3, Yamaha’s MT-03 further expands the brands range of Learner Approved Motorcycles (LAMS).
Tipping the scales at only 168kg, ready to ride, complete with its 14-litre fuel tank filled to capacity, the MT03 is sure to be a hit amongst new riders.
We believe Yamaha are hoping to have the MT-03 on display at the Sydney Motorcycle Show.
Yamaha MT-03 Highlights
- Natural upright riding position for comfortable urban riding
- Distinctive MT family mass-forward silhouette
- YZF-R3 based engine, frame, suspension and wheels
- 321cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline twin cylinder engine
- Slim and compact frame with optimized balance of rigidity
- Long, YZF-R1-inspired asymmetrical swingarm
- Lightweight 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels
- Moderate 780mm seat height for easy access to the ground
- Comprehensive multi-function instruments
- ABS-equipped 298mm floating front disc, 220mm rear disc
- LED position light and LED taillight
- Wide section 140/70-17 rear tyre, 110/70-17 front tyre
- Smooth action 41mm front forks with Monocross rear suspension
- 14-litre fuel tank blending with knee grip and air scoops
With its strong focus on every day urban use, the MT-03 is equipped with natural ergonomics that are designed to give high levels of comfort. The seat/handlebar/footrest relationship is designed to create an upright seating position to suit riders of different sizes, while the sculpted fuel tank and knee grip area allow the rider to feel at one with this attractive all rounder.
The upright handlebars also offer a wide lock-to-lock steering angle of 68 degrees, giving the MT-03 rider plenty of manoeuvrability in slow traffic, and this feature also makes the bike easy to move around when wheeling it in and out of garages or parking spaces.
The two-level seating arrangement features a 780mm high rider’s seat that gives a feeling of sitting ‘in’ and not ‘on top of’ the bike, and enables the typical rider to get both feet on the ground during stop/start riding. The raised passenger seat gives plenty of space for a passenger, and features aluminium grab bars for added comfort.
MT family DNA has heavily influenced the styling of the new MT-03. One of the characteristic features of every MT model is the distinctive mass-forward silhouette that gives these award-winning bikes a compact, purposeful and aggressive stance that conveys a feeling of power and agility.
This unique MT look is achieved by the use of horizontal design lines as well as minimal front and rear overhang. The mass-forward look is reinforced by the centrally located muffler, while the forward inclined engine as well as the sculpted fuel tank and air scoops contrast with the bike’s slim and minimalist tail to accentuate the ‘ready to pounce’ mass-forward stance.
Developed from the YZF-R3 unit, the liquid-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve inline twin cylinder engine has been designed to deliver excellent power and responsive torque characteristics. The enjoyable engine running character inspires a high level of riding emotion that sets the MT-03 apart from other models. In order to promote increased running efficiency this engine has been developed using the latest combustion analysis technology, and features a range of high specification components including lightweight forged pistons and carburized con rods.
The layout of the inlet and exhaust valves has been optimized, which, together with a compact 4-valve combustion chamber layout, induces swirl and tumble of the fuel air mix for rapid combustion and strong running performance.
The chassis is based on the sporty YZF-R3 design, and has been developed using the latest structural analysis technology, enabling Yamaha’s designers to create a compact and lightweight frame for the new MT-03 that delivers an excellent rigidity balance.
The straightforward design features very little bending, welding or crimping of the tubes, creating a minimalist and attractive structure whose compact dimensions and low weight contribute significantly towards achieving light and agile handling performance.
The frame’s two main pipes are made from 35mm steel tube, and by utilizing the engine’s crankcase as a stressed member of the chassis, Yamaha’s designers have been able to minimize overall weight.
Yamaha was one of the first manufacturers to exploit the handling and traction-related advantages gained by using a long swingarm design, and the new MT-03 features the same swingarm to wheelbase ratio as the 2014 YZF-R1.
During both the compression and rebound strokes, the angle of the MT-03’s 573mm long swingarm – in relation to the road surface – fluctuates much less than with a conventional shorter design. This gives more efficient transmission of power to the rear wheel, and this effect is particularly significant during acceleration, deceleration and cornering, when the rear suspension tends to be most active.
Low unsprung weight contributes towards responsive suspension action and agile handling characteristics, and the MT-03 is equipped with YZF-R3 type lightweight 10-spoke cast aluminium wheels that have been designed to give an optimum balance of strength and rigidity.
These attractive wheels are fitted with wide section rubber, with a 140/70-17 rear tyre, and a 110/70-17 front tyre that give good traction and confident road holding. Unsprung weight is further reduced by the use of hollow axles, whose design also offers good shock-absorbing characteristics for improved riding comfort.
The MT-03’s multi-function instrument panel is one of the most comprehensive designs in the category, and features a digital speedometer on the right side with an analogue tachometer on the left – and there’s also a shift timing indicator at the top.
Other functions include a fuel gauge, water temperature gauge, real-time and average fuel economy, clock, two tripmeters as well as an oil change indicator and more.
For strong and predictable stopping power, together with plenty of feel, the MT-03 is equipped with a large diameter 298mm front disc brake featuring a floating 2-piston caliper, while the rear wheel is fitted with a 220mm disc. This efficient and effective braking system gives a high level of braking power, enabling the MT-03 rider to enjoy a high level of machine control in urban and highway riding. ABS is fitted as standard.
To underline the MT-03’s dynamic looks it is equipped with an LED position light and LED tail light that require lower levels of electrical power to run, and also offer a long service life.
