Yamaha MT 03

Yamaha MT 03 OVERVIEW & PRICE

PERFORMANCE

At the heart of the Yamaha MT-03 lies a potent 321cc liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC inline twin-cylinder engine. This powerplant is designed to deliver an exhilarating riding experience with its impressive specifications:

1. Engine Type: 321cc, 4-stroke, Liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves
2. Bore x Stroke: 68.0 mm x 44.1 mm
3. Compression Ratio: 11.2 : 1
4. Power Output: 30.9 kW (42.0 PS) @ 10,750 rpm
5. Torque: 29.5 Nm (3.0 kgfm) @ 9,000 rpm

The engine’s design incorporates several advanced features that enhance its performance and reliability:

1. Lightweight Forged Pistons: These components reduce power loss and lower vibration levels, ensuring smooth operation even at high RPMs.
2. Carburized Connecting Rods: This feature further enhances the engine’s durability and performance under various riding conditions.
3. 180-degree Crank Design: Coupled with an integrated counterbalancer, this design minimizes vibrations, resulting in a refined and comfortable riding experience.

The bike’s power delivery is smooth and linear, providing riders with confidence-inspiring acceleration and manageable power, especially in the lower RPM range. This characteristic makes the MT-03 well-suited for navigating India’s diverse road conditions, from congested urban streets to open highways.

TRANASISSION

The Yamaha MT-03 comes equipped with a sophisticated transmission system that enhances its overall performance and rider experience:

1. Transmission Type: 6-speed
2. Clutch System: Multiplate wet clutch with Assist & Slipper function

One of the standout features of the MT-03’s transmission is the inclusion of an Assist & Slipper Clutch. This advanced system provides multiple benefits:

1. Extremely light clutch feel: Reducing hand fatigue during city riding
2. Smoother downshifts: By reducing the effect of engine braking
3. Enhanced rear wheel stability: During aggressive downshifts

The 6-speed transmission is designed to offer smooth and easy gear shifts, allowing riders to find the optimal gear ratio for various riding conditions. This versatility makes the MT-03 equally adept at navigating busy city streets and cruising on open highways.

MILEAGE AND FUEL EFFICIENCY

Fuel efficiency is a crucial factor for Indian riders, and the Yamaha MT-03 delivers respectable mileage figures:

1. Owner-Reported Mileage: Approximately 35 kmpl
2. ARAI Claimed Mileage: 26.31 kmpl
3. Real-World Mileage Range: 20-25 kmpl (varies based on riding conditions)

It’s worth noting that the MT-03’s real-world mileage outperforms 31% of street bikes in its class, making it an efficient option for daily commuters. The owner-reported mileage is approximately 35 kmpl, while the ARAI claimed mileage is 26.31 kmpl. However, mileage can vary depending on riding style, road conditions, and maintenance practices.

FEATURES

The Yamaha MT-03 comes packed with an array of features and technologies that elevate its appeal in the Indian market:

1. New tail section with redesigned taillight
2. Sharp LED headlamp design with dual angled position lights
3. New negative LCD instrument cluster with Bluetooth connectivity
4. Yamaha Motorcycle Connect (Y-Connect) smartphone integration
5. Turn-by-turn navigation and call alerts
6. Ride data tracking (distance, fuel consumption)
7. Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) with three selectable modes: Sport, Street, and Custom
8. 37mm inverted KYB® front fork
9. Long asymmetrical swingarm for stability
10. Seven-step preload adjustable single-shock rear suspension
11. 298mm floating-mount front disc brake
12. 220mm rear disc brake
13. Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety
14. Slimmer seat and side covers for improved ground reach
15. Wider passenger seat with thicker cushioning for comfort

These features collectively contribute to the MT-03’s appeal as a modern, tech-savvy motorcycle that caters to the demands of today’s riders.

HANDLING

The Yamaha MT-03 is renowned for its impressive handling capabilities. It is a popular choice among riders seeking a nimble and responsive motorcycle. The MT-03 utilizes a diamond-type tubular frame, balancing low weight and high strength. This design contributes to neutral handling and easy manoeuvrability in traffic.

It features a 37mm inverted KYB front fork, enhancing the bike’s handling by providing a more solid and confident ride during braking, acceleration, and cornering. The rear suspension has a seven-step preload adjustable single-shock design, balancing ride comfort and sporty performance.

The motorcycle is praised for its quick steering response, which is particularly beneficial when navigating curves and corners. Thanks to its well-tuned suspension setup, it maintains stability even through mid-corner bumps.

BRAKING AND TYRES

Equipped with a 298mm front disc and a 220mm rear disc, supported by a dual-channel ABS system. The braking setup provides excellent stopping power and boosts rider confidence by preventing wheel lock-ups in reduced-traction conditions.

The MT-03 comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, featuring a 110-section tyre at the front and a 140-section tyre at the rear. These tubeless tyres are designed to offer good grip and stability, contributing to the overall handling prowess of the motorcycle. With a kerb weight of 167 kg, the MT-03 is relatively lightweight, which aids in its manoeuvrability and ease of handling.

COMFORT AND ERGONOMICS

The Yamaha MT-03 has been designed to focus on rider comfort and ergonomics, making it suitable for many riders. It offers a comfortable riding triangle with a wide handlebar and slightly rear-set footpegs, providing enough leverage for easy manoeuvrability. The seat height is accessible at 780 mm, suitable for most riders, including shorter ones.

Seat Design features a split seat setup with adequate cushioning for the rider. The front seat is low and scooped out, which benefits shorter riders, while the passenger seat is relatively high. The new passenger seat design is more expansive, with thicker cushioning, providing greater passenger comfort.

Equipped with a new Assist & Slipper (A&S) clutch, which reduces excessive engine braking and minimizes hand fatigue during long rides.
The inverted KYB® front fork and rear mono-shock suspension balance ride comfort and handling performance. Slimmer seats and side covers improve the rider’s foot reach to the ground while maintaining a comfortable riding position. Specially sculpted knee area and fuel tank cover provide an agile and ergonomic riding position.

STYLING

The Yamaha MT-03 showcases styling updates that align closely with Yamaha’s Hyper Naked family. This one features a bold and aggressive design inspired by larger models in the MT series. It includes an all-new tail section with a redesigned taillight, contributing to a more cohesive look for MT-series siblings. Dual-angled position lights and a singular LED headlight emphasize its big-bike looks and provide excellent visibility.

The sculpted fuel tank cover is designed to fit snugly with the rider, enhancing the mass-forward body design. LED headlight and turn signal elements complement the bike’s modern and aggressive styling. Designed to offer a high-quality, big-bike look and feel, with features like a lightweight diamond frame and sophisticated LCD instruments.

COLOUR OPTIONS AND VARIANTS

The Yamaha MT-03 available in India comes in two colour options:

1. Midnight Cyan
2. Midnight Black

These colour options are consistent across multiple sources, indicating that they are the standard offerings for the model in the Indian market. No additional variants are mentioned, suggesting that the focus is primarily on these two colour options for the Yamaha MT-03 in India.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Priced at ₹ 4,59,900 (ex-showroom, Delhi), the Yamaha MT-03 is positioned as one of the most expensive options in its segment. The high price is primarily due to its importation via the Completely Built Unit (CBU) route. Priced significantly higher than competitors like the KTM 390 Duke and Bajaj Dominar 400, which offer similar or better performance at lower price points. While the Yamaha MT-03 offers a compelling ride experience and solid build quality, its high price and lack of modern features make it a less attractive option in terms of value for money in the Indian market than its competitors.