Yamaha MT-03

With a new update to its design, the Yamaha MT-03 has got a fresh new face which is in line with the new generation of MT series of naked roadsters. However, apart from the new face, there is very much little which differentiates it from its previous iteration. Though, this is not a major problem, as the overall design still looks wicked and very big- bike like.

Starting then from the most major change in its design, the all-new front headlamp here in the Yamaha MT-03 gets two eyebrow shaped daytime running LEDs and an all-new LED projector nestled below them. This entire headlamp cluster sits in a small rakish unit which makes the overall fascia of the MT-03 very much in-your-face. Another major change up here at the front is the new sleek looking LED turn indicators placed at the upper corners of the headlamp.

Move towards the sides, and this new Yamaha MT-03 gets the same good old design which is muscular and lean, giving it an athletic stance. The bulky looking fuel tank with noteworthy curves gets broad fuel tank extensions, which do incorporate slim air vents ahead of them. The fuel tank blends well with the V-shaped side body cowls placed under the seat.

The all-black themed engine gets bog sump guard, which not only aid in the protection of the engine but also make the bike look even more muscular. The angular rear side body panels of the Yamaha MT-03 rise upward and get a V-shaped LED tail lamp at the back. The rear fender here is quite large and just like at the front, gets LED turn indicators mounted on them.

Another major change on the new Yamaha MT-03 is the all-new fully digital TFT instrument console, which replaces the part digital meters with the analog tachometer of the previous model. This all-digital screen displays readout for the speedometer, tachometer, odometer, temperature gauge, clock, gear indicator, fuel gauge, trip meters, and many more. The silver-finished levers add to the sporty touch of the motorcycle, with the almost flat handlebar giving it a sporty stance. The switchgear is also new here, which might not look as good as the older one, but it isn’t down on quality anyhow.

Apart from the engine and gearbox, the Yamaha MT-03 shares its rest of the entire mechanical hardware under the skin with the YZF-R3, including the diamond type frame, upside-down hydraulic telescopic forks at the front, rectangular swingarm with monoshock at the back, 17-inch alloy wheels with tubeless tires and disc brake setup at both the wheels.

The Yamaha MT-03 gets the crucial safety addition of a dual-channel ABS as standard. However, it does miss out on any other safety feature or electronic riding aid which is gradually becoming common even in smaller capacity performance-oriented motorcycles.

The Yamaha MT-03 shares all of its positive attributes with its faired sibling, the YZF-R3, which includes great handling prowess, punchy and refined powertrain, and ease of riding. All of this, along with a major weight reduction due to loss in weight by the absence of front fairing, makes it even more agile and light weighted to ride. The new front fascia definitely adds to the sporty persona of the Yamaha MT-03.