Yamaha ushered in a new era in the motorcycle world when it launched the iconic MT-09 in 2013. Now Yamaha’s Hyper Naked family has a new sibling – the 2020 Yamaha MT-03.
Based on the YZF-R3 supersport, the MT-03’s styling fits in with Yamaha’s Dark Side of Japan theme that flows through the MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10 naked uprights. The Dark Side of Japan is a core philosophy amongst a certain group of riders who celebrate Yamaha’s Japanese origins, while declaring MT riders as the true Masters of Torque.
The same high-revving twin-cylinder DOHC powerplant and state of the art suspension that was used in the YZF-R3 is on show here, so this machine should be well-suited to urban brawling. We expect nothing less.
Inspired by the theme of darkness and aggression, its predatory twin-eye LED face gives off the most evil death stare, and the new upside-down forks and a restyled fuel tank with air scoops are on point with the dynamic MT family design philosophy.
For bonus family points, riders can download the MyRide app. This enables riders to track every outing and record data including acceleration, top speed, distance covered – even lean angle and elevation changed. Images and info can be saved and stored under the rider’s account, then shared on social media with MT friends and MT family (mandatory).
At $200 less expensive than the 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS and $300 lower than the 2020 Honda CB300R ABS, the price point of the 2020 MT-03 is as aggressive as its appearance. It’s the ultimate step-up model for those looking to join the MT family, and who can blame them. This bike just loves to be ridden – in the dark preferably.
Engine: 321cc DOHC Liquid-cooled parallel twin
Transmission: 6-speed constant mesh
Power: 30 kW
Torque: 21.8 pound-feet
Dry weight: 169 kg
Seat height: 779 mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Price: $4599
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