We tested the Yamaha MT-03: manga aesthetics and 42 CV for one of the best naked bikes on the A2 license

2023 Author: Nicholas Abramson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 02:44

The motorcycle segment for the A2 license is in full swing. The brands are taking more and more care of the models that for many will be their first real motorcycle and the Yamaha MT-03 It is the clear example of a brand that cares about its customers.

With an aesthetics more aggressive than ever, a seasoned-looking body and improvements in the cycle part, the MT-03 wants to be a hook for a new generation of riders to join Yamaha and convince them to stay true to the MT family. in the future.

Yamaha MT-03: the second step in the MT family

The Yamaha MT-07 is a true bestseller, followed by other members of the Masters of Torque family. The dark side of Japan (as in Iwata they call MT) is extensive and, in addition to the Yamaha MT-125 that we talked about ago nothing, we have also got behind the handlebars of the Yamaha MT-03.

From a distance they look like similar bikes, but they have many differences. Aesthetically, the same design language is used with more compact lines, a more organic redesigned bodywork with exaggerated air inlets on the sides of the tank and especially the new front with triple LED optics that reminds us of sleeves like Evangelion.

It is almost exactly the same mask that is used in the MT-125, but with better integration with the control panel and with some indicators that in this case are full LED. By the way, the dashboard is a 100% digital LCD display with all the possible information: speed, revolutions, fuel level, gear engaged, hour clock …

The control knobs are also new, as well as the mirrors. For 2020 the MT-03 has done more than just wash its face despite the fact that internally it has maintained many of its characteristics, so we cannot help but want to jump on it.

Perfecting the recipe

We climbed into his seat and there are notable differences from the MT-125. In this MT-03 the posture is more relaxed, the seat is located 30mm lower (780mm) and the footpegs are much more forward. The resulting ergonomics is more relaxed, less overturned on the front end but feeling more integrated into the bike.

The tank is a little larger than before but maintains the same capacity and can hold a total of 14 liters of gasoline Inside, enough to promise a range that exceeds 250 km in length thanks to how sparse its engine promises to be, approving a consumption of 3.81 liters per 100 km.

The controls are precise, smooth and familiar to us, so we don't waste too much time to see what this naked for the A2 card is capable of, we get going. We start the engine and the sound is husky and pleasant at the same time, with character but sweet.

During the first few meters we are involved in a sew and sing. The seat in a low position and the narrowness of the set facilitates us reach the ground with good support on both feet and the 39 mm wider handlebar and 19 mm closer to the rider allows perfect control over the direction. It is a perfect set for those who are starting in the world of medium motorcycles with the A2 license.

But no, the Yamaha MT-03 is not just an urban motorcycle for beginners, something that it quickly showed us when looking for clear terrain. After turning his right fist, the twin-cylinder engine gives us a progressive delivery but with surprises: he likes to stretch and is comfortable near the red line.

The propeller is a two cylinders in parallel identical to that of the YZF-R3 with 321 cubic centimeters and the crankshaft stalled at 180 degrees to give it an irregular firing order, just like its bigger sisters. That character of the thug MT family is also present in this MT-03.

The figures on the role of 42 hp maximum power at 10,750 rpm and 29, Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm they translate into energetic behavior that stands out as the tachometer rises in revolutions and the sound emanating from the exhaust deepens.

The delivery is perfect for learning because it combines the energy necessary to enjoy like children between curves without the worry of arriving excessively fast to the next curve. Although yes, you can get there very quickly if we take advantage of the game with a well staggered change and a correct touch.

And it is that the change could shine more if it were not for the detail that this engine lacks assisted clutch with anti-bounce. The reactions of the gearbox are somewhat rough, with a behavior too dry on the rear wheel especially when downshifting.

In the Yamaha MT-03 we meet again with the recipe of a naked sports car. The Yamaha YZF-R3 has shed its garments to make way for a sport-cut naked. The chassis is the same tubular diamond-type steel frame to which a pair of KYB suspensions are anchored: in this case a front 37mm inverted fork diameter (before conventional) and monoshock at the back.

His behavior is well achieved, with a moron that in the city is comfortable, digesting the bumps and bumps, but shows some transfers of weights when we tighten the pace on the road. The set manages to be balanced and accompanies the character of the engine without flaning once in a curve.

Perhaps because of the ergonomic triangle, quite relaxed and with little weight on the front end, we miss a little more touch and information than what happens in the front wheel when rolling at an intense pace on twisty roads. The counterpart of this configuration is a comfortable naked, more comfortable than its smaller sister and which only lacks a little more padding in the seat to have an extra comfort.

The braking equipment in this case has a correct material but does not show off. The front end is made up of a 298mm disc bitten by a conventional brake caliper (axial, not radial). Under heavy use we ended up noticing some fadding, having to lean a bit more than normal on the rear brake at the entrance of the corners.

Balance in the dark

The Yamaha MT-03 is already in dealerships available in three different finishes: Icon Blue, Midnight Black and the Ice Fluo of the photos of this test. Its price is 5,499 euros, a little more expensive than the outgoing version (200 euros).

With this price from Iwata they get into the battle for naked sports bikes against other heavyweights in the segment such as the KTM 390 Duke (5,559 euros), BMW G 310 R (5,450 euros), Kawasaki Z400 (5,899 euros) or the Honda CB300R Neo Sports Café (5,075 euros).

In general, the Yamaha MT-03 is an aggressive motorcycle, but its menacing appearance hides a more versatile than radical behavior. Accessible and with a noble demeanor, The MT-03 is one of the best motorcycles to release the A2 license without having to search for a limited motorcycle.

The Iwata folks call the MT family "Japan's dark side," but this MT-03 shines on its own as an interesting balance in an increasingly crowded segment.

Yamaha MT-03 2020 - Rating

7.0

Motor 7 Vibrations 6 Change 7 Stability 7 Agility 8 Front suspension 7 Rear suspension 7 Front brake 7 Back brake 6 Pilot comfort 7 Passenger comfort N / A Consumption N / A Finishes 8 Esthetic 8

In favor

• Solvent engine
• Manga aesthetic
• Comfortable position
• Multi-purpose cycle part

Against

• Hard seat
• Front brake
• No slipper clutch

Yamaha MT-03 2020 - Technical sheet

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Topics

• Naked
• Testing area
• Yamaha
• Yamaha MT-03
• Motorcycle news 2020