The Yamaha MT-03 is the naked derivative of the YZF-R3 and shares the same mechanicals while the styling is sober and toned down.
Having revealed the model in images earlier this year, Yamaha has officially showcased the new MT-03 street-fighter at the 2015 EICMA Motorcycle Show in Milan. Essentially, the MT-03 is the naked derivative of the YZF-R3 that went on sale in India recently and possibilities are the Japanese automaker will be introducing the street-fighter version next year in the country. Compared to the R3, the MT-03 gets only cosmetic changes differentiating it from the full-faired version while the mechanicals have been carried over.
In terms of design, the Yamaha MT-03 gets a single headlight cluster up front instead of the twin headlamp setup while the clip-on handlebar has been replaced with a wide unit. The fuel tank design remains the same save for the new air shrouds flanked at either side and the engine gets a rather bulky looking belly pan. The tail section gets no changes and is the same as the R3. The upright position makes for more relaxed riding.
Coming to the powertrain, the Yamaha MT-03 uses the same 321cc liquid-cooled, parallel twin-cylinder engine with fuel injection tuned to produce 42 PS and 29.6 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The MT is 4 kgs lighter than the R3 courtesy of the minimal body, which makes for a slightly improved power-to-weight ratio. Suspension duties are performed by telescopic front forks and a rear monoshock setup with braking performance coming from a 298 mm front and 220 mm rear disc brake with ABS offered as optional (not available on the India spec R3).
The Yamaha R3 has received an extremely positive response in the Indian market since its launch as it competes against the Kawasaki Ninja 300 and KTM RC 390 in the segment. When launched in the country, the MT-03 will also be imported via the CKD route and will be locking horns against the KTM Duke 390, Kawasaki Z250, Benelli TNT 300 and the upcoming BMW G310R. A launch date is still under wraps for the Indian market for Yamaha’s street-fighter but a showcase at the 2016 Auto Expo is plausible.
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