The MT-03 has been confirmed for India and will be showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo before being launched via the CKD route later in the year.
With the overwhelming response to the R3 since the first day of launch, it isn’t surprising that Yamaha India has confirmed that it will be introducing the MT-03 (naked R3) in the country. Sharing its underpinnings with the supersport offering, the naked MT-03 differentiates itself only with a new headlight cluster with LED DRLs, air shrouds on either side of the fuel tank and a rather imposing engine cowl. Mechanically everything remains the same.
In addition, the Yamaha MT-03 gets a more relaxed riding position compared to the fully faired offering with a wide handlebar providing an upright stance. Power comes from the same 321cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected engine tuned for 42 PS at 10,750 RPM and 30 Nm of torque at 9000 RPM, paired to a 6-speed gearbox. The bike weighs 165 kgs, 4 kgs lighter than the R3 and rides on 17-inch alloys wrapped in 110/70 front and 140/70 rear rubber.
Braking performance comes from single discs at the front and rear. It is likely that Yamaha will go through the R3 route and not provide ABS on the MT-03 as well. The Japanese auto giant will be showcasing the street-fighter at the 2016 Auto Expo to gauge response while the launch is expected later in the year. A timeline for the same though has not been confirmed yet by the company.
At present, the naked quarter-litre segment has a host of offerings and the Yamaha MT-03 is only going to be a worthy addition to the segment. The street-fighter will be locking horns with the KTM Duke 390, Benelli TNT 300, Kawasaki Z250 and the likes. Considering that the model will be coming via the CKD route, prices are expected to be around Rs. 30,000-40,000/- lesser than the R3. So expect an asking price of Rs. 3.50 lakhs or less (on-road, Mumbai).
