Interest in smaller capacity motorcycles, notably in the quarter-litre class, has been taking off in Europe, as more drivers switch to motorcycles for daily transport, commuting and general riding about. Yamaha’s 2016 MT-03 – retailing in Europe for 4,995 pound sterling (RM28,751) – is designed to fulfill the need for a small displacement bike that falls under European laws for motorcycles below a certain horsepower limit.
Displacing 321 cc, the 2016 Yamaha MT-03’s engine puts out 42 PS at 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm at 9,000 rpm, bringing it under the limit for Europe’s ‘A2’ license category, roughly the equivalent of Malaysia’s ‘B1’ motorcycle license. The advantage of licensing based on horsepower rather than displacement, for motorcycles, is that a larger capacity bike, say, 600 cc, can be “restricted” to suit license requirements and de-restricted as the rider is qualified and licensed.
Driving a six-speed gearbox with a chain final drive, the 2016 Yamaha MT-03 shares its engine with its sportsbike sibling, the YZF-R3. Rolling gear and braking – ABS comes standard – are identical, and the R3’s full-fairing is replaced with naked bodywork that draws heavily from the design cues of its bigger sibling in Yamaha’s MT range of naked streetbikes, notably the MT-07.
Weighing in at 168 kg wet, and with a rider-friendly seat height of 780 mm, identical to the YZF-R3, the 2016 Yamaha MT-03 looks to fulfill a need for a quick and stylish urban bike that is also capable of longer journeys. No word on whether Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia will ever bring in the 2016 MT-03, and the likelihood is slim.
Based on a discussion we had with Hong Leong Yamaha Malaysia personnel, Yamaha’s 300 cc range of motorcycles will not be brought into Malaysia, due to riding license restrictions, nor are there plans for a 250 cc MT-25 version. The 2016 Yamaha YZF-R25 retails for RM20,630. A naked streetbike from Yamaha like the MT-03 would be interesting, and compete in the same class as the KTM Duke 250 (RM20,021), Benelli TnT 300 (RM19,990) and Kawasaki Z250 (RM22,389).
Mat Rempit like John sure like this bike but how to buy when got no job and always waiting for tongkat?
Who is John? Haha.
save a little bit money and get mt-07 at rm36k instead…
After that, would you than say save a little more for the RM42k MT-09 instead?
After that, would you than say save a little more for the RM50++k ducati instead?
save a bit, you can buy ex5 using your dividen every year.
FREE!!!
Every bike had their own character (pros and cons).
The question is what the purpose?
Go within 10km daily moped/scooter bike is the best (can save more for future).
Why never bring in 250cc bikes like Kawasaki Virago, Honda Rebel etc??
Too long to wait for mt25 or mt03.just bought duke250.bye bye yamaha.
It’s stupid to categorise bike license. I can’t get anything above 250 cc…
Im waiting for this to come Malaysia. Wanna buy this. Hehe.