YAMAHA's mid-range street fighter "MT-03". Along with its 250cc sibling "MT-25", there have been no major changes since 2023, but we have received information that this model will also be undergoing a minor change in line with the update of the "YZF-R3" announced recently.
Changes to the seat and tail cowl improve foot reach! The face design seems to remain the same.
The Yamaha MT-03, which has been on sale since 2016, is a popular naked model with up-handlebars and edgy street fighter style, while sharing components with the full-cowled supersport YZF-R3. The 250cc MT-25 is also in the lineup as a sister model, which was the smallest displacement model in the series (in Japan) until the MT-125 was released last year, but its equipment and body size are the same as the 300cc MT-03. For this reason, both models have been updated at the same time, and in 2021, the style was completely renewed with an unusual front mask with full LED lighting and an inverted fork. In addition, the current model is compliant with exhaust gas regulations and comes with an optional quick shifter.
The MT-03 shares its basic design with the R3, so the timing of model changes has been almost simultaneous until now. The newly announced 2025 model R3 has undergone major updates that completely change its appearance, from the front mask to the tail cowl, and there is no doubt that the MT-03 will also evolve accordingly.
The new MT-03 model will not have as many changes as the R3, and the front mask will remain the same as before. The engine will comply with the EURO5+ exhaust gas regulations like the R3, but the maximum output of 42 PS will remain the same. The biggest changes will be in the seat and tail cowl, which have traditionally been the same as the R3. The seat will be narrowed and the shape of the side covers will change, and although the numbers are the same, it is expected that the foot placement will be improved. The shape of the taillight may also be changed.
The new R3 has also evolved significantly in terms of equipment, adopting an assist & slipper clutch and a newly designed inverted LCD meter. It is unclear whether these will be carried over to the MT-03, but there is plenty of room for an update. Also, if the MT-03 evolves, the MT-25 should naturally be updated at the same time. MT fans should look forward to further information.
CG predicting the style of the new MT-03. The front mask will remain the same, while the seat and tail area will follow the R3.
Although the individual values remain almost the same, changes to the seat and side covers have improved foot placement, and the image around the taillight has also changed.
This is the new YZF-R3 that was officially announced the other day. Along with complying with exhaust gas regulations, the motorcycle's appearance has been significantly changed to match the YZF family.
This is the seat of the conventional MT-03. It seems that the update this time is mainly focused on the area around the tail.
This is the new R3 seat. The shape of the side cover has also changed, improving foot placement.
The taillights of the new R3 are also slimmer. The MT model will likely follow this same shape.
Reference: YAMAHA MT-03 ABS (2024) Main Specifications
* Inside [ ] indicates MT-25.
Overall Length x Width x Height: 2,090 x 755 x 1,070 mm
Wheelbase: 1,380mm
Seat Height: 780mm
Vehicle Weight: 167kg
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, in-line 2-cylinder DOHC 4-valve 320cc [249cc
Maximum Output: 31 kW (42 PS)/10,750rpm [26kW (35PS)/12,000 rpm]
Maximum Torque: 30Nm (3.1kgf-m)/9,000rpm [23Nm (2.3kgf-m)/10,000r/min]
Fuel Tank Capacity: 14.0L
Transmission: 6-speed return
Brakes: F=Single disc, R=Disc
Tire: F=110/70R17M/C / R=140/70R17M/C
