The YAMAHA MT-03 was released in 2015 as an entry model (at the time of its release) of the MT series, which combines sharp, dynamic styling with a light ride. It was equipped with a water-cooled, two-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve engine. The 2025 model has a new rear design and is equipped with more features, including an assist and slipper clutch.
Designed to achieve both agile riding and ease of handling in urban areas
The MT-03 has improved usability with features such as an assist and slipper clutch and Y-Connect compatibility. Available in three colors: matte light gray, blue, and matte dark gray.
The MT-03 was first released in Japan in 2015 with the concept of light riding in urban areas. Based on the super sports "YZF-R3/R25", the handlebar position has been changed to a higher bar handlebar, realizing a riding position with a sense of openness that is characteristic of naked motorcycles. In 2020, a new front face design was adopted and the front fork was changed to an inverted one. In 2023, the engine will comply with new exhaust gas regulations.
And in 2025, it will be equipped with an assist and slipper clutch. The seat shape has been revised to improve foot reach and ease of riding. The design of the LCD meter has been changed to support the dedicated smartphone app "YAMAHA Motorcycle Connect (Y-Connect)". It is characterized by its increased convenience, such as being equipped with a Type-A USB socket. In addition, the rear exterior and taillights have been redesigned, emphasizing the compact, condensed image characteristic of the MT series.
Equipped with ultra-compact LED headlamps that ensure sufficient light output, the unique front face creates a sense of compactness.
The new design has less overhang and enhances the sense of unity with the rider. The tail lamp and turn signals are also LED.
The monochrome inverted full LCD meter adopts a new design, providing good visibility even during daytime riding.
To achieve balance with the inverted fork, the handle crown is made from cast aluminum and the under bracket is made from forged steel.
The rider's seat has been slimmed down by up to 6mm on both sides and the side covers by up to 8mm compared to the previous model, which contributes to improved foot placement. The pillion seat has been made wider and has a thicker cushion for improved comfort.
A Type-A USB socket has been newly installed inside the radiator shroud on the left side of the motorcycle, making it convenient to charge smartphones and other devices.
Compatible with "Y-Connect", the meter displays SNS notifications, incoming calls, smartphone battery level, etc. The smartphone is equipped with a log function that displays the last parking location, average fuel consumption, movement history, etc.
Checking the foot placement of the MT-03
The rider is 172cm tall. The seat height is 780mm. The body is compact, but the riding position is not cramped.
The seat and side covers have been slimmed down, so the soles of both feet can reach the ground comfortably, providing excellent foot placement.
The rider is 156cm tall. "The position of the hands (handle grips) is good, and it's easy to operate."
"I stand on my tiptoes, but it's easy to get my feet on the ground, and the weight of the motorcycle doesn't feel heavy, so I don't have to worry about getting my feet on the ground."
The difference in power and torque makes it easy to handle across the entire range.
The torque tenacity and smooth acceleration are more generous than the 250 class. The ride quality of the MT-03 makes this easy to handle.
The MT series also includes the MT-25, which shares the frame and front and rear suspension with the MT-03 and has the same body size and weight. The difference is in the engine, with both having a stroke of 44.1mm, but the bore is 68.0mm for the MT-03 and 60.0mm for the MT-25, and the displacement is 320cc for the MT-03 and 249cc for the MT-25. The difference in displacement also results in a difference in maximum power and maximum torque, with the MT-03 at 42PS/10,750rpm and 3.1kgfm/9000rpm, and the MT-25 at 35PS/12,000rpm and 2.3kgfm/10,000rpm, giving the MT-03 more power and torque than the MT-25 and generating it at lower revolutions.
The MT-03 idles at about 1500 rpm on the tachometer. The torque starts to rise from around 2500 rpm, and at 3000 rpm you can feel the solid acceleration. From there, the rotation speed rises smoothly to 6000 rpm, providing acceleration that is enough to lead the flow of traffic. At this time, the twin engine does not have a throbbing feeling, but the torque feels thick, and in urban areas you can enjoy a stress-free and light ride at around 4000 rpm. The MT-03 is characterized by the fact that it is possible to ride agilely even without increasing the engine speed, in other words, with a smaller throttle opening than the MT-25, which is also a factor in the difference in fatigue levels when driving in urban areas where the throttle opening and closing operation is frequent, or during long touring trips.
The 2025 model is equipped with an assist and slipper clutch, and although the clutch lever operation is not heavy, it did not feel dramatically light either. However, by changing the shape of the clutch lever and moving it 5 mm closer to the handlebars, the operability was good. The benefit of the assist and slipper clutch was that it absorbed the excess back torque when the throttle was released to decelerate from an accelerating state. It also suppressed excessive engine braking when downshifting, so the machine's behavior was less likely to be disturbed, and I was able to experience the ease of handling the throttle. The vehicle weight is the same as the MT-25 at 166 kg, which is already light, but the change (extra machine behavior) when the throttle is off is even less, so the more you drive in urban areas or on winding roads, the more you will feel the benefit.
The in-line 2-cylinder 320cc engine is equipped with an assist and slipper clutch. The engine paint color has been changed from matte black to matte dark gray.
Compatible with the optional quick shift kit (Price: $153.83). It allows you to shift up without releasing the throttle or disengaging the clutch.
The ease of use in all areas is second to none in the MT series.
The lightweight, compact body is easy to reach, and the balance of torque and power is good, making it the best in the MT series in terms of ease of handling.
The new seat shape feels a little thin, but it holds your hips well and makes it easy to decide on a riding position. The up-type bar handlebars feel a little light on the front, but if you put your upper body over the handlebars a little, you can put more weight on it. The handlebar operation at such times is neither too heavy nor too light, and the natural handling is also a good impression.
The body has a compact, condensed design with shortened front and rear overhangs, and the weight mass feels unified. It is easy to push and pull when getting off the motorcycle, and the body with good foot reach will make it easy to handle even for small riders. The front and rear suspension can withstand large impacts without bottoming out, and provides a flat ride in urban areas. The engine characteristics, such as the torque at low rpm and the fact that it is difficult to stall, make the MT-03 highly convenient for riding in urban areas.
Considering the ease of handling of the MT-03, you might feel that it is a practical ride. However, its smooth handling makes it easy to control the machine on winding roads, and the torque and power of the 250cc class or more makes it feel like you can enjoy sporty riding in a range where you don't have to worry about it, so it also has the fun of sports riding. In terms of power performance, the MT-10/09/07 series is probably better, and in terms of running costs, the MT-25/125 is better. However, considering the ease of handling in a wide range of situations, including the lightweight and compact body and the ample torque and power, I personally thought that the MT-03's overall balance is the best in the MT series. When choosing between the MT-03 and the MT-25, which shares the same body, you should choose based on which of the following you prioritize: running costs including vehicle inspections, comfort during high-speed cruising, and ease of handling in all areas.
Personally, I recommend the MT-03 for its good overall balance, but it is also true that the MT-25 is attractive in terms of running costs. As a result, the accessory package "MT-03/MT-25 Touring" went on sale on May 30th. Based on the MT-03/MT-25, it is equipped with a touring screen, knuckle guards, quick shift kit, and touring bag S, and is characterized by its improved convenience and comfort when touring. The prices are $5321.12 for the MT-03 Touring and $4930.26 for the MT-25 Touring. If you are looking to mainly enjoy touring, the MT-03 Touring, which has plenty of room when cruising at high speeds, is probably the best buy.
By changing the lever shape and moving it 5mm closer to the handlebars, the lever operation load has been reduced by 17% for the MT-03 and 11% for the MT-25.
The MT-03 Touring is a package of accessories that enhance convenience when touring. The knuckle guard comes with a special graphic that matches the body color.
2025 YAMAHA MT-03 Main Specifications
・Overall Length x Overall Height x Overall Width: 2090 x 1075 x 755 mm
・Wheelbase: 1380 mm
・Vehicle Weight: 166 kg
・Engine: Water-cooled 4-stroke DOHC 4-valve in-line 2-cylinder
・Maximum Output: 42 PS/10750 rpm
・Maximum Torque: 3.1 kgfm/9000 rpm
・Fuel Tank Capacity: 14 L
・Transmission: 6-speed return
・Brakes: F = Single Disc, R = Single Disc
・Tires: F = 110/70R17, R = 140/70R17
・Price: $4807.19
See YAMAHA Moto Index Page
See YAMAHA MT-03 Parts & Accessories Page
See YAMAHA MT-03 (2016-) Parts & Accessories Page
