I’m heading out of town this week to get my hands on the new Yamaha MT-03! What would you like to know about it?
There’s also a black version, but the “Ice Fluo” above is much more interesting to my eyes.
After Kawasaki released the Z400 last year, it seemed inevitable that Yamaha would have to answer. The “bLU cRU” has their work cut out for them on this one – I loved the Z400 and called it the best bargain in motorcycling. But that was when the Z400 retailed at $4,799 – Kawasaki has bumped the price up to $4,999 for 2020 (interestingly, that’s the same as the Ninja 400 despite the extra plastics). What’s the price of the MT-03, you ask? $4,599 (plus a $425 destination charge).
$400 cheaper and free lightning? What a deal!
If this plays out anything like my comparison of the faired versions of both these bikes, then the MT-03 will be at a slight disadvantage from an engine standpoint. But the 321cc parallel-twin engine is still fast enough to get you where you need to go, and the MT-03 is blessed with standard ABS, comfortable ergos, and outrageous styling. It makes a lot of sense for a beginner or someone who just wants something small and, like me, strongly prefers naked bikes over ones with fairings.
This thing is ANGRY.
Click here to see what Yamaha says about their newest, smallest naked motorcycle – then hit me up with your questions in the comments!