Stunning agility and a forward riding position bring out the motard aspects of the Yamaha MT-03. Clutch and throttle action are spot on and the brakes (lifted from the Fazer) are excellent. The Yamaha MT-03's flash, lateral suspension system (with side-mounted shock) takes care of comfort while the rider can cane the bike around town or corners knowing those wide bars give it excellent manoeuvrability.
Like Aprilia’s Pegaso, the Yamaha MT-03 takes its engine from Yamaha’s XT660: a proven motor that works in this dinky little chassis. Smooth fuel injection and loads of low to midrange torque mean town and twisty riding is huge fun. The Yamaha MT-03 is a bit breathless up top though: it’s not really up to a long haul.
The Yamaha MT-03 is well finished with excellent attention to detail: just look at that beautiful alloy swingarm. The engine’s tried and tested (so should be reliable) and the whole Yamaha MT-03 has been put together with originality, flair and, by the looks of things, without stinting too much on quality. Early days though…
A quality motorcycle at this price is good news. Scratchers will love throwing the Yamaha MT-03 around and newbies will learn to corner like Rossi with its brilliant handling. The top end may be a bit lacking, however, and there’s always the Suzuki SV650 or Kawasaki’s ER-6n waiting in the wings, costing less and with around 20bhp more oomph. Find a Yamaha MT-03 for sale
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Sharing its genes with the MT-01, the Yamaha MT-03 has angular bodywork, a funky little headlamp and angry twin underseat pipes. The clocks are basic (digital speedo/analogue rev counter) but that suits the motard look. Numerous Yamaha MT-03 aftermarket bits are available, including hand guards, a flyscreen, seat covers and a fetching Akrapovic end can. Yum.