[Tushar]

Amid the high displacement drool inducers gracing the EICMA floor, Yamaha has showcased the MT-03 as well. The entry level performance naked is powered by a 321cc, in-line twin-cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-valve engine that makes 41.4 BHP @ 10,750 rpm and 29.6 Nm of torque @ 9,000 rpm i.e. the same output figures as its faired counterpart - the R3.

Transmission to the rear wheel is through a 6-speed manual gearbox. The diamond frame is supported by telescopic front forks (130 mm of travel) with a 573 mm long asymmetrical swingarm mounted to the monoshock absorber at the rear. Braking duties are carried out by a 298 mm disc up front and a 220 mm disc at the rear.

Rivals (if / when launched in India) will include the Kawasaki Z250, DSK-Benelli TNT 300 and the yet to be launched TVS-BMW G 310 R. Anticipated single pot rivals like the Hero HX250R and Bajaj Pulsar CS400 will also feature as alternatives, along with KTM's ever-popular Duke 390.

[abhi29]

All's good except for the headlight. Doesn't that look like 5 year old already and out of proportion. Totally looks like an after thought + retrofit when seen with the rest of the body. The console is closer to Yamaha FZS 2.0 than MT07/MT 09, anything on the lines of MT07 would have brought in so much character. Just my thought.

I have no doubts in this machine's capabilities but considering this has/ may have to stand up against the likes of Dukes and Z250s, styling leaves a little to be desired

[v12]

After looking at the MT-10, this feels like a mainstream commuter bike that doesn't deserve the MT badge. Looks more like a facelifted FZ and somewhat like a B-King from the side (pulled back headlights) It maybe a very capable machine - but doesn't have the looks or the character of the bigger MT. Would go for the Z250 anytime (mini Z800)

[ebonho]

Originally Posted by v12

After looking at the MT-10, this feels like a mainstream commuter bike that doesn't deserve the MT badge. Looks more like a facelifted FZ and somewhat like a B-King from the side (pulled back headlights) It maybe a very capable machine - but doesn't have the looks or the character of the bigger MT. Would go for the Z250 anytime (mini Z800)

I agree. The design philosophy on this one leaves me cold.

Was just comparing the bhp and torque figures of the R3 and Ninja 300 with those of the Duke 390.

The Duke has both of them on both the power as well as the torque, not to mention almost 20 kilos on weight, but is still slower overall.

Is it all to do with the higher revs from the twins alone or is something else at play here?

[Sheel]

But then, they have to differentiate between the flagship & this, so they have toned it down.

Headlamp & rear fender should have been better designed.

[emperorofindia]

Headlights are downright ugly. But the engine is an absolute blast and when you'll be riding this bike, i really don't think you'll care about how the headlight looks. Plus, it's a Yamaha. Revs your heart baby!

Also, I'm really interested in the Bajaj CS400. Anybody know the launch date yet?

[The Great]

Its confirmed, the MT 03 is coming to India !!

Yamaha has confirmed that the MT-03 naked sportsbike will be launched in India next year.
This naked sibling of the YZF-R3 will be first revealed at the 2016 Indian Auto Expo and will be launched around Q2 or Q3 next year.
The MT-03 is powered by a 321cc, parallel-twin, liquid-cooled motor producing 40.5 BHP of power and 29.6 Nm of torque matched 6-speed gearbox. The bike continues to ride on the same diamond-type steel chassis like the YZF-R3.
When launched the MT-03 will rival the likes of Kawasaki Z250 & Benelli TNT300, but the Yamaha is the most powerful.
Since the R3 does not come equipped with ABS, we’re not expecting the MT-03 to get it either.
Expect pricing to be higher than the KTM Duke 390, for sure.

Source 1

Source 2 (Economic Times)

[sawnilrules]

When you look at the RC-390 back to back with the Duke 390, you get confused as both look drop dead gorgeous and you suddenly want to buy the both. Sadly, that's not the case with R3 and MT-03. The R3 surely looks drool maal from all angles, but Mt-03 fails to excite as much as what the R3 does.

Probably the designers from Yamaha could take some lessons from KTM or Kawasaki to know how it's done.

[AJITHAAA]

OT. Why can't somebody make a bike in the 300-400cc range on the lines of an Yamaha RD350, Triumph Bonneville or the Honda CB750. The seating on the present bikes are so absurd at least for me, the rider is on the ground floor and the pillion on the first floor. The pillion needs to watch out when going through under passes. Reminds me of Vikram aur bethal. I am sure there is a RD 350 starved market which will gobble up these bikes if launched. Certainly I would.

[outofthebox]

Originally Posted by AJITHAAA

The seating on the present bikes are so absurd at least for me, the rider is on the ground floor and the pillion on the first floor.

This is to convey a subtle message that pillions are not welcome on sports bikes.

Jokes apart, the seats are like that because most modern sports bikes have a relatively shorter wheel base than cruisers or UJMs to improve dynamics and that causes a space crunch for accommodating two sets of legs.

Secondly a raised pillion position also keeps the pillion's limbs and clothes safe from the exposed chain sprocket, rear wheel and hot exhaust. Notice carefully where the pillion foot pegs are placed in any sports bike.

[Shivanshu]

Source maxabout.com

The overall specification of the bike is very nice, as per me.

[21Archer84]

https://www.zigwheels.com/news-featu...-diwali/26205/

Zigwheels reports the bike will launch during the festive season for an expected price of 2.75Lakhs.

[aargee]

Came across this & sharing - http://motohive.in/yamaha-mt-03-the-pocket-rocket/

Didn't sound that bad to me, somehow I'm not a guy favoring the high CR engines. Its a real good upgrade for all the folks having 150cc commuter segment who ride to city from suburbs & occasional highway burst.

[Abhi_Automobile]

Is there any meat to the info or is it just 'fly by the day' type info? I guess we'll never know unless something actually happens. The reason I am skeptical is because we've been hearing the 'launching soon' rumour for ages now...If indeed this is to come, its exciting times indeed.

For small sized (and thus cheaper!) naked bike lovers, the following bikes are being lined up by their respective companies -

• Yamaha MT 03 - Rumoured around Diwali

• KTM Duke 390 2017 - To be unveiled at EICMA (Nov, '16) - India launch to follow shortly

• Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - To be unveiled at EICMA (Nov, '16) - India launch Jan/Feb (confirmed by Rajiv Bajaj)

• BMW G310R - Launch in Jan/Feb?

I'd personally like to wait to see what comes out of the exciting list above. Else, people like me can always try our luck at the used bike market (for nakeds). Until a couple of years ago, the used bike market was not really an option. But, the more new bikes get launched, the more options one can have in the used market. However exciting the above bunch may be, none of them can match the sheer pleasure of a true blue 'bigger' sized naked like Kawasaki Z800 or Triumph Striple.

How I'd like to own one of the above two mentioned. Only if I had more moolah!!

- A

[Mafia]

Originally Posted by Abhi_Automobile

• Husqvarna Vitpilen 401 - To be unveiled at EICMA (Nov, '16) - India launch Jan/Feb (confirmed by Rajiv Bajaj)

- A

OT. I really doubt the Vitpilen 401 is that close to launch. It may launch in Diwali in 17.

One thing for sure, more launches the merrier!