Yamaha->ke301 wants us to believe that the MT-03 is an ideal choice for you to enjoy some of the best riding experiences in its bike segment. Really, who are we to disagree with these guys?

The MT-03 is more than just a light and compact bike with a short wheelbase; its also a powerful and versatile machine that boasts of remarkable control, excellent traction, and unrivaled power.

Speaking of its power, the MT-03 comes with a high-torque, 660cc single-cylinder engine that was based closely on the highly-acclaimed XT660 powerplant. With high levels of low to mid-range torque, the liquid-cooled engine powering the Mt-03 is ideally suited for the bike's overall design and performance characteristics.

It's no wonder why Yamaha has been singing the praises for this bike for as long as anyone of us can remember. When you're looking for a comfortable, safe, and powerful bike that will definitely turn some heads, you need not look further than the MT-03.

More details of the Yamaha MT-03 after the jump.

Big single

Powering the new MT-03 is a high-torque, 660cc single-cylinder engine based closely on the highly-acclaimed XT660 powerplant. With its high levels of low to mid-range torque, this liquid-cooled engine has already established a strong reputation with XT660 owners, and is ideally suited as the base engine for the MT-03.

Up-swept muffler

The MT-03 is a uniquely styled motorcycle, as emphasised by the up-swept muffler. From the rear, the system looks like dual mufflers, but they are in fact connected, and each one is protected by a resin shield for passenger comfort. This stylish exhaust underlines the bike's solid MT heritage, and gives it a distinctive and attractive rear end.

Tubular steel frame

The MT-03's compact and minimalist frame is made from high-tensile steel tubing, and has been designed to give optimal rigidity for responsive handling and excellent rider feedback. This extremely strong design utilises the 660cc engine as a stressed member, for extra solidity.

Lateral rear suspension

The MT-03 has a lateral rear suspension, similar to the one first seen on the MT-01 concept bike. This design has the shock mounted almost horizontally on the right side of the bike, close to the engine. This makes the chassis slimmer around the mid-section and concentrates mass around the centre of gravity for better handling.

Five-spoke wheels

The MT-03 runs with newly-designed 5-spoke, 17 inch wheels, and their low weight ensures that the front and rear suspension work efficiently. At the front, a 120/70-17 tyre grips the road, while an extra-wide 160/60-17 rear tyre delivers high levels of traction for strong back wheel drive force.

Forward positioning

The MT-03 is designed to offer forward mass, where the rider sits closer to the handlebars than on conventional big singles for an idealised weight distribution and enhanced handling. This is accentuated by the supermoto-style forward riding position.

Specifications