With its impressive design language and the mighty roar, the Ymaha MT-03 is eager to attack the roads with poise. The Yamaha MT-03’s character is so unique that it had to be created a special niche for itself. The new “roadster motard” puts versatility on top of the list and it can be easily considered the perfect partner for any type of road.

The motorcycle is powered by the same engine as the Yamaha XT660 namely a smooth, fuel injected liquid-cooled, 660cc unit that puts out 35.0 kW (48PS) at 6,250 rpm and 56.2 Nm (5.73 kg-m) of torque at 5,500 rpm. These numbers are far from being impressive, but the motorcycle recovers this lost terrain in terms of handling.

Therefore, Yamaha’s engineers have spent a lot of time on making the MT-03 as agile as possible. They did it by moving the motorcycle’s weight as far forward as possible. Due to the smart emplacement of the engine, battery, swingarm and other elements, Yamaha obtained a weight distribution of 52/48% front/rear, giving the motorcycle a great front end feel.

Hit the jump for more information on the Yamaha MT-03.

2013 Yamaha MT-03

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Yamaha MT-03
  • Engine/Motor: liquid-cooled
  • Horsepower: 26 @ 6250
  • Torque: 41 @ 5500
  • Transmission: Constant Mesh
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

Overview

The MT-03 has a light, compact, fuel-injected engine that's full of power for instant thrust and a short-wheelbase with a focused centre of gravity that allows remarkable control and excellent traction on all kinds of roads.

It is a bike that comes with Kodo as standard, the Japanese word for 'soulbeat' - epitomised by the sound and pulse of the MT-03's big single in action.

In the city, the radically styled MT-03 is one of the quickest and most rewarding ways to get from A to B. And out on twisty country lanes, this super-agile, high-torque bike can pack in more action per kilometre than just about any other machine.

-660cc, single-cylinder engine

-Super-agile handling

-High-torque output

-Muscular 'forward mass' profile

-Beautiful styling

Kodo is a Japanese noun that means pulse or soulbeat. It is not a simple concept to explain, but it is an easy thing to feel. Imagine the atmosphere created by the beat of Japanese big drums and you'll begin to get the idea.

That's the kind of soulbeat that Yamaha's engineers have built into the MT series, with engines designed to let you feel the rhythm of the power beneath, like a heartbeat rising and falling.

The MT series exemplifies the spirit that has made Yamaha one of the world's leading motorcycle manufacturers, and is one of the most significant developments in motorcycling in recent years.

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 unit, 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 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

Engine type

liquid-cooled

Displacement

660cc

Bore x stroke

100.0 mm x 84.0 mm

Compression ratio

10.0 : 1

Maximum power

35.0 kW (48PS) @ 6,250 rpm

Maximum torque

56.2 Nm (5.73 kg-m) @ 5,500 rpm

Lubrication system

Dry sump

Fuel system

Electronic Fuel Injection

Clutch type

multiple-disc coil spring

Ignition system

TCI

Starter system

Electric

Transmission system

Constant Mesh

Final transmission

Chain

Frame

Steel tube truss diamond

Front suspension system

Telescopic forks

Front travel

130 mm

Caster angle

26º

Trail

120 mm

Rear suspension system

Linked monoshock with spring preload adjustment

Rear travel

120 mm

Front brake

Hydraulic dual disc, Ø 298 mm

Rear brake

Hydraulic single disc, Ø 245 mm

Front tyre

120/70-17

Rear tyre

160/60-17

Overall length

2,070 mm

Overall width

860 mm

Overall height

1,115 mm

Seat height

805 mm

Wheel base

1,420 mm

Minimum ground clearance

200 mm

Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)

192.4 kg

Fuel tank capacity

15 litres

Oil tank capacity

3.4 litres

MSRP

£ 7,399.00


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