YAMAHA Australia has teased the exciting new MT-03, featuring more aggressive styling and a range of technical upgrades for 2020, with the hyper naked bike being dubbed Dark Lightning.
When Yamaha launched the iconic MT-09 in 2013, it initiated a brand-new era in the motorcycle world, inspired by the alternative biking subcultures that inhabit the ‘dark side’ of Japan.
The groundbreaking Yamaha MT range of motorcycles delivers a unique look and feel for Australian roads. The MT family quickly grew from those early days, with the MT-03, MT-07 and MT-10 joining the MT-09 to provide riders with an entire step-up experience.
High spec SP versions followed for the MT-09 and MT-10, further broadening the appeal of Yamaha’s unique MT range, characterised by aggressive mass-forward body styling, lashings of torque, confidence-inspiring agility, as well as day-to-day versatility.
Priced at $7,299 ride away, the 2020 MT-03 hyper naked is now available in a choice of three colours; Ice Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black. The new look bike sees lines flow seamlessly across the motorcycle from headlight to taillight.
It now delivers a large-bike feel in a compact and easy-to-manage package, and a more-menacing appearance delivers extra street cred, with dual position lights, a single compact LED headlight, and bold air-scoops that emphasise the aggressive big-bike looks.
Position lights, taillight, and turn signals are also LED. To match the radical new look of the MT-03, Yamaha has also fitted a stylish LCD dash that displays all the information required by the rider via an attractive multi-function layout.
Also new for 2020 is the addition of 37mm inverted KYB forks and a cast aluminium upper triple clamp, designed to deliver a more comfortable and sportier ride – perfect for urban commuting or extended rides into the twisty canyons.
At the rear, the seven-step preload-adjustable shock design has been updated and tuned to match the new forks, striking a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance.
Chassis
The diamond frame design features very little bending or welding to create a minimalist and attractive structure. Using the engine’s crankcase as a stressed member of the chassis keeps overall weight to a minimum, delivering agile handling performance.
The long 573mm swingarm reduces fluctuations in the angle of the swingarm in relation to the road surface during both compression and rebound when compared to a conventional, shorter design.
This provides more efficient transmission of power to the rear wheel, particularly during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
Ergonomics
An upright riding position, wide steering angle and moderate seat height makes the MT-03 easy to use and enjoyable to ride. A wide 68-degrees of steering lock offers impressive manoeuvrability in slow traffic and tight spaces.
With its strong focus on everyday urban use, the MT-03 is equipped with natural ergonomics designed to deliver high levels of comfort, and includes a sculpted fuel tank and knee grip area so the rider can feel at one with the bike.
The 780mm seat height delivers a feeling of sitting in and not on top of the bike. This enables the typical rider to get both feet on the ground. The raised passenger seat provides plenty of space for a pillion and includes aluminium grab bars for added comfort.
Styling
In addition to the aggressive new front-end styling, the unique MT look uses horizontal design lines as well as minimal front and rear overhang.
The mass-forward look is reinforced by the centrally located muffler as well as a forward-inclined engine, sculpted fuel tank and air scoops that contrast with the bike’s slim and minimalist tail to accentuate the ready-to-pounce stance.
Engine
The compact and lightweight 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine has been developed from
Yamaha’s multi-championship winning YZF-R3 sports bike.
The liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve CP2 engine features a 180-degree crank and integrated counterbalancer to deliver excellent vibration-free power and responsive torque characteristics.
Brakes
For strong and predictable stopping power, together with plenty of feel, a large diameter
298mm front brake disc and floating twin-piston caliper has been fitted. The rear wheel has a 220mm disc.
Visit the Yamaha Australia website to find out more about the LAMS approved 2020 Yamaha MT-03.
