Yamaha has launched the MT-03 in Europe, more than seven months after the streetfighter made its global debut. Priced at EUR 4,995 (Rs 3.78 lakh) in Germany, the MT-03 is Rs 37,850 cheaper than the Yamaha YZF-R3.
Essentially a naked version of the Yamaha YZF-R3, the MT-03 is built around a diamond-type steel chassis, which encloses a 321cc parallel-twin powerplant. Delivering 40.5bhp and 29.6Nm of torque, this engine is mated to a six-speed transmission. Components like suspension and brakes are similar to the ones used in the YZF-R3. Cosmetics are inspired by the bigger MT machines like the MT-09 and the MT-07. The stripped down MT-03 is four kilograms lighter than the YZF-R3. It also gets a single-piece handlebar in place of the YZF-R3’s clip-ons.
While Yamaha has so far refused to acknowledge its plans of launching the MT-03 in India, a senior company official was recently quoted saying that they are going to continue with their top-down approach. This is an indication that the MT-03, sooner or later, might be a part of the company’s Indian portfolio. Once launched, the MT-03 will be locally assembled in India. It will compete with other streetfighters like the KTM Duke 390, Kawasaki Z250 and the Benelli TNT 300.
