Yamaha unveils the updated MT-03 for international markets

After the launch of the MT-15, the auto scribes already began fantasising about its bigger sibling, the MT-03, which is the naked avatar of the YZF- R3. And while we still await the naked bike’s arrival in India, the Japanese brand has unveiled the MT-03 in a new avatar for the international markets.

What’s new in the 2020 MT-03?

Yamaha has dropped the MT-07-inspired headlamp in favour of the menacing LED setup similar to the MT-15. The bike also gets a redesigned tank with air vents, giving the bike a striking fascia. The bike also gets a new instrument cluster.

The changes on the new bike aren’t just cosmetic. The Japanese naked now gets 37mm KYB USD forks, replacing the telescopic ones on the previous model. The rear monoshock has been updated too with revised preload and damping along with a stiffer spring. It also gets an extended asymmetric swingarm that pivots closer to the middle of the bike.

The Yamaha MT-03 continues to be powered by the same liquid-cooled, twin-cylinder 321cc engine from the YZF-R3, producing 41.42bhp at 10,750rpm and 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm. Braking hardware remains the same with the 298mm and 220mm front-rear disc setup.

Though there is no official word from the manufacturer about the bike’s India debut, we expect the MT-03 to show up at the 2020 Auto Expo in Delhi.

The MT-03, if launched, will stack up against the likes of KTM 390 Duke, BMW G 310 R and the Honda CB300R but is unlikely to be as affordable as the Austrian or the Honda.