In 5 Pics - Yamaha MT-15 V2 vs MT-03 Differences Explained

We’ve already reported on how Yamaha has unofficially opening the bookings of the R3 and MT-03 in some dealerships across the country, with the launch slated for June or July 2023. This means the Indian MT-15 V2 will finally get a ‘big brother’. So then what differentiates the MT-badged siblings? Let’s find out:

Engine and performance

The first, and of course biggest, difference is the engine. The Yamaha MT-15 V2 uses the 155cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder VVA-equipped engine from the R15 V4, making a near identical 18.4PS and 14.1Nm. The MT-03, meanwhile, is powered by the 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder motor (no VVA here) shared with the R3, and makes 42PS and 29.6Nm. Both feature a six-speed gearbox with a slip-and-assist clutch.

Visuals 

From the front, both get a hunkered-down stance, with a projector headlight and eyebrow-shaped DRLs, though the MT-15 has slightly more pronounced headlight surrounds. Both get LED indicators, standard on the MT-03, and available on all save for the recently launched entry-level Metallic Black colour scheme variant of the MT-15. 

Next, while both feature a muscular design, the MT-15 V2’s compact dimensions make the MT-03 look a size larger. Another easy visual differentiator are the tank extensions and radiator shrouds around both bikes’ tanks: cohesive on the MT-15, slash cut and segmented on the MT-03.  The design of the alloy wheels is also different.

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Underpinnings and mechanicals 

Both bikes feature the same basic architecture: a diamond frame on the MT-03, a deltabox frame on the MT-15. Another point of similarity is the suspension hardware; 37mm USD forks and linked monoshocks. The monoshock on the MT-03, though, offers preload and rebound adjustment, the latter of which is missing on the MT-15. 

Both feature a 110-section front and 140-section rear tyre, with disc brakes front and rear, and dual-channel ABS. And though the 298mm disc up front on the MT-03 is larger than the MT-15’s 282mm unit, both bikes have an identical 220mm rear disc. 

Features

As mentioned, both get dual-channel ABS. The MT-15 gets traction control, too, which, ironically, is missing on the MT-03. Similarly, while both get an LCD console, the negatively lit unit on the MT-15 gets the advantage of smartphone connectivity (though for only call and message alerts, but no navigation) along with a dedicated app for service and maintenance alerts and post-ride stats. The MT-03, meanwhile, misses out entirely on connectivity features. 

Price and availability

The MT-15 is already on sale in India, retailing for between Rs 1,64,900 and 1,68,900 (ex-showroom Delhi). The MT-03, meanwhile, is set for launch sometime in June or July 2023, and could be priced at around Rs 3.8 lakh. If Yamaha manages to price it aggressively, then the current MT-15 fans will have something to upgrade to, within the Yamaha family.