Exclusive! Yamaha MT-03 India launch in Diwali

ZigWheels has found out through its sources that the Yamaha MT-03 will be launched in the Indian two-wheeler market during the festive season. The Yamaha MT-03 is the naked version of the YZF-R3 that was launched last year. According to our source, the new Yamaha MT-03 will be priced around Rs 2.75 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). We would like to remind our readers that the MT-03 was showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo earlier this year, along with the larger displacement MT-09.

The styling of the Yamaha MT-03 is exactly similar to its 250cc sibling, the Yamaha MT-25. The beefy tank, petite tail lamp, and exposed frame along with sharp and edgy lines endow the bike with an imposing stance. Although the motorcycle is based on the R3, the riding position of the bike is more upright and comfortable with a flat and wide handle bar replacing the clip-on bars. The Yamaha MT-03 is powered by the same parallel-twin motor as seen on the Yamaha R3, pumping out 42PS at 10,750rpm and 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm. 

The powerplant has been mated to a 6-speed transmission. Braking is done by disc brake at both ends while ABS will be given a miss on the India-spec model to keep cost low.  The MT-03 employs cast aluminium wheels with a 140/70 rear tyre and 110/70 front, which we feel will be sourced from MRF. The Yamaha MT-03 will come to India via the CKD route from Indonesia and will compete against the likes of the Kawasaki Z250, Benelli TNT300 and the upcoming BMW G 301 R.