2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Ride

Hugh Janus · April 14, 2020

Yamaha’s 2020 MT-03 does more with less. The latest naked MT is the smallest in displacement, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a blast to ride. (Joseph Agustin/)

Sometimes the old adage of less is more still rings true in motorcycling; Yamaha’s 2020 MT-03 is a shining example. It’s the smallest and newest addition to the MT line and is now available for riders in the US. It shares much with its small-bore supersport cousin, the YZF-R3, including the chassis and engine, albeit with a more relaxed and upright riding position without a fairing. Naked doesn’t translate to stripped down for the MT-03; Yamaha has brought to market a full-featured small-bore that new riders will find usable and confidence inspiring. And as skills grow, so will the capability and fun.

At $4,599, it has the lowest MSRP in the small-bore naked class, but it has the stance and presence of the other more powerful MT models. Yamaha says MT stands for “Master of Torque”—more of an attitude with this MT than a reality of engine performance. Sharp lines and LED headlights, taillight, and turn signals are what you would expect from more expensive machines. It walks the walk of its MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10 siblings, but with less thrust and cut available from the right grip.

Yamaha’s MT-03 has an MSRP of $4,599 complete with ABS and LED lighting as standard equipment. (Joseph Agustin/)

Powering the MT-03 is the same fuel-injected, 321cc parallel twin used in the R3. Featuring a 180-degree crankshaft, a 11.2:1 compression ratio squeezed by forged pistons connected to carburized connecting rods, and four valves per cylinder with dual overhead cams, the MT-03 engine is claimed to be easy to control for beginners while being entertaining for experts. Without question this is the case.

A 321cc parallel twin powers the 2020 Yamaha MT-03. It may be small but it is entertaining. (Joseph Agustin/)

The MT-03’s engine loves to be revved; it’s not a torque monster, but a short first and second gear get it off the line quick enough to surprise more than a few red light jockeys. Third and fourth gear are where the MT finds its groove on the back roads. Off-corner grunt is smooth, predictable, but not prodigious. Momentum is your friend, and this littlest MT will teach a new rider how to maximize momentum if they want to run with the big(ger) boys. Once in the upper rev range, it builds entertaining power—still smooth and friendly, but with a kick in the rear that you won’t find below 6,000 rpm. Don’t lug it out of corners; wring it for every tick on the tach, and smile.

Momentum is your friend when getting from corner to corner. The MT-03 may not lay down serious torque, but it’s willing to make serious time if you are. (Joseph Agustin/)

Throwing the MT-03 around shows its real strength: a light and flickable character that despite its lighter suspension settings is still composed when pushed. On the road, the small Yamaha tips into the corners quickly and easily without requiring much input from the rider. Midcorner corrections and bumps don’t upset the chassis, even with my 230-pound frame. It’s very much a rock in the corners—once again satisfying to any and all riders.

Light and flickable are the two best descriptors of the 2020 Yamaha MT-03, yet despite its featherweight feel the chassis is planted and stable when the pace increases. (Joseph Agustin/)

Rear suspension duties are handled by the same monocross rear shock with seven-step preload adjustment that is fit to the R3. While at the front, the MT gets softer front springs in a 37mm KYB inverted fork, though with 6mm more of internal preload. Compression damping has also been decreased for a less aggressive ride.

Some sections of the Hill Country roads outside of Austin, Texas, are potholed and rough. But despite the decrease in compression damping and lighter fork spring, the MT-03 is compliant on less-than-perfect roads without an overly soft or wallowy feel. The rear shock could use a tick more rebound for someone my size, but let’s be clear: I’m not the target customer for this machine; less, let’s say, rotund riders won’t have an issue. Overall it’s impressive the ride quality Yamaha was able to provide on a budget-minded motorcycle.

The rider triangle is comfortable overall, but riders with longer legs may find an issue with the flared area of the fuel tank just above the knees. (Joseph Agustin/)

Ergonomics are relaxed with a handlebar attached to a new top triple clamp that positions the rider's hands 1-1/2 inches higher than the R3 and 3/4 inch further back. Footpeg position is also the same as the R3 and the seat height of the MT is the lowest in the class at 30.7 inches. On the road, the seating area felt cramped due to the flared area at the top of the tank, which Yamaha described as a “wide shoulder stance.” At 5-foot-10 my knees were at the limit of space available; long-legged riders take note.

The 298mm single front disc is matched to a twin-piston Akebono front caliper, and has a beginner-friendly initial bite with adequate power for the MT-03’s intended usage. When more is asked and you get deep into the lever, the front brake feels wooden—squeeze harder and nothing really happens past a certain point. But this is right at the performance envelope of the bike. In 90 percent of duty, the front brake is just fine. At the back the single-piston caliper and 220mm disc have plenty of power and feel. ABS function is seamless, only activating when truly needed.

ABS is standard and not switchable on the MT-03, but overall the braking package is well sorted. At the most aggressive applications of the front lever the front brake feels wooden and lacking in power. (Joseph Agustin/)

Overall, the MT-03 is a great naked machine, for all riders. Just as Yamaha has promised, it’s a great entry into the MT naked lineup that provides enough performance to entertain riders with more experience. Don’t think of it as an R3 without a fairing. Its less makes it much more—more or less.

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 is a welcome addition to the MT line—for all levels of riders. (Joseph Agustin/)

2020 Yamaha MT-03 Specifications

MSRP:	$4,599
Engine:	321cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline twin-cylinder; 8 valves
Bore x Stroke:	68.0 x 44.1mm
Compression Ratio:	11.2:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	6-speed/chain
Fuel Delivery:	Fuel injection
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate
Frame:	Diamond-type tubular steel
Front Suspension:	37mm inverted telescopic fork; 5.1-in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Monocross single shock, adjustable for spring preload; 4.9-in. travel
Front Brake:	298mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
Rear Brake:	220mm hydraulic disc w/ ABS
Tire, Front/Rear:	110/70-17 / 140/70-17
Rake/Trail:	25.0°/3.7 in.
Wheelbase:	54.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	6.3 in.
Seat Height:	30.7 in.
Fuel Capacity:	3.7 gal.
Claimed Curb Weight:	373 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	yamahamotorsports.com