2020 Yamaha MT-03 released
As previewed in JUST BIKES #371, the MY20 MT-03 is the most altered version of Yamaha’s entry-level, LAMS-legal maximum torque model since it debuted here in 2016.
Leading the raft of changes is the styling - which Yamaha call ‘Dark Lightning’ – that’s a big departure from the 2019 model, but follows changes applied to the larger models in the MT range.
The most obvious difference is the headlight, which replaces the existing angular shape with a ‘mask’ that features LED DRLs as ‘eyes’ above the LED main headlight ‘mouth’. The shroud for the instrument display is now more closely integrated into the headlight surround, too.
The fuel tank and air intakes have been redesigned, with the latter now bolder and more defined against the rest of the plastics, giving the front end an aggressive, wide-shouldered look.
Plastics forward of the seat have been altered and now have a smoother look, with the colour separation making the MY20 bike look visually taller, while the belly fairing has been mildly altered, too. The plastics around the seat base and tail have also been smoothed off, as has the treatment of the upper section of the tail.
Aiding the sharper, sleeker look are new slimline LED indicators at both ends, redesigned radiator shrouds and a new design for the mirrors.
Specification changes are led by a revision of the front and rear suspension, with the MY19 MT-03’s 41mm front forks replaced with 37mm upside down units from KYB. Yamaha says this new front end delivers enhanced handling performance during braking, acceleration and cornering.
At the rear, a new and slightly longer swingarm has been applied, moving the pivot point closer to the MT-03’s centre to reduce variance in the bike’s angle with the road surface. The monoshock is the same size as the MY19 model, but now runs a stiffer spring and revised pre-load and damping settings.
The other major change for 2020 is the replacement of the previous analogue/digital instrumentation with a fully digital LCD display. The prominent speedo readout and gear position indicator on this display is complemented with a ribbon-style tachometer and smaller displays for the odometer, fuel level, clock, temperature, tripmeter and other information.
The MT-03’s diamond-type tubular steel frame carries over, as does most of the other cycle parts, like the 17-inch alloy wheels, 298mm front/220mm rear disc brakes and standard ABS.
Also unchanged is the 321cc parallel twin engine (that produces 30.9kW and 29.6Nm), 6-speed transmission and chain final drive. Seat height (780mm) and fuel capacity (14lt) are unaltered, too.
Colours for 2020 are Ice Fluo, which is carryover from 2019, while Icon Blue and Tech Black are similar to the Yamaha Blue and Power Black choices from last year.
Pricing for the new MT-03 is unchanged from the 2019 model at $7,299 ride away, backed by a 24-month, unlimited kilometre warranty.
See your Yamaha dealer for more details.
MT Meet returns for 2020
Following its debut in 2018, ‘Australia’s Biggest MT Meet’ returns in 2020, to be held at the Grey Gum International Café (8679 Putty Road, Putty, NSW) on Sunday 5 April.
Organised by Leon Cutts, this year’s second MT Meet will be backed by Yamaha Motor Australia, who will display the full MT model range, including the new 2020 MT-03.
Dave McKenna’s turbocharged, supercharged MT stunt bikes will be on show, too, with Dave making a guest appearance.
There’ll also be live music and Yamaha giveaways throughout the day, plus a special bbq hosted by the Grey Gum Café.
The 2018 event attracted over 100 riders, but Cutts aims to reset the record this year, supported by the Yamaha MT Owners Australia group, who have organised rides to the event from both ends of Putty Road.
While a dedicated zone and VIP parking for Yamaha MT owners will be on site, all bikes and riders are welcome.
For updates and more details, look for the MT Meet site on Facebook events.
