Yamaha previews 2020 MT-03
Ahead of its local arrival next year, Yamaha Motor Australia have presented details on the 2020 version of their MT-03.
The most heavily-modified MT-03 since the current-generation version debuted in 2016, the upcoming model will arrive with major styling changes, as well as new front suspension, a longer swingarm and full LCD instrumentation.
Mechanically, the 2020 MT-03 appears unchanged from the current version, with a DOHC 321cc parallel twin engine, 6-speed gearbox and chain final drive.
Performance from the 2020 version of this liquid-cooled twin has not been revealed, but with the same bore, stroke and compression ratio (and what appears to be the same exhaust system, too), outputs are likely to be same 30.9kW and 29.6Nm maximums of the current version. As such, the 2020 MT-03 will retain its LAMS legality.
Style and Ergonomics
Compared to the current MT-03, styling on the upcoming version has been changed from nose to tail, with only the bellypan and exhaust shielding carrying over.
Yamaha call this next-generation design ‘Dark Lightning’. In the case of the MT-03, it’s defined by an aggressive, mass-forward approach and includes a new air scoop and fuel tank design, revised seat surround, new seat shape and a simplified tail design. There’s even a new front mudguard, but the highlight of the makeover has to be the headlight design.
Placing LED position lights as ‘eyes’ and the LED headlight as the ‘mouth’ to form a face, the headlight design is a highlight of the upcoming MT-03 and gives it a real streetfighter look.
Reinterpreting the mass-forward body styling, the air scoops project forward and the fuel tank gets a ‘wide-shouldered’ treatment, but fuel capacity remains unchanged at 14 litres.
Reshaping the bodywork has led to a new rider and pillion seat design, too, that based on appearance only, looks to be more deeply-padded than the existing version.
The tail is less radically modified than the rest of the new plastics but retains a sharp and aggressive look. The tail tidy appears to be unchanged from the current version, bar the inclusion of slimline LED indicators, which have also been added at the front.
Yamaha says the new bodywork delivers “the optimum riding position” and will provide “the highest levels of comfort and control”. Despite appearances, riding position is fairly neutral, with a slim centre section on the seat and high-mount handlebars. Listed seat height is 780mm; unchanged from the current MT-03. At 168kg, wet weight is unchanged, too.
Changes front and rear
The most significant technical upgrade for the 2020 MT-03 is the adoption of a 37mm KYB upside down front fork. Replacing the 41mm forks on the current MT-03, Yamaha says this new, high-specification front end will deliver enhanced handling performance during braking, acceleration and cornering.
At the rear, an extended swingarm has been added. First applied to the YZF-R1, the 573mm long asymmetrical swingarm moves the pivot point closer to the MT-03's midpoint to reduce variance in the bike's angle with the road surface. The result is a high level of controllability during braking, cornering and acceleration. To suit the new swingarm, the linkage-assisted KYB rear shock runs revised pre-load and damping settings, along with a stiffer rear spring. Front and rear suspension travel has yet to be revealed.
Most other cycle parts carry over unchanged, including the diamond-type lightweight steel frame and 17-inch alloy wheels. The braking package is made up of a single 298mm front disc and 220mm rear disc, with a twin-piston caliper up front, single-piston caliper on the rear and standard ABS.
LCD instrumentation
Finally, the asymmetric instrument pod on the current MT-03 that combined an analogue and digital display has been replaced with a simpler full LCD dash for 2020. A prominent digital speedo and gear position indicator is complemented with a ribbon-style tachometer up top and odometer, temp gauge, fuel gauge and fuel consumption indicator below. Presumably, tripmeters and other rider-selectable functions are included, too.
Part of Yamaha’s ‘Maximum Torque’ family, the updated MT-03 is due to reach Australia in the first half of 2020. Available colours will include Ice Fluo, Icon Blue and Midnight Black. Pricing will be revealed closer to local release, but is expected to be in the $7,000 - $7,500 range ride away, as the current MT-03 carries a $7,299 ride away price.
For more details, go to https://www.yamaha-motor.com.au
