EICMA 2015 FIRST LOOK: 2016 Yamaha MT-03 Naked Bike

Yamaha’s success in the naked standard class has been pretty plain over the last few years with great high-value models like the FZ-09 and FZ-07 (MT-09 and MT-07 in the rest of the world) making big departures from the previous more traditional offerings. Rounding out this naked-bike product ladder is the new The MT-03, a compact and easily accessible bike featuring a steel tubing trellis frame that tightly harnesses a 41-claimed-horsepower-strong, 321cc (68.0 x 44.1mm) liquid cooled parallel-twin. First step into everyday motorcycling or simply a transition to something lighter and simpler? Right here.

Chassis components are “adequate” as per traditional Japanese standards: front fork is a 41mm stanchions classic looking unit set at 25-degree rake to produce 95mm trail, front brake is by single 298mm rotor and four piston caliper, tires come in 110/70-17 and 140/70-17 sizes front and rear. Wheelbase spans a 54.3 inches, which is should make it adequate for a comfortable two-up ride. Seat height is an accessible and confidence-inspiring 30.7 inches.

The YZF-R3 topped out 300cc-class sportbike shootout and makes a strong argument for this standard-style MT-03 version. Yamaha USA hasn't said if the bike is coming stateside as an FZ-03 anytime soon but it seems like a natural choice to join the FZ line as a light, spirited and very good looking daily commuter.