2020 Yamaha MT-03 First Look Preview

Yamaha has a new entry-level naked bike in its 2020 US model lineup with the new MT-03. The entry-level option of its Hyper Naked motorcycle lineup was first introduced in 2016, and it has been a hit in every market around the globe thanks to its combination of comfortable ergos, fun engine, nimble handling, and streetfighter styling. For the 2020 model year, Yamaha has kept all the pint-size performance status quo, but the Tuning Fork guys added an inverted fork and focused on redesigning the styling of the bike with an emphasis on making it darker, more Hyper Naked in appearance.

Keeping with the mass-forward styling approach of the bigger MT-series, Yamaha has tuned up the front end and changed the design of the headlight fixture so it looks similar to the rest of the family. The addition of a KYB 37mm inverted fork and cast-aluminum triple clamp give the bike both a sportier look and feel, while the dual LED driving lights and centralized projector lamp solidify the MT-series style Yamaha is focused on.

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A new LCD dash adds additional moden style while improving the appearance of the bike from the rider’s perspective. It also offers digital speedo, tach, GPI, gas gauge, and clock along with the various other warning lights. The new tank shroud and dual air scoops fill out the front end nicely while the tall handlebars, new seat, and redesigned tailsection flow together nicely as your eyes follow the lines from front to back. Yamaha has really cleaned up the styling of the MT-03, making it much more MT than not.

The entry-level MT-03 will continue to be powered by the spry 321cc, DOHC parallel twin operating with a 180-degree crank design. Its miniature-mill makes a fun, usable 44 hp (claimed) while providing enough low-end torque to easily get going from a stop, plus the light pull at the clutch helps out a bit too. For that matter, the 30.7-inch seat height, narrow seat, and slim frame offer an easy reach to the ground for most riders of average height. The MT-03 is light at a claimed 373 pounds and gets a budget-friendly 50-plus mpg. Combine that with its 3.7-gallon fuel tank and you are looking at a range of roughly 200 miles.

When all is said and done, the objective was to take a great little motorcycle and give it an identity that goes beyond just seeing it as a beginner bike. It seems as though Yamaha has done an admirable job of packing a bunch of rider-friendly features into a nice, tidy package and still manage to offer it at a price point that makes it painless for new riders to get into a new motorcycle. So, if you like the naked bike look and are searching for a great first bike, then get your tail on down to your local Yamaha dealer and take a peek at the 2020 Yamaha MT-03.

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