2025 Yamaha MT-03 Preview

When you’re working with just about 20 lb.-ft. of the stuff, can you really be called a master of torque? But we digress. The MT-03, Yamaha’s gateway to its “Master of Torque” hyper-naked lineup, is back for 2025 with a pile of changes that as a whole seem minor but still help the entry-level twin keep pace with the naked bike competition. Chief updates include a new assist and slipper clutch, an all-new tailsection that keeps that aggressively insectoid vibe (what Yammy calls a “serious presence”) as well as a new display in the cockpit and some ergonomic tweaks.

Related: 2025 Yamaha MT-07 Preview

But the wee MT is popular for a reason, and so naturally it keeps all the good stuff for 2025, like the 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine with double overhead cams stuffed into a compact tubular frame, with an inverted fork and monocross rear shock at either end, and potent front and rear disc brakes with standard ABS to haul the whole thing down. To all that it adds a brand-new assist and slipper clutch that Yamaha says will not only offer a lighter pull at the lever but also make downshifts way smoother and help inhibit excessive engine-braking. The clutch lever has also been reshaped for better feel.

Although they’re not as obvious, it’s worth noting the improved ergos as well. For 2025 Yamaha graces the MT-03 with a slimmer seat and side covers to give riders an easier reach to the pavement while still keeping the MT-03′s comfortable riding position; seat height is now a low 30.7 inches. The passenger seat has been redesigned too, with a wider pan and a thicker cushion to give your plus-one more comfort. More readily noticeable changes come to the 2025 MT-03′s tailsection, which has been completely overhauled and now has a new taillight design.

On the “it’s-about-time” front, the MT-03 also finally sees an all-new LCD instrument cluster that can more clearly display the usual bike info as well as showing connected smartphone information. Yep, you heard right: The MT now offers smartphone connectivity, which works in conjunction with the free Y-Connect app (available for iOS and Android). This spools up a direct connection between bike and phone so you can now view incoming calls, email, and message notifications on said display. (Apparently it’s what consumers want.) There is also a new USB-A socket located next to the display so you can power your phone as well.

The new 2025 Yamaha MT-03 will be available in Team Yamaha Blue, Matte Stealth Black, or Ice Storm, and will begin arriving to dealers in March for $4,999 MSRP.