Exclusive: Yamaha MT-03 Launch Near Diwali, Expected Price Rs 2.75 Lakh

The naked version of the Yamaha YZF-R3, the MT-03 could be launched near this Diwali and it is expected to be priced around Rs 2.75 lakh. 

It has been around a year since the launch of Yamaha YZF-R3 in India, and since then we have been listing speculations about the launch of its naked sibling in the country. Now, a source has told us that Yamaha can launch the MT-03 near Diwali this year. The bike is expected to be launched with a price tag of around Rs 2.75 lakh, which will most probably be for the non-ABS model.

The Yamaha MT-03 is an A2 license class model like the existing Yamaha R3 and is based on the same platform. However, it comes in the streetfighter category with the dynamic MT DNA. Along with the compact and lightweight YZF-R3-derived chassis, it also shares the liquid-cooled, 321cc parallel-twin engine and the slick 6-speed gearbox with its faired sibling. The motor makes 42.0PS of power at 10,750rpm and delivers a peak torque of 29.6Nm at 9,000rpm with the help of an electronic fuel injection system. 

Featuring a mass-forward design approach, the Yamaha MT-03 gets an aggressive styling inspired by the MT-09 which is already available in the Indian market. It runs on stylish 10-spoke alloy wheels covered with wide 110/70 section front and 140/70 section rear tubeless tyres. The suspension system comprises of adjustable monoshock at the rear and beefy 41mm telescopic forks up front. Braking duties are handled by disc brakes at both the ends and the Indian-spec model is expected to miss the ABS feature like its faired sibling.

Talking about the competition, the Yamaha MT-03 will lock its horns with the offerings like the KTM 390 Duke, Kawasaki Z250 and the Benelli TNT 300.