2020 Yamaha MT-03 Review | MC Commute
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- Опубліковано 1 чер 2020
- The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 is the company’s charge at the lightweight-naked segment. Every element of this motorcycle is built with the idea of paving an exciting path for new riders into motorcycling, right down to the relative bargain $4,599 MSRP-the lowest cost of entry to the category. And while it represents exceptional in-class value, it also packs a punch of performance and a host of features that rightly earn it a spot in Yamaha’s MT lineup.
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Design basis of the MT-03 has been heavily derived from Yamaha’s full-faired YZF-R3 supersport machine, which means the two models share the same 321cc DOHC parallel-twin engine, basic chassis, and aggressive attitude. But in case you’re not after the race-inspired styling and stance, Yamaha decked the MT out with more upright ergonomics and optimized suspension settings that should be more appealing for everyday use.
In the transformation from the YZF-R3, the MT-03 shed its fairing, instead adopting sharp lines and edgy naked-bike styling familiar with the larger, more powerful MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10 models. A wide-shouldered tank, aggressive shrouds, and full LED lighting lends itself to a motorcycle of premium fit and finish. The one-piece motocross-style handlebar has been raised 39mm and brought backward 19mm, offering a more comfortable reach for my 5-foot-7-inch frame. Footpeg position conversely has been left alone, providing the MT-03 with an aggressive lower body stance without causing cramps. Note the overly soft seat however, which will have you searching for relief not long into your ride.
When we had the Yamaha YZF-R3 on our dyno last year, it produced 36.0 hp at 10,000 rpm and 19.8 pound-feet of torque at 9,000 rpm. No, the MT-03 is no power monster, but it certainly doesn’t feel malnourished. The engine quickly spins through the revs with assertiveness and barks a throaty exhaust note for its small displacement.
The best part about the MT-03’s powerplant? You can rip through the gearbox at full throttle and experience a raw feeling of going fast without risking your license or a speed-induced pucker moment like you might on its larger MT siblings or open-class machines. Throttle response is very smooth and approachable for less experienced riders, but, honestly, lacks a punch in the low-to-midrange power. Instead, momentum is the MT-03’s friend. Keep it spinning above the 7,000-rpm mark and you’ll be rewarded with an entertaining surge of power.
The tight confines of urban riding proves the MT’s handling abilities. Measured at 375 pounds with the 3.7-gallon fuel tank topped to the brim, it’s lightweight on the scales and also on the tarmac. It’s a breeze to maneuver in low-speed scenarios, but an apex assassin in the long curves, promptly taking advantage of the plentiful grip offered by the OE-fitted Dunlop GPR-300 rubber. The inverted KYB fork is nonadjustable, but sees softer internal damping settings in comparison to the YZF-R3, effortlessly gliding over road imperfections without sacrificing big-hit support.
ABS comes standard aboard the MT-03 as a nice touch, aiding in panic-brake situations. Although the single-disc front brake offers adequate stopping power, it lacks a feel at the lever as to how much pressure is being applied at the discs.
Overall, the MT-03 is an enticing machine to riders of all skill levels. Its lightweight handling and tractable power delivery packs a punch in terms of performance and entertainment, while serving as an approachable naked bike for less-experienced riders to hone their skills.
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Photography: Jeff Allen
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Read Michael Gilbert's MC Commute on the new 2020 Yamaha MT-03 on Motorcyclist: www.motorcyclistonline.com/story/reviews/2020-yamaha-mt-03-review-mc-commute/
Tell that boob to keep his hands on the bars in traffic: 2:40
How you like the rev it air jacket?
Does this bike have a quick shifter ? He is not pressing the clutch and it shifts up
I bought a 2020 MT-03 in March and have put 1,000 miles on it so far. Here's how I ended up with it:
After starting my street bike purchasing with a 1993 Seca II (remember those?), I gradually went on to numerous larger sport bikes such as a YZF750R, two YZF-R1s, a YZF-R6, and two FZ-1s. After having my fill with those for many years, I wanted to downsize and bought a 2015 FZ-07. That was tremendous fun to ride and perhaps the best street bike I've ever owned. I eventually sold that this past fall after several years of use and felt like downsizing even more, so I started thinking about a YZF-R3 but didn't any longer care for the fully-faired sport bike looks and styling. I also thought about the naked YZF-R3, the MT-03, but that wouldn't be out until the spring of 2020, so I decided on a 2020 Honda CB300R and bought one this past October.
That was a good-looking bike and was fun to ride, but I wanted a bit more oomph in the engine dept., something between my FZ-07 and that CB300R. Plus, the CB300R front brake was lousy and a real disappointment, even though it's radial-mounted 4-piston caliper sure looked the part. When the salesman that sold me the CB300R offered to take it back in trade toward the MT-03 in March, I went for it and am so glad I did.
This MT-03 handles, feels stable yet turns very well, the engine not only has punch from 7,000 RPM and up but also has usable torque down low, the suspension works surprisingly well for a lower-cost bike, and (thank God) the front brake actually works as I'd expect it to work. Even the stock tires (Dunlop GPR300 radials) are good.
So, in 27 years, I've gone full circle and am now enjoying one of the smaller-displacing bikes I've owned. The way I feel right now, you couldn't give me an R1 for free.
I'm 24 and all I've started on a ninja 300 and 13,000 miles later I sold it for a Yamaha fz6. And now today I got to demo a mt03 and already im in love with these small displacement again. I definitely miss my 300 alot. Extra HP is completely useless on the street if your trying to stay safe. I also wouldnt take any liter bike for free.
@@jedr.3494 Agreed.
We just got one of these fresh off the lot today for my wife, who just took her very first street ride on it after getting her license 2 weeks ago. I have been riding for a little while, and I loved wringing this engine out all the way. These little bikes are great for any level of rider!
Great honest insights thanks! Are the Honda CB300R brakes that bad??
@@grumpysquid Yes. I've read comments and watched video reviews claiming the front brake on the CB300R was great, but I simply do not agree. I was very disappointed.
I just bought an MT-03 last week, this is my first experience on a bike and I am 6'2 150-155 pounds and I have no issue with it being too low or anything in that regard. I also have been impressed with the stability and control that I have over it given I'm not the strongest individual. Overall would recommend to anyone looking for a great starter bike. It was $6,003 out the door after titling/taxes/import fee's the dealer adds on. Hope this helps someone, cheers from Utah!
Next time negotiate better.
disbsam333 how much should one inspect to pay in extra fees? I was quoted an extra 1300$ worth of fees for a bike thAt is 5199$
@Redrum about $700-800 in fees it varies (In California it's on the high side) then if you get extended warranty or any add on plans gap insurance if you finance etc.
So yes could reach to $1,400 if you can't say no or if you want to be overly pre-cautious. I personally got a brand new one for $4,295 and out the door with roughly $5,300
Hey any updates on your MT? How’s riding it?
$4799 my total out of store.
It’s also a lot of fun for experienced riders to thrash the crap out of. After 36 yrs of riding these newer small cc engines rides are a blast to ride at their limits. I may get one and track it
How about getting an old 250 or 400cc inline 4 screamers? They rev to the moon and is just so good for the track.
Agreed. I got this biking coming from a zx6r and I’m having a blast
@@wallie004 ZX6R isn't even that much of a bike on the street... The problem I have with the FZ-07 is that the suspension isn't what I want, and the top end power just doesn't exist. I rode a GSXR600 and the low end power wasn't there but the top end was decent. The GSXR750 was where I finally started to feel happy, and then the R1 and the GSXR1000 was when I thought about how easily I could lose my license. Ideally I would like a GSXS1000F or something similar.
@@relate5903 Im hoping the ZX-25R will be available in the US
@@jangelopabunan93 probably won't be since that bike was made for the Asian market.
My first bike was an R3, rode it for 5 years before upgrading to my MT-09. Loved the hell put of that little bike. Great motor and a total blast to wring the hell out of. Super stoked to see an MT-03 out now.
5 years is quite a long time without upgrading. Did you ever grow bored with the R3 in the first couple years or was is fun the whole time?
Great start man! Especially delighted to see absolutely fantastic quality of your speech- the mic is class! And yet no wind noise! Can't wait for the next episode!
Nice to add a new MC Commute voice. The hands-free riding drove me crazy.
Yep, flapping like a chicken. Not the type of impression you should be giving new riders.
Maybe of Italian origin... they need hands to talk about something.
Me too. Maybe I'm being old-man-get-off-my-lawn but damn, keep at least one hand on the grip. MSF coaches must be going nuts watching this.
ok karen
@@jdham137 I think my personal old-man-edness pops up when I see the lane splitting, too. I know it's legal in some states, but when one cuts in front to a signal in Texas... someone in a dually pick-up truck will squish the next rider like a bug!
Great job man. People fail to realize how hard it is to give a review while riding without a bunch of edits.
Welcome Michael ! That was great ...Looking forward to seeing more of the road next time ... Good energy all around though
...Thanks for the ride ...Your Guy
I think this bike would be marvelous as a MT-04.
Probably the best MT-03 review out there. Great info during the ride! Makes a really strong case to grab one of these.
I ended up going with the R3 but it was an extremely difficult choice. I couldn't have went wrong with either of them. Man this MT03 looks the business.
Maybe I'm an old curmudgeon but the amount of times you took both hands off the bars while going 50+ and passing cars that are within 2 or 3 feet got to me. Your already a badass, your filming a video while narrating the video and riding a bike you have never riden before. If your alone on the road do your thing, but your not. To me it's about the respect I have for the other people I am sharing the road with.
People like you make driving unbearable
felt the same, could just imagine one of those cars changing lane without indicating
Totally agree, I think this riding without hands on the bars is highly irresponsible and stupid quite frankly. Riding like an idiot mate end of !
I gave up on this video at about 16 minutes when he was messing with the dash while going 80 on the freeway. Dude needs to stick to track days and stay off the road. Horrible riding habits while showing what is supposed to be a beginner bike.
Enjoyable review by Michael. Lots of good info there and very coherent speaking, plus the microphone quality is great. It's a nice perspective that the rider is the same height as me (and probably similar weight and age). Always good to hear from a racer.
This is the best reviews I've seen on this motorcycle and I think I'm going to get it. This week 😎
You are my favorite reviewer of the group.
Great review, you really spoke about the features of the bike and how they are a positive for beginners instead o criticizing the little things like most advanced riders do. Its not meant for advanced riders its meant for us beginners, you convinced me I am buying me an MT03 thank you.
First watchable video on this channel for a looooong time !
Just picked mine up a couple weeks ago. Love it so far trying to get through break in period. Great review thanks!
Are they good for long distance such as a trip that is 200 miles
@@atlantaogatlantaoh3546 probably not your best pick but anythings possible
Got a 2021 MTO3 a few months ago. This is my first bike and my first time truly trying to learn how to ride. It’s been great to me so far. Feels very manageable and stable. I’m about 5’10” and 170lbs, and it feels great. Of course, I don’t really have much to compare it to, but I’ve been comfortable. I think I’ll have it for a while. Going from 0-60 is a blast.
I’m really glad to see another face doing MC Commute!
Great series good to see you 👍
Superb machine where were these when I started riding 56 years ago. Love al these new little bikes.
RD350 here!
All the best MG, good start...
I really enjoyed your review. Excellent job Michael... I hope to see more Reviews from you.
Love watching reviews done in the streets near where I live. Gives me a go review. The Orange Hills are great to ride around.
really nice, clear presenting
Keep this guy around.
Nice review by you. Hope you’re able to do more👍
Just picked one up for my wife she's 5 even and on the balls of her feet she gets along with it very well so far these mt bikes have very good torque range
Right on time ... Buying mine in 2 weeks!
how did you like it? I went with the R3. I saw an MT03 on the road last week and it bruised my soul haha. Looks so great!
Love the MC videos. It would be nice to see how you fit on the motorcycle.
I still enjoy my r3, I’ve been riding since 1999, had a 1999 cbr 600 f4. Sold that about a month after getting the r3 in 2015. Same height here, and pretty much agree with your review but with the r3.
Parallel "Twingine" - Did you mean to say it that way? I like it actually. If it's not a thing, it should be. Nice review. I'd watch another from you.
BTW, Yamaha, if you're listening, make me an XSR300, please.
Xrs300 sounds like good idea.
I thought my ears glitched and I heard wrong😂
They said that it would be done at the end of this year, or around somewhere next year, the xsr300, I’m waiting for it
agree
Don't be whingein' about my parallel twingine.
Nice video. Your camera position has me wanting to see further down the road instead of the speedometer and gas tank. I like the style of that bike. Looks fun to ride
Wow, you came real close to that red painted line when you were making a fast left hand turn to your office! 👍
Got this a few months ago and WOW. Enjoyable for daily driving, a pleasure to row through all the gears. 80 MPH brings you to 8600 RPM so kinda buzzy at high way speeds. Confidence inspiring. Forgiving throttle and comfy 3/4ths tuck stance. Would not feel good if you are taller than about 5’9.
I think this was made primarily for European markets and beginner riders and European freeways. I live on O'ahu and the highest speed limit is 55 much like many other countries.
Seems perfect for that. But if I was in Texas, I'd probably get something bigger.
@@krispewkrem3 for TX I would get ninja 400. Hands down.
Noooooooooooo. Where is the guy who combs his hair with balloons?!!
actually funny comment. good one.
That's funny, but, seriously, the first thing he did was explain why he's there.
Not gonna lie made me chuckle a little
went to get a hair cut.
Looking to buy an MT03...great video.
Good review! The cam is a bit low thought. Keep it up👍👍
Nicely done MG...
Overall good eval. Would appreciate you raising the cam a bit to see more of that great 'scenery'. Also try to track right or left in your lane, even at stops. Lot a gunk. 🤙🏼
Loads of fun,enjoyable riding..
Great intro man. Keep up the good work. Haven't even finished the video yet.
I got that one but sadly 2018.. cannot wait to test it out once I get my license
Nice review, friend!
I'm thinking of getting back on a bike. Love it. Sounds good for a smaller bike too.
We want more reviews from you...loved your very first video from you brother
Had a 07 gsxr, '11 Ducati 848, '18 KTM Duke 390.
I want one of these 😎
Great review
I have a Kawasaki ZRX1200R. It's a great bike but felt I could use a smaller displacement bike for running around town. I think I found it in the MT03. Thanks for the great review.
Nice review! I’d love to spend a weekend Ripping this machine in a controlled environment!
Always love MC videos specially the reviews and commute! Can you please review the kawasaki z400 and compare it to this bike?
This is great! What i always craving for
Great revue
Just got one in all black and I love it! It is a perfect first bike for me and more comfortable then the Z400 I noticed. It handles amazingly well at all speeds, even with lighter handlebar sliders you don't get any annoying vibrations when reaching those highway speeds. No issues at all getting up to speed. Visibility at night is actually fine, even with minimal street lighting. Those LEDs work great at least for me. The only issue I have with it is that at first that front brake feels odd, like it takes a bit more time to "bite". As I've been putting miles on it it feels much better though.
Nice review . Next one on 2020 Kawasaki 400 plz
I got a 2022 mt03 as a fun bike to commute on. I love it so much I'm not getting my fz6 on the road anymore. I love how light and agile it is. because I live in rural Lincolnshire UK all my riding is on b roads so it's more fun than my bigger bike in more situations.
I would ride this bike forever
This bike looks great
Nicely done.
Love the review. I'm looking into getting a fun little bike. Torn between this, the CB300R & the Svartpilen 401..
401 will be the most fun bike but not the most reliable
The 401 will be the fastest. The mt03 will deliver a good balance of fun and reliability. The Honda will be reliable
Z400
I think that Svartpilen (or Duke 390) fall the best under term "fun". Yamaha seems to be calm and user-friendly but boring in regular use. Don't have any bike but looking for one and watching lots of reviews. CB300R looks ugly to me.
awesome bike the MT03 anyway just keep on vlogging my friend and stay connected God Bless.
There's the MT-15 in other parts of the world. And it's very popular, the most popular MT, previously called the M-Slaz. 150-155cc.
I started on a 03 amazingly fun and reliable machine, now I got a 07, not because I needed but because I wanted it
I kmow the feeling. Looking to upgrade my MT03 to a 07 now even though i only had the 03 a couple of months
Gummykangaroo if you still have chicken strips. Keep it until you don’t. 👍🏼 I love momentum bikes.
Started on an 07 and don't regret it. Know your limits and you'll be fine. And it gave me the opportunity to wrench on a bike without worrying bout needing to sell it later and losing money
Great bike the MT07. Put a full Akrapovic on it as it’s seriously loud!
Solid review. I'd love to see a direct comparison between this and a z400.
Me too, I've been looking and can't find a direct comparison. Maybe because of the cc difference?
@@nidhinbenny7975 I think the MT-03 is just too new. Z400 has been around a couple years while the MT-03 is new this year. Give it a couple months and we'll probably start seeing direct comparisons.
I'm waiting on this comparison too, because I test rode a Z400 and LOVED it! But I like the styling of the MT-03 better, and it's a bit cheaper. Mainly want to know how they compare on the highway for the rare times I do need to ride into the city.
No comparison to the z400.
The z is a bit better all around but it is in the 400 category so it's understandable.
Yamaha is really cranking out awesome bikes. I just got an R3. Love it. Will most def be upgrading to another Yamaha or Japanese bike. Harley priced me out so, they lose a potential customer. The MT line as well as Honda's neo sports cafe CB line blows Harley out of the water style wise.
I went from a 2016 R3 to a 2014 Yamaha Bolt. I found that street bikes aren't great for my low back. The Bolt is much less than a Harley and there are quite a bit of mods you can do to it.
Camera view is a litttttle low in this review but otherwise great info!
Only noticed it when he got off the bike but I like it better because you can see the controls and gauges rather than see the boring road lmao
I like it better this way, I like being able to see the controls and the visual of the bike
I can't wait to get mine. I have to wait a few weeks for my money. But, as soon as I get that money in my hand. I am taking it straight to the lot and getting my bike. I've been set on this bike for a year now. Got my license last year and plan to go get this bike in my hands. I'm going to enjoy riding it this spring, summer, and fall. I will probably even ride it a bit in winter. So excited! 🤗
oh man me too I found out about this bike 3 days ago because I was never into sportbikes so I was looking for my first bike in cruiser category but MAN I'm so in love when I see this MT-03 !!!
@@Voltomess It is a nice bike for sure. One of the dealerships here allowed me to take a test ride of a 2022. I like the 2021 because of the color options. Hopefully I can get the color I want. If not, no big deal. But, I am still getting me one.
@@amerikanviking What you think about HONDA CB300R? is Yamaha better?
@@Voltomess IDK. I am really dead set on the MT-03. I really like the styling over Hondas lineup. It's just a preference. I wouldn't say one is better than the other for this reason. That's kinda like saying the Chevy is better than the Ford and vice versa. They're both trucks that do the exact same thing. But, keeping up with the Jonses in Murica. Gotta have the latest and thr greatest. Useless and wasteful IMHO. I'm happy with having something small that I can be proud of and use. That's all. When I buy that, I can guarantee I will have it for a decade and literally ride it until the wheels fall off. I don't like replacing things unless I have to. Color me a conservative minimalist.
@@amerikanviking Yeah you're right, I'm kinda in love with MT-03 but also Benelli 302S looks very good and kinda sound better but unfortunately I don't see them on the streets and the fact that they're Italian/Chinese makes me feel that they're probably poor quality bikes in the same price as MT-03 , but 03 is Japanese good quality.....idk.
Like this guy, same commute every time gets old.
Here in the Philipines there is mt 15 which is a naked version of yzf r15 as well :)
Love this bike. I would had few lots of fun controls to work on it.
Nice review. How do you think it compares to the Honda CB300R?
Good review. I will buy one in the Philippines
I wonder if it was your own MT03 would you use the clutch more often?
Why does so many have to point out that's not the smallest mt in their market. I would like to read some of the comments but have to scroll through comments repeating the same thing. Don't they are it's already said or do they need to feel they are smarter than the presenter. In his market it's the smallest.
Everybody wants to sound smart
One hand on the bars to set a good example for the beginners watching
I wanted one so bad as a second bike to go with my Shadow 750, but I finally got to sit on it and those flares out the side of the tank were extremely uncomfortable for my 6' tall knees. My knees were basically jammed in tight, and even trying to flex my ankles for the brake or shifter... it just wasn't meant to be. Super sad about it, too.
I started riding on an MT-07 it's just fine, and it will keep you occupied for a bit. Downside of these cheaper bikes is they seem to be a pain to sell... I found this out the hard way after owning the FZ-07 for a year I tried selling it and found people wanted to go well below market value, and in general didn't get a lot of offers.
How much miles can you expect out of bikes like this
Looks like it would also make a great 2nd bike to use as a cheap commuter. Thoughts?
Which bike would have better toque off the line. The MT 03 or the CB500f. That is were my ninja 300 lacks riding with friends on 650's leaving intersections. Ps we are middle age plus and ride at normal speeds here in Australia. Best best bike vids on youtube by the way. Stay safe you guys.
this is my favorite looking bike aside from Supermotos. only thing to me is the front forks. don't like the front forks. aside from that, BEAUTIFUL BIKE. i love this bike overall. i have a DR-Z 400sm and i love it . big time.
I'm 5'7. Subscribed
Small bikes are awesome now. Remember when the only beginner bikes were the ninja 250 and rebel 250?
Those aren't small... To me they're medium sized bikes fully capable
small bikes break every other bike in fuel efficiency, you can go 500km+ on YZF-R15 vva (or its naked family) on just 11 liters of fuel.
looking forward to the redesign of the mt-07 for 2021. hopefully they make it look more like the rest of the mt lineup, it's starting to look a bit long in the tooth.
@LastRaven hugely in agreement with you about the turn signals and headlight. those are top on my list for the redesign
The MT-03 is a great looking bike. However, it would be much better competition for the z400 if it weighed about 45 lbs less and had a slip assist clutch. A slightly larger gas tank would be nice too, but not as important as the weight reduction. (Honda's cb300r is like 316 lbs and the z400 is about 364 lbs with a much bigger motor)
Probably gonna get the MT-03 because Honda dealers near me don't want to stock 2020 Rebel 500s since they're sitting on a ton of 2018-2019 models. I had issues with the front forks when test driving the 2019 Rebel. Ohio isn't as bad as Michigan in terms of cavernous pot-holes, but our roads are like a field of land mine. You'll never know how hard or where you're gonna hit a pothole because there's too many to avoid.
Good info thanks
Can your next review be a Sherco dirt bike plz
I noticed that while you were using one hand for gestures while talking, you shifted just by bringing back the throttle. Does that mean that this comes with a quick shifter, or is it really just fine to shift without using that clutch as long as you bring back the throttle?
You forgot to mention the shift light =)
So many great 300-400cc bikes available now. Dont really need more than, gone down from a MT09 to my CB300R. Found my self over the limit too many times with out knowing.
Heard the CB300R had crap brakes. Z400 and Versys300 look fun as all heck
@@grumpysquid check the review of Cager on 2 wheels on the CB300R. It's pretty good
Can you do a proper walk-around next time, we couldnt really see it from the front and back (or im blind, but i didnt see it)?
MT O3 or 390 KTM or Z 400? Which one is a better motorcycle for the city?
Mr. MC,
be sincere, which would you love to have between the KTM duke 390 vs yamaha MT-03?
Mt O3 is a much better looking bike, with respectable performance and good fuel economy .
What recording gear did you use and how'd you set it all up?
I know this is a old post but I have the z400 Love the bike but love the look of the MT03 better I was thinking about grabbing up MT03 as a second bike. I've only been riding for 3 months.
I like that I like that I like that we had been commercialized
I know this is gonna sound like a stupid question but here goes..... I am a learner and have just bought this bike. I noticed on the video that when you change gears, youre not using the clutch.... is this normal?
Yamaha nailed the styling again. The front mimics the MT-10 which is and awesome looking bike!!!! The side scoops are probably fake, but they give the bike a cool look. Great job Yamaha on again putting out bikes people want. But, black and white LCD’s yet???? Come on Yamaha, time to move on. If you need to charge $100 more for a cool color display, please do.
Yamaha never got this bike to India and I ended up buying the R3. I just love nakeds!!
Who doesn't!!!
Wait!! Are we talking about bikes?
You should try to avoid riding thru the oil and grease in the middle of the lane.