When I mentioned the MT-03 a little while back, I had no idea whether Yamaha was just doing this as a styling exercise or if it was serious about producing it. Well it looks like it is being introduced but so far, France seems to be the only place to find it. The Yamaha France web site has it listed with the other 2006 models, Yamaha USA does not. I think the bike looks great, too bad it’s not on the way to the US, or maybe a decision hasn’t been made yet. We’ll see.
via Motoblog.it
todd says
I would love to see this bike come to the US. Just think, it would have the market all to itself. Well, there is the weird BMW F650CS but at close to 10 grand, you’d have to be very dedicated to BMW. This yamaha could come in under the price and expectation of the SV650 and Ducati monster ranges, you know, the area only inhabited by the GS500, EX250 and EX500. It would trounce those bikes simply because it is bang-modern and original. Good thing for GS and EX fans, more competition would mean a re-freshening of those models too. Come on Yamaha (or someone) fill the huge empty gap!
Jim says
I would love to see Yamaha offer this bike in the US.More than that,I wish more American riders accepted single-cylinder road bikes,period.I’ve ridden plenty of bikes over the years,but I still have a soft spot for a good single.I rode my old SR500 everywhere,including long trips(NC to Daytona,and a cross-country ride from NC to TX to half-way down Baja and back)without problem.But,the SR was only offered in the US for a few years because it didn’t sell well,and therein lies the problem.I don’t know what it’s going to take to shake up the American market and make these bikes more acceptable,but I hope it happens soon.All we have right now in the way of decent singles is BMWs 650,which is too expensive,and the dual-sport bikes from the Japanese manufacturers.Nothing wrong with dual-sports(I still ride one,along with my road bikes),but a dedicated road-going single with great handling,modern suspension/brakes/power like the MT-03 would be a treat for any rider.I’m already researching grey-market importers to bring one into the US–yes,I want one that bad.Are you listening,Yamaha?
I’m still hoping the (small,as yet)groundswell behind Supermoto bikes might sway the manufacturers’ opinion about the American market,but who knows?Personally,I think the new Ninja 650R is going to lay waste to the mid-displacement,universal motorcycle market.That bike alone might be enough of a reason for Yamaha to keep the MT-03 away from the US.I hope I’m wrong.
Ibsen says
I will buy this motorcycle the day it arrive here in US !!!
It is awesome !!!
*.*
Ibsen
Mike says
Hey guys, just seen your comments and thought I’d write a little review.
Got me one of these about 6 weeks ago. I use it to commute to the center of London (UK) from about 35 miles away. This involves some speed routes for about 20 miles and the rest is heavy traffic. I tend to stick to lower speeds on the run a just cruise in but the bike comes into it’s own when you need to duck a dive a little between cars and buses. The throttle responds nice and there’s loads or torque though most of the rev range. Ride is comfortable and the stock exhausts sound great. Of course it’s a single cylinder so it can get a little lumpy if you misjudge your gear but when you ride it nice it rides a smooth and thunders at speed (top end circa 100mph). I find it well balanced and every rider, from mopeds to superbikes all look at it. It burns away from the lights leaving all behind.
I love it and just can’t wait till the end of the day when I get to ride her back home… Mike
David says
Hi guys,
i’m from Portugal, i’ve had an mt-03 since they came out here in the beggining of the summer season ’06. This is a pure bikers bike (not saying its better than any other bike, not at all), but it offers you everything you want, manouverability, torque, some speed (its no R bike!), but above all its the way we can apply power on the curves.
Ride well guys! (and be safe)
ps: remember, riding a bike without the proper protective gear… you might as well be wearing your “Birth Suit”.
todd says
still no confirmation of a US release. What a shame.
-todd