BikeTest: Yamaha MT-03 Yamaha's MT-03, not a name which slips easily off the tongue, continues the funky-looking theme first seen on the Bulldog and then on the MT-01.
With its tall, muscular, charging bull looking front end and unusually placed rear shock absorber it is distinctive to say the least.
It is a "big single", the engine is based on that used in Yamaha's XT660 trail bike with a modified fuel injection system to give improved low to mid-range performance which is enhanced by a massive 5.9 litre air box. The "forward condensed body mass", as Yamaha calls it, means that a near-ideal 52 per cent of the weight is on the front wheel.
The engine is, as you would expect from such a large capacity single, a bit of a thumper with the vibration that implies. It is not as smooth in its power delivery as, for example, that other big 650 single, BMW's F 650.
This engine has a definite macho feel about it, as it produces masses of torque. Open the throttle and the purposeful way it thump-thump-thumps away will impress both the rider and any appreciative bystanders.
It should have a long engine life, be simple enough to maintain and give decent fuel economy. This engine is dry-sump lubricated with the oil tank set low down behind the front wheel, and seems to be well-enough protected.
The seemingly unusual positioning of the rear shock absorber is, in engineering and weight distribution terms, a good deal more logical and efficient than many more orthodox locations.
The rider is sat close to the handlebars, closer than we can recall on any other comparable bike. This makes for a very upright, nicely balanced seating position and a feeling of being very much in control. There is an analogue speedo with an LCD display for the usual information overload. The warning lights set above the LCD panel are difficult to see in daylight and they could do with being brighter.
Unusually for these days, there are knee-pads set into the tank, a much appreciated feature. The clutch is cable operated, and both clutch and brake levers are adjustable as is the foot-brake lever, as should be the case with every bike, but so often is not.
The twin front discs are immensely powerful, indeed they could be too powerful in clumsy hands. It all adds up to the feel that someone who actually rides bikes, rather than the slide-rule accountants, is behind the design. It behaves well on the road in all conditions, though we did find that the rear suspension, in the mid-point position, was a bit too firm for all save the best of roads. It can be adjusted, but one needs two C-spanners to do the job. As a result, although the seat itself is comfortable, we found the ride to be on the firm side from the point of view of comfort.
The pillion seat is reasonably good, slightly forward inclined but with good, well-placed grab handles.
However, the pillion footrests are quite high set and are not ideal for long distances.
The bike cruises nicely at legal speeds, though the funky styling does little to temper the wind blast which, at around 120km/h is quite sufficient for you not to want to go much faster for any lengthy distance.
In a world where the majority of 600-plus machines are barely beginning to realise but a fraction of their potential by the time legal speed limits have been shattered, a big single, such as this with all that low-down power makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and exhilarating ride.
This bike's design, with its excellent weight distribution, 97mm trail and 26° caster angle makes for quick, agile handling. It is as at home on the long fast straights as on the switchbacks.
Those whose memories pre-date the Japanese multi-cylinder invasion will find, despite its funky looks, that the Yamaha MT-03 really is a proper bike, whilst those not so burdened with years will find that this very cool looking machine is no mean performer.
If you are still subject to that irksome and illogical 25kW power restriction, a "factory restricted" model - one accepted by insurers for Group 5 rates - is available. Priced at €8,500 for either version, it represents quite good value.
ENGINE: Liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, 660cc single cyclinder, 4-valve, SOHC, 4-stroke. 10:1 compression. 33.4kW (45hp) @ 6000rpm, 56.2Nm @5250rpm. 5-speed constant mesh gears, chain drive. FRAME: Steel tube diamond truss. Telescopic forks 130mm travel. Swinging arm 120mm travel. Front: dual 298mm discs. Rear: single 245mm disc. 17" wheels. DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase 1,420mm, Dry weight: 174.5kg. Fuel: 15L PRICE: €8,500