Yamaha MT-03 Street Fighter To Launch In India During 2016

The Yamaha MT-03 Street Fighter is set to launch in the Indian market during 2016. The MT-03 bears a resemblance to the YZF-R3 motorcycle that was launched a few months ago. Internationally, Yamaha offers several iterations of the MT range of motorcycles.

Powering the MT-03 will be the same engine that does duty in the YZF-R3, which is an inline two-cylinder, 321cc, liquid-cooled engine. This engine mated to a 6-speed transmission produces 41bhp and 30Nm of peak torque.

Suspension, chassis, swingarm, and several other components will be shared between the MT-03 and YZF-R3. However, the MT-03 will have revised front rake, upright handlebar and more comfortable ergonomics compared to the YZF-R3.

Yamaha will not provide the MT-03 with an aerodynamic fairing, as it is a naked street fighter. More importantly, the motorcycle will be equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

The MT-03 will have no direct competitor in the Indian market. Yamaha, however, will be forced to compete with Kawasaki and it's Z250 Street Fighter, which is priced at Rs. 3.08 lakh ex-showroom (Mumbai). The Kawasaki Z250 sports a parallel-twin cylinder, 250cc engine, which is smaller in displacement than the MT-03.

Yamaha India will locally assemble the MT-03 motorcycle, just like the YZF-R3 Supersport, and the motorcycle will be brought into India as a Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit. The CKD approach will attract a higher price than a locally manufactured product; expect a price tag of Rs. 2.95 lakh ex-showroom.