Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to 3,000+ Reviews, Guides, & More

2021 Yamaha MT-03 [Model Overview]

2021 Yamaha MT-03

2021 Yamaha MT-03: The Perfect Commuter

The third-generation, Japanese-made Yamaha MT-03 was launched last year, and as such, not much has changed since the 2020 model. The 2021 model receives a new paintwork option, a slightly updated front fork factory setting, and honestly, that’s about it.

It still has the excellent 321cc parallel-twin engine that chucks out just about 50 HP and 24 lb-ft of torque. It still will grunt around in low RPMs as needed and will wail the song of a superbike when the nuts are revved off the engine. And it still has one of the best front cowl and headlight assemblies on any bike out there, with the fierce angry daylight running lights and the screaming LED center headlight.

Not much else needs to be said. It’s a great starter streetfighter/naked for a new rider that won’t get them into (too much) trouble. For a lighter and shorter experienced rider, it’s a perfect commuter mixing Yamaha’s parallel-twin mastery with great fuel economy and a superb price-to-performance value.

The new 2020 Yamaha MT-03 starts at $4,599 USD / $5,899 CAD.

On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new 2021 Yamaha MT-03 in one place.

2021 Yamaha MT-03


Model Overview

General Info

  • Price: $4,599 USD / $5,899 CAD
  • Key Features:
    • Standard ABS
    • LED Lighting
    • LCD instrumentation

Main Specs

  • Engine Type: 321cc, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 2-cylinder; 8 valves
  • Horsepower: 50 HP
  • Torque: 24 lb-ft
  • Wet Weight: 370 lbs (168 kg)
  • Seat Height: 30.7 inches (780 mm)

2021 Yamaha MT-03


2021 Yamaha MT-03 Specifications

From Yamaha

ENGINE

Engine 321cc, liquid-cooled DOHC inline 2-cylinder; 8 valves
Power 50 Hp
Bore x Stroke
68.0mm × 44.1mm
Compression Ratio 11.2:1
Fuel System Fuel injection
Starter Electric
Lubrication

DRIVETRAIN

Clutch Wet multiplate clutch
Transmission
Constant mesh 6-speed
Final Drive Chain

CHASSIS

Suspension Front
37mm KYB® inverted fork; 5.1-in travel
Suspension Rear
Single shock; 7-step preload adjustable, 4.9-in travel
Brakes Front Hydraulic single disc brake, 298mm; ABS
Brakes Rear Hydraulic single disc brake, 220mm; ABS
Tires Front
110/70R17
Tires Rear 140/70R17
Fuel Tank Capacity
3.7 gal
Color Storm Fluo, Matte Stealth Black

ELECTRICAL

Ignition
Spark Plugs
Headlight LED
Tail Light LED

DIMENSIONS

Overall Length
82.3 in
Overall Width 29.7 in
Overall Height 42.1 in
Wheelbase
54.3 in
Ground Clearance
6.3 in
Seat Height
30.7 in
Wet Weight
373 lb

WARRANTY

Warranty 1 Year (Limited Factory Warranty)
Extension

2021 Yamaha MT-03


2021 Yamaha MT-03 Features

TOP FEATURES

Smooth And Easy To Ride Power Delivery
This 321cc liquid-cooled 2-cylinder engine features lightweight forged pistons and carburized connecting rods, delivering easy to manage power in the low rpm range with strong high rpm power. The extremely light clutch feeling makes the MT-03 even more fun in the city, while its offset cylinders and advanced fuel injection system ensures smooth throttle response.
Dual Position Lights with Singular LED Headlight
The dynamic MT-03 looks cool with its dual angled position lights that emphasize its aggressive big-bike looks. A single compact and powerful LED headlight burns a hole through the darkness to light up the road ahead.
Aggressive Next-Gen MT Design
There’s absolutely no mistaking that the MT-03 is a member of Yamaha’s legendary Hyper Naked family. With its aggressive front light assembly as well as bold air scoops and a sculpted fuel tank, the MT-03 gives you the chance to become a true Master of Torque and experience the most dynamic ride in the class.
37mm KYB Inverted Front Fork
The MT-03’s serious big-bike specification is underlined with the addition of an inverted KYB front fork. Equipped with 37mm tubes and a cast aluminum upper triple clamp, the front end reinforces the bike’s high-specification and delivers a confident and smooth ride during braking, acceleration and cornering.

ENGINE

Potent Twin-Cylinder Powerplant
Yamaha’s 321cc liquid-cooled, inline 2-cylinder engine delivers excellent power and performance throughout the rpm range. With a 180-degree crank design and integrated counterbalancer, the layout minimizes vibrations for a smooth, refined engine character.
Smooth and Useable Power
With double overhead cams (DOHC) and four-valve cylinder heads, the MT-03 engine provides easy-to-manage power at low rpms with strong rpm power—ultimately delivering an exciting ride with a broad spread of power.
Six-Speed Transmission
A smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox ensures the rider always has the right ratio, whether riding through tight city streets or on the open highway.
Modern Fuel Injection
Downdraft induction fuel injection system provides easy starting, excellent fuel economy, and responsive performance in all conditions.
Advanced Cylinder Construction
Yamaha’s unique DiASil—a high-silicon aluminum alloy—is used in the cylinders to ensure excellent heat dissipation. An innovative offset cylinder design helps reduce friction and provides better efficiency, quicker response and great overall engine performance.
Strong and Lightweight Forged Pistons
Forged aluminum pistons—the same technology in the MT-10—contributes to reduced power loss and lower vibration levels. This design results in minimized vibrations and smooth running, even at high rpm.
Compact Exhaust System
The short muffler design features modern styling and helps to centralize mass, improving agility for ultra-responsive handling.

CHASSIS/SUSPENSION

Inverted KYB Front Fork
The MT-03 features an inverted KYB fork with optimized spring and damping settings, delivering more solid handling when compared to motorcycles using conventional front forks.
Monocross Rear Shock
The seven-step preload adjustable single-shock design is tuned to strike a balance between ride comfort and sporty performance with capability across a wide range of uses, from urban commuting to extended rides into the twisty canyons.
Long Swingarm
The MT-03 is equipped with a 22.6″ long asymmetrical swingarm that provides a planted ride during braking, cornering and acceleration.
Potent Braking with Standard ABS
The 298mm floating-mount front disc brake ensures excellent stopping power, supported by a 220mm rear disc. The MT-03 ABS model also features an anti-lock braking system to boost rider confidence and prevent wheel lock-ups in reduced-traction conditions.
Lightweight Diamond Frame
The compact diamond-type tubular frame’s combination of low weight and immense strength gives you neutral handling and easy maneuverability in traffic. With its inverted front fork and rear shock with complimenting settings, the MT-03 is ready to carve through the twisties and get your adrenaline flowing!

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Stylish LED Turn Signals
Light-Emitting Diode (LED) elements are used for both the front and rear turn signals. Not only do LEDs offer long life with minimal power draw, they provide brilliant illumination for confidence and visibility, during the day or night. The MT-03’s dynamic appearance is reinforced by the LED signals that perfectly complement the bike’s aggressive looks.
Dynamic Mass Forward Design
Yamaha’s Hyper Naked bikes are instantly recognizable thanks to their aggressive and powerful design. A sculpted fuel tank cover is designed to fit snugly with the rider while the lightweight air scoops enhance the look and feel of the mass-forward body design and highlight the dynamic MT family look.
Ergonomic Riding Position
With its compact body and low 30.7″ seat height, the MT-03 is a joy to ride whether you’re escaping traffic or having a blast out on the open road. Behind the aggressive bodywork, a specially sculpted knee area and fuel tank cover work with the high-mounted handlebars to provide an agile and ergonomic riding position.
Digital LCD Instrumentation
To match the MT-03 Hyper Naked’s radical looks, Yamaha has fitted a stylish LCD meter that provides easy-to-absorb information.

2021 Yamaha MT-03 Photos


2021 Yamaha MT-03 Videos


Yamaha Motorcycles Official Websites

Social Media Links

  1. I am a more Touring (1692+CC or more), long rides guy. Thou this past year while working at a powersports dealership, I had become a Basic Riders Course (BRC) instructor. Since I started teaching, one of the bikes we would use is the MT-03. My fellow instructors and I would use the MT-03 more than any other bike in our inventory for doing demo of the exercises. Being bikeless at the time and the rising gas prices, last month I went ahead and purchased the new 2021 Yamaha MT-03 for myself to ride to work at my regular job and when I go out to teach BRC classes. Even thou being under powered to the type of bikes I’ve normally had in the past, this bike has been a great substitute to getting out and enjoying the ride. This bike handled like a dream when I took nothing but back roads to the Skyline and back. 6 out of 5 stars!!! If you are new to riding, I HIGHLY recommend this bike to not only start out on and build your riding experience, but to continue riding this enjoyable bike for years to come. Yamaha has definitely out did themselves with this bike!!!

Comments are closed.