New Yamaha MT-03: the "little sister" of the YZF-R3 arrives at EICMA 2015 [PHOTO]

New Yamaha MT-03 – The New Yamaha MT-03 is an agile, lightweight and easy-to-handle two-cylinder that offers new and exciting riding perspectives. Designed with everyday use within an urban environment, the new MT-03 features natural ergonomics that offer high levels of comfort. The saddle-handlebar-footpeg relationship has been designed to create the optimal conditions for an upright riding posture that adapts to motorcyclists of different physical conformations. The tank and the knee rest area, however, allow you to establish a real connection with this fascinating and versatile vehicle. The excellent handling characteristics are instead offered by the handlebar: thanks to its vertical position and the wide steering angle of 68 degrees, it provides a greater sense of control, especially on occasions of high city traffic.

The New Yamaha MT-03 is characterized by the "mass forward" silhouette which gives a compact, decisive and aggressive line and which, at the same time, transmits a strong sensation of power and agility. The look was created through the use of lines developed horizontally and with minimal protrusion, both front and rear. The "mass forward" aspect is reinforced by the central position of the muffler, while the forward-slanted engine, as well as the fuel tank and air intakes, contrast with the thin and minimalist tail, accentuating the "ready to sprint" line forward". Developed on the YZF-R3 model, The liquid-cooled DOHC 4-valve 4-stroke inline twin-cylinder engine is designed to provide excellent power characteristics and fast torque response times. The pleasant running character of the engine inspires high levels of driving exhilaration that clearly distinguishes the MT-03 from other models. To promote an increase in operating efficiency, the engine was developed using the most advanced combustion analysis technology and features a number of high-tech components, including lightweight forged pistons and carbide steel connecting rods. Thanks to the optimization of the arrangement of the intake and exhaust valves and a compact layout of the 4-valve combustion chamber, a swirling air/fuel mixture is created which promotes rapid combustion and excellent performance.

The chassis of the New Yamaha MT-03 is based on that of its sportier sibling, the YZF-R3, and was developed using the latest structural analysis technology. This allowed Yamaha designers to create a lightweight and compact component that was able to ensure an excellent balance of rigidity. Its minimalist design features very little bending, welding or crimping of the stems, creating a structure in which compact dimensions and low weight contribute significantly to achieving excellent performance in terms of handling, lightness and agility. The main frame tubes are made of 35mm steel and, by using the engine crankcase as a load-bearing member of the frame, Yamaha's designers have managed to keep the overall weight to a minimum.

The New Yamaha MT-03 will be available in the two colors Midnight Black and Race Blue starting from February 2016, at the price of €5.090 fc