Since 2008, Honda and Yamaha have been battling it out to be the biggest scooter seller in Thailand and Yamaha did not have any real performance motorcycles in its portfolio. Fast forward to 2015 and the market is completely different now. Yamaha has a competitive model for everything that its competitor Honda is selling.
With this in mind, Yamaha Thailand is introducing a new model to its ever popular MT range in 2016. The Yamaha MT-03 is aimed at riders stepping up from smaller bikes, as well as those who are new to two wheels but want more than a scooter. The Yamaha MT-03, which is powered by the same engine as the YZF-R3, delivers strong and enjoyable performance together with easy handling (weighs only 165kg). Power comes from a 321cc parallel-twin engine that puts out 40.5bhp and 29.6Nm of torque.
Yamaha Thailand has already introduced the Yamaha M-Slaz which is basically a 150cc variant in the MT family. The M-Slaz 150 is powered by an engine similar to the Yamaha YZF-R15 and costs 89,500 Thai Baht (Rs 1.65 lakh). The relaxed upright riding position and appropriate saddle height of both motorcycles promise comfortable urban riding and excellent control.
Yamaha India is rumoured to be showcasing the MT-03 at the 2016 Auto Expo to gauge the market response, and possibly decide about its launch at a later point.
