Yamaha MT-03 revealed?

The same as an MT-25 but with ABS and a bigger engine

IT’S probably little surprise to hear that Yamaha is planning an MT-03 derived from the recently-revealed MT-25, gaining the same extra capacity that already led to the Asian-market R25 becoming the European R3.

Not to be confused with the old 660cc MT-03 of a decade ago, the next bike will use the same chassis, engine, suspension and brakes as the R3, but switching from fully-faired race rep to a naked look. Visually, it will be identical to the MT-25 that’s already been shown in Asia.

So how do we know these patents relate to the European version? It’s all down to those little slotted rings visible at the centres of the front and rear wheels – they’re ABS rings, and are clearly visible on these pictures along with the sensors that use them to measure the wheel speeds.

At the moment there’s no ABS version of the MT-25, but since all new bikes over 125cc launched from 2016 onwards (and all existing carry-over models from 2017) sold in Europe must be fitted with ABS, we’re certain to get it when the little MT goes on sale here next year.

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IT’S probably little surprise to hear that Yamaha is planning an MT-03 derived from the recently-revealed MT-25, gaining the same extra capacity that already led to the Asian-market R25 becoming the European R3.

Not to be confused with the old 660cc MT-03 of a decade ago, the next bike will use the same chassis, engine, suspension and brakes as the R3, but switching from fully-faired race rep to a naked look. Visually, it will be identical to the MT-25 that’s already been shown in Asia.

So how do we know these patents relate to the European version? It’s all down to those little slotted rings visible at the centres of the front and rear wheels – they’re ABS rings, and are clearly visible on these pictures along with the sensors that use them to measure the wheel speeds.

At the moment there’s no ABS version of the MT-25, but since all new bikes over 125cc launched from 2016 onwards (and all existing carry-over models from 2017) sold in Europe must be fitted with ABS, we’re certain to get it when the little MT goes on sale here next year.

  • Sign up for Visordown's weekly newsletter, Bugsplat, to get the best motorcycle news, road tests and features plus exclusive competitions and offers direct to your inbox. Register as a Visordown member here and tick the box for Bugsplat in your newsletter settings here.