Road test of YamahaMT-03 320 2016 Swiss Army Knife with 2 wheels

one word: versatility!

that's it, the 2016 season is starting. Your license is finally in your pocket, and the sun is starting to shine. This season, no 125 cc in sight, but a 300 cc! 321 to be exact...
This displacement, very much out of fashion in our country, could well revolutionize the world of European motorcyclists...

the MT family is growing this year, and for me, it's the famous MT-03! I assure you, it's worthy of this crazy range, with the added bonus of being able to be ridden with an A2 license.

this is it, the beast is in front of me! At first glance, there's no doubt that this is an MT... A compact, streamlined chassis, a dynamic front end with LED lights, a comprehensive instrument panel with, to the delight of many, an analog rev counter!

when the ignition is switched on, surprise, surprise, this little twin-cylinder doesn't provoke that mocking smile that many have when hearing the noise of small engines. You can hear it at idle, not to mention what it sounds like above 7000 rpm... Getting to grips with the bike is a breeze, despite the fact that you might be surprised by its 168 kg weight after filling up, but it's been thought through to such an extent that you don't even notice it's there. Its 780 mm seat height puts all body sizes at ease. And beyond the technical aspects, this Race Blu edition really looks good!
It's easy to see why this bike will be a joy to ride, whether you're a beginner or an advanced rider!

once on the road, acceleration is smooth and seamless. This is good news for city trips, where you can cruise at 50 km/h without having to fiddle with the gears, which in turn reduces fuel consumption. The only downside is that the suspension may be a little soft... But then, you can't have everything on a 42hp bike that already boasts a wide range of qualities. The comfort, the natural riding position and the roundness of the engine make it easy to enjoy the ride. (250 km in one day for me, and I have to say I was a smart ass at not walking like a cowboy! But above all, not to be the one lagging behind...). The brakes are sufficiently powerful and equipped with ABS, which will correct certain steering errors.

on the freeway, there's no need to wait for the wind at your back before overtaking... With a top speed of around 170 km/h, it's worth noting that wind protection is very poor. But I have to say that I'm not at all a freeway enthusiast, and I think that if you're not either, this MT will satisfy you on twisty rides.

in conclusion, we're dealing with a MT that's dedicated, playful, not too severe... Versatile! It will appeal not only to urban enthusiasts, but also to young licence holders looking for a bike that gives pleasure and even adrenalin on small roads. For those of you who are also looking for a price, this 2-wheeled Swiss Army knife starts at €5,199, which I think is more than reasonable!

i'll soon have the opportunity to try out its little sister, the YZF-R3. The one from which the MT-03 is derived. In fact, without getting too far ahead of myself, I think these 2 tests will go hand in hand. So, as usual, it gives me great pleasure to say:

"See you soon for more tests"

Nico the Belgian