• The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 has been launched for the US and UK markets.

• It shares the same DNA as the MT-07 and MT-09.

• Will it and the MT-15 reach Malaysia?

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03 has been launched for the US and UK markets.

As it shares the 321cc parallel-Twin engine as the Yamaha YZF-R3, it would known as the MT-25 in our market since it’ll adopt the YZF-R25’s 250cc engine.

Being a part of the MT-series the model shares the “Dark Side of Japan” DNA with its larger MT-07 and MT-09 siblings, such as the large faux air scoops. It features styling elements of the other two, plus an new and aggressive headlamp with striking LEDs.

A new 14-litre tank should see a range of up to a 300 kilometre range. There is also a new LCD screen.

But look a little closer and you can see a resemblance to YZF-R3 in terms of the tail section and frame.

Indeed, while the diamond-shape frame is from the R3, the suspension features a number of differences. The forks are now upside-down, while the new swingarm is longer and pivots closer to the centre of the bike. The rear monoshock has a stiffer springs in addition to revised preload and rebound damping rates. 

The manufacturer sees the bike as a great offering to the younger segment of riders.

The big question if the MT-25 will ever be sold in Malaysia. The MT-15 and MT-25 are already sold in Thailand and Indonesia to big success.