autoX Awards 2024: Yamaha MT-03 Performance, Quality and Value for Money Ranked

autoX Awards 2024: Yamaha’s twin-cylinder siblings, the YZF-R3 and MT-03, both earned spots as contenders for ‘Best of 2024.’ While I had high expectations for the R3 – which you can read about elsewhere in this issue – the MT-03 came with little expectation. Unlike the iconic R3, the MT-03 may not yet have widespread recognition among Indian motorcycle enthusiasts, but the ‘MT’ name carries some street cred, thanks to the popular MT-15, which has come to be known as one of the most capable 150cc street naked bikes in the country.

The MT-03’s 321cc liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine, which is also found in the R3, gives it a strong starting point. Power delivery is smooth, with plenty of torque lower in the rev range. However, for a truly exciting performance, you’ll need to push it hard to make it exciting. At first glance, the bike looks well-built, but it doesn’t feel entirely modern due to missing features that have become standard in the segment, like a TFT display, traction control, riding modes, and a quickshifter – features that the segment benchmark bikes, like the KTM 390 Duke, offer. The design is also somewhat understated, in my opinion.

Adding to this, Yamaha offers a nearly identical bike with a fairing for just a slight premium, making it a more attractive option for some riders.

Also Read: Yamaha YZF-R3, MT-03 Accessories Revealed, Prices Start at Rs 7,500

What redeems the MT-03, however, is its ride and handling. On the track, it’s quite forgiving and allows you to make mistakes, while on the street, it promises a decent level of comfort – perhaps even more so than its faired sibling. The steep price tag does make it harder to justify, but if you can overlook that, you’ll find a motorcycle that gets all its basics right and offers an enjoyable ride. Plus, the Yamaha badge brings a sense of reliability, adding further value to the package.

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