MT-03 news? Well, it is being sold in Europe this year.keyur_mithawala wrote:Gimme this news about MT-03, and you will be my new best friend.totalmotorcycle wrote: Total Motorcycle has the inside scoop! The Yamaha MT-01 will be sold in North America for the 2006 model year.
Here is the UK press release I have for it:
New MT-03 The big single roadster-moto
Another extreme MT concept
Yamaha are pleased to announce that the MT range is to be expanded with the launch of the MT-03, a very special 660cc single cylinder machine designed to appeal to everybody who is looking for a unique and exciting riding sensation.
We describe this new motorcycle as a Roadster-Moto. Roadster, because it projects the same kind of mechanical beauty and radical, sophisticated design as our MT-01 – and Moto, because it offers the same characteristics as today’s easy-handling, agile and exciting Supermoto bikes.
MT-03 model concept
Like the MT-01, the MT-03 is the mechanical embodiment and expression of Kodo, a word which means not only heartbeat or pulse, but also a pulsating drum beat that appeals directly to human sensuality.
No motorcyclist, whatever brand they ride or type of machine they own, can fail to be inspired by the sound and pulse of a big single in action. Like the pulsating note of the MT-01 V-twin, the new MT-03 emits a truly evocative beat that is music to the ears of every rider.
Besides sounding very special, this machine has been created to deliver remarkable performance in a wide range of riding situations. With its highly responsive 660cc single engine delivering strong torque right across the rev range, the MT-03 is ready to deliver instant excitement at any rpm.
In the city this radically styled big single is one of the quickest and most rewarding ways to get from A to B. And out on twisty country lanes this new super-agile high-torque roadster-moto has the potential to pack in more action per mile than just about any other machine.
MT-03 Gallery
Click to enlarge:
Super agile handling and high torque output
The key goals that have influenced the design and specification of the new MT-03 are ‘super-agile handling’, and ‘high torque output’. And at the same time Yamaha’s engineers have also created a whole new ‘forward mass’ silhouette which is characterised by the concentration of engine and chassis components ahead of the bike’s midway point. This muscular looking forward mass profile is further emphasised by a slim but forceful tail and a compact underseat exhaust.
Forward riding position
This forward mass theme is accentuated by the Supermoto-style forward riding position in which the rider sits closer to the handlebars than on conventional big singles, to achieve an idealised weight distribution and enhanced handling agility.
Beautiful styling and high quality components
In contrast to the utilitarian style of some off-road based machines, the MT-03 is equipped with a range of beautifully styled, high quality components which combine form and function in a very special way. The high specification and sophisticated styling of the bike’s component parts are comparable to those of class-leading roadsters, and this emphasis on Yamaha’s art of engineering underlines the bike’s sporty character and unique appeal.
Yamaha’s art of engineering is also evident in the underseat exhaust system featuring megaphone-shaped muffler ends which perfectly express the concept of pulse, sound and torque, while accentuating the MT-03’s unique style and character.
ENGINE
High-torque XT660-based engine
Powering the new MT-03 is a high torque 660cc engine that is based closely on the highly-acclaimed XT660 powerplant. With its high levels of low to mid range torque, this liquid-cooled engine has already established a strong reputation with XT660 owners, and Yamaha’s engineers decided that it was ideally suited as the base engine for the new MT-03.
Large capacity airbox
In order to enhance the low to mid-speed torque feeling, Yamaha’s engineers have made a number of technical modifications. Big single cylinder engines need a large capacity air cleaner box, and the MT-03 is equipped with a massive 5.9 litre system whose simple design complements the spartan character of this new model. This easily accessible air box draws air from the machine’s right side, and runs with a cassette type filter for ease of maintenance.
Furthermore, to complement the revised intake design – and following intensive test riding in varied conditions – Yamaha’s engineers have also optimised the fuel injection calibration in order to obtain strong torque in the low to mid speed range.
Compact mono chamber up-muffler with catalyser
One of the main design goals of the MT-03 development team was to create a unique looking motorcycle with a condensed look, and the mono chamber up-muffler plays a key role in achieving this objective.
Viewed from the rear, the system appears as dual mufflers, but they are in fact connected, and each muffler is protected by a resin shield for passenger comfort. This stylish exhaust system underlines the bike’s solid MT heritage, and gives the MT-03 a distinctive and attractive looking rear end.
This compact system is equipped with a single metal honeycomb catalyser.
ENGINE TECHNICAL HIGHLIGHTS
XT660-based engine
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, single cylinder, 4-valves, SOHC
Revised secondary reduction ratio
Modified fuel injection characteristics
33.4kW / 6,000 rpm – 56.2Nm / 5,250 rpm
Large capacity 5.9 litre air cleaner box
Compact mono chamber up-muffler
Dry sump lubrication with separate aluminium die-cast oil tank
Single catalyser