2006 Yamaha MT-03
New MT-03. The big single roadster-motard;
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 660 cc single cylinder machine designed to appeal to everybody who is looking for a
unique and exciting riding sensation.
Yamaha describe this new motorcycle as a roadster-motard. Roadster, because it projects the same kind
of mechanical beauty and radical, sophisticated design as our MT-0 - 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-05, 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-0 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 660 cc 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-motard has the
potential to pack in more action per kilometre than just about any other machine.
MT-03 Desing Goals;
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 megaphoneshaped
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 660 cc 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 air box;
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.
Revised secondary reduction ratio;
The MT-03's torque feel has been enhanced further by the use of a different secondary reduction ratio.
Running with a 5 teeth drive sprocket and 47 teeth rear wheel sprocket gives a reduction ratio of 3. 3,
making this radically styled big single extremely rewarding to ride in the city and on secondary roads.
Separate aluminium die-cast oil tank;
To ensure better concentration of mass around the machine's centre of gravity, the MT-03 is equipped
with a separate aluminium die-cast oil tank, and its deep design ensures a stable oil supply to the
660 cc engine. The location and design of the oil tank plays an important role in achieving the forward
condensed mass look which characterises this new bike's design, and which is described in detail in the
chassis section.
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 which meets EU2 standards.
Engine Technical Highlights;
XT660-based engine
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke, single cylinder, 4-valves, SOHC
Revised secondary reduction ratio
Modified fuel injection characteristics
33.4 kW/6,000 rpm - 56.2 Nm/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
Chassis;
Tubular steel diamond truss-type frame;
The MT-03's compact and minimalist frame is manufactured from high tensile steel tubing, and
has been designed to give optimal rigidity for responsive handling performance and excellent
rider feedback.
This extremely strong design utilises the 660 cc engine as a stressed member, and features a right
side high tensile steel tension bar which counteracts the additional forces generated by the new
asymmetrical lateral rear suspension layout.
Lateral rear suspension system;
The MT-03 is equipped with the same type of lateral rear suspension system that was first seen on
the MT-0 concept bike. This attractive and distinctive design - in which the shock is mounted almost
horizontally on the right side of the bike close to the engine - offers a number of important benefits.
Firstly, by moving the shock absorber to this side-mounted position, the MT-03's chassis can be
made much slimmer around the mid-section - which is normally taken up by the shock and linkage.
Secondly, locating the rear shock close to the engine helps to concentrate the machine's mass around
the centre of gravity, which enhances handling agility. And finally, this lateral rear suspension system is
unique, and underlines the very special character and individual appeal of the MT-03.
One-piece cast swingarm;
As with so many of the features on this new big single, the swingarm is a work of art. Because of the
lateral position of the shock absorber, this beautifully-styled one-piece cast aluminium swingarm
incorporates a relay arm that projects forward of the pivot point, where it connects with the base of
the shock.
Giving 20mm of rear wheel travel, the highly rigid one-piece casting pivots on the outside of the
frame, and the whole design underlines the MT-03's radical looks and innovative engineering.
Idealised geometry and 52% front wheel weight distribution
When Yamaha's engineers embarked upon the project to turn the MT-03 concept into reality, one of
the chief objectives was to create a machine with agile handling to complement the engine's lively
high-torque character.
This has been achieved by building an all-new chassis with a relatively compact wheelbase of ,420 mm,
combined with 26 degrees caster and 97 mm of trail. On their own, these figures indicate the high
manoeuvrability of the machine - but when the 52% front wheel weight distribution is added to
the formula, it is clear that the new Yamaha MT-03 has been designed to deliver outstandingly agile
handling for maximum riding enjoyment.
High rigidity 43 mm front forks;
The MT-03's front forks are equipped with flex-resistant 43 mm inner tubes that ensure optimal fork
rigidity for agile handling and precision turning, and offer 30 mm of wheel travel. Mounted to the
new forks is a compact aerodynamic fender which keeps unsprung weight low and accentuates the
bike's clean lines.
15-litre nylon moulded fuel tank;
Another special feature to be found on the MT-03 is its nylon moulded fuel tank. Yamaha's engineers
chose the nylon rotation moulding system to manufacture this fuel tank because it offers greater
freedom in creating dynamic shapes. With a capacity of 5 litres, this MT-03's uniquely-styled fuel tank
gives a range of around 300 km, and its concentrated mass-forward design helps to achieve the 52%
front wheel weight distribution and makes for a forward riding position.
Newly designed 5-spoke 17-inch wheels;
The MT-03 runs with newly-designed 5-spoke 7-inch wheels whose low weight ensures that the front
and rear suspension is able to work efficiently and effectively. At the front a 20/70- 7 tyre grips the
road, while an extra-wide 60/60- 7 rear tyre delivers high levels of traction for strong rear wheel
drive force.
Dual 298 mm front discs with 2-piston calipers;
The fitment of powerful and progressive FZ6-type dual 298 mm front discs with floating 2-piston
calipers serves to illustrate that this new machine is surely one of the highest specification big singles
in any category. And combined with the large-diameter 245 mm disc at the rear, this new bike clearly
has the ability to deliver remarkable stopping power.
Individual styling with forward condensed mass;
What makes the MT-03 stand out is its forward condensed mass. The big single engine, lateral rear
suspension, exhaust and oil tank are all intertwined ahead of the bike's midway point, and this
underlines the concentration of mass around the front of the bike.
Furthermore, this mass-forward profile is intensified by the short fuel tank featuring aluminium sliders,
as well as the minimalist tail, and the compact headlight mounted close to the forks.
This forward condensed mass - combined with a forward riding position - not only gives this radical
new machine a radical and distinctive look, but it also contributes significantly to the bike's agile
handling performance, and to the high levels of riding pleasure that the MT-03 delivers.
Chassis Technical Highlights;
Tubular steel diamond truss-type frame
420 mm wheelbase
97 mm trail
26 degree caster angle
52% front wheel weight distribution
Lateral rear suspension system
One-piece cast aluminium swingarm
Forward condensed body mass
43 mm front forks
5 litre nylon moulded fuel tank
Newly-designed 5-spoke 7-inch wheels
Dual 298 mm front discs with 2-piston calipers
245 mm rear disc
Forward riding position
Wide handlebars
30 mm front wheel travel/ 20 mm rear wheel travel
60/60- 7 rear tyre/ 20/70- 7 front tyre
Minimalist tailpiece
Compact headlight
Lightweight instrumentation
Available colours;
White Metal
U-tech Blue
Midnight Black
MT Components;
Yamaha have created a range of MT Performance, Styling and Tuning components for the MT-03 that
enable owners to personalise their machine.
The MT-03 Styling 'urban attack' accessories range includes a fly screen; skid plate; hand guards;
radiator cover and a single seat cover, as well as individual styling components such as engine guards
and roller protectors. And the MT-03 Tuning line includes a street-legal Akrapovific slip-on.
MT-03. The big single is back in fashion;
If you examine Yamaha's track record it soon becomes clear that we have been responsible for some of
the motorcycle industry's most innovative and exciting models over the last few decades.
The MT range underlines our commitment to developing inspirational new machines that fire the
imagination of Europe's motorcyclists. And with its radical style, big single engine character and agile
handling performance, the new MT-03 is a machine that is sure to appeal to a wide range of riders in
2006 and beyond.
Engine Type Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, single cylinder, 4 valves, SOHC
Displacement 660 cc
Bore and stroke 100.0 x 84.0 mm
Compression ratio 10.0:1
Max. power 33.4 kW (45 HP) @ 6,000 rpm
Max. torque 56.2 Nm (5.73 kg-m) @ 5,250 rpm
Lubrication Dry sump
Fuel supply Fuel injection
Clutch type Wet multiple-disc
Ignition TCI
Starter system Electric
Transmission Constant mesh, 5 speed
Final transmission Chain
Primary reduction ratio 2.080
Secondary reduction ratio 3.130
Gear ratio: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th 2.500, 1.625, 1.150, 0.909, 0.769
Chassis;
Frame - Steel tube truss diamond
Front suspension - Telescopic fork
Front wheel travel - 130 mm
Rear suspension - Swingarm
Rear wheel travel - 120 mm
Caster angle - 26°
Trial - 97 mm
Front brake - Dual discs, Ø 298 mm
Rear brake - Single disc, Ø 245 mm
Front tyre - 120/70-17
Rear tyre - 160/60-17
Dimensions;
Overall length - 2,070 mm
Overall width - 860 mm
Overall height - 1,115 mm
Seat height - 805 mm
Wheelbase - 1,420 mm
Min. ground clearance - 200 mm
Dry weight - 174.5 kg
Fuel tank capacity - 15 litres
Oil capacity - 3.4 litres
Specifications are subject to change without notice, in accordance with national regulation and legislations
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