YAMAHA MT-03 (2016 - 2019) Review

Overall the ride/handling compromise is very good. I'm quite light (70KG) and it works very well for me but if you're 100KG+ I suspect it may not be so suitable. The brakes work well enough, ultimate stopping power is good and there's ABS but the initial response and lever feel isn't great, it just feels a bit mushy. It's a comfy bike overall, easy riding position and reasonable seat. I can ride 90 minutes without a break no problem. I really wouldn't want to ride pillion though!

The engine is a little gem, it really is. Amazingly smooth right to the limiter and also very tractable at low revs. It has good pull from around 5000 all the way to the limiter. I've set mine at 11,500 (it's adjustable!) and regularly see the warning light flash up. It can be a bit addictive! Unless you're keen to lose your licence you actually don't need any more performance on busy UK roads. There is more than enough acceleration to overtake quickly & safely.

Overall I'd say the quality is very good but like most bikes, it needs looking after. I'm the third owner & the first owner put 16000 miles on it in 3 years so must have commuted on it and probably didn't spend much time cleaning it! There was superficial corrosion on the frame around the engine and the exhaust was pretty corroded but I'd say most bikes would look the same used like that. A small amount of effort and I have sorted both issues myself. The old chap I bought it off said it was in showroom condition so maybe I'm just very fussy! I've seen lower mileage ones that are absolutely fine. In all other respects the bike is very very good. It's done 19,000 miles in 4 years, starts on the button, the engine is still as smooth as can be and everything works as it should. There were a couple of outstanding minor recalls outstanding on the bike which Crescent Yamaha in Bournemouth took care of when it was serviced. No fuss & no cost to me.

I've had it serviced once, changed the brake fluid and replaced a rear tyre. All very reasonable. Since I've had it I've averaged 77mpg! If you're just cruising it will do mid 80's. Even going out for a mild thrash and it's never dropped below 65. Insurance is also very cheap, it hardly costs any more than a 125!

I think the bike is very well equipped. It has a very good dash layout, clear very easy to read & information you actually need and use. Big clear analogue rev counter, digital speed, gear indicator, fuel gauge, temp gauge always displayed. It also has an adjustable rev limiter, 2 trip meters, average & instant MPG and oil change indicator. Much more useable than the cheap mobile phone style instruments IMHO! I've fitted a Puig screen which is a lit more protective than the standard one and it had adjustable levers already fitted which I like because I've got small hands. I've stuck with the standard Michelin Street Pilot tyres, I'm sure the road warriors would name plenty that are "better" but this isn't a sportsbike. I think they suit the bike fine. There is also ABS which I'd say all bikes should have (with the option of turning it off) but no traction control. That's fine, it doesn't need it.

Very uncomfortable after a 1hr ride.

other than the low first and 2nd gears, it performed ok.

The amount of recalls by Yamaha put me off their bikes.

Change the stock tyres to something better.