In 2016, the Yamaha MT-03 debuted as the naked variant of the popular Yamaha YZF-R3 sport bike. And while the R3 came to American soil (with very positive results), its naked sibling never found its way across the pond.

Small and aggressive, the Yamaha MT-03 borrowed the R3’s twin-cylinder engine, and wrapped it in Yamaha’s “Dark Side of Japan” aesthetic. Like its full-fairing sibling, the Yamaha MT-03 was a strong offering for younger riders.

Now for the 2020 model year, the Yamaha MT-03 is finally coming to the United States, complete with a new aggressive look, with the hopes of offering new riders with an intriguing offer that won’t bust the bank.

In other parts of the world, the big news today is the new bodywork and graphics that come with the 2020 Yamaha MT-03. Part of that visual change comes from the bike’s new LED headlight and turnsignals, especially with the dual-position lights.

Sharing the 321cc liquid-cooled engine from the Yamaha R3, the Yamaha MT-03 punches out 41hp / 22 lbs•ft from its two cylinders. Moving 373 lbs in curb weight, this makes the small-displacement naked both nimble and agile.

Other features include 37mm upside-down KYB front forks, a long swingarm with a single rear “Monocross” shock, and what Yamaha calls a lightweight diamond-type frame layout. The seat height is 30.7 inches.

There is a LCD dash as well, and the fuel tank holds 3.7 gallons, which should be plenty of “go juice” when you consider the MT-03’s 56mph fuel economy rating.

Available at Yamaha dealers in the USA starting in February 2020, the Yamaha MT-03 will retail for $4,599 MSRP. It will come in two colors: Ice Fluo and Midnight Black.

Source: Yamaha USA