Joining Yamaha’s Hyper Naked lineup for 2020 is the new MT-03, a naked version of its YZF-R3 sportbike.

Yamaha?s MT line of naked sportbikes?the MT-07, MT-09 and MT-10?have earned heaps of praise from Rider staffers since the MT-09 (formerly FZ-09) debuted for 2014. MT stands for ?Master of Torque,? and with all three models powered by feisty engines with crossplane-style crankshafts, they live up to the name.

Read our 2018 Yamaha MT-07 Road Test Review

Light, compact and affordable, the 2020 Yamaha MT-03 is an ideal choice for newer, younger and smaller riders.

For 2020, Yamaha is adding a new model to its Hyper Naked family, the MT-03. Although it has the same aggressive, mass-forward styling as the larger MTs, the MT-03 does not have a crossplane-style crankshaft. Essentially a naked version of the YZF-R3 sportbike, the MT-03 is powered by the same smooth, counterbalanced, liquid-cooled 321cc parallel twin with a 180-degree firing order, whereas the MT-07?s parallel twin has an uneven 270-degree firing order that gives it a scrappy character.
Read our 2019 Yamaha YZF-R3 First Ride Review

The 2020 Yamaha MT-03’s LED position lights sit above a central LED headlight.

Inside the MT-03?s engine cases are carburized connecting
rods, lightweight, heat-resistant forged pistons and all-aluminum DiASil
cylinders that provide excellent heat dissipation. The fuel-injected, DOHC,
4-valves-per-cylinder engine has a 11.2:1 compression ratio, a 6-speed
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