I wanna know: Is Toyota USA ever going to give me . . .

[Vanderkitten]

As cool looking as the MT-03 is, it's a total dog. The 660 single from Yamaha revs slow, puts out about 42HP and 38bft of torque (not a monster at all). It's a motor that can trace it's direct lineage back to the 80's, with a bigger bore and slightly longer stroke and 5-valve head.

The problem with this package (the MZ Baghira uses this exact Yamaha motor) is the weight of the bike compared the power. The MT-03 will not make it to the states because there is just not a big market for bikes that can only hit 105, which translates to it's freeway performance at 80 being buzzy without mazzive counterbalancing which makes the engine rev slower.

The best bike in the upright/fun/supermoto class right now would be the Ducati Hypermotard. Yes it's expensive, but it's fast, fairly nimble, has a solid motor with double the HP and torque and is very narrow and weighs about 380lbs. The suspension package is pretty dialed in on the "S" model as well. (the suspension on the MT-03 is pretty low-rent in the forks department).

The MT-03 sounds great on paper and looks cool, but a thumper is just not popular these days in the states.

ME:


Ruben Xaus:

[woof]

You got my dandruff up, Vanderkat. I've read just about everything possible on the 03 and I want one! I'm not a motorcycle pro and I don't particularly like cruiser styling or taking long trips on a bike. This is perfect for city streets and pokey me. BTW, the 03 is completely Italian and the engine is used by maybe two other companies. (The Euro exchange rate alone may keep it out.)

The other bike that has my attention and should be here momentarily is the Kawa Versys. But I'm inseam challenged even though I'm 5'10" and the Versys saddle is about 33".

[Vanderkitten]

Originally Posted by woof

You got my dandruff up, Vanderkat.

Sorry to get you riled up. When Yamaha came out with the Bulldog (the MT-03's bigger brother) it had the potential to be a killer. They they stuffed the weak 58HP V-Star 1200 motor in it and at 510 lbs it was quite underwhelming and it never made it to market.

The MT-03 has potential... and in a pure urban setting it would be a great bike. It looks the part, that's for sure! I have always loved Yamaha's styling, reliability and performance mix.

[Yaris Revenge]

Originally Posted by woof

I'm not a motorcycle pro and I don't particularly like cruiser styling or taking long trips on a bike. This is perfect for city streets and pokey me.

Though a lot of people scoff at the name, the Buell Lightning CG would probably be ideal for you, if you liked the styling. Super torquey, amazing fuel economy, easy maintenance, and a relaxed riding position. The CG model (stands for "Close Ground") has a slightly lower suspension and lower seat. Once upon a time Buell had a bad rep for reliability, but over the past 2 or 3 years they've had a complete turnaround. I've had my Lightning Long for almost 2 years so far, and zero problems. Very, very fun bike, so long as you don't need to race... they have a much lower redline than most other bikes their size, so not ideal for the track. However, they'll do 0-100 faster than you need to, so they're perfect for street use.

JMHO.



~YR

[SailDesign]

Originally Posted by Vanderkitten

The MT-03 sounds great on paper and looks cool, but a thumper is just not popular these days in the states.

So, please explain the whole Harley thing, could ya? Those are just two thumpers tied (loosely) together that (barely) sing in time with each other.
I had a Kawasaki "thumper" in the UK in my youth (many, MANY years ago now) that was great. It vibrated enough to keep me slim, keep the rain from sticking to the full touring fairing I had, and you knew when it had stalled at the lights. Now if the front caliper hadn't insisted on seizing all the time, I might have kept the beast.

[woof]

Vanderkat, the MT-01 has a 1670cc V-twin and is sold in Canada but not the USA.



So far, there has been no USA plans for the 03.



This would be me when I get my 03......

[Yaris Revenge]

Originally Posted by SailDesign

So, please explain the whole Harley thing, could ya? Those are just two thumpers tied (loosely) together that (barely) sing in time with each other.
I had a Kawasaki "thumper" in the UK in my youth (many, MANY years ago now) that was great. It vibrated enough to keep me slim, keep the rain from sticking to the full touring fairing I had, and you knew when it had stalled at the lights. Now if the front caliper hadn't insisted on seizing all the time, I might have kept the beast.

From what I've read, a "thumper" isn't simply a motorcycle that vibrates... it's specifically a single cylinder bike, usually 500cc or higher. A single, large cylinder creates an interesting "bounce" as it fires, and a good bit of vibration at high rpms. As far as I know, Harley doesn't offer a true thumper (unless you look at the Buell-branded "Blast").

EDIT: Doh! I just noticed the joke!

~YR

[SailDesign]

Originally Posted by Yaris Revenge

EDIT: Doh! I just noticed the joke!

~YR