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Yamaha

MT-03

RH07unverified· 2016-2019 naked Top pick

Before you buy

2 known problems · 1 high
Learner legal
LAMSYes, every version sold here is LAMS approved.
Watch for
high
Clutch pressure plate bearing failure
Any, if the recall work wasn't done
medium
Gear shift torsion spring breakage
Any
Running cost
Valve check every 40,000km · $4k–$6k used est. Aug 2026

Recalls

4 on record
REC-001515 29 Jun 2016
Defect: The clutch pressure plate bearing may fail when operated frequently, and the oil pump drive gear may break due to excessive stress.
Hazard: The clutch may fail to operate, the transmission may not shift properly, and the engine may seize due to lack of engine oil supply.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-005362 22 Jan 2019
Defect: Due to a defective shift mechanism torsion spring, riders may not be able to select the desired gear.
Hazard: Inability to shift gears properly may make the motorcycle difficult to manoeuvre, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-005363 22 Jan 2019
Defect: Due to insufficient hose material curing at manufacturing, cracking may develop in the radiator coolant hose.
Hazard: A cracked hose may leak coolant onto the road surface, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange an inspection and repair, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026
REC-001531 20 Dec 2020
Defect: The Rear Reflector Assembly may not comply with Australian Design Rule (ADR) 47 for reflection luminosity.
Hazard: Insufficient reflector luminosity may make the motorcycle less visible to drivers of other vehicles, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Contact your nearest Yamaha dealer to arrange replacement of the rear reflector assembly, free of charge.
Official notice: vehiclerecalls.gov.au · details checked 30 Sep 2026

Ask the seller for proof the recall work was done; a dealer can check by VIN. Search any bike at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

Price (AUD)
$4k–$6kest. Aug 2026
Type
Naked
Origin
Japan
Built in
Indonesia

Overview

Yamaha's naked version of the YZF-R3, sharing the exact same 321cc inline-twin engine, chassis, and suspension. It offers a more upright, relaxed riding position making it an excellent urban commuter and first bike. Highly reliable, but early RH07 models had a few major factory recalls that should be checked.

Engines & variants

321cc Inline Twin (LAMS)LAMS approved

Under the 660cc and 150kW/tonne limits as standard. No restriction required.

Config
Parallel twin
Capacity
321cc
Power
30.9kW @ 10750rpm
Torque
29.6Nm @ 9000rpm
Seat height
780mm
Weight
168kg wet
Final drive
Chain
Cooling
Liquid
ABS
Standard
Traction control
None
0–100
~5.5sunverified
Top speed
~170km/hunverified
Fuel
14L
Economy
4.2 L/100km
Service
10,000km / 12 months
Transmission
6-speed
Valve clearance interval
40,000km
Timing chain / belt / gear
Chain-driven

Pros

  • Rev-happy and smooth twin-cylinder engine
  • Low seat height and low weight inspire confidence
  • Excellent parts availability and cheap running costs

Cons

  • Basic suspension can feel harsh on poor roads
  • Lacks wind protection for highway riding

Known problems

high
Clutch pressure plate bearing failure
Early MT-03 and R3 models could have the clutch pressure plate bearing fail under load, potentially locking the rear wheel or disabling the clutch. Covered by Australian recall REC-001515.
Fix: Ask a Yamaha dealer to check the VIN and confirm recall REC-001515 has been done.
Any, if the recall work wasn't done
medium
Gear shift torsion spring breakage
The torsion spring on the shift shaft was prone to breaking, leaving the gearbox stuck in a single gear. Covered by Australian recall REC-005362.
Fix: Confirm recall REC-005362 has been done, or replace the spring with the updated part.
Any

unverified marks a figure we could not confirm against a manufacturer source. It is our best reading of what is published, not a checked fact — confirm it yourself before you spend money on the strength of it.