Love your reviews Mark. Got my MT 03 three weeks ago and love everything about it. First bike after a 20 year absence and it is exactly what I needed. After really learning how to ride I may step up to an MT 09 or a Z900. Thanks for your insight.
So, many channels and reviews. YOURS are real and present what as a ridder from the age of 16 and now 78 looking for something lower and still fun to ride.
Riding a slow bike fast is always more fun than riding a fast bike slow, stuff like this is hilarious to hoon on the road at semi licence friendly speeds.
How can you ride a slow bike fast? Wouldn't that mean its a fast bike? And why would you ride a fast bike slow? Why not just ride a slow bike? So ride your slow bike slow and ride your fast bike fast. Haha!!
It is NOT a slow bike! It accelerates faster than 90% of cars on the road. This kind of mindset is silly. Nearly all bikes of 300-400 cc upwards are for a single rider as fast as anyone without a death wish would need.
I got one of these in Storm Grey a couple of months ago and I absolutely love it. Such a great bike to learn on and a ton of fun to ride. Only mod I've done so far is I swapped the stock throttle tube with the R6 throttle tube and that made a huge difference. Plan on getting an exhaust on it and some crash protection from T-Rex once they come back in stock. Great video!
Totally agree with you on this bike Mark. I had a 2019 MT-03 until recently and loved it for all the reasons you say here. I recommend a fly screen (bigger than the Yamaha one if you can find one) which gives a little but welcome shielding from the wind blast.
@@markpulling12 hi mark I'm upgrading from a gsxs125 in your opinion would this give me the bit more power I'm after or the difference is negligible,cheers
@@bowhunter6431 The difference will be night and day. Yamaha mt 03 is superior in every aspect. It makes almost 3 times more power and torque than gsx s125
Great to see a review of this bike by someone my height. All but one other review I've seen so far have been by riders taller than myself, in the 6' range. But based on their feedback on how they felt a little cramped I figured that the MT-03 would the perfect height for me. Now after watching your video, I'm more certain than ever that this bike will be just the right height for me. I don't ride yet, but hope to (wife and finances permitting) in a few years and when/if that happens I plan on getting the MT-03 as my first bike. But it's going to have to be a '21 or '20 because I don't like any of the colors that the '22 is offered in. I really like the MT-03 in this grey/off white with red rims color scheme and that's what I want.
First time rider looking for a beginner bike then came across this bike for the price range in 2021 was awesome to see so started looking up reviews. Your review was very detailed which I appreciate keep up the great work!! Safe travels!
Nice review 😃 It might also be a good choice for those who like me are getting on in years, like 84 of them lol. At 222KG (without the rack, panniers & top box) my Yamaha xj6F is fine when it's rolling, but, a bit of a handful to push around🤔
My favourite bike reviewer! 👍 About this motor, I like it's a twin cylinder. Sounds much better than the competition Ktm Duke and chinese bikes which are single cylinder.
Well Mark.. I bought one, absolutely love it! Plenty of power and speed unless you're a power freak of course, everything is good albeit legs are slightly crunched up, bar risers added, mirror extenders, shad panniers for my touring, 2hrs out, botty comfy, smooth, light, extremely flick able machine, WHAT A LITTLE GEM.!
Had one for my first bike for a year now. I put full exhaust on a windshield aftermarket mirrors and a fender elmanaiter. After a year of owning it I can say im keeping it another year.
Well I'm sold, I'm only 5'5, 65yr old, knackered knees, really starting to struggle with my versys, I've 1200,s,1000cc, 750, s etc then had a go on this bike, what a revelation! How can something so small and light be this good? Really thinking of ordering one soon.
Exactly, if I rode an MT 07 as I do my 03, I’d have no license or be in the hedge bottom. I just ❤ my MT 03, often thought about changing it but there’s nothing out there which would suit me better.
real life the bike has everything one needs my wife has one been riding it for one season it was just offered in USA for 2020 she loves it but I am moving her up to the 07 maybe a little better for longer trips as she gets more experience riding
@@semihkaraca thanks she is doing very well with the -07 one thing if I would have waited the bikes would've been sold out the 2021 model is non existing here the bike is very forgiving for her being a beginner I ask her when do you think you'll ride my MT-10 not yet see says
Great review Mark, love my new MT-03, quite the looker by the way, it does turn some heads as it's not that common in my area, especially because it's the all black version which looks particularly badass. I'm 6' and find it reasonably comfortable but am already considering upgrading to the MT-07 or MT-09 as soon as a I learn how to handle this one, I'm a total motorcycle noob! (less than a month rider) 🙂 Cheers
Think im gona do the same,,get me one of these for a year or so,then move up,,even tho i keep getting told to buy a 650cc,coming from a 125,im feeling this will be plenty quick👍
@@binauppal876 it turns out I've traded my MT-03 for a Kawasaki Z900 after two months of owning it. Nothing wrong with the MT-03, just felt I wanted something I could get myself entertained with for a bit longer, and the verdict is.... I couldn't be more thrilled, love the Z! 🙂
MT-03 is a bit more refined and more comfortable than the Z400. The Z400 has a little more power, a little bigger frame, puts a little more weight on your wrists and has a slipper clutch. They cost about the same in the US. In the end, if you are closer to 5’-6”, go for the Yamaha. If you are closer to 6’-0” go for the Kawasaki. The Z400’s slipper clutch is nice if you do a lot of riding around town instead of out in the country.
Load of bargains on these nowadays, some new ones unsold 2019 models believe it or even cheaper than the new MT125. Apparently it isn't a seller in this country, very overlooked A2 bike. I think it's perfect balance between economy and running costs, unfortunately everyone wants 700cc as their first big bike.
Like it a lot. Its compact, stylish, handles well, is frugal and packs enough punch for me (held a full license for 45 years). As you say its a good small capacity allrounder. Its difficult to know where its sits. The BMW G310R and Honda CB300R are similar capacity, cheaper but less powerful single cylinder options. Whereas the MT03 is now more expensive than both the Duke 390 and Z400 twins which have greater capacity, power and torque. That said its not a clear deal breaker. Choice may simply come down to which one you like the look of.
Your prices aren't what I see here. This would be the cheapest, then the Z400, Duke 390 most expensive by a lot. Honda and BMW in the middle somewhere. Given the price points, MT03 and Z400 are both the cheapest and best bang for the buck. Duke 390 you buy if you don't care about price or apparently some reliability issues. I think Z400 wins #1, this bike 2nd. Of course, if you just want the cheapest street price for a bike that looks fast but isn't you can get GSXR250 new dirt cheap.
It is the leg position that makes long distance a bit uncomfortable, if your legs are long. At 5’8 and normal 32x34 jeans, this was definitely the case. An aftermarket seat to gain 1.5-2 inches cured the problem.
Agree with you. The problem is not so much that the seat is too low - more that the pegs are way too far back. I like a relaxed knee angle. As usual this kind of bike is always made for boy racers instead of more mature riders. Oh well.
Taking one for a test ride tomorrow in Australia, never ridden a bike before and it was between this and z400 but there's no stock of the z's mainly looking for a bike to last 18months of learners/provisional license then go bigger . Good review seems like quicker then some ppl say
The usd forks and the standard forks on the mt07 doesn't make all that much sense, but you're really good at reviewing bikes, everything I'd look for, you cover, cheers Mark
I’m just over 6 foot and tried one, aside from the seat height it’s almost identical to the MT 07. Definitely getting one now after this review, great job Mark! 👍
Yamaha, I am driving motorbikes now for more than 45 years, always Yamaha from a FS1 to now a FZ1 Fazer. I have seven FZR 1000 Exup and a lot of spare parts, the FZ1 and from last year a Mash Falcone 125cc. Went to a Yamaha dealer today and there is nothing that appeals to me. Next a visited a Kawasaki dealer and the same thing, all those modern bikes are really ugly as the night. My next one is going to be a RE Interceptor, did a test drive last year and it was really good. The FZ1 is a very, very good bike and nice to drive but to fast in modern traffic, it's difficult to keep in the speed limit because it is so smooth. Therefore something more relaxed and that is the reason I bought the little Mash, top speed 95km.
Hi Darren...the mt03 is a bit faster with a little more power but I prefer the single cylinder of the Honda An all round great little bike Best wishes mark
Thanks for your review... test ride a concours or fjr1300 ...I know they are tanks in comparison but still are fun and quite capable in the twisties. I love your opinions and camera work. Thanks again, Mark. 👊🏻
Great review, I returned to riding after a 25 year lay off and came back with a Kawasaki Vulcan then swapped to a NC750X but am a bit fed up with the weight of these bigger bikes, I don't ride for the speed and looking to go down to a lighter bike. At the moment am flipping between the MT 03 and the CB300R - where would you go ?
Hi Arun ...I like the look of the Honda but it is just a single with 30 ish hp ....the mt03 has a bit more power but is still small and light ...I'd probably go with the yamaha Cheers mark
Which Vulcan did you own? I'm experiencing the same thing as you, just bought a 2005 Suzuki boulevard S50 and it's been great, but in the city I'm probably tapping into like 60-70% of it's power. Would rather have something like this MT or the z400 in hindsight.... 🤔
I'm a new rider. Looking to purchase my first bike. I don't have that much experience though. Would this be a good starter bike? What are some other options?
hi Mark - riding 30 years have a Harley Heritage and would like an easy to ride around town - would you go with Mt-03 or the 2022 CB500F? Loved the review on the CB- am 5 foot 11 and 185 lbs like the comfort factor as you describe on the CB500F. Thank you!
MT-03 or CB500F. I’m tempted by the more powerful Honda but at 5ft 4inches I do like the appeal of the low seat and low weight of the Yamaha. Is one of these bikes the clear standout bike?
Hi Chris ..no they are both great bikes but yes the Yamaha is smaller and lighter so that may suit you better cheers mark Ps check out Kawasaki z400 aswell
Mark's review of MT-03 is excellent like all his reviews I've watched, he is a natural at this. I have 2019 MT-03 and love it. I have 29 inch inseam and short arms, 5' 7" tall and can comfortably ride 250 miles in a day. Perfect for what I want. I have not ridden CB500F, would be great if Mark could review it. Cheers.
Was waiting to see this review.... :P How would this compare to the Zontes R1? (except the reliability part, but I've friends who haven't complained about anything on them)
Hi zontes are very good ..I've not ridden the 310 ,but it has very good reviews,and I was very impressed when I rode the 125 u1,they are a little down on power to the competition but way cheaper at arround £3800 I would highly recommend it Regards mark
@@markpulling12 Maybe a review on the newer Zontes 310 R1 or R2 or V versions would shake up the market a bit :D..... I'm inclined into buying a zontes 310 or a CF-Moto CL-X 700 :D...
You should use Horsepower figures instead of PS. It’s a more attractive unit of measurement in the English speaking Motorsports fans. It will make you’re informative videos more appealing for a larger amount of people.
I’ve got the 2021 model and it’s exactly the same as the current model apart from the colours available. The specs are identical. I downsized from a much larger bike as it was getting too heavy to handle. The MT 03 is brilliant bike, perfect for me. I hope it’s the same for you.
The Dealer is not shy about advertising on the tail section. I've noticed Poole does a front fender badge. Is that sort of advertising very wide spread these days?
Looks like a fun bike. I would love to see a comparison between this and the Z 400. Which one would you get? I will admit that I had a demo on the ninja 400 A while back and at 215 pounds Without gear and 6 feet tall I was underwhelmed. Seemed slow like not enough get up and go. Maybe I should just give up on the small bikes. I had the same feeling on an r3 a while back. Seemed under powered for me also, Of course I know you can wind them out and get up to speed. As a friend of mine said I would like to get across the intersection before the light changes.
Hi ....I preferred the riding position on this one ,the z400 sloped me into the seat , great bikes for new riders or a run around for experienced Cheers mark
Great review. I get really fed up with bike manufacturers who constantly put the pegs too far back and the bars too low and forward. It's just plain stupid as it turns an otherwise great little bike into a leg scruncher and gives wrist ache. Why do they do this? I suppose to appeal to boy racers? If the pegs were forward 12 inches and the bars up a little and further back this would be an all-day-comfort motorcycle. I wonder if it is possible to make an adjustment to move the pegs and back brake lever forward?
@@markpulling12 Thanks for replying Mark. I hope the reply schedule does not take up too much of your time. You are fast becoming my favourite reviewer of motorcycles. You are very good at it and you are a class act. Kudos!
I think this is a very impressive looking bike. But to me 200 miles on 14 litres doesn't sound that good. I've been riding a 2021 SH125i and I'm pretty much getting 195 to 200 miles out of its 7 litre tank. Obviously my SH lacks power and just sometimes touches 70 mph now that I've added the large Honda screen. I do uber eats, deliveroo and Just eat on it and find it comfortable during my often 5 to 9 hours shift, often doing 60 to 80 miles per shift.
You can get a lot more MPG from this bike, Mark seems to use full throttle from low rpm i never use full throttle. I qiute regularly get 85 mpg and sometimes 100 mpg
The only downside of the 390 though is thw thirsty single cylinder engine, You'd struggle to get past 50mpg on those, but if mpg isn't your priority they're fun.
Hi Jacqueline....they are both as good as each other....just depends whether you want a sports bike or a more naked style bike ...the ninja has more torque bring the bigger engine but they are both great fun to ride Regards mark
@@markpulling12 funny enough I've never had one. by the time they came out I was done with biking for good I thought. usual thing getting married,kids etc. got offered a gsx250 from a work mate.was not interested at all. but he convince just to have a look and the rest is history. wife loves going on the bike to.
I am 5, 7...couple of days ago, I test ride a mt15, i wasn't able to flat foot... Is it the bike lighter than mt03 or pre load adjustment able to help? I am going to get one soon... Pls advise, thank you
@@markpulling12 I hope it will help but no matter what, I am getting it... Thanks for ur review... Got back into riding last year after more than a decade riding a yamaha aerox 155 (a scooter).... The kick of getting some linear power is back as a rider.. Living in Singapore, doesn't need lots of ponies but a scooter on highway feels bad and squeezing thru cars, that scooter torque may get me into trouble 😊
Great review, but I have noticed that for all the taxes you Brits' have to pay it looks to me like the last municipal employees to work on your roads spoke Italian!
