New Colours for the 2017 Yamaha YZF-R3 and MT-03

Yamaha has announced new colourschemes will be available for the Yamaha YZF-R3 and the MT-03 from August 2017.

The Yamaha YZF-R3 was introduced in 2015, with a 321cc twin-cylinder engine. Putting out 42hp, it’s suitable for those on an A2 motorcycle licence (those aged 19 and above) in the UK. And for anyone who fancies a smaller supersports bike with a 112mph top speed, a 167kg weight and a 780mm seat height. And it also comes with ABS, for a recommended price of £5,199.

And this year it’ll come in two colour options. You’ll get the choice of the Yamaha Race Blu and Power Black. Both of which will help to match the larger R6, which is also available in Race Blue, and Tech Black. The new paint is certainly an improvement on the current Race Blu design, and as much as we like matt paint, the current Matt Grey doesn’t necessarily do the current bike any favours.

There are also new colours for the Yamaha MT-03. The naked commuter version of the same Yamaha engine and chassis also keeps the same seat height. But gives you a more upright riding position. Currently it’s available in Race Blu and Midnight Black. But from August, you’ll get the choice of the existing Black paint scheme, plus the new Yamaha Blue and Night Fluo options.

Again, updating the paint scheme means that the smaller A2-friendly bike keeps up to date with the larger motorcycles in the range – in this case the MT-07. And the MT-03 is a fairly practical choice for those wanting something to commute with, or go for short blasts, coming in at £4899.

Pretty simple so far. Although we did spot the R3 images are labelled as 2017, and the MT-03 photos are apparently the 2018 model.

The new colours for the Yamaha YZF-R3 definitely get a thumbs up. And you can’t go too far wrong with plain black for the naked Yamaha MT-03. The Night Fluo always looks better with someone on it. But I really can’t decide if I like the Race Blue or not. The wheels are fine, but the tank and frame combo, plus the sides of the radiator? It’s just a couple of anodised bar ends away from an early-90s streetfighter. Which isn’t always a bad thing, I guess.

It’ll be interested to get some of your opinions in the comments. Especially as I left the 19-23 A2 age group quite a while ago.