Yamaha’s attractive little MT-03 learner bike, gets a major cosmetic and performance upgrade for 2020, plus a price hike.
The MT-03 is now $A7299 ride away, compared with $A5699 (plus on-road costs) last year.
However, it now has much better suspension, all LED lighting, LCD dash, new and aggressive “Dark Lightning” styling and a choice of three colours: Ice Fluo, Icon Blue and Tech Black.
The styling features a pointier nose, bigger air scoops, dual position lights and a minimalist diamond frame design with very little bending or welding.
But more importantly the handling should be vastly improved with the addition of 37mm inverted KYB forks and a cast aluminium upper triple clamp plus an updated rear shock with seven-step preload adjustment.
The long 573mm swingarm reduces fluctuations in the angle of the swingarm in relation to the road surface during both compression and rebound when compared to a conventional, shorter design.
Yamaha says this provides more efficient transmission of power to the rear wheel, particularly during acceleration, deceleration, and cornering.
MT-03 power
It is powered by a compact and lightweight 321cc inline twin-cylinder engine developed fromYamaha’s multi-championship-winning YZF-R3 sportsbike.
The liquid-cooled DOHC four-valve CP2 engine features a 180-degree crank and integrated counterbalancer.
We tested the bike and found it a willing partner around town and even out on the highway.
The CFMoto 300NK is powered by a new 300cc water-cooled, single-single engine with 25kW of power in its lithe 151kg frame.
It’s an extremely flexible little engine with capable power delivery around town and passable passing abilities on the highway where it revs at 5700rpm in sixth.
The only time it starts to run out of puff is up steep hills.
With a 12.5L tank and excellent fuel economy, you could ride this bike much more than 300km on one fill.
Smooth operator
The EFI engine has a balance shaft and a sixth gear to reduce vibration at highway speed.
We found that after a long ride, there was only a slight tingle in the fingers and none in the toes thanks to the rubber-topped footpegs.
There was also little vibration through the mirrors which are big and wide for plenty of good rear vision. They are no wider than the reasonably wide bars, so lane filtering is fine on this narrow bike.
The whole bike feels very narrow including the 795mm seat which makes it easy for most riders to get a foot on the ground.
The 300NK pillion seat is removable with a key and there is little space underneath. The rider seat is removable with a spanner.
This is a highly manoeuvrable motorcycle in traffic and tight spaces thanks to its smooth fuelling, light weight and narrow frame.
The six-speed transmission is slick and faultless with no false neutrals and neutral easy to select when stopped.
Braking is handled by Spanish J Juan brake callipers and a Continental Dual Channel ABS controller.
They are strong and willing with reasonable feel in both the lever and pedal, but the front fades off under heavy braking.
Suspension may be rudimentary, but it is quite capable as the bike is so light.
Heavier riders may have trouble and the forks gets jittery over high-frequency bumps.
I’m 183mm tall and found the riding position quite neutral, except the pegs are fairly high which cramped my legs. They could easily drop them down a bit as it has plenty of cornering clearance.
Modern features
Modern features on the 300NK include a full-colour TFT instrumentation panel with convenient gearshift indicator, LED headlight, lockable fuel cap and daytime running lights.
The 300NK instruments are easy to read in most lighting conditions although they can reflect the sun’s glare at certain angles.
They are also light sensitive and change colour in a tunnel or at night.
You can also choose between a traditional analogue-style display or digital representation.
Interestingly, they include “Sport” and “Rain” engine modes, but they are not active … yet! We are told that may come in future models.
The backlit controls are basic and a bit cheap, but tactile and function fine.
We like the modern, angular styling of CFMoto’s range which has been outsourced to Kiska, the Austrian design house which is also responsible for many KTM models.
An interesting touch is the rear the tail which has winglets and reminds us of the Ducati Panigale!
It only comes in solid black and we reckon it would look a whole lot better with some graphics or at least a flash of an alternate colour to alleviate the all-black paintwork.
Fit and finish is close to Japanese standard.
Conclusion
Despite our test bike developing an occasional coolant leak from an ill-fitting cap that was replaced as a precaution, we found the bike very strong and reliable.
Coolant leak
Novices will find it easy and enjoyable to ride and useful in most road situations.
At this bargain price, it would also make a great second bike for commuting to keep the kilometres down on your prized bike.
CFMoto 300NK tech specs
Price
$4990 ride away
Warranty
2yrs/unlimited km
Engine
292.4cc single cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid cooled, 4-valve, DOHC with balance shaft
CFMoto continue to offer some of the cheapest learner bikes in Australia with the 300NK arriving next month at just $4990, ride away.
We could not find a 300cc motorcycle on the market for less. In fact, the Chinese-made motorcycle is about the same price as a couple of 150cc bikes on the market.
And it includes an unlimited kilometre, two-year factory warranty.
It rounds out their NK (naked) road bike range: 150NK ($3490 with free jacket and helmet worth $350); 250NK ($4290) and 650NK ($5990).
Despite the cheap prices, we have found all the CFMoto models we’ve tested to be reliable and great value.
This latest variant is powered by a new 300cc four-valve DOHC, water-cooled engine with 25kW of power in its lithe 151kg frame.
The EFI engine has a balance shaft and a sixth gear to reduce vibration in the footpegs and hand grips.
Braking is handled by Spanish J Juan brake callipers and a Continental Dual Channel ABS controller.
The frame is narrow making it easy for most riders to get a foot on the ground and the seat is split for rider and pillion.
Modern features include a full-colour TFT instrumentation panel, LED headlight and daytime running lights.
Like all NK motorcycles, styling has been outsourced to Kiska, the Austrian design house responsible for many KTM models.
Buying your first motorcycle is an exciting experience. It is more fulfilling if you are a college student knowing well that wasting your precious time in the morning traffic will now be a thing of the past and you will no longer be late for your lessons.
Before you invest in a bike of your choice, there are motorcycle buying guides that you should put into perspective to help you maneuver through the market and come up with a bike that will be fit for you and that which is pocket-friendly. Some of the things you need to look out for include
1 The Real Cost of Ownership
Before you purchase your motorbike, it is good to think about the whole cost of acquiring it. Different types of motorcycles usually consume less fuel as compared to vehicles. However, since you are a student who survives with the pocket money given by your parent or guardians, it is essential to consider the total maintenance cost of your motorbike.
The real cost of ownership also includes the insurance cover which is a requirement by the law. There are motorcycle brands that are expensive to maintain. Before you go get one, ensure that you will comfortably support it irrespective of its spare parts cost
2 Motorcycle Safety
Before you purchase your first motorcycle, it is essential to attend a motorcycle safety course. This is to make sure that you are safe on the road together with other road users. A motorcycle is not like a car in a sense that, in case of an accident, you will be the most exposure out there since a bike does not have a cover body. You are the body of the motorbike, so it is paramount to be safe on the roads.
Irrespective of being an experienced motorbike rider, it is always essential to hone your skill through refresher courses before buying the motorcycle
3 Do your Research
Before you purchase that street bike, you should do intensive research of whatever motorbike that you aspire to go home with. Make sure to learn every critical information about the model, brand, and where you can get the right place for servicing it. You can also join online forums that talk about the model you are looking for, or you can order research paper online for a comprehensive outline of different makes of motorbikes. Use Google to search its reliability and reviews of the bike you intend to purchase. It is essential to research the weight of the bike to establish the one that you can handle on the roads. However, if you still find it hard to make a decision, you can carry along a bike’s expert or professional who is well conversant with motorcycles to advice you on the way forward
4 Find What Fits You
Motorcycles do not have adjustable features such as steering wheel or seats like a vehicle. That’s why it is vital to buy what fits you. Likewise, since there are different motorbike models, it is essential to consider evaluating and sampling some before you spend your money on one.
Visit different dealers or websites of various motorcycle manufacturers to learn and know what is in the market. The information that you will acquire will help you in narrowing down to your best choice. You can also consult your friends for opinions which can be variable in your decision-making process
5 New or Used
It is a good thing to have a new bike, but there are used motorbikes that are equally good looking and are still in good shape. Second-hand bikes are relatively cheaper as compared to new ones. However, before you decide to spend your money on that used bike, it is essential to do some background checking as far as the motorbike is concerned.
Ensure the bike identification number matches the one the motorcycle and the document of ownership. It is also good to have a check with your local police to verify that the bike has not been stolen or registered illegally.
Conclusion
With a motorcycle, you need to know and understand how it works, turn, stop, and how to handle it when riding in traffic. There are different courses for first-time riders, or comprehensive courses to sharpen your skills. Some of the factor you should consider include the real cost of ownership, safety, new or used and whether it fits you.
Before you take your bike home, it is essential to write a bill of sale. The document should include your information as well as the seller’s details and both of you should date and sign the papers.
* About Jeff Blaylock
Jeff Blaylock is an asset and process manager who has developed his career by working for different institutions. Under his leadership, maximum growth has been witnessed through his efforts to make the companies more productive.
The learner-approved motorcycle scheme (LAMS) should not only consider limits on power-to-weight (PTW) ratio and engine capacity, but also motorcycle type.
It found that crash risk increased with the PTW ratio in some types of bikes such as sports and naked bikes, but actually decreased with off-road and adventure bikes.
While the uni report did not specify changes to LAMS as used in Australia and New Zealand, it says “further research” is required on the injury crash risks associated with engine size, rider experience and motorcycle type.
“This is needed to validate the observed relationships of crash risks varying positively and negatively with engine size depending on the type of motorcycle,” it says.
“If valid, then there is opportunity to reduce injury outcomes of novice riders by re-assessment of the LAMS to allow for engine capacities relevant to the motorcycle type.”
LAMS limits
Currently, LAMS has 150kW per tonne PTW ratio and 660cc engine capacity limits (except in the Australian Capital Territory). There is currently no restriction on motorcycle type.
Such a move would widen consumer choice for novice riders.
However, the Monash Uni report could also lead to limiting the LAMS list to some some bike types, such as naked and sport.
The report says sports bikes, which have the highest crash risk and highest risk of serious injury outcomes, are becoming “more prevalent in the fleet, which is adversely affecting motorcycle safety”.
“Further adverse effects on motorcycle safety are stemming from the trend to increasing power to weight ratio of newer motorcycles, which has shown a significant association with more severe injury outcomes in a crash.
“Analysis results also suggest that the effectiveness of the LAMS criteria could also be improved by considering motorcycle type in the restriction criteria.”
Given governments’ past propensity to cite MUARC studies, this new report could lead to new limits on the number of bikes available for learners and novices.
