Yamaha MT-03 vs Royal Enfield Continental GT 650: Specs Compared

The Yamaha MT-03 has been launched at a price point that really makes us question whether or not Yamaha is serious about big bikes in India. Lack of tech and features is another reason why the bike does not look good at the price which it comes with. A bike that does get away without giving features at that price point is the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650. Priced at ₹ 3.18 lakhs this bike comes with bare minimum that you can ask for. Of the two sporty twins, which one makes for better sense, only if you overlook the asking price. 

Engine

The engine characteristics of both these bikes are really different. While the Royal Enfield is not a slouch, it does not rev as quickly as the MT-03. The more displacement of the Royal Enfield enables it to push out more torque, which compensates for its heft. On the other hand, the MT-03 is a bike that enjoys being in the top end. The engine, with its higher compression and lower displacement, would provide better economy too. Also, the liquid-cooled nature works in its favour for the MT-03. 

Underpinning

At the core of the Yamaha MT-03 and GT 650's distinct personalities lies the foundation of their frames. The Yamaha MT-03 opts for a nimble Diamond chassis, allowing the bike to be agile and responsive on the road. In contrast, the GT 650 takes an older approach with a steel tubular, double cradle frame. There is some amount of reluctance when hustling the bike on fast-moving corners.

The suspension also does not make the story easy for the Royal Enfield Continental GT650, as it features 41mm telescopic forks for the front suspension and twin gas-charged shock absorbers at the rear. When compared to the 37mm USD inverted telescopic fork at the front and a Monocross single KYB shock at the rear on the Yamaha MT-03, the Enfield's suspension lags behind in managing the weight of the bike. These choices keep the cost down and also make repair and maintenance simple.

Finally, the frame and suspension are just managing the weight. The Yamaha MT-03 is lighter than the Royal Enfield Continental GT 650 by 47 kg. This weight difference improves the power-to-weight ratio, and the more responsive chassis amplifies that. 

Features

The feature set is also easy to compare here, as both these bikes do not offer much. The charger is an advantage on the Royal Enfield GT 650. The instrument cluster is digital on the MT-03, but it is not what's expected at that price point. The RE twin-pod tacho adds to the drama with every pull, but it is difficult to read due to the smaller digits. Both these bikes need to up their game in terms of features, but the MT-03 looks worse with its higher price tag, whereas the Royal Enfield tries to cover it up with the whole Retro cafe racer vibe.

Price

The prices of the MT-03 have made headlines and not for the right reasons. The bike lacks features and is quite late to the market with nothing special compared to what the competition offers. On the other hand, even though it carries a premium-ish price tag over the Interceptor 650, the GT 650 is a far more salvageable and easily recommendable product. Not to forget, a far cooler looking motorcycle.