Yamaha Thailand has released the 2022 MT-03 Dark Blast edition for THB 196,500 in the Southeast Asian country (around Rs 4.26 lakh). This makes the naked bike THB 8,800 (approximately Rs 19,082) more expensive than the 2021 model.

The colour scheme of the 2022 Yamaha MT-03 Dark Blast edition appears to be similar to one of the paint options available on the Euro-5 compliant MT-03 (unveiled globally in November 2021). The bike is available in two colours: grey and black.\

In comparison to the 2021 model, the grey colour variant of the 2022 model has cyan-coloured wheels instead of red ones. For 2022, the Blue-Grey colour option from the 2021 bike has been replaced by an all-black option. Mechanically, the motorcycle remains unchanged aside from the cosmetic changes.

It is still powered by a 321cc parallel-twin liquid-cooled heart that produces 42 PS and 29.6 Nm. The bike also includes an all-LED lighting system, dual-channel ABS, and a full-LCD instrument cluster. However, we wish Yamaha had included a TFT console with smartphone connectivity in the 2022 model.

Despite Yamaha’s interest in the premium two-wheeler segment, the MT-03 is unlikely to be launched in India anytime soon. The brand recently opened its flagship Blue Square dealerships in Mumbai, with the goal of converting every showroom into a premium facility. However, if you’re looking for a naked sub-400cc performance, the KTM 390 Duke is your best bet. Other 300cc alternatives include the BMW G 310 R and the Honda CB300R.