2019 Yamaha Niken GT Review

[@roadrash7030]

Hi TMF, I've been looking forward to this review just to read the comments section. As someone who spent many years designing special purpose vehicles and equipment, I applaud Yamaha for working outside the box and bringing what I regard as a fun revolutionary motorcycle. Everyone thought nothing more could be done with scooters, then along came Piaggio with two wheels at the front of the MP3. Other poor sods have tried introducing automatic gearboxes and electric motors on motorcycle. God help the motorcycle industry as it tries to move forward from two wheels and the internal combustion engine. It's not an MT09 or a MT10 because it's a Niken with 3 wheels. Another excellent video and I enjoyed your usual impartial, unbiased review.

[@andydomanski2876]

I test rode one of these a few weeks ago and have to say that I was thoroughly impressed with it and the confidence it inspires going into bends is just phenominal. I tried my best to upset the front end by going over uneven ground but the bike was having none of it. What a hoot! On the downside I would say they do look a bit odd when traveling behind one, like the rider is dangling their legs. 😁 Another great review, cheers TMF. 👍

[@boomerhgt]

You didn't buy it did you says it all about this machine a novelty motorcycle

[@zardportugal]

Great option for touring purposes and also for a private collection. In a few years it will a high value exotic motorcycle. Nice review.

[@boomerhgt]

Yeah maybe because no body wants to buy one now

[@simonstokes2672]

I love different stuff, and the Niken certainly ticks that box. Can see myself on one in later years when my F4 gets to much for my weary bones! I Like the fact that Yamaha are doing something left field. Remember the GTS 1000? Good fair review. Fred

[@ride4funnomg103]

Everyone loves to hate on this “bike”, which is not unusual in the conservative motorcycle world. I think Yamaha is really pushing the suspension technology and doing it rather well.

[@FrankFurther]

I think this might be my future old person bike instead of the normal GS. Looks like it would do well in shit weather on slippery roads.

[@CanTURKeyed]

as own one; in rain tired behavious ou may not like; front grip amazing; but rear drives on direct wet surface unlike regular bıke; my friends didnt like it; but ı get used to it. great machine.

[@boomerhgt]

I'm in my 60s no thanks stick to my DCT Africa Twin and CB1300

[@haveyoueverwondered23]

Yeeessssss been waiting for this review to drop from you TMF!!!

[@jimbandit1250sa]

This bike is absolutely unique gives awesome sound from triple engine and a solid grip in wet or dry. The biggest worry for any ride is loosing the front end. Yamaha sorted 😍😊 awesome revue as always 👌😋

[@portaltwo]

Another brilliant answer to a question no one asked.

[@jimbandit1250sa]

Marmite but the point is 80% more grip and most riders me included always worry about front end going. This machine takes that worry away and I for one cannot wait to buy one. Cracking review Andy😎👌😀🏍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you

[@The333]

"...looking at me with incredulity" lol - TMF is the best!

[@stephenbartholomew2143]

I made a similar comment without seeing this one. It was my favourite line in the review. TMF has super powers to see through helmets as well!

[@skf957]

I love the look of it, and the engineering alone is a thing of beauty. My heart wants one, but my head says "no"! But then again I said years ago that I wouldn't have ANY bike again....

[@-runningwithscissors-9766]

It's actually pronounce KNEE KEN, accent on the KNEE. In Japanese, NI means two and KEN means blade, so Two Blades, referring to the front end......

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for enlightening me on that - mystery solved!

[@Skymaxy]

- RunningWithScissors - They are supposed to be “Journalist”, and they cant even get the name right?

[@SteveBrigden]

Finally a manufacturer that has the speedo sorted out so it doesn't go all blurry at higher speeds like all your other videos! ;-)

[@RichardASK]

Another great review Andy. In my garage I have a little Piaggio MP3 300cc. You hit the nail right on the head in 2 ways. First about these 3 wheelers feeling "planted" at the front end, especially on poorer or wet surfaces. I have yet to have a go on one of these Nikens, but your last 'nail on the head' for me was, 'would you buy one of these or an MT10'. Well, I've got one and the only way I'd consider getting rid of the MT10, is if they put an MT10 engine into a Niken. Now, there's a thought!

[@marcr660907]

I’m really intrigued as to why this bike actually exists, I understand it may offer a stable platform, but other than the novelty of it, I don’t think it has any real life merit. It was nice to get to know it a bit better via your first impression review, as always well executed and informative. Thanks TMF.

[@simonhughes-king]

Jeez, how many more times. **80% more grip at the front**

[@chrismountford2951]

Great review as always TMF. I can't see why people slag these off so much. Anything that gets people onto bikes, 2 or 3 wheels, is alright with me. If people feel more confident with 3 wheels then why not?

[@clutchpedalreturnsprg7710]

Hi, there's another fun way to activate the center stand: Remain seated. Touch left boot heel to the center stand foot protrusion/ lever. Grab underneath the seat, actually reaching fingers underneath the frame's top rails. .Then apply all body weight to left leg; while standing up. The m/c will pop right up. This method worked for all m/c with top rails for seating and dual shock absorbers. Probably no lo longer applies to all current m/cs. :)

[@carlton683]

Thanks again for a fab review a great start to the day thanks tony

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers Tony - appreciate the kind comment!

[@Gorbyrev]

Thanks for that. Strikes me as a perfect sports tourer. This is a bike for motorway and A road commutes and big miles. For me the third wheel is an innovation like anti-dive brakes or even the reverse gear on a Goldwing. It solves a series of problems that gives you a different riding experience. That planted front end benefits from a double contact patch and the levels of comfort appear to be exceptional. So this is a competitor to the Goldwing or the other big sports tourers which makes the price seem more reasonable. MT-10 is a daddy of a hooligan bike, this is something different. Hats off to Yamaha for making this work.

[@simonhughes-king]

At last, a considered and knowledgeable opinion!

[@kemosabe1]

Complex design - solves a problem that doesn't exist

[@richiektm]

Paul Sabey have you ridden one?

[@robhives6996]

Cant think of a better way to open up motorcycles to Scandinavian countries. This is a true all weather all year round machine.

[@captainwin6333]

@@robhives6996 That's what cars are for.

[@kemosabe1]

@@richiektm Hi Ritchie. No I haven't ridden one. But having watched TMF's review he didn't say there was anything revolutionary about this doubled up front end. As I understand it it's based on the MT09 but costs £5k more (£13.5k vs £8.4k) and weighs 74kg more (267kg vs 193kg). That's like carrying an extra pillion around permanently. So it'll inevitably use more fuel. And more tyres .. especially if the two front wheels get even slightly out of alignment. I see a lot of cost .. but not a great benefit. Have you ridden one? What does it do that a two wheel bike can't and justifies this extra cost / weight ? I'm genuinely interested!

[@robhives6996]

Transport is changing with e-bikes and scooters throughout our cities, motorcycling needs to remain relevant. This is just one Avenue, why knock it.

[@perhaps6112]

So many people judging by the comments here and elsewhere have misunderstood the Niken. It should not in my view be regarded as a three wheeler at all but rather a motorcycle with a fat front end, the purpose of which is to hugely improve handling. For all practical purposes it's a two wheeler and has virtually nothing in common with three wheel vehicles like the Tricity scooter. People may or may not like it but it's definitely designed by Yamaha to be a proper motorcycle for those want a proper motorcycle, not some weird vehicle for those not willing or able to handle a normal bike. You have to be happy riding mid/big bikes to be happy with a Niken. If for some reason an individual is unwilling or unable to handle any big bike, then the Niken is not for them.

[@nimrod6603]

According to Yamaha, it’s because those two front wheels “reduce the effects of changes in the ride environment and inspire front-end confidence when turning.” Which means that the bike will provide more grip on a road that’s slippery from rain or sand.

[@waynegoldpig2220]

In a corner, if one tyre slips the other still has a fighting chance.

[@Porsche996driver]

This is not a trike lol. But that turning confidence is an interesting concept. I’ve never low-sided before, but it seems this would lower the likelihood in slippery environments. Maybe put spiked ice track tires and take it out?! 🙂

[@robhives6996]

@Rata 4U a trike is the other way round. Minimal front end grip.

[@Szlejer]

You are only negative about this bike until you ride it. ;) The handling is superb, stability and grip on a rainy winter day is simply unreal, it pisses on sport bikes when it comes to cornering speed...

[@charliesadv8493]

If it had a shaft instead of chaindrive, I would definitely wanted one of these. Love the look of the bike

[@marcostrange4331]

Great review as always sir enjoyed it so much that it convinced me to buy one,second hand mind but still a fantastic machine,thanks and keep up the great work...

[@RobBradshaw]

The Yamaha Tri-City is probably the only reason my wife ever got into motorbiking. After she got comfortable, she traded up to a BMW C650 Sport. So, I do have a soft spot for Yamaha three wheelers for that very reason. I spent many hours following behind aTri-City when my wife was learning and verify how stable the Yamaha three wheelers are. More types and interesting experiments are great for motorcycling in general. I test drove one a month ago and it is definitely going on my list of machines to think about for when I replace my current bike. I don't get the hate, no one is forcing you to buy one. If you think it is a stupid idea, DON'T BUY ONE!!

[@RobBradshaw]

I ended up buying one. Got a 2019 GT with 4000km on the clock. I've had it for 7 months and put on 4000km. LOVE IT. For me it is the sweet spot in the sport touring spectrum. Comfortable and staple on the road but you can still push it hard in the twisty bits. It's not for everyone, but I think it is great.

[@RuiAquino]

Interesting. Good looking bike and a very complete review, as usual! Thanks!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@motogroover2789]

Everyone appears to be so negative about this bike. I think you should ride it before you bag it. I always said: "I'd never buy one of those GS bikes. They just look huge & hideous". Then I jumped on one, a GSA 1250 Rallye. She's 6 months old now! Nudge nudge, wink wink, say no more! Fanx fliesy! Good to see someone had a go of her. Nice review. Cheers groovers ;-)

[@richiektm]

If I was after a second bike to go touring on it would be a serious contender plus I love the looks of it, some people are too eager to slag things off even before riding a bike!

[@Dean_Cooling]

Just a quick hello…..I’ve got one. The GT version. Rode the other day with 3 guys, one on a 1250GS and the other two on litre sport bikes. Was on typical Welsh winding roads, in typical conditions…had rained 30mins earlier. To keep it short, I left them standing. I’m a very average rider, it was down to the bike. Folks ask who it’s for….it’s the ultimate British bike. Most of the time it’s raining or just crappy weather wise. This lets you ride at 100%, 100% of the time, rather than just in perfect conditions which we get 20% of the time.

[@JIMWSMITH]

@@Dean_Cooling iam going to be buying one shortly there a fantastic second hand buy. It's unique and does its job extremely well.

[@caroldave4037]

Cost is a early problem then new design aceptance....but two up touring on bad crappy wet potholed roads it's amazing ....cheers from dave..

[@mikehurley5052]

Shaft drive would be good on this as a tourer, it also needs some sort of lock system on the forks so when stopped it will stay up on its own, that would make it more appealing.

[@garypunter412]

I agree about the fork lock system so you could do away with the side stand. My only reservation would be the risk of it failing and somehow activating whilst moving, resulting in you not being able to lean/tilt into the corner. Ouch! Also it would then need some sort of handbrake to stop it rolling away, or leave in gear all the time when parked and risk damaging the gearbox. I wholeheartedly think all these big high mileage aimed tourers should be a shaft. I don’t want to be pratting around with chain lube and adjustment every week. Rather be riding than fixing it. IMHO. Keep up the great work TMF.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Good first review, it will be good to hear your final summing up when you've had more time with it.

[@everythinggaming7938]

Next bank holiday is in august you got me excited thought i was going to have a day off work soon😔😔😔😔

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sorry - I recorded this a fair few weeks ago...

[@stephenbartholomew2143]

11.34: "Looking at me with incredulity". There aren't many KZbin sites that show such a command of the English language while riding a motorbike, especially one with 3 wheels. Nice review. Not sure about the 3 wheels but I like the colour! Better than orange or green I think!

[@colindeans5972]

I was primed to append an 'oh, no, no, no comment' but was positively surprised by your review. As a tourer, it makes a good bit of sense as for every day, I'm not so sure. I'll await TMF part deux. Thanks again.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

I've had a couple of test rides on the Niken and where the front end comes into its own is in the wet or rough/pot holed roads. The stability in those conditions is impressive. Its the weight of a decent ADV bike but instead of "off road" ability you get extra on road ability. Let's face it the UK gets lots of rain and the state of the roads is shocking so in some ways its the perfect bike for the UK all weather rider. Its great to see Yamaha trying something different. I am tempted but need a little more time and another ride. Great review as always

[@bren106]

Long awaited is your dip of a metaphoric toe into the three wheel market. The Niken massively appeals to my "square peggedness" if that is a recognised term for it. Now I hope you can get a ride/review on the Peugeot Metropolis, which is a lot nearer my price range.

[@diemman70]

It just has the alien look to it. I’ll have to ride one before they disappear from no sales.

[@antonoat]

Like you I love he front end looks, like the looks altogether actually. Great review TMF, thanks for sharing this was looking forward to it! Cheers.

[@mikepoirier3351]

I think the biggest advantage of this is the safety of having two contact patches on the front. It could save your ass in a sand strewn corner or in a panic braking situation. I demoed one. The front suspension was awesome. The rear felt crude by comparison. It was super comfortable. I'm personally not a fan of the 900 engine. I find it to be buzzy. This would be awesome with the MT10 engine.

[@mukundnadkarni]

The bike that put's your brain in limbo. Can't decide either way!😊

[@benstabile8493]

I think it's GREAT that designers and engineers are broadening the available choices. This "riding season" (I actually ride all year), I have been noticing more and more three-wheeled vehicles out on nice days: Spyders, Slingshots, TRiOs, HD Freewheelers and Trio Ultra-Glides, you name it. It's obvious Yamaha has ignored the naysayers and are looking to expand into a growing category. Another thing I've noticed is that riders on traditional motorcycles acknowledge these alternative powersport riders with the usual "wave" of comraderie.

[@richardd9976]

Very interesting review - and good to see a manufacturer trying something different and pushing the development a bit. It's not a bike I'd choose (don't like the look of it), but I admire the engineering ingenuity. Thanks.

[@duncanmillar277]

Nice review as usual TMF. Just looks all wrong to me coupled with added burden/cost of maintenance: brake fluid/pads, fork oil/seals and tyres. Wouldn't be so bad if it stood up on it's own... :-)

[@simonhughes-king]

Minor added cost for ****80%***** more grip at the front, don't ya think? Same number of fork oil/seals, pads and brakes as a regular bike. The two front tyres don't wear as fast as a single front tyre.

[@oliverespidol5812]

If it’s about stability and safety for which this bike was engineered, i would not mind spending extra than going to the hospital from low end crash..

[@AlexanderGeorgiev-Marck]

Fantastic reviews Niken GT and FJR 1300 2019. Thank you

[@boscoman69]

The bike is aimed in my mind for someone that wants a bike but might not be comfortable on a 2 wheeler & doesn't want a CanAm. Or for someone as myself who as they get older are having a harder time dealing with large top heavy modern bikes, but again, still wants to ride, but not a CanAm. Looking forward to test riding one.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You wouldn’t be more comfortable on this as it doesn’t stand up on its own....

[@boscoman69]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Well let me ask this, is it still more stable at a stop than a normal bike? Especially if you had a passenger?

[@thinkingoutofthebox.9421]

The reason I think for not a usb socket is a standard socket is more functional , you can plug in a 3amp phone fast charger and air bed pump and tire inflator ect...

[@michalrybinski3233]

I'd say the difference is quite simple, USB can only give you 5V/1A and standard socket gives you 12V and however Amps your receiver needs. I guess there is a lot of stuff that is powered by the higher voltage and more demanding on the power. But this is just my guess.

[@lmmbjt]

Nice to see you go pass my old school 🏫😀

[@Apeshower]

From my view point- this is a really interesting concept. Having read a good number of comments it’s apparent it splits opinion widely and many bike riders dismiss it and wouldn’t take change. It’s more likely the first people to give this a good will be car drivers looking for a quicker commute but who don’t like the idea of a motorbike and crappy roads in the UK. Would seem to suit the idea of a decent sized engine with plenty of grunt. It’s probably a pity really because I bet it would otherwise save a few serious injuries. Let’s see what the future brings....

[@andyreminch6550]

Some engineering in that machine. Different. Nice

[@robertakerson4417]

Mr. Flyer- You have done another fine job on this review. This is however the one bike out of all you have looked at which is least interesting to me. I reckon though that there must be only one winner is the contest for The World's Ugliest Motorcycle, and this machine may possibly be found desirable by the crowd who ride trikes and three-wheelers .

[@Ontheroadtourism]

I am returning to motorcycling after a six year break and I've just put a deposit down on a Niken GT. The extra front end grip and the heavily discounted price tipped my choice from a T Max to a Niken.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

At least you’ll be fairly unique on the road!

[@SkuStyle]

You need to push & throw the NIKEN into some twist'es to fully understand what it truly is for. Get to feel that extra 80% grip over 2 wheel bikes then I'm sure you'll be raving more about it like others.

[@fabianz6336]

Rata 4U It just minimalizes the chances of you losing grip while doing this. Why not enjoy some more safety while risking your life?

[@robertbates1079]

I tried one out and was pleasantly surprised how easy it is to ride . Wet roundabouts in winter would be more reassuring to ride on, lovely sounding bike, about as wide as a gl1800 goldwing , people tend to move out of your way when filtering, but 15k, don't think I would buy one either.. good review similar to my thoughts tmf.

[@MrSixStringy]

For those wondering if a car license can be used for riding these in the UK...in short, no: the Niken's front track (centreline distance between the two front wheels) is 410mm. UK law specifies that if the front track is less than 460mm, then legally it's considered as one wheel and a full motorcycle licence is therefore required to operate it. The Piaggio MP3 LT front track is 465mm by way of comparison.

[@Carvetii]

I bet its an absolute brilliant continental cruiser

[@paulstredwick]

This would probably be a fantastic machine - if no one had ever made a two-wheeled motorcycle. Very interesting review though.

[@djwarren5081]

I quite like it in a quirky kind of way. Pretty stable in the wet when braking I'd imagine.

[@dsimon9s29]

Thank you for posting. I get the feeling this bike will be a commercial failure (I hope I am wrong), but will become a cult/collectible favorite in a few years. I wonder how the suspension/bike would behave on a dirt road with a few bumps? Better or worse than a GS type bike? Regardless, kudos to Yamaha. Great job thinking outside the box!

[@Dereksol]

Perhaps an extra wheel on the back would make it more popular?I'm old and don't like change much.

[@Dean_Cooling]

I have a Niken GT. So…..Who’s this bike…( yes it’s a bike. Look up what a trike is) whos this bike aimed at? Those who ride all year round in Britain would be a good starting point. These figures aren’t accurate, but it’s for the purpose of this analogy…..This bike if ridden in the UK enables you to ride at 100%, 100% of the time, rather than 20% of the time when conditions are perfect in the 2 weeks of UK summer! 😉. I’ve had all types of bikes, by all types of manufacturers and in all sorts of engine capacities. Unless something drastic changes, I won’t be selling this bike. No it’s not a trike. No Yamaha didn’t want it to stand up unaided. Unless damaged no you don’t change just one front tyre, but yes the two front tyres wear down a lot slower as are under a lot less stresses than a single tyre. Yes it makes even the crappiest of roads feel smooth. Add the fact my version comes with ABS, 3 rider modes, traction control that can be adjusted, heated grips, the ability to change the suspension ‘On the fly’ , two power outlets, rides like a ‘normal’ bike but on rails, will leave most sports cars standing and a surprising amount of sports bikes…..including the litre bikes ridden by folks who have one for ego reasons and don’t have the skill to properly use a litre bike on public roads 😉, is very comfortable etc etc and I’m left with plenty of reasons why I’m happy with it, and I ignore the reasons given to me of why I shouldn’t be happy with it, or it’s not a good idea long term etc…almost always stated by folks who haven’t even ridden one!?!?! 🤔🤔🤬 If it interests you, give one a go.👍🏼 It’s a bloody good bike.

[@malcolmabram2957]

With three wheels does it need a centre stand, or indeed any stand? In my early days I drove a reliant Robin (and such was classified as a bike on the V5, and yes it was classified as a bike) but such had no centre stand. This bike is not a bike, but a trike, but its one redeeming feature for me, is its low speed or indeed zero speed maneuverability and such is not to be underestimated. Nice to stop at a roundabout without caring whether one will drop it or not. Of late, I was in the hunt for returning to motorcycling. Bought a boxer BMW partly due to.its low centre of gravity (and its engine sounds so good), test rode a Triumph Tiger 1200, great bike once when one is at speed, but scared the pants on me on roundabouts, and yes if I had bought it I am sure I would have dropped it by now, even in my garage.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it does need a stand - you can drop this just like a bike, it doesn't stand up on it's own....

[@simonthomas5367]

Very interesting machine. You see loads of MP3 scooters here in Lyon. Powerful, practical and accessible with a drivers license. But I still prefer my Xmax in the city as it is way more manouverable and lighter. And my big bugbear is that all 3 wheel scooters are completely fugly. This Niken looks amazing and I even recognize my Xmax headlights in the styling. Would be very interesting for you to try this in the wet and again in the Winter. Got to respect the amazing engineering. Bet it makes an superb long distance tourer.

[@iamtherealzombie]

One thing I must say is brilliant is the standard LCD screen doesn't go all blurry as soon as you top 80mph. *edit* Nevermind, I guess it only works properly on the motorway. *edit to the edit* I'm also fairly certain I watched a Yamaha press video where they said it's pronounced "Nee-ken"?

[@Tom-zy6ke]

Credit to Yamaha for trying something new, but it does appear to be a solution looking for a problem.

[@gcosmos960]

I prefer a Piaggio MP3. 14K for 263kg 900cc bike... They won't sell many. Great review TMF

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No I don’t think they are sadly - hats off to Yamaha for trying something radical though eh?

[@dualsportwannabe3708]

Dealers have them on back order in the states. At least around where I live. A person couldn't get one right now if they wanted to here. It just seems to be a much better option than the Can Am Spyder to me, and I think that's probably the general consensus of the individuals considering one or the other.

[@gcosmos960]

@@TheMissendenFlyer indeed! Hats off for trying ;-) but at least consider using an R1 engine

[@samirahman8395]

I have never ridden a two wheeler. Would it be easy to ride a trike?

[@hoss6048]

Interesting. Would think an issue like wobbles are eliminated?

[@sibat777]

Noticed you hardly paused over the speed bumps would you have been able to do that on two wheels?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good point.....

[@user_mac0153]

It looks like the front half of a Lunar Rover that has been welded to an 'Adventure Bike' frame. Does it need power steering for shifty surfaces like sand and mud, there's a lot of added rolling resistance out front.

[@gerryday1053]

WOW what a future looking bike . i would be torn between the gs or this !!! WOW again .

[@zak_7354]

I'm intrigued; must test ride some day

[@GregsRandomShite]

What are your thoughts on an adventure version of this thing? Spoked wheels, off-road tyres...it looks like the two front wheels would help a lot with stability and traction on dirt and rough terrain. It would still be a freak, but at least it would be a freak with real purpose then. I can imagine a fully kitted out black or khaki one looking quite formidable too. Maybe even a big shark mouth like an attack aircraft. Cannons. Ok but you get the idea.

[@abudhabidel1]

Do I consider one of these as I'm finding my 1250GS a little heavy - not whilst riding - really just when I'm manoeuvring in and out of parking spaces or even my garage....reverse would be handy! ..not sure....great review. Cheers!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No not for that reason - the bike won't not fall over if you let it (you still have to balance it when you wheel it around)

[@KBeezyEsq]

Wild card looks. She’s a beaut! Top review, again. Any update on a date for that Scrambler XC review? Super keen to here your thoughts. Cheers, 👊

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Currently scheduled for October the 28th...I know, I know, really sorry.....lots to get through before then...I may move it forward...

[@KBeezyEsq]

TheMissendenFlyer no need to apologise at all mate. I’m a fan of your content. You’re top notch. Thanks for the heads up. All the best. 👊

[@malcolmnuttall3165]

This bike is a full size version, of what Gilera, Piaggio, and Yamaha themselves with the TriCity, have achieved, maximised grip and stability, but it needs 4 forks to control the g-forces on the wheels, adding extra cost again, here in Australia, Yamaha dealer, Trooper Lu's Garage, have built a in-house Turbo Niken, that could be a option for Yamaha to consider.

[@simonhughes-king]

It has the same number of forks per wheel as a regular bike. It has nothing to do with G-force. And actually one fork per side is suspension, the other one is there for wheel alignment, so it has the same number of fork seals etc as a regular bike. That turbo Niken is a beast.

[@hessel3937]

i guess i am too old for these kind off novelties.... 2 questions tho, why is there a sidestand? and can you stop at a traffic light without putting your foot/feet down?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Sidestand to stop it falling over, and no.

[@4N2IN0JA]

Where is the adventure bike version? I would buy that I a heartbeat. 👍

[@Northernlanes]

A little extra thing I'd like you to look at in your reviews would be to have a quick look under the seats to see what 'cargo' space there is, a small but significant thing for us guys that need a location for our Autocoms, small tool kit, puncture kits etc

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good idea! - I'll add it to my long term review list!

[@motovlogger7198]

I own its smaller powered Tricity your definitely in an exclusive club with these 3 wheelers. Certainly not taken more serious in UK whether it be scoot or motorbike

[@bellinghambaseball2]

I begged and begged and TMF delivered. Bravo TMF! Bellissimo!

[@frankstocker5475]

I did ride one for me it didn’t have the sole of a motorbike & I was wondering how to get it up if it fell over. Did you buy one?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nope I didn’t...

[@zidisrider]

Hey Andy,im still to get one right now. 2021 model seems good value,should i pull the trigger ? Only for travelling outside,not london or city.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

If you like it why not! (Cost of tyres/maintenance may be a reason….)

[@Bass.Player]

Why? From the front it looks like a shipping container loader, and they are expensive. I wonder if Yamaha has sold any?

[@JBlank.]

I saw a guy with one leg test riding one when I went to test ride my mt07

[@simonhughes-king]

They've sold all of them they've made this year. All of them. Because when you ride it, you understand.

[@Bass.Player]

@@simonhughes-king never seen one and I ride dailey

[@Banditmanuk]

@@simonhughes-king I've ridden one. In isolation it rides really well and over rough wet roads its fantastic. But it's as heavy as an FJR, expensive, limited tank range and on normal dry roads the MT09 and Tracer will out perform the Niken. It's a great engineering exercise by Yamaha but loads of prejudice against this bike by folks who haven't ridden it. Personally I would not buy one as I've never worried about lack of front grip on two wheels.

[@simonhughes-king]

@@Banditmanuk Interesting. My number one worry is a front end low side crash, especially in the wet.

[@82phalanX]

how would you compare the suppleness of the suspension to your GS? if its more supple, then it's a winner. A set of Bridgestone Battlax tyres might mean, perhaps, more than just tar?

[@c.g.c2067]

Elegant and subtle design 😁

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Could only see myself renting this bike for a half day. Be fun to try.

[@stevelutwyche]

Great review, my first visit to your channel. I’m intrigued by these, especially as I commute all year round in grotty weather, my only off in 25yrs of riding has been a low speed drop on an icy roundabout. I figure the Niken gives a lot more confidence in those sort of situations. Alas they haven’t sold well, I see Yamaha have a lot of heavily discounted pre-reg bikes on offer, which has piqued my interest.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

May be now is the time to buy then Steve! Oh, and welcome to the channel....

[@Dean_Cooling]

Hi Steve. I’ve recently purchased one. Fantastic bike. Had a group of 3 guys stop and chat with me on Saturday just gone. All made the usual comments. They happened tom be heading the same way as me..about 10 miles of undulating twisting welsh tarmac on the edge of the Brecon Beacons. So I requested we all head to a well known spot, I lead and they follow. I’m an average biker ability wise. It was mixed road conditions as had rained about 30 minutes prior. At the prearranged spot I had time to dismount, take of gloves and helmet and get a drink out of the side bag as they arrived. One was riding a 1250gs and the other two were on litre bikes. I didn’t really push the bike, yet left them standing. Why? Because the bike walks all over other bikes when ridden in typical British weather and on typical British roads. With traction control (various modes, all can be tweaked), ABS, different rider modes, cruise control, heated grips, two power outlets, mind bending grip etc etc….for me it’s very VERY easy to spot in the comments section who has ridden one and who has decided what it’s like without even sitting on one. It’s not selling, which was great for me as got a barely used two year old GT for a great price, due to the general biking communities ‘caution’ or liking of more traditional bikes…..which in reality equates to most being narrow minded and opinionated. With electric soon being the only option and the inevitable March of technology that will no doubt change how bikes look and are made I worry the ‘Traditional Biker’ will be the cause of death of biking in the UK in the not too distant future. It’s a case of ‘Keep up or be left behind’….Get yourself a ride on one, make sure it’s for as long as possible. Give it as much stick as you can and I’m certain you’ll be left with a grin on your face. All the best, Dean. South Wales. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@mattrose5585]

Love all your videos mate and always look forward to your reviews cheers.

[@bobklee2397]

Looking at a technical review of this bike, it looks as though the novel front end effectively isolates steering and suspension work, a bit like the telever front end of old BMW GS (do they still have that)? The journalists always used to say that the suspension on 1150GS felt that way. BMW may have refined that of course

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes they do and yes I guess that’s one way to look at it….

[@alexbristol5199]

Hi TMF, great reviews. Any chance when you do your walk around the bikes you can start engine up so we can see what the daytime running lights look like and when a bike has twin headlights we can see if both are used or not. For me I find most bike headlights not as good as cars so using both is always a plus point for buying that bike. Cheers.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good idea! Thanks for watching Alex!

[@richardcasey7521]

What happens if one of the front wheels picks up a nail and deflates?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You have a problem!

[@duartesss]

Hello you said that you have 5'8 height? What's your inseam? Thanks!!

[@justinwaller7339]

I see the Can-Am Spyders on the road all the time. I've yet to see a Niken except for the display models at COTA at the Yamaha tent. I'd think they'd be able to take some sales from Can-Am, but I don't see that happening yet. If I ever get to where I need three wheels, I'll hang a sidecar from a regular motorcycle. I think a classic sidecar would look great hanging from a RE Interceptor 650

[@simonhughes-king]

You've totally missed the point.

[@DrAlexCullison]

How would you compare the Niken to the Piaggio MP3 500? Which do you think is better and why?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

The Niken is a more serious bike - I prefer it as it's got the grunt and feel of a bike where as the Piaggio (to my mind) is closer to a scooter....

[@LM-dj6gc]

This is probably a silly question, but can this be made A2 compliant? Something about this seems brilliant and I really want one, and obviously i cant ride it on a CBT.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I don't actually know - but I doubt it somehow....sorry!

[@sivikasi]

Question to anyone who's ridden one of these - do you still need to balance it like normal bike? My balance is non-existant to the extent that I can't balance a 2-wheeler but wondering if one of these might be an option? Thanks!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes you do - feels just like a motorcycle when you ride it and needs balancing the same…

[@sivikasi]

@@TheMissendenFlyer thanks very much, appreciate it!

[@malone-np3ip]

I like it perhaps 4 forks seem bit ott but advantage amazing front end grip be cool try tricity my boss loves his and he a car guy but uses it for mail delivery.

[@brankojerbic6040]

Great review and a very interesting bike. Hats off to Yamaha for putting it into production. Very different thats for sure ... I wonder if the front wheel alingment will become an issue in the future ? Positives being more grip on wet roads. However it does look like a Ski-doo so can you swap the front wheels for skis / skids ? But seriously the price is almost a new basic Bmw R1250RT for example, almost the same weight but less practical and not the same quality... I suppose the question is what will the residuals be like on this bike ( trike ) when you get over the novelty and want to change to something with 2 wheels ? However, Piaggio are still selling their 3 wheeled scooters so people obviously like the concept.

[@user_mac0153]

Great thought.