2019 Yamaha NIKEN Review! | On Two Wheels

What has three cylinders, three wheels, and does wheelies? Yamaha's Niken, of course! This new three wheeler is powered by an MT-09 engine but has a funky front end that puts two 15-inch wheels on the ground. Who is it for, how does it work, and what's it like to ride? We answer these questions and more in this episode of OTW.
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[@Siper2]

Y'know what? I like it. It's weird, but kudos to Yamaha for saying "Screw it, let's do something cool."

[@dahveed284]

Also cool would be a WR450R. Just saying...

[@evilwatermelon99]

Siper2 if you wanna like it I won't hate. But courage does not automatically equal greatness.

[@Skyerzen]

yes, that's why I became a yamaha owner. It seems like the engineers took over the company and they are having a field day. First the introduce the crossplane R1... Then the FZ09 made nakeds cool, fun and affordable. Then the FZ07 became the standard to beat when it came to entry level nakeds Then the new R1 came packed to the bone in electronics... Then the FJ09 becomes an affordable, capable touring bike Then R3 becomes everyone's favorite first bike Then XSR900 scares hipsters shitless... Then the FZ10 comes to compete with the big european naked dogs... Then the XSR700 comes to make hipsters happy again... Then.... the R6 becomes the first japanese 600cc bike with advanced electronics... Then the Super Tenere.... Then this... I'm really always insterested to see what is Yamaha going to do next.

[@GETUPANDGO]

I agree, it just confuses me in terms of who's going to buy it, and why

[@iGhost]

Yamaha came out with Tricity 125 and 155 before niken was even a thing. Also Adiva AD-3 and 3D-350 too

[@Zirconium5DRiFT]

now they need to make a motorcycle with four wheels

[@MrPink2024]

5 wheels. 5.

[@sergemi3606]

ahahhahahahahha good one!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrPink2024]

@Acme Inc. Your video said "5th wheel *CAR"*

[@joeyb7408]

Yeah, and a steering wheel. Right? Oh btw i think one exists, doesnt batman have one?

[@vishvamadugalle2463]

Already done

[@eemeli6706]

Looks like something batman would drive

[@brutalianali7439]

Kyllä

[@fx1446]

Not rly .

[@Jabooty_Williams]

No cus batman isnt a pussy. He only rides 2 wheels on motorcycle

[@onthefastlane90]

lol batman and robin on the side XD

[@sambaraka5228]

There's this Batman guy in Tokyo (I think). He's pretty famous and he rides a similar trike.

[@KY2431]

The front two wheels are easy to ride and safe. Especially rain pass is safe.

[@PapaWheelie1]

Looks like an answer to a question no one asked

[@brian6speed]

PapaWheelie yea who cares about taking turns fast, us bikers only go fast in straight lines. Who cares if a Honda civic can take turns faster.

[@7peso]

:DDD thanks

[@kinguin7]

Agreed. If there's no system to control lean or somehow catch lowsides, I don't see any real advantage.

[@moviebuffkkj8127]

Isnt that how touchscreens came on smartphones too

[@kinguin7]

tom riddle probably more analogous to a phone with two screens haha.

[@Vlad-kf7hw]

"Can you wheelie it?" :D

[@Palcious]

09:34

[@ikbendusan]

if you had watched the video..

[@Vlad-kf7hw]

Of cource i have watched it, that's the reason for the ^^

[@ikbendusan]

you didn't put quote marks around it so i assumed it was a question

[@Vlad-kf7hw]

Let me fix this

[@bfarm44]

Me “I hate it” Also me “I want it”

[@CKPHH]

When you do that drift , that was LEGITNESS, and that wheeliiooo

[@ME262MKI]

Maintenance of the front suspention must be a nightmare

[@najjuzac]

ME262MKI . Yup , all most it cost maintainance equal to fighter jet

[@disekjoumoer]

After the price tag, that would be my biggest worry with all the moving parts. Still glad Yamaha made it, tough.

[@mrmedium7984]

Looks easy as its on the outside of the bike. Ive serviced my FZ6 removing the forks. It was tedious but not hard.

[@amaljithp.p7929]

No repairs only replacement

[@romanval69]

It looks like regular upside down forks arraigned differently. The custom bits are the connecting parts -- bottom wheel attachments and the entire top end swivel frame, but it doesn't look like it would be higher maintenance then a regular steering bearing. I wouldn't want to crash it though.

[@4stroke4wheels4life8]

I would like to see a stoppie on that thing

[@hutchtv7640]

Ermos Cimpoesu I'd like to see a lowside on it

[@prabhugautham]

Your Yamaha Niken review was really awesome to keep me glued to the my smartphone screen watching the video thrice.

[@1C3M5NN]

I feel like this would hit the touring and cruiser community the hardest. A 3 wheeled cruiser would seem pretty cool.

[@ironDsteele]

This has very quickly evolved into my favorite motorcycle channel. Well done guys!

[@NorthStarFooligan]

This is just the best motorcycle news anyone can consume. I can never get enough of it.

[@Booba-Fett]

Thats unironically really sick to look at, especially when it leans over it's so captivating

[@johncarlogogo9718]

It's beautiful!! I hope someday I can drive that NIKEN. Continue blogging pls...

[@cotes42]

Yamaha if you're watching, just make a commercial showing 8:27 slow motion 0.25 speed. Shut up and take my money!

[@JOHN-ox4wp]

Cool ! And satisfying !

[@1107jordanlego]

Vectrum 1st it literally has more traction in the front end when turning and going over rough terrain. 2nd Don’t complain about something you probably can’t afford you broke child

[@fatkidstickleme1830]

Toothless?

[@hydrothermalworm7778]

I wasn't convinced . . . till it wheelie'd. now i'm on board. Gotta admit it looks pretty badass lifting all that front end into the air

[@DailyPanigale]

Watching the front wheels in turns is very satisfying

[@uMaDVeLoAn]

A lot of people dont like it, i think it looks cool

[@IgorDz]

I've been watching different innovations videos on YT recently and 90% of the people just criticize the shit out of everything. Sad.

[@sledgehammersark]

I'm literally just here for the bromance not the mutant motorcycle

[@user-ls9ff4cu9x]

ThorInTheMorning me too.lovem😙

[@cuzimaluzer777]

ThorInTheMorning Ari can be my wingman anytime.

[@CajunGreenMan]

ROFL!

[@MercerVisualProductions]

yes!

[@thahoova6818]

you may have just officially nicknamed this bike "the mutant"😂

[@711rico]

my dad was driving a piaggio mp3, but wanted something better, but didnt feel sure about a 2 wheeler. He had a good deal on the Niken and he's even been calling me how much he likes his new motorbike

[@hadesomegamoto7639]

Haha I'm watching this after a couple months of watching it and I just realize you guys did a show together with a sidecar f'n awesome

[@SupaNami]

Looks like they're trying to sell more tires

[@NetzHog]

the usage is on the front is probably below 50% for each tyre! (compared to conventional design)

[@Spikycloud]

What stars really look like Tyre is correct outside the USA

[@SuperJuanBlue]

Seems like you need to widen your approach.

[@lamurcribb985]

Chris Squire *tire

[@a.j.9200]

And suspensions.. and linkages, disk brakes, alloys, and much more...

[@CajunGreenMan]

It's not tested fully until it's tested on snow and ice. You guys were RIGHT THERE! No snow and ice testing, but snow skiing?! Ah well, maybe next video. I can see definite possibilities of snow and ice applications, or particularly challenging off-road terrain if they make an off-road version. Good job pointing out the dual contact patch thing. Love that Yamaha is pushing the technology. I would want to push a button and have it stand upright on it's own, though, even if it isn't designed to be stable in that way while riding. Maybe some mechanical locking pin even?

[@kajvanheerwaarden9134]

I know why you're here... 9:34 Thank me later ;)

[@EllisGoward]

Thanks

[@tjstewartakafreeze2854]

i can now sleep ... ty , not all heroes wear capes

[@angeljorel5124]

Ellis Goward Jst save me 10 min Well exactly 9 :34 as i write thistxt🤣 Anyways thnks 🤜

[@josemarte1530]

Hahaha how did you know?

[@ebrensi]

haha yes

[@coyster530]

My dad had one of those scooters that lean because he didn't have the best balance and it would lock upright when it came to a stop I know he really enjoyed it getting back out on two wheels

[@philpbrumby]

Your reviews are on point! Keep it up guys

[@BigMoeFo]

Freakin love these guys, doesn't matter what your reviewing... I know I'll leave will a smile, kinda like riding a bike!!!

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

A bored-out 1,000 cc version would be perfect.

[@charlesg.8615]

Oh 1 thing more. Can niken do a stoppie?

[@twowheelmotoring]

all those fork seals

[@ReckItRalph1]

Hahaha ... Only true motorcyclist would know the pain lol

[@ddkguitars4095]

Two front tires, two front rotor, four front brake pads and four front forks. That is going to be a bill to service.

[@FelipeLuizDickmann]

DDK Guitars bigger bikes already got dual front brakes.... They just added another wheel up. My worry is that linkage system.

[@elliottselman6746]

If you're worried about cost, motorsports might not be the best thing for you...

[@FelipeLuizDickmann]

Guys McFellas in theory, change bearings every X miles should be enough to keep the system flawless. Don't think they'd use any kind of bushing that could develop play or something... That sounds bomb proof to be honest, even double suspensions and arms to assure alignment and stiffness. I like that a lot!

[@FelipeLuizDickmann]

Guys McFellas (I compare to rear suspension bearings, that must be verified every 10 thousand miles and changed if worn out or play has been developed.

[@Thecougar66]

I think your missing the point of this. It’s about giving more grip and stability and thus improving your safety. So what if it costs you an extra £200 to service? If it saves you from sliding off on a fast bend... what would that cost you?

[@cschwarz9448]

The fact that you describe the experience as totally natural may answer my question. Does it turn in with countersteer like a two wheeler? I enjoyed the video, great job. Thanks.

[@adam100a8]

I was waiting for a wheelie and was not disappointed

[@Omar-eh3kf]

Stoppie?!! Would be great!

[@justinsimpson2335]

Fox I bet it does one pretty well with the extra brakes up front!

[@deathwish8339]

I remember back in the day, Honda used to be the company that was pushing the envelope with the things motorcycles could and should do. Now it seems Yamaha has taken up those reins.

[@deathwish8339]

Auto blipper I wasn't sure if I liked the new cbr1k until I saw it in person. It isn't very photogenic but it is the most comfortable 1k I sat on. Couldn't afford it though unfortunately.

[@adityadugar3780]

Death Wish83 Honda monkey, grom, CB300R.

[@deathwish8339]

Aditya Dugar none of which I wouls say are pushing the envelope. Maybe the grom, but the monkey is just a repackaged, more expensive grom.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Agreed. Yamaha rebooted itself with the FZ/MT series. Barky 270­° super-light SV killer. Best sounding and arguably one of the best engines in motorcycling ever..... triple, also super light. And don't forget the crossplane R1 i-4 engine right at the backside of the recession of 2008-2009. Yamaha does good stuff, even if you don't agree with everything they do. Honda? yawwwwwwwn. I guess if I wanted to have scooter-economy and interesting utility in a bike that would never break in 200,000 miles, while letting it shift for me? NC750X, but as a 2nd or 3rd bike.

[@getbusylivenordien5394]

I have to ask what back in the day your talking about that Honda was pushing the envelop or doing things better then others

[@hudsont.105]

This really makes me want to get one, even though I don't have a motorcycle license, nor haven't been on one before...

[@audiwankenobi361]

With all the bike options around I can see why this thing would desired....I'd buy it for sure.

[@b8tzim767]

Fantastic engineering exercise, destined to be a limited run collector's item.

[@aritragoswami302]

That thumbnail is fire 🔥

[@dawnpatrol100]

I like it looks awesome and it's totally different. I want one I love the front end. I still look at it and think what on earth is that thing so awesome

[@tranquilcoast]

This seems cool, the engineering alone is very interesting

[@DuyLe-ex4km]

You guys are awesome. Best regards from Vietnam

[@ravirajyaguru5905]

I want a touring - off road version of this thing. Imagine the possibilities!

[@ToastbrotRaver]

off road? why? it's less nimble, a lot heavier, a lot wider and just overall too much motorcycle to throw around off road. it would take a lot more energy to ride it off road then a regular off road bike. although I agree it would look badass with fat offroad tires and all...

[@ravirajyaguru5905]

snk_blk I am not talking about "Motocross" offroading. I am talking about "adventure" offroading where you need a heavier and stable bike. For example take BMW GS1200, that sort of long distance, adventure, off roaf bike.

[@carlredmond3642]

Ravi Rajyaguru If they made a Super Tenere version of this with the two front wheels you could really load it up with gear and more easily ride difficult conditions such as sand, gravel, or rutted mud slippery ry roads

[@MotoSly]

off-road? haha...... you made me laugh sir

[@cwqrpportable]

Great video thanks for sharing. A fun design......................... it's always good when a company stretches the limits and looks outside the box

[@TRNQUL]

That location is absolutely stunning.

[@mike13th]

Yamaha should had commit to their idea fully and put 4 wheels on that that slide side parallel like the front. Create the first ATV than leans

[@dahveed284]

I bet keeping the front wheels aligned is a PITA if one of them gets knocked out of wack by a pothole. An interesting bike, but not for me.

[@josh0147]

I really like it, and you read my mind with the beginner thing

[@kyle333halfevil]

I think this is mostly about the grip. Not only for braking but look at where the bike sits in a lean. The weight is always centered in a corner with at least one tires contact patch. Meaning you should be able to ride harder, brake sooner, etc.

[@kinguin7]

Hey Yamaha, remove the kickstand and add a lock on the leaning pivot. Thank me later.

[@mrjakobt]

James Scheppegrell I can’t grasp why they didn’t think of that. It’s a much more elegant solution.

[@mohamedk1340]

More stress on the pivot that way maybe? I guess they'd rather have the weight on the kickstand rather than stress anything else

[@timfrench9391]

Don't think the upside wheel lifting off the road surface is something I want to try!

[@kinguin7]

mrjt maybe they did think of it, and decided not to for some actually good reason. I can't think what though.

[@kinguin7]

Mohamed K it's supporting your front wheels as you drive at speed over bumps, it's gotta be strong enough to support it at a stand still I'd think.

[@T0BBi94]

One question this video didnt answer: How many pushups can Ari actually do?! We need answers

[@bramskahoon4072]

Looks like a beast,I'm definitely buying one or two

[@saintstorm7]

Awesome channel good job boys stay safe out there

[@sublimalversus8089]

This looks like its made for another Michael Bay movie

[@Ryukachoo]

9:34 The wheelie You're welcome

[@carlosvazquez4059]

Thank you

[@Akephalos204]

Thanks

[@davidmiletic6647]

All you guys hating this bike... It's a brand new type of vehicle, xou can't compare it to a 2 wheeler... Yamaha had the balls to do something new and that is great. Great concept, as well as execution, i would love to own one and give it a blast.

[@mattbott9492]

Experimenting in new technologies I like it

[@Deathlynumb]

I don't know if I'd buy one I like my gsxr but id sure love to ride it to see how it feels.

[@jjj4888]

I've always wondered if you could wheelie a Cam-Am Spyder

[@julianfsg6966]

The answer is no. My mother has one and I’ve tried so hard to do it but it is impossible... but drifting it is really fun!

[@blackphantomz2878]

No wheelies and no drifting. Anti roll stability control kicks in and shuts off fuel if wheels are spinning at different rates. Aka "Nanny" would have to be disabled and too pull a wheelie you would have to go turbo and sticky tire

[@InTheDogHouse3DPrinting]

Way too much front end weight to wheelie one of them.

[@sgt.gunbunny5959]

Negative

[@NumbaOne]

put a fat girl on the back and there you go

[@alexanderhoffman8866]

I think a "vehicle" like this except not only 2 wheel up front but 2 in the rear as well would be cool. The articulation of the wheels would look awesome.

[@jayesh5131]

Oh boi that wheelie was🔥🔥🔥

[@lelins300]

I think this should be included in the next transformer film, baby Optimus or baby Bumblebee

[@SeasideStrangler]

All it needs is a FZ09 front end conversion and it's good to go.

[@ChrysReilly]

Why not get an FZ09 in the first place?

[@SeasideStrangler]

I was just joking.

[@Mastermindthreethousand]

This is a "you love it or you hate it" design. I get both parties. For me, the great thing is that it actually works, a successful technical experience that has still potential to grow in that area. As a touring bike, it should offer a bigger engine with higher windscreen (maybe already available now) make it a real grand traveler. I wonder if you need a motorcycle license for this or is a car license sufficient?

[@ronanrogers4127]

It looks like something a superhero would ride

[@ebenezercunningham2169]

This is like someone giving you socks for your birthday.

[@ss_whole]

Dress socks

[@macroevolve]

Now Jay Leno is obligated to have this on his show

[@Doyoumushroom]

These guys are great riders and funny reviewers

[@Transguddit]

Awesome! Is there the same, but also with two wheels at the back?

[@yigi4593]

nice truck. how big is glovebox?

[@garyjohnson1970]

That's what's needed, more weight! I want to see someone pick it up.

My Guzzi 1200 Sport weights 229Kg DRY. This one is 263Kg WET. Once I add the 23liters of fuel and the 3.5 of oil I'm right there... And I can pick it up.

[@usMarinecuv902]

I love it. I think it's cool and innovative. I don't want to buy one, but it sure is badass. Would look cooler if the tires were wider and closer together, but obviously I wasn't a part of the design team.

[@stenly311]

I like when you talk, ride a bike and weaving with both hands in the air at same time

[@mingkonglego5327]

This bike perfect for long tours.

[@aaronj7327]

looks like something my drunk uncle would show up on

[@helmer5667]

Wait thats illigal

[@ShadowbannedbyYoutube]

Small ballz

[@amjrpain919]

Well, at least your drunk uncle's cool! For riding a yamaha! One that's harder to fall down on 💯👏

[@erdal07side-life]

The niken looks like monster of maxi scooter cool and town looks nice loved thx share man👍🏻😉🎄🍀👀

[@elbowsout6301]

You forgot to mention the Companga T-Rex! Nice video.

[@Koza1385]

A solution for a problem that doesn't exist.

[@psyclone63]

You lost me at $16 grand.

[@jangenesismakani65]

Same here.

[@gunhound45]

The first of a new technology is always expensive

[@ME262MKI]

Lou Ordorica Thb i thought it was going to be more expensive

[@razerloche9533]

its going to be around $40 Grand here in south-east Asia.

[@josephsherman4913]

Wait a year, they'll be under 10 grand. Remember the GTS ???

[@amadzbalboa]

I like the design, the concept. I can see this bike is not for daily short ride. But for long distance touring ride. Put sidebags, high windshield and boom you ready to go.

[@Gorlami90]

That actually looks pretty cool

[@50gary]

It's great as a design and technology exercise, I applaud Yamaha for the courage at the corporate level to do such a thing. The three wheeled market is gaining strength and acceptance and this is another foray into the category. I think the super bike market is in decline and Yamaha must find a way to sell new product, i.e. create a new market category. This would remind me of bicycle manufacturers developing "gravel bikes" creating a new category to sell product. If I were Yamaha I would sponsor a spec race series and an around the world tour with a pro and celeb rider (didn't that Ewan McGregor guy do that?) to promote the Niken. I remember the definition from Geometry class "Three points describe a plane" Edit: I watched the entire video again. I struck me that a great promo would be for Yamaha to get the Niken in the next James Bond Movie for one of the big chase scenes, it looks the part and stunt guy could do a whole new batch of tricks. Next Yamaha should send one to custom builder and former racer Roland Sands and let him do a wild race custom job.

[@bwxmoto]

It seems like one of those machines that are overly complex for no reason, other than for the sake of being needlessly complex.

[@SuperYertleTurtle]

It kinda is. It also kinda is just schowing off what can be built. You are allowed to ride the MP3 with just your car drivers license. That's why it's so popular. Maybe the niken will get that benefit too. The point about the superior performance on rough underground is interesting for a lot of people. But 16k? Nah not for me. And the weight is also pretty shit.

[@bwxmoto]

Yeah the weight is a massive downside.

[@cuzimaluzer777]

BWX ain't it cool

[@kolby4078]

that's kind of Yamaha thing......they are pretty good at it tho

[@MPI1000]

kolby4078 Agree, it's not exactly the first time they've done this. The first thing that comes to mind is the GTS1000. But also things like running 5-valve heads, EXUP and the like, with questionable benefit, at least considering whether they're worth the added complexity.

[@Morningbikeride]

Now for the bike, its smart. You stop with the front tires, you typically lose traction at the front from heavy accel.. it really solves some issues and pushes the boundaries of traction and power on.. three wheels.

[@blastshieldaddiction]

Opening scene, Dana point to San Clemente coast highway... Nice bit of travel.

[@maestrohun]

It is also a good conception for the future, "heavy" EV bikes.

[@JW77]

Do your legs get super dirty after the ride? The front wheels seems to be right in front of the rider's legs.

[@mrd2392]

EJ Wu this comment needs an answer.

[@deyoh7312]

That was my first thought when I saw it.

[@BMRStudio]

Interesting piece of iron, but... Last time when I ride a 3 wheeler.... I was 4 year old. And this will stay like this! When I was 20, most of the time I rolled on 1 (rear) wheel. When I was 25, again 1 (front) wheel.... Now, I get back to 2 wheels :)

[@birubu]

That wheelie looks sick

[@mrmenan6450]

Epic wheeeelieeee

[@MikeBikeOriginal]

Love it. Wonder, if it could be perfect to have a safe yet fast ride in wintertimes? not everyone is lucky enough to live in CA, 4 months of waiting and safe, slow driving is hard in europe. what you think guys?

[@jabsy5094]

Given its TC and ABS, just adding on some appropriate winter tires and I couldn't see why not.....He did say it requires both feet on the ground to keep up though, so if both tires lose traction, then it seems it doesn't have enough rigidity to stay upright. Both front tires losing traction in snow seems like a certainty so it may not be as efficient in winter as it looks. We'll see.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

Mike Bike ural is probably more suitable for harsh winters. Two wheel drive, knobbies.

[@kolby4078]

you could easily run chains on this as well

[@killroy2993]

Mike Bike that's what I thought when it was cutting in the snow, and it didn't wash out. That's how I crashed for the first time. Snow, lost front, oops...

[@jerryp1392]

Get it if roads are snowy or wet a lot, and you have the money. You can alway ecu flash and put a pipe on for more power.

[@dir7y1]

Haha lol - You guys were just in front of my house. Hope you had a good time here in the Alps :)

[@faustin289]

A reverse gear is definitely needed. Also, I can't wait for Kawasaki's planned similar trike that will have variable distance between the two front wheels depending on the speed.

[@rsoul7282]

Come on, I don’t understand why people don’t get this thing, after all, Yamaha gave us the GTS1000 a while back and you still see them everywhere, they sold millions of them and rewrote history, of course they know how to revolutionise the front of a bike.

[@CPUspeed]

Finally a bike I can mount machine guns on 😀

[@patrickmiller1674]

CPUspeed truuuuuuu

[@Cal-El]

But why? Because mother Russia!

[@ironohyes3644]

The Calvin Darius cuz 'MURICA

[@jerico80]

Looks futuristic AF!!!

[@rtoebak76]

Safety point of view very nice. Still not riding one tho.