Yamaha Niken GT | Testing Its Superpower! 💪

The Yamaha Niken GT is one of those motorcycles (yes it is a motorcycle) that many people don't understand. I was exactly the same I didn't really see the point.. Well now I understand what its about!
Massive thanks to my channel supporters:
Bikesure Insurance for all your Motorcycle insurance needs:
www.bikesure.c...
The BEST motorcycle accessories at Pyramid Moto : ⬇️
pyramidmoto.co...
Helmets and kit from Helmet City: ⬇️
www.helmetcity... Code HCLCR24 for 15% off!!
Bike Gear By KNOX: ⬇️
www.planet-kno...
Phone & camera mounting: ⬇️
ultimateaddons... - LCR10 Discount code for 10% off!!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LCR Stickers and Merch available at - lambchopsrides...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Join the Team:
/ @lambchoprides
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Off Codes!!:
15% off all products over £50 at Helmet City with code HCLCR24
www.helmetcity...
The New Insta360 X3: store.insta360...
My Insta 360 Camera One X2 - www.insta360.c...
New Insta360 One RS - www.insta360.c...
Phone holder Ultimate Addons 10% off with code LCR10 ultimateaddons...
Cardo are the best intercoms available and get them with 20% off! - cardosystems.r... Use code LCR
Helmet Camera Mount (Dango Designs) 10%
dango-design.c...
===================================================
Riding Gear:
Dual Pro 3 in 1 Jacket
www.planet-kno...
Vented Jacket - Knox Urban Pro Utility Shirt MKII
www.planet-kno...
Covert MK3 - www.planet-kno...
Riding Jeans - Knox Rydal
www.planet-kno...
Helmet HJC RPHA-1 www.helmetcity...
with custom Gopro chin mount from www.fabcustomm...
Boots - TracTech Evo III Waterproof boot
www.rst-moto.c...
===================================================
More from Lambchop Rides on:
www.Twitter.com/lambchops1971
www.Facebook.com/LambchopRides
Instagram - lamb_chop_rides
Thank you
Chops
#TeamLCR #LambChopRides #YamahaNiken

[@okeuhj]

i own one, the 2018 model, rides like a beast! no issues with daily work drives and touring in the mountains

[@michaelmclarney1994]

An elderly friend of mine, not great on his feet, bought the 125 version and is loving it! It has given him a last biking hurrah!

[@Michael-Masi-911]

We had these here in Thailand. I think the 125 was then testing out a few ideas l.

[@Captain101-x1o]

There is no 125 version of this bike. Yamaha make a 125 version of Tricity scooter, but it’s a completely different machine. Tricity is about half the weight and 1/10th the power. It can be made to stand on its 3 wheels. Niken won’t stand, it’ll fall like a conventional bike so needs a side stand. It’s also quite tall. Definitely not a bike for someone who isn’t steady on their feet.

[@michaelmclarney1994]

@@Captain101-x1o I know, I was just referring to the 3 wheel principle which is working very well for him.

[@woutermemelink4507]

4 years ago i tried it for a day in Spain, Valencia. In the city a lot of attention. Roundabouts is great fun, so much grip. In the mountains even so. I had a lot of fun.

[@paulclarkson1778]

In March 2023 I paid £8k for a 2021 pre-reg with zero miles on the clock. What a machine! Smooth; quick; incredibly comfortable and the ride is the best ride I've ever had (oo-er missus), oh plus insane grip.

[@twowheelsoneleg5672]

I rode one when they first came out and you're right fantastic front end grip, good ride quality over our pot holed roads. For anyone who rides all year round, all winds and weathers it could be a good choice. The "But" for me is in over 40 years of riding I've never had my front end lose grip. Back end plenty of times but never felt I've needed more front end grip. So for me personally it's a solution for a problem I don't have

[@verncampbell1690]

Wetter than Scotland there chops, I thought about one of these, even my wife laughed at it. Secretly still like the idea shhhhh 🤫. Classy vid as always. 👊

[@nikenpeeps]

Nice review. The Niken GT puts a smile on your face for sure. More so in the dry too, of course. About 80% more contact patch up front (15'' wheels). The UK with its British Bulldog culture isn't the best place to see Nikens. Some people seem offended that it's somehow trying to be a motorcycle. It's just a newer concept of vehicle, motorcycle-like or not. They are more popular in places like Japan. Having said that, according to Yamaha Yokohama and KZbin channel back in February, the Niken was discontinued, even from order to purchase.

[@corgicliffdivingteam8280]

The Niken is more appealing to me than any of the other three wheeled motorcycles is because it maintains the leaning characteristics of conventional motorcycles.

[@1990-t1j]

I still ride conventional motorcycles every day in Thailand for nine or ten months a year [270,000 miles in my life and climbing]. For the rest of the year I ride a Can-Am Spyder F3-S, and I love it. Great fun. The F3 doesn't lean but the centrifugal force means the rider has to. Proper reverse gear, too. Much maligned by 'proper' bikers, but I know better. The Niken is not quite as wide as a Super Tenere at the front, I've seen on another channel. A 1050 triple would suit the Niken better, maybe. I like them. I'd have one in Thailand if they weren't so expensive there. Excellent review. Nick

[@MHDarlington]

Thank you for checking out the newer model; there are very few reviews of the post-2023 version and as someone living abroad (where owning a road bike is pointless) and looking ahead to getting something different after repatriation, the Niken has tweaked my interest for a long time so I was grateful for and impressed with your video review.

[@reverendhoover]

I rode one of these at the box hill road show, when the bike was first released and was amazed at how normal it felt. I remember it was impossible to avoid potholes, as one of the three wheels will hit it. How many are left is showing 53 of the original Niken registered in the UK, 23 sorn.

[@creedm3040]

Awesome video! Grim conditions for sure. It reminds me of a Transformer. Flip a switch and it turns into a Slingshot. I have seen two of them out riding here in NC. Where you primarily see HD's. Best!

[@sedman5179]

Had one loved it, I bought it for the additional grip on the front end, but had far too much fun with the rear end, great engine….

[@UFGgamings]

Yeah I don't understand the people who say this is an insanely good wet weather bike. The rear is literally exactly the same as a normal motorcycle and therefore your lean is still very much reduced. Just get good tires on a normal bike and save yourself the lane splitting nightmare that this thing is.

[@Carvetii]

Was actually following one of these last sunday from Hawick to Carlisle on my way home from a sunday blast.

[@SteveBrowner]

Been waiting for this one and you release on the hottest day of the year so far😂 interesting bike that and agree with what you said,not for everyone but the people that own them love them. Great video as usual sir 👍

[@NikTudor-gu5sh]

Seen a couple out and about here in North Wales. I’ve just swapped from a Tiger gt pro for a street triple RS because of weight. I can see the positives in the Niken as I get older and my knees are knackered!

[@1990-t1j]

You still have to hold it up.

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Great review Chops. Thanks for doing this one. I’ve always been curious about the three wheeler.

[@royevans4581]

It should make sense to us all here in UK with our 20 percent chance of dry weather at the weekend in our 3 months of summer! 🤣🤣 Looks a lot of fun I must admit though. Just need some good wet weather gear and it would be great I reckon. Great vid as usual, Cheers mate.

[@Ken.ch452]

Saw the thumbnail and thought you'd broken down with a serious coolant leak 😂 . I see one regularly down at Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. A Nikken, that is, not a coolant leak. I like the look of them.

[@andrewlucas6214]

Would love to see a one make race series of these.

[@the_mad_leprechaun]

I have seen 2 of them out in the wild! I quite fancy taking one for a spin myself! I can’t believe how much water was on the road 😮😮! Nicely done LCR

[@iancharlesworth3654]

Nice one CHOPSY. Its one of those bikes if you were well heeled you'd av one in your bike collection for those exact scenarios as you were testing in. I bet its right fun mind. Cheers.

[@taz473]

I love this bike,took one out 3 years ago,amazing ❤

[@specialcircs]

LCR, I saw one last week - truly - but it's the first and only Niken I've ever seen 'in the wild'. Made me do a double take!

[@Icem4n84]

I've never even seen one in the flesh, but if it gets more people interested then why not.

[@gileschaplin197]

I love your content Lamb Chop , that’s why I viewed this! But 74 mph in a 40 zone! Coming into Petersfield is a bit spicy on any bike

[@benlisle7623]

Mate of mine has bought one, he loves it!

[@philk9227]

Saw one while riding the twisties near Builth Wells on one of the few sunny-ish days we have had here in Wales. Was a little surprised at how wide it looked. It even made the lardy maxi scooter I ride look svelte! 😂

[@ProphetAndLoss]

You are a madman! 😄 I want one, but stopping to explain to EVERYONE what and why would be exhausting.

[@Jocadiabo]

I have a Tricity 300, what a machine! Ideal for the city and rainy times.

[@Trevster65]

Kudos to Yamaha it’s a feat of engineering geometry. Great video, would love to test ride one.

[@headrace4863]

…I think these are a great idea. If it’s boosts confidence in wet weather riding, or adds that safety element when bad roads etc then it can’t be a bad thing. Styling is….. unique. Not cheap but look at the tech in the front end. Bet it’s a pain in the ass to clean as well. Great review as always chops, much appreciated.

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks buddy 👍

[@davide1771]

I've had one for 3 years... love it. got it for £10k pre reg with zero miles £6.5k off list.

[@nickrider5220]

It's never going to replace motorcycles , but to some it'll make perfect sense and that's good. Mossy crashed one, he's priceless ! We had months of that sh*tty weather, your video brings it all back Chopsy 😮 Have seen one on the roads.

[@LambChopRides]

Yeah weather finally changed eh, thank goodness! 👍

[@Batmanmotorcyclerider]

I have never seen one to this day, it is a very interesting bike.

[@astrostrotch]

I'm tempted to try one of these just for the hell of it. You can pick them up for a song.

[@clemfandango9534]

I think these are awesome. Very tempted to get one.

[@pmr01]

fkn loved it....i could very easily see a [big space] in the garage for one of them.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

I didn’t realize you were such a huge baseball fan. Why you ask….? You’ve been knocking these last few vids “out of the park”. ⚾️

[@LambChopRides]

Haha thanks 😀👍

[@TaiPassionGP]

A friend of mine owns one that he bought second hand with just a few kilometres, he wanted to return it to a Yamaha dealer to get another Yamaha motorbike. Well the official Yamaha dealer refused to collect his Niken. I consider it an interesting motorbike with a lot of recent technology but it's not to everyone's tastes and then not even an official Yamaha dealer takes it back.

[@John-cz2pe]

I would be good to see you pit it against the tracer in both wet and dry, to see if one would leave the other behind

[@pinkiewerewolf]

I've always liked the idea of the Niken. Unlimited shop space and funds, I'd have one.

[@M00nsh0t]

I agree, it needs a shaft drive & hopefully AWD. With the cushier seat & upright seating position like dutch bikes, it would become the most comfortable riding machine in the winter, summer, through sand, over snow. This bike needs to be in the dakar rally. Edit: and the wind screen needs to be straighter & higher to dispel the rain coming from the front rather than hit your helmet.

[@bobsyeruncle4841]

Unusual and top machine good one Chopsy

[@trevormoss1396]

Thank you , that was an interesting introduction to alternative that deserves consideration.

[@ThePalmatron]

I have always loved this bike. It's cool and I'd love one!

[@bytesandbikes]

Fella rides one around the Brecon Beacons. Looks pretty cool in person.

[@henrymarkstewart1067]

I spent a day on one and they are great but underpowered if you like your speed. I think better than a GS as a dedicated tourer as adding a pillion and luggage doesn’t affect handling or the sharpness of the steering. Pillion heated grips would be a nice option and extendable front wheel mudguards for bad weather only

[@bakedbeanzontoast9078]

Now I find that really interesting, very interested in the front two wheel set up, very interesting engineering, definitely my cup of Darjeeling Chops.👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@antonoat]

Does it have a side stand? I do like it if I’m honest, on country lanes with gravel everywhere it could be handy! I wonder do you have to put your feet down when stopped?

[@fizzyridertoo]

I think I'd consider one. I'm 64 now and my priorities have changed. All day comfort is my most important thing, along with the fun factor. I already have a 2003 Multistrada which I'll probably keep forever, so that's the fun aspect taken care of. I could see one of these as a long distance tourer though. Saw a few of them at the TT this year.

[@christopherchapman7453]

I have had 2 nikens. 1 base model and the gt. If you want a sporty bike that is incredibly comfortable, awesome for long trips, and can rail through twisty roads there isn't a better bike out there. Plus, you never ever see them on the roads. I drive 115,000 miles a year and have only seen 2 besides the one I own.

[@VickersDoorter]

Ditto, I have a 2021 GT in grey and never seen another here in the UK. Love it. I like also that it's relatively unloved here - so I get the buzz of riding something rare.

[@jediknight2350]

i wish they made this a tiny bit wider at front then we could ride it on a car license like the tricity.

[@RupeWilson]

I've seen 2 of them in Hull.1 is parked up in the hospital. Also saw them as escort bikes when watching the tour of Britain milk race when It can through our surrounding villages a few years ago. They did look impressive.

[@rexeverything100]

Snap that's where I've seen one in the hull area whom ever it was they was riding through Beverley.

[@theonlyredspecial]

I had a go on one at a local dealer. It was interesting. Handles pretty well just feels different. Not sure I’d buy one however. Thanks for sharing your thoughts chops 👍🏻

[@davexs]

Great review of a very interesting bike, in it's natural habitat. I would imagine an MT10 engine in there would certainly spice it up, fun with rear!!!! Great weather mate.....I don't miss it!

[@hunkyleepickle]

boy and here i thought we on the Canadian west coast were having a shit summer, you guys are really getting hammered.

[@davidnunnerley9084]

I see two of these quite frequently around my area.

[@dazadorph45]

Chopsy i have aeen a few of the niken out on the roads in the wild. I currently own a 2015 mt09 tracer. You can see where it was developed.

[@edwardt1941]

I read somewhere lean is 45 degrees (Bennet's review)from upright position?.Bennets also say that the front tube is a 41mm slider for strength and just has some oil for lubrication the rear tubes are 43mm and do all the work

[@lynsmith1096]

Another good review and video Lamb Chop

[@mart1547]

Twin ski attachment up front, snow tyre on the rear and you’ve got yourself a snowmobile 😂

[@kruzininla]

Yep, it’s a snowmobile with tires, with added maintenance.

[@mickromer6199]

Seen a few in Aus.. not my tea but can see why youd buy one, I have the tracer but great engine and either way, cant go wrong with a yammi

[@MsDenver2]

It was interesting I’m like you if it had shaft drive? You said you wouldn’t break that hard on other bikes so don’t the ABS work good enough? I’ve just bought my first bike after over 40 years since I last rode. I have the lovely Enfield 350 classic in halcyon green , so I suppose I’m asking myself just how much can I trust the ABS if a car pulled out on me in the wet? Is there any test results that motorcyclists can look at? Good video as usual 😊🏍️

[@supercharged3975]

My neighbor has one done over 40k on it . He loves it

[@davidwatkin2993]

Is it yours or did you borrow it? I have a 2021 GT. Great bike but really I need to ride it more. Respect for riding in those conditions as a choice. I would take the car. On Niken I have had rear tyre try to break away and at that point I am impressed that the front end was uneventful.

[@nomdeploom5707]

I've seen a few of them on the road but then I'm 5 mins from a yamaha dealership. I wonder how they ride in the snow. They'd probably be pretty good in high winds too with all that heft. That's the only 2 weather conditions I don't bother.

[@enricio]

It's even much more wet in UK than at mainland Europe? In Holland it has been dry for three days now which is a dream compared to what we had the last ten months. 😎

[@fonso1961]

Not seen one on the road, but my wife has a Peugeot Metropolis 400i which is similar and you can ride it on a car licence!!

[@johnstephens1447]

As someone has just said, it needs the MY-10 motor, then shaft drive, a 30 litre tank and then it would be the ultimate all weather touring bike.

[@StreetHawk77]

Love your videos, thanks! Where is your hill climb road?

[@LambChopRides]

Between Petersfield and Chichester 👍

[@steviepaynter7456]

I've seen three on my travels, all blue. Looks way better in black

[@Jim-nm1en]

Seen 3-4 of these in the last year. They look a bit weird but after watching your video I can see the attraction for long distance touring in all weather conditions. I think I would buy one of these but it is too pricey for me as a 70 years old age perisher. I will have to stick with my Suzuki GSX650F.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Only place I've ever seen one is in Seattle, Washington. Makes more sense now than ever.

[@bren106]

If I had the space and the cash I'd jump at one, I love different. Closed minds turn people into old geezers quicker than anything else.

[@paulmunson3049]

Should have had the MT10 engine , then that would have been interesting 😬😬

[@cpuuk]

Yes, this needs the bigger engine (tuned for torque), bigger tank, shaft to go full touring mode... why would you buy this over the Tracer GT, except to ride it on wet days LOL

[@Ze-Germanzuk]

Can't speak for the MT09 engine but the MT10 was absolutely horrendous on fuel 😂 If they are pitching this for a touring/commuter bike that engine would have been a nightmare

[@Carvetii]

Ah just do what I do on my MT10 just fuel up every 100 miles been all over Europe yeah uts thirsty but we used to fill up every 100 miles years ago on the old bikes ​@@Ze-Germanzuk

[@dreamcrusher112]

@@cpuuk tracer is immense in the wet anyway so literally no point. I ride mine like it's dry.

[@williamrae9954]

​@@cpuukonly got 85bhp at the rear wheel, according to the dyno results, lose another 10bhp with a shaft,it wouldn't pull the skin off of a rice pudding

[@LastDigitOnMyScratchOffTicket]

seen these a lot in wild. Really common on Greek roads. Which is needed as some roads have either tile, brick, marble, gravel, and or dirt. Which can get worse as it’s common for the the dust from Sahara to cover the roads here Seen more of these than Ducatis, Triumphs, Harleys, or Indians

[@FrankFurther]

You can absolutely wheelie it!

[@Purpletiger6Gaming]

I saw two last year. one on the A4 the other was in Brighton.

[@HalfdeadRider]

Not sure if I've seen one on the road as such, but there is one parked not too far from mine, but to be totally honest I don't like it at all, plus I still have fun all year round and in different weathers on my bike even with zero rider aids.

[@talkingrock7011]

Chops you can send us some of your rain it’s terribly dry in the South Eastern US , and I don’t understand why Yamaha didn’t make it a shaft drive

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Love it!

[@jarrodrowley3662]

Hi chopsy, any chance of a slating of a bike? A truly honest gut wrenching "Steer Clear, its pants" kinda review.

[@LambChopRides]

Don't think there are any 'dud' bikes these days.. only niggles

[@garybrown4854]

Always thought they were a good idea for a disabled rider , it really needs a shaft drive like you say , also a reverse gear imo . 0nly ever seen 1 in the wild filling up at a petrol station , got chatting to the owner who wasn't really that happy with it as I recall , I think he just bought it because it was different then regretted it . whats it like when you have to lug it about ?

[@richardrobinson1879]

I saw my first one last weekend.. that's it.

[@jamesdonoghue5907]

I’ve seen 3 or 4 so far - most recent was yesterday. Not for me, but interesting.

[@grenphelps7455]

There is a turbo kit for them from Australia, but what they should have done was fit a mt10 engine...that detuned tracer engine isn't really up to the job....

[@13xBlackSun]

Where we have come - 16k not much money and I just watched ZX10R 2014, where this is a ballistic amount :P

[@joaolgraca]

In my opinion this 3 wheeler would make more sense with dual clutch transmission (DCT) To complete the purpose of the bike, although personally I don't like DCT on 2 wheller

[@deanfullford8820]

This ‘bike/trike/thing’ seems to have been discontinued in Australia. Apparently still available in Europe but not for much longer I assume

[@scottmason7124]

Iv seen one on the NC500 about 4 years ago

[@vjr6939]

god i wish i was in that kind of weather right now, man that bike looks sorta cool, ... is it expensive?

[@christianburger25]

Looks like it is no longer sold in the US

[@djrichylaurence8991]

About the only benefit of it is better handling in the wet but then I can ride perfectly fine in the wet on two wheels.

[@johnsteel4719]

This would probably be fine if you only had one of these but if you also had a conventional 2 wheel bike you could possibly have an issue readjusting to the reduced traction which would be dangerous..

[@evanjohn503]

I always thought this bike was pointless but thats great wet riding, cheers

[@LambChopRides]

Thanks, yes this is what impressed me the most about it 👍

[@thebrowns5337]

Should see more in the UK considering it rains most weeks

[@Elysian_Angel_]

It’s been raining a bit lately, hasn’t it? 🤣 But yes I’ve seen one or two out and about in the wild. They are indeed exceedingly rare, though!

[@auscurrymaster]

The Niken is still available here in Aus' (allthough I think often heavily discounted) - with a population often considered as early adopters of new things - but I've never seen one on the road. For the life of me, I can't understand the often extreme negativity towards them. I'm not sure why people get so offended about the idea of them.

[@darrenlambert7162]

Saw 1 yesterday for the first time on the public roads, it was ridden by a police officer, maybe this is their go to bike now?

[@grumpsrides42]

Interesting idea, amazing bit of engineering, but not for me. One thing I do wonder about, is, when you replace tyres.... 2 front tyres every time?! and, 4 sets of fork seals?! Going to be expensive! I believe, the front tyres are 16"?! = limited choice?

[@MrAndrew1953]

I wonder if you could get your hands on a Harley Trike for a comparison test? Could an engineer put a Niken front end on a Harley Trike?

[@LambChopRides]

Sounds like a very tricky conversion Andrew!