New 2023 Yamaha Niken GT Review: 3 Wheels Better Than 2?

[@2wheeledwillie395]

I know the looks are diversive but pretty much everyone thats reviewed this bike have raved about it...if you can get passed the extra wheel and futuristic looks you might be surprised just how much fun these bikes are to ride, leans like no other bike ive ridden, more than enough power for everyday riding,mega comfortable (im 6'4" ) beautiful CP3 engine, massive respect to Yamaha for developing & releasing this beast of a machine (apparently it took 12 years)....try one you might just like it!

[@2wheeledwillie395]

I've got a 2021 Niken and totally agree with everything you've said...most of all this bike is SO much fun in the twisties... you'll have to get used to the constant stares and pointing but I absolutely LOVE this bike 😍

[@dation0000]

glad for you . am happy .u are havin a fantastic time. u are the perfect person to ask. could i carry a 17kg chain in the top box or tail bag ?

[@2wheeledwillie395]

@@dation0000 I would say definitely you could but I don't have a backbox or tailbag so don't know for sure 🤔

[@HLC64]

Did you ride on gravel with reasonable undulations and single road (4m) u turns? We are in Borneo and there are always highway and these roads.... You comment on its behaviour be much appreciated...

[@2wheeledwillie395]

@@HLC64 To be honest I've never ridden it on gravel roads but the roads where I am are covered in potholes and the bike deals with them better than my 2 wheeled bikes...you-turns are much easier on the niken , I think the only real downside is the weight at lower speeds (265kg) but aside from that it's an incredible bike 👍

[@HLC64]

@@2wheeledwillie395 thanks you for your answer, Good man!

[@birubhai]

Bought one brand new unseen in person. First ride from Wigan to Surrey (June 22)- what an engineering marvel. Done mods over time, replaced oversized bars with 700 Rally Raid for aggressive position . It is my sport ride now.

[@davide1771]

Same here (colin appleyard) £10.5k in 2021........£5k off

[@totty100]

I agree with 3WheelManNC. I did a big Yamaha group test ride with 20+ Nikens when they first came out. Absolute blast and lots of fun around the Box Hill area. First thing I said to Yamaha when we got back, was to stick the front end on an FJR1300 and I'd buy one straight away. I've been riding bikes all year round for nearly 40 years and luckily don't suffer from the angry, myopic attitude from some other bikers aimed at the Niken. This sort of criticism is not reserved just for Niken, as I get uninvited negative comments for every bike I ride, just because it's not what the critic would ride. I tell them that I ride what I like, based on my requirements, not theirs. Shame that some people have to behave like that. A main Yamaha dealer actually said to me that "I'm never having a Niken in my shop" ! But, I loved it and may buy the new Niken next year

[@3wheelmannc860]

As a tourer, I would really like to see that with the amazing FJR1300 motor. That would rise the bar for sure imo.

[@lungulet]

It would be very heavy

[@MrAndrew1953]

An amazing piece of kit from an engineering viewpoint.I hope enough people buy it. Yamaha deserve mega plaudits for bringing it out. I can't go past the Tracer 9 GT+.I don't tour 2 up anymore to justify owning one.

[@johnterry804]

Well done to Yamaha for keep making it

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Well said buddy 👏 too many Niken haters that totally miss the point

[@paulclarkson1778]

In March 2023 I paid £8k for a Niken 2021 prereg with zero miles on the clock. Absolutely love how it feels. Solid; comfortable; smooth; planted. Apart from being almost impossible to lose the front end, it is great to know that you will be staying upright if you have a front wheel puncture.

[@cosak23]

that is one cathedral of engineering art , luv it

[@711rico]

My dad has one in his mountain home and its the best bike for such a scene, where you dont know the roads that well and you can use the extra wheel to be fast but safe. I love it, but it wouldnt work in the city imo. Its a bike for the mountains.

[@rossworthington4469]

I've had one since 2018 when they first appeared. I love it and use it as a tourer doing motorcycle rallies mostly. It sure gets ALOT of attention and I've met heaps of people because of the bike. It's polarizing tho people are either fascinated by the tech or think its hideous(mostly H/D riders) don't buy one unless you like meeting people ha ha

[@2wheeledwillie395]

I've recently bought one too Ross and totally agree...the constant starring and pointing was weird at first but I got used to it pretty quickly and now enjoy it! ....Clearly brings out my narcissistic side!! 😂😂

[@verlinswarey507]

I’ve been wondering over the last couple of years if they still make these. It’s an interesting,well made bike. I hope they sell well.

[@davec.4726]

Thank you for the excellent video I played it through a few times..... I live down in Cornwall and have been trying very very hard to get a test ride on one as this is/was going to be my next bike. I like the thinking of what Yamaha are trying to do here having also seen the vid of the Director of Yamaha uk ?? on youtube a week or so ago. I travelled up to Gloucester to see a 2021 model (shall I call it a mark 1) but obviously it didn't have the mark 2's refinements, I just went up to see the machine and look at the size etc. I wrote to Yamaha Europe a few weeks ago to ask them if they knew of anywhere in the UK where I could get a test ride on the new Niken and they graciously answered "sorry but at this time we know of no Nikens in the UK that you can test ride, although they are available to order and purchase" NONE?? in the UK why would anybody order one without first giving it a road test. According to Yamaha Eu they wanted to release the Niken in a slow and timely fashion to be able to give the riding public time to get their heads around a new strange looking bike and bat off the odd remarks from the riding Dinosaurs that like to keep their heads firmly in their helmets. Another factor was to be able to train up staff to ride and service the "strange looking" machine...... all this still leaves me having to wait a few months (suggested by Yamaha Eu) and then try again, I hope the novelty doesn't go off by then as its beginning to do at the moment. (I'll put my soap-box away now) and get back on my BMW.

[@user-hf8ie8mf3n]

I do love the uniqueness, if you will, of the bike. Like you, I applaud yamaha for making it. Niche as it is…👍🤪🇨🇦

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Well said buddy 👏 I have a Niken and it's an incredible bike

[@davetaylor4741]

It has always looked weird because of what it is. But as you say an amazing engineering project. I would love a go to see what I think.

[@davec.4726]

Thank you ! that was one very good "no bull" evaluation of the new niken which I very much appreciated, these are a bit like Hens Teeth here in Cornwall but with perseverance I might be able to get hold of one to test and purchase ??

[@a13bkd62]

I owned a 2019 GT which I wanted to use for myself and my wife to ride out together. I moved it on because for me, I found it just to top-heavy. And the value depreciation is beyond shocking too!

[@bobz1736]

Nice one Bob ! I can't believe they've sold enough to make it worth while... I've never seen one on the road. Personally I think it looks terrible 😅

[@markmcintosh7095]

I live in Northern California and I've seen one.

[@davide1771]

£16k is a lot but the last one had £5k knocked off... I got one for £10.5k pre reg zero miles.

[@jazzboy]

Nice vid! Rode one a few years ago and was very impressed.

[@_its._gaurav._]

Yamaha knows how name the geometry LMW Ackerman steering geometry that is such a cool name

[@mflcgaming5104]

The amount of times my soul has left my body from passing hidden potholes or train tracks is too many lol I would LOVE to ride this this with all the security you have with riding it

[@peepinR]

I'd like to get this "trike" for the Philippines with its narrow roads and hectic traffic patterns. I wonder if it's sold there

[@heinekensese_]

sayang maganda sana to kung release sa ph. ang meron sa’tin lang tricity hehe

[@RB09X]

Just love this unique piece.

[@taffy2wheels577]

Hi . I tried a Niken earlier this year. Good bike . Really enjoyed riding this Yam. Not a popular bike lots of people say its a special needs bike . They prob not ridden one lol

[@OldDogZeroTricks]

I saw your Niken review when you filmed it in January.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

I too watched yr review Taffy and ended up buying one...Yr right though the people that slate em DEFINITELY haven't ridden one! Amazing bike 👍

[@taffy2wheels577]

@3 wheeled Willie wow that amazing. Thank you for that it means a lot. Glad i could be some sort of help . I like it but , i carnt afford all the bikes i want ha ha .

[@taffy2wheels577]

@OldDogZeroTricks its not the best. But i will get better its just being confident infront of a camera ha ha ..

[@LooxJJ]

There are countries in the world where 2-wheeled motorcycles are banned on certain roads - like highways and certain city areas (ie. South Korea, Malaysia, and host of other countries). Niken is officially 3 wheeled vehicle and are allowed on these areas. Also, there are people who needs balance support - this is a niche market bike.

[@5thgearedlined]

Saw one of these in person, had to do a double take and was like wtf is that lol, I was baffled and intrigued at the same time

[@darkdestroyer6634]

Needs full on 4 cylinder 1300cc+ 150bhp+, shaft drive, 5gallon tank, more bodywork, electric screen, bigger panniers.

[@HLC64]

Add an electric motor on the front and run hybrid yeah.... Love it

[@AllThingsSuperMoto]

At that weight. That amount of shit. Get a car bro. That would make this bike 20 plus grand and close to 700 lbs...

[@carlospedreira1403]

Is this motorcycle included in the tricycles that can be ridden with driving license 79(3)?

[@techtinkerin]

Apparently not due to its width

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

I always loved the scooter Peugeot mp3 500 & so goes with all version of Niken :)

[@davide1771]

I had a mp3 500 before the niken..... the Niken has nearly 3 times the BHP It's brilliant.

[@Mcthindi]

This looks wierd because we jave idea of 2 wheels as bike... I'm still processing it ...

[@jaythomasni]

They should have fitted it with Semi Active Suspension and when stopped lock the forks by closing the valves so that it wont tip over. That way three wheels will be justified more. and also the MT-10 CP4 engine for more power.

[@rossworthington4469]

No. I wouldn't have bought one if it didn't feel like a motorcycle

[@fivespeed3026]

@@rossworthington4469 I don’t think that is what he said. It would just make it more accessible to people who can’t hold a 2 wheeler up. Also the MT 10 motor is amazing, and more power is always better. 😂

[@rossworthington4469]

@@fivespeed3026 I don't agree. More power more weight and it's heavy enough also it ain't a wheel chair as much as it might look like one, it's a big motorcycle for motorcyclists not for those who want a trike

[@alphastratus6623]

The mechanic doesn't work this way. Lock up the front suspension does absolutely nothing to stabilise the vehicle.

[@1990-t1j]

Better panniers than the last model. Correct: beefed-up crank. I'd have one of these.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

And that's why yr my favourite! 😂😂😂

[@1990-t1j]

@@2wheeledwillie395 Willie !!!!

[@2wheeledwillie395]

@@1990-t1j it's me!! 😄

[@jimbenson3926]

Just did a quick Google. $10500 Australian for a turbo fitted and tuned with PC5, forged pistons and m10 bolt conversion.

[@bluewillow245]

Hi Bob, what type of boots are you wearing in this video? I really like this channel and wish you even my success 😊

[@perhaps6112]

Great review Bob and as usual you know your stuff. Not my sort of bike but nevertheless I enjoy your vids as you take the trouble to learn about the bike before commenting, unlike some other reviewers on YT who make fatuous statements simply because they can't be bothered to acquire some basic knowledge of the controls and spec etc. I was watching one the other day of a Triumph where the chap stated that it was air cooled when it's water cooled, and that it had no rev counter when it does, a digital readout as one of the information options which he didn't have a clue about, and stated the weight as some 40kg below the correct figure. I gave up at that point as he obviously just hadn't taken the trouble to learn the bike, these weren't mere slips that anyone can make. Puts me right off when reviewers do that.

[@DaBudaa1]

The Niken is unfortunately no longer available here in the US.

[@samirahman8395]

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

[@Isha048]

I don't have any idea about that bike, if you tilt it too much, would you crash, as you would do with normal bikes?

[@2wheeledwillie395]

Yes it rides exactly like a 2 wheeled bike but better grip in corners and you can definitely still crash it...lot of hate for this bike but I absolutely love mine

[@mightymikethebear]

I would like to test ride one of these bikes if they were readily available in the USA.

[@michaelskinner896]

Sadly discontinued. However, I don't think there was any demand for it here considering about all you see are HD's and some form of sport bike,

[@capofantasma97]

It seems that you've not been using the Motikom MPlus since your review last year, instead opting for a more classic intercom. Does it mean it's not that great as initially presented?

[@jandrewsmith3992]

I thought Yamaha had dropped the Niken from it's lineup. Maybe it's only discontinued in the US?

[@someone-gb2ec]

This bike is made for camermans on giro di Italia 😊

[@dx-xb]

if this would have the MT10 engine i would buy it yesterday

[@seancarter8006]

Even though you've not even ridden the one with the cp3 engine! It's plenty quick enough as it is but you wouldn't know that since you've probably not even sat on one!

[@dx-xb]

@@seancarter8006 no thats true i havent, i got a MT10 SP and the sound is what im in love with... and i love overkill stuff :)

[@schnuffelhase1968]

Looks like a SciFi bike (maybe it's an Autobot?) ... I like it 🤩

[@popuptoaster]

I wonder if you swapped those forks side for side so the wheels were on the outside if it would be wide enough to be classified as a trike?

[@benkelly2190]

Nice review..it’s certainly different. I’m feeling the price of bike tyres, these days aren’t going to help sales figures. Love a go on one, tho.

[@sanjaybhattacharya5171]

It's a trike, not a bike. Weird on the streets, it seems like 2 bikes are moving at the same time. However, it's a good vehicle to ride I guess.

[@minamina4064]

They should make the rear like the front.

[@2JZDestroyer]

honestly surprised this doesn't have the r1's engine.

[@MoMoMonsterkil]

I really wonder how the third wheel affects grip.

[@papadougpapadougsadventures]

Not available in the US

[@ginoasci]

wonder why yamaha put the forks on the outside vs the inside…..

[@markmcintosh7095]

I would rather have that then a trike.

[@cesartorres895]

Bro where did you get that sweet jacket!

[@TheKro0ger]

Does Niken has Standing Assist like on the the Tricity 300?

[@Thunder_Bear_mg]

Why does Yamaha make this thing and who is buying them? I’ve never seen one on the road in USA (maybe it’s not sold here but I think it is).

[@davepanganiban571]

My dream motorcycle😍🤩

[@giovanniricci2869]

Heavier, more expensive, slower, odd, not well finished. Indeed it’s a niche product, nicely resumed 😉✌️

[@roadracingrelics]

There are a lot of delusional commenters here; many saying how much fun this “bike” is to ride. I’m not saying that it isn’t fun to ride, but is it more fun than any equivalent single-track vehicle? I would say that the single-track is about the same or even a bit more fun, right up until the point where you lose the front end due to lack of traction, but how often does that happen? Living in the Pacific Northwet of the USA most riding for pleasure takes place in the drier 6 months and you don’t need to worry about grip. I have commuted year-round on a bike, but when commuting in rush hour traffic you are rarely pushing the performance envelope, wet-or-dry. I’d rather dial it back a bit more in the wet than ride a Niken; and you can still fall off a Niken. Having said that I think Bob’s review was pretty fair.

[@jamainelimu-franklin9744]

What brand of jacket are you wearing?

[@whisperingwolf8217]

great for older people who do not want a trike

[@STEALTH1DAN]

Can it be riden with a car license? I saw a youtube clip of a similar bike (the concept, i mean..) a 300cc scooter and there it was discussed that it can be ridden on a car license due go the front wheels are distant a certain measure frm each other. Is this the case with the niken? If so it is an interesting product. It expensive though....

[@jameslind7299]

No it can’t be ridden only on a car licence

[@xpwnx1337]

i'm 5.6 tall, is this bike to big for me?

[@JohnSmith-ef8nr]

If your crazy enough to buy one new, youll lose £8000 in depreciation in the UK before youve even ridden it. Theres currently only 150 taxed on uk roads.

[@josh786manchester]

So basically its a reversed trike.

[@pasha_houston]

It needs an engine with 180hp not a silly 113 especially with that weight and traction at the front end. Biggest miss of this. I'd love to buy it but that engine is a downgrade for me personally.

[@michaelb5330]

Would have thought that Yamaha would just use the R1 motor in it

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@cryptoknight3009]

Tbh they should just make it a 4 wheeler 😁👍🏽

[@azeoprop]

When you wheelie and press a secret button the 2 front wheels flip to the sides and the bike takes off ....

[@2wheeledwillie395]

😂😂😂

[@cpuuk]

I love the innovation, but it's still a bike looking for a market.

[@Bartletters]

Just want BMW to copy the front end on a shafty!

[@ozzyg82]

Why would they put the windscreen adjuster handle on the right hand side? If you want to change it on the go, you’ll have to let go of the throw which is stupid.

[@martinehulme8743]

Different but then it probably includes people who need the extra features of this bike...I say yes..😅

[@ukvamp]

Do you need a bike licence to ride one? 🤔

[@motobob]

Yes! They intentionally made it so, because they thought it was irresponsible to let non-license holders ride such a powerful bike

[@jamesmoros1274]

Funny enough you can ride the can am spider on a Learner’s permit for a Trike and that has a bigger engine too. In Australia that is.

[@corbinroberts949]

What if they stuck the cp4 engine in that thing 🤔

[@seancarter8006]

Then it would fly!!

[@dsanchez9703]

Bike is frkn cool

[@edmwftw3930]

I don't understand why does it need dual shocks per wheel at the front end. It adds so much weight.

[@monikagonsalves2595]

Ones a shock, the other a stabiliser

[@alphastratus6623]

Because otherwise the wheels would rotate around the single shock. I don't know if this second tubing is the lightest solution or if a mechanism like at the front wheel of a plane would do the job as well while being way lighter.

[@QwertyQwerty-bd3tm]

If they design it badass, then it would be very popular and iconic bike.

[@app1mxh]

Bring to US please

[@Kamal_Nitish_Entertainment]

Good bike 🚲

[@smashy_smasherton]

Needs a bigger engine, one More wheel, and maybe a roof. Seriously, though, I would ride it. It’s definitely a bike for those who are good at fork seals.

[@KakuiKujira]

Did the Yamaha staff on the day pronounce "Niken" like you did? I.E. "naikin". Because in Japanese, the "ni" would closer to "knee", although shorter. Rhyming with "pecan".

[@progste]

His pronounciation is wrong, it should be read like in japanese.

[@newroads9787]

Motor is too small for touring two up with luggage and no shaft drive or electric screen.Fuel tank is also small .

[@mightymikethebear]

Back in the day we rode two up on 350 and 500cc machines and had a lot of fun.

[@newroads9787]

@@mightymikethebear Yamaha is saying its a two up touring bike.350 and 500 were big bikes back in the day not now.

[@mightymikethebear]

@@newroads9787 I know preferences have changed over time. I still have fun on the midsized bikes because top speed is no longer a priority, personally.

[@2wheeledwillie395]

It's more than capable of 2 up touring! I have one and it's an incredible bike

[@davec.4726]

Oh heck SORRY FOLKS I didn't realise that I had already written a comment ......Sorry again Dc

[@andrewbecker3700]

Anyone who feels uncomfortable at lower speeds shouldn't be on a motorcycle. Buying a bigger, heavier, more dangerous version, won't change that.

[@larryhouse3776]

CP3 engine has never been enough for this motorcycle. The bike should have been built around the VMAX V4 engine.

[@seancarter8006]

Utter crap...it has more than enough power for 95% of riders

[@alphastratus6623]

It only lacks some power when the driver doesn't know how to shift.

[@mr.reviewman9663]

They need to just go ahead and make on road atvs

[@cavir726]

hey man, how tall are you?

[@seancarter8006]

He's 4 '8" in heels 👠

[@tonydare7614]

Nah🤣 Not for me, and 270kg, might as well go for a GS...but horses for courses

[@martyn_g]

I guess a Niken can’t tip over?!

[@tonydare7614]

@@martyn_g I suppose, but that's one of the pleasurable things about riding bikes for me. And there are so many rider aids on modern bikes. I guess I'm a child of the 60s😂

[@mickleblade]

How many have they sold? 20?

[@seancarter8006]

They've clearly sold enough to bring out a face-lift model

[@mickleblade]

@@seancarter8006 not necessarily, it may be a long term marketing thing to try and temp car drivers out o their cages. I doubt they've covered their costs.

[@seancarter8006]

​@@mickleblade how is this bike gonna tempt car drivers??! You need a bike licence to ride it and it doesn't stand up on its own! So no difference to a 2 wheeled bike!

[@mickleblade]

@@seancarter8006 it gives them a more secure front end.

[@John-by6jw]

Personally, I'd take the Can-Am Spyder over this any day.

[@seancarter8006]

The Can-Am is a trike, the Niken is a bike so what's Yr point? 🤫

[@robmitchell716]

I gave up riding tricycles when I had to start riding a bicycle into town to attend kindergarten.

[@tedoud4738]

One of these days you'll graduate kindergarten and be allowed to ride a motorcycle!

[@robmitchell716]

Love it. Yes i did that 7 years later aged 13, that was 54 years ago. Still riding daily. Hope to be like my dad who rode up to the day before he passed away. Keep the shiny side up. 😊@🎉tedoud4738

[@robmitchell716]

@tedoud4738 did that 7 years later. Owned motor bikes ever since 54 years. How long have you owned motorbike and ridden daily?

[@tedoud4738]

@@robmitchell716 49 years. Daily rider.

[@romanianmoto]

Over here in the US, you get laugh off the bike 😂😂😂

[@TYRONE_SHOELACES]

Well, I'm confused. There is not one thing this bike does that my bike can't. You talk about stability issues. I have never slid my tire out from under me in 40 years, so stability is not a selling point. If you don't feel comfortable on the bike that you have now, then put an expensive, sticky tire on the front, put a Pirelli Corsa on your bike. Why go with 2 tires when there is no real reason. All I see is added weight, high fuel consumption, and more things to go wrong once the bike gets old and needs maintenance.

[@martinpip8212]

Should have made it to ride on a car license

[@kikoy08]

Too much mechanical moving parts

[@Labgorilla]

To me this is a police vehicle

[@Dushyant933]

Motor-tricycle