Six months later: Yamaha Niken review | Road, Track, Crash

[@bennettsbikesocial]

To any eagle-eyed viewers out there - the 'CB500' that Mossy's standing next to in the pic from 1986 is of course a CX500. Damn my fat thumbs!

[@Bill_CBR]

It looks like an '80 CX500. I purchased an '80 CX500 and then followed it up in 1982 with the CX-500TC, which as you know was the Turbo version of it.

[@lawrencemercieca]

Was gonna say, I’ve got a 78 CX 500 I’ve just finished rebuilding from the frame up. A rare bright metallic blue :) beautiful bike, has its quirks but an amazing highway and town bike

[@tenbear5]

@@Bill_CBR yeah, i used one while despatching at West1 in the 80s…. it was horrible, almost put me off bikes for life.

[@ianmills35]

Great review thanks guys. Big respect to Yamaha I haven’t ridden one but a I think it is fantastic and other manufacturers should stop being so safe and following the crowds and dare to be brave like Yamaha have done, well done Yamaha 👍🏍

[@Noeman2009]

So true, in Indonesia, Yamaha always innovates, creates interesting bikes and new market and Honda just plays safe.

[@steveclark..]

I wish that Yamaha had made the GT version even more tourer like, shaft drive, and stereo system, the dash area looks like it could contain speakers already. I ride year round, having another contact patch up front appeals to me, what with diesel spills and other crap on the roads.

[@the.communist]

Agreed

[@903lew]

Shaft or even belt would be excellent for that, aye.

[@grahamdenton5635]

just got one. great review .I have been on bikes for 45 rode everything but nothing as good as this its amazing try one there is nothing like it.

[@juraj_b]

Didn’t Piaggio have the design first on their scooters? It’s not such a novelty in my view... I’ll def try it though

[@canadianmultisports7036]

When the Niken first came out I was impressed with the technology and style. Yamaha was testing the limits then and more so now with their 4 wheel, 500cc bike that was recently shown at a bike show. They are redefining a motorcycle. As for the Niken, I thought it was placed in the wrong category.....it should be slightly revamped and made an ADV bike. Give it a few more inches clearance and some off road tires and it could handle all the other ADVs handle. The front end would not wash out on wet and muddy areas as easily, it has cruise control, the engine would handle sections of long highway rides at highway speeds

[@chavenger]

Its definitely ugly, but I'd give it a go if I had the opportunity. Lots of hate in my fb groups here in the USA. Great video gents!! Cheers!

[@1969Escobar]

Great review, love the breakfast hahaha

[@VickersDoorter]

I bought a new GT three months ago and love that it's radically different and a dream to ride. It also gets a lot of attention with people coming up to me to chat and taking pictures of it - all positive to date.

[@jameslangston3903]

Excellent comments Mossy have had my Niken for 2 months and done nearly 4,000miles and agree with everything you say from the good to the bad. The Niken is different and that's exactly why its a great bike to own. Its got a front end that gets more attention than a Page 3 model and as you say gives you great confidence in the corners. Well done to Yamaha for sticking their necks out and putting it out there.

[@MrDerbee]

Came for the Niken, Stayed for the witty, entertaining conversation!

[@edgeyt1]

The Niken needs its own race series, could be very entertaining support for BSB.

[@Jaded-Wanderer]

Would love to see it's lap times.

[@bluespig1]

IMOTT have a TT Zero class for electric bikes. 121 mph lap times this year.

[@brendonoleary519]

​@@Jaded-WandererWould love to see the lap time for the IoM TT course.

[@kevinandersen6640]

I bought a GT last year and my mates are not happy….maybe one or two of the other dwarves, but definitely not happy. Mainly because the cornering capability of the Niken is astounding. And 200kph + is more than enough (considering the speed limits locally) 100% right on needing a better rear tyre (OE squirms all over the place under hard braking into corners) - sorted with a Michelin RP 6, and that glorious engine. I thought it was ‘weird’ when I first saw it and then took one for a test ride - then bought one. QED. Previous bike was a CBR, and although I miss the inline 4 ‘shriek/wail’ when tortured near red line, the sheer character on the CP3 and cornering capability has ensured that I have never regretted buying the Niken. And the burbling pop overrun is addictive. Did I mention ‘outriding’ my mates? (And some of them are better riders than me) Haa! Love this bike, character, very ‘different’ and capability. Absolute slam dunk, Yamaha.

[@ragerider6283]

Great vid, very entertaining, interesting & thorough. Sticking Rossi & some carbon bits on it isn't the answer for me. I get the point, but it's not that type of bike. It seems like it's selling point could be the ultimate all weather mega tourer but I think Yamaha have missed a trick on the design. It needs a 25-30 litre tank, a proper adjustable screen & better brakes. With the size of the front end they could incorporate all of these features without any real increased disadvantages. I just don't think you can cut corners on a bike like this because of the skepticism it will no doubt face. I think it has to be great & offer something more than unique looks, novelity & front end grip to win people over. For me it should be marketed as it's big & looks like this because it can do X,Y,Z that other tourers can't. If you said it can do 300 miles on a tank in real comfort with a big payload & it's really hard to crash, what's not to like. It's about marketing & perception. Personally I wouldn't write it off but it currently seems to be the answer to a question nobody asked. For me it needs to do something different, almost special, because it's different, & Yamaha need to update it & shout about it if they want to sell it.

[@VMAXRider]

I have one and love it! 😉✌️

[@pietervanschaik3420]

same here! its my bad weather bike.

[@Bill_CBR]

It was so great to be sitting at the table with you guys and listening to you discuss the bike and your experiences with it. At the end though, I was afraid that Chris wasn't going to get his second sandwich :-). great video and thanks for sharing.

[@mollygrubber]

Good interview, I like people who don't talk shit. Just tell us what you think, and don't pull any punches.

[@ThePalmatron]

Great review; I love the Niken....kudos to Yamaha.

[@philmiller8586]

I bought one without a test ride based on the reviews, especially the Bennetts review with a bunch of riders at a track somewhere and haven't regretted it. I fit the mentioned profile of "anxious in the wet" and the Niken goes a long way to reducing anxiety. Keep the posts coming.

[@alphaetomega]

Good on you mate, It would appear you are the only person in the comments that figured out how to buy something you wanted. lol

[@Argosh]

It's basically a Porsche. It drives like its nailed to the road until it isn't and kills you.

[@Argosh]

@Max Pain just like a Porsche. I like Porsche. It still has behaviour that sometimes catches even experienced racing drivers. Look up how Paul Walker died... Doesn't make Porsches or the Niken a bad thing, but it's a characteristic you need to be aware of.

[@dantefitti6678]

Interesting. But why?

[@scottnineteen]

silly inference. It basically is like a car ...and so yes, but the point is you would have to be a lunatic to crash it. I've done 20k miles on mine.

[@jrrains]

@@scottnineteen a patch of rocks on the road wouldn't scare you half as much on the nikon.

[@scottnineteen]

@@jrrains yeah, it doesn't tuck like a single front wheel, it'll just slide a little.

[@LowImpedance1]

The extra grip is great of course, my gripe with it is it's so damned ugly !!!! everything else is cool.

[@thebeastfromthesoutheast7765]

Yeah true that.lol

[@waynegoldpig2220]

The only thing ugly about it is the sea of matte-black powder-coated shit. Paint it in a nice retro red and white, with all the ancillaries colour-coded accordingly, and it would be stunning.

[@LabRat6619]

Everyone has a girlfriend who wasn't a beauty but shagged like a dream. Maybe we should view this bike the same?

[@brianhofmeister1279]

Great video! I agree with you about the Niken, and it's hard to describe, but you did better than I did after my 30 minute demo ride a few weeks ago. My first comment to the leader of our group afterwards was, that ride wasn't long enough and didn't have enough curves! One thing that added to my initial unease was that I was on my tip toes at a stop (damn 29 inch inseam!). In the end I felt much more at ease with the tall seat, because of the extra wheel. I would sooner spend $17,000 on a Niken GT than a bigger, more powerful standard or sport touring bike. I happen to love the look and sound of the Niken. My biggest gripe was excessive buzz from the engine that had my hands numb in 20 minutes! I've also ridden 2 different Zero electric motorcycles and enjoyed them much more than I thought. Didn't get to take it into much traffic, but one draw back was the thing was too quiet. I surprised one or two drivers! The weight, acceleration and braking were very good. Suspension was a bit stiff, even with my 260 lbs on it. Still both the electric bike and Niken are very appealing, if unusual versions of the motorcycle. What a time to be alive!! People really do need to demo these bikes before passing judgement.

[@uptowndisco2]

the nearest i will come to being able to afford one is my Yamaha Tricity 125 , hey it has 2 front wheels but just not as fast lol

[@andyfairchild2383]

I’ll admit to being sceptical, but two things have made me consider one. This video. And watching them in use by marshals on the Giro d’italia this year. The confidence they showed descending mountain passes, in the rain when trying to keep up with pro cyclists was impressive. Thanks for the review guys 👍

[@paultaylor701]

How do other nations resolve issues or exchange views without mugs of tea and bacon sandwiches?

[@fatedescent2329]

I hope it'll get to be a motorcycle that can be hired for touring, as you convinced me, I want to try it.

[@Rdodo67]

"knee ken". IT has excellent reviews from those have actually ridden it.

[@eawblablatron9161]

They hate it, those who want to flirt with death and disability. They hate safety.

[@rossbrewster7128]

I admire Mossys thoughts on this. Especially when he said lets go back to drum brakes. Trouble is, people don't like change. I like them, its different and unique. What will the reaction be like when its all electric??

[@CeeRTee]

Riden it twice as i was very close to owning one and its a good bike and your right, you can utterly take the piss in the corners. For me not buying one it came down to the same reasons as many other bikes. I thought the build quality was a little on the shakey side, im a tall guy and it felt like i was leaning back on my spine when i was riding it... and honestly i dont like the engine, but im told im pretty much the only person on earth who doesnt like the cp3 lol.

[@BigCarKilla]

Fucking Mossy. I love that bloke 😂😂😂

[@motorbiketoureruk]

I would honestly love to ride a niken, such a great idea and I think touring is where it’s at

[@karlosh9286]

Yeah , I agree. Looks good, I'd love a go of one, but it's not a bike . It's a TRIKE !

[@cptramius]

I think there's a kind of stigma to three wheelers, thinking them as inferior.

[@dennism1919]

I don't know, I look at this ugly ass thing and I just go MEH... It's not that I hate it, I don't. But I don't like it, either. I do appreciate the engineering that went into it. And I can appreciate the fact that it will provide a tad more grip, which would come in handy in adverse conditions no doubt. I owned a Spyder, so I know a little bit about 3-wheeled vehicles. But as much as I liked that Spyder, in the end it just didn't do it for me and I got rid of it. Do I think that this machine is a step up from the Spyder? Yes, I do. I will say that I thought the Spyder was better looking than this toad. But I understand that looks are very subjective, also. It may not do it for me, but I'm sure there are many others that love the look. The triple engine is good, but I would like to see a bigger triple that was built for this machine in there. I own a triple, so I can attest to how good they are. But mine is a 1215cc, and it rocks. This one is good, but pushing all that extra weight around is going to undermine the experience. But then a bigger engine might overwhelm the platform, so perhaps the 847 is appropriate. To be a decent touring machine it should have a bigger fuel tank. And I have heard that the brakes aren't very good. Mr. Moss has as much as said so. I look at that front end with those scooter tires and I just cringe. And I think of all that extra maintenance (read $$) that front will demand. So... In summary, it's an interesting machine to be sure. I don't hate it; in fact I don't even dislike it. But I don't like it either. And I sure as hell won't spend 18 grand on a machine that I don't like. So I'm not even going to try it. It's not worth my time. I'll keep my proper motorcycle, thank you.

[@robbikebob]

It might be a very capable, fun, eye opening bike, but the first thing I look for in a bike is looks. Shallow, but I need pride of ownership, to enjoy cleaning it, to look at in the sun it while having chips at the coast. That last look after putting it in the garage. The nikkon, I'm afraid, is ugly, first and foremost. I don't particularly like the looks of the MT series because they look messy but the bodywork and stance of this I could never love no matter how good it was 😕

[@christianweller4288]

I've bought a few bikes that upset people and I have to admit quite enjoyed the negative attention, but as you say an "Electric Niken" would really get the net curtains fluttering.

[@BenBenCatCat]

"Why does everyone hate this bike" Have you looked at it?

[@Al.j.Vasquez]

You think it can be done prettier being so wide?

[@BenBenCatCat]

@@Al.j.Vasquez Yeah.... If you remover one of the front wheels.....

[@whiteraven4417]

Because it has an extra tire with two extra shocks needing maintenance. Can you ride it with one of front tires flat?

[@Steeler_SE]

Would love to see an update with the new 2023 one

[@ElGreco291]

Holy sh... This man is just brilliant! What an interesting, funny and 'educational' talk with him. And I'm interested in that bike too. I will rent it for a weekend soon. Just to give it a try.

[@BracaPhoto]

First of all I'm a "76" also 👍 Now that it's been a year, did you rent or try one yet?? I really like the idea of the thing but I've only been riding for 6 months and don't have enough experience to know better... Let me know what you think kind sir 🙈🙉🙊

[@MHDarlington]

I'm slowly but surely being swayed towards giving the Niken a test ride; I've watched a lot of video reviews and read a lot of written reviews and every reviewer has been amazed by the bike's abilities. Most have some reservations as well but these are generally about the look of the beast and I quite like 'different' or the tank range or the slightly more awkward filtering due to weight and width. My situation is that I'm living abroad but plan to return to the UK in early 2023 and just hope the Niken is still in production as my concern would be buying one only to find that service support starts to wither away. Mind you, if it is seen as a dud and Yamaha stop production, there should be a few bargains tucked away in dealers' rear yards. Thank you for yet another very insightful and balanced review and great to have Chris Moss on with you. Much appreciated even if it has taken me a couple of years to catch up!

[@scottnineteen]

I just rode one and freaking loved it - assured front end with two wheels gets more and more obviously brilliant the less life you have left.

[@ace3bmw3]

I’m genuinely surprised and a bit saddened that it won’t stand up stationary without the stand. It appeals to me in so many ways, but I’m a bit short in the leg and I loved the thought of pulling up to lights or a jcn and keeping both feet on the legs.

[@OldDogZeroTricks]

Check out the revised Niken coming in 2023. 890 CC, slightly different engine angle/revised chassis, larger radiator, YCC-T (drive by wire), TFT display, and on point with your comment - revised seat and padding for easier reach to the ground. The different side panniers look cool too. The Niken GT appeals to me too. It's becoming an obsession. All the best.

[@ezekielchariot]

Yes a pity there was not a mode switch to make it hold its stance at zero speed which I think Yamahas 3 wheel scooter has such a system

[@op3l]

People hate on this bike because it's not 2 wheels. They've never rode it because it's expensive and not available in all markets but they just know they hate it because they are all motogp riders who will make Marquez look like your daily typical squid. These are also the same people that think TCS and ABS are absolutely unncessary shit that manufactuerers throw on to jack up the prices of bikes. With proper technique(again theyir riding skills far exceed those of motogp riders) you don't need ANY of that shit. They never account for the sudden change in road surface or the sudden moron who decides to pull out in front of you. Or any other emergency situations where this bike(and all the TCS/ABS systems) will most likely save their asses from falling or dying because they are riding gods.

[@madcannon3162]

I do not dislike the bike, I dislike its price. It's bloody expensive.😢

[@H4RRYxj]

Won’t lie that shot with out the front fairing makes it look pretty mean

[@Sirmellowman]

it just looks so fucking stupid is why I can never ever buy it. you admitted it yourself, it looks like a mobility scooter. liking the way something looks is JUST as important if not more important to some.

[@mark675]

Can't help thinking they should have based this around the mt10 and not the mt09?

[@SilverfoxJB]

Love me some Mossy, he cuts through the crap

[@vector409]

I'd have one if it was electric

[@rclines001]

People dont hate the bike. They hate the idea of the bike. Most who hate it dont even know how it works. Those who have ridden it however have found it's a really great machine, and it's nothing like most people think it is. It really feels like a 2 wheel bike. You cant even tell the difference other than the front is wider and weighs more. It rides and handles just like a 2 wheel bike. It requires a kickstand. It's not a spider.

[@GONE_LIKE_JOHN]

not being able to filter like you can on two wheels is a deal breaker for me especially living in london

[@ragbag46]

Three wheels brings to mind old rider who’s loosing their balance, one step away from sidecar!

[@motovlogger7198]

They don't like a Nikken and that has power 🤔 Well they will hate a Tricity then it's underpowered counterpart

[@tonypammen6150]

I think it looks futuristic, would I get one probably not, but I wouldn’t take the piss out of someone who had one. but then a lot of motorcyclists who ride in a certain group ie, adventure riders or Harley riders, don’t seem to want to even acknowledge other groups of motorcyclists, we are a strange bunch. I like mossy and his straight talking, a good review btw.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

This bike is perfect for UK weather.

[@LabRat6619]

And diesel/ cow shit/ pot holes roads.

[@philipjames3526]

Great video. Right up to the MT10 engined comment. I'm one of them. I want a faster bike. As mentioned. Its a heavy bike. No i've not ridden it. However, more power, sexier styling. I'd have one. I really like it. @bennettsbike

[@licon5123]

Look up trooperlu. Turbo and suspension tweaks.

[@fatcole1152]

The first thing that crossed my mind the first time I saw a Niken (apart from, WOW!) was Yamaha's other sport touring experiment, the GTS1000, with its forkless hubcentric steering. It really was quite revolutionary as it alleviated suspension compromises with steering under braking and acceleration. Unfortunately, it was deemed to be too expensive to mass produce so it was scrapped. Also unfortunately, I feel as though the same will eventually happen to the Niken.

[@gkanai1400]

I also thought about the GTS1000. James Parker, who designed the front end of the GTS1000 said in multiple interviews that Yamaha built the front end stronger than it needed to be and therefore it was heavier than it needed to be. It therefore became too heavy and the GTS1000 ended up being a heavy GT/sports tourer. BMW did a better job with Telelever in mass-producing a 'new' front suspension design, mainly because it 'looked' like a traditional suspension system and BMW could price in the cost of that new suspension into the bike because BMW owners were willing to pay for the technology.

[@plastare]

Some people like bobbers, others like baggers, some people like suoer bikes, others like nakeds. The problem with the niken is that it doesn't fit alot of peoples taste in bikes.

[@kenpickett9317]

Motorcyclists are some of the most conservative people that I know. If a bike doesn’t fit a certain look or expectation then they will just hate on it. Stupid really.

[@markgale7935]

I've ridden my Tricity 125 here in northern Thailand for 4 years now. Compared to other 125 scooters it's very heavy, slower (weight fault) but it handles brilliantly on these very twisty mountainous roads. No ABS at time of purchase available, but should 1 wheel slip (heavy rain), then the other maintains grip and steering. I agree with the commentators, it's the rear wheel that will give first when going daft. This certainly indicates just how much grip and stability is afforded by the 2 wheel configuration. One reason for low sales figures here, Thais use scooters mainly as a work tool. The complexity, is considered too delicate and expensive should it need repairing. And why buy 3 new tyres when you can get scooters with 2 wheels! I do see their point, this might be a consideration for Western buyers also? But what a fun scooter to ride, albeit a scooter of course. I'd love to ride the Niken here but Thai road-users make it very unsafe to ride more than 70 mph. Big bikes here are wasted unfortunately. Which is why my Yamaha XJ900S is still in UK.

[@theravedaddy]

Get yourself up round fang district, theres less idiots up here and the roads made for biking.

[@savagekeyboardtrooper]

I miss pink lady brotel which is located behind of robinson store, hatyai. 😂😹🤣

[@rh_8599]

Im going to demo one soon, ready for something a bit different

[@rh_8599]

And im only 34 and no i don’t ride like a old grandad, i reckon itd be great on the welsh roads where i live its damp 90% of the year, be out hunting sportsbikes lol

[@DrAlexCullison]

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

[@bennettsbikesocial]

They really are totally different machines I'm afraid - neither is 'better' as it'd depend on what you were going to use it for.

[@mcc_1024]

Makes me laugh all the riders who slag it off on how it looks. when you ask them "Have you ridden one", 90% of the time you get a no. They're happy to stand and bitch about it but won't open their minds enough to ride it. I've about 9 hours total ride time on the Nikken and i love it.

[@TheCaretaker555]

to be fair i would like to strap my camping gear to this for a few days just to see how it handles and feels , if they did an adventure version that would be interesting :)

[@fangitjoe]

I admire Yamaha for often pushing the boundaries. The same conservatism in the market killed the Yamaha GTS1000 and any front end that doesn't at least look like forks.

[@marcociara379]

Yeah, see the Bimota history has well

[@ShaunHensley]

The problems folks are trying to address with alternative front ends just add way too much weight and complexity.

[@motodrang4287]

It’s a cool bike no doubt but it’s just not the kind of bike I’m interested in. Maybe if they made a 3 wheeled super tenere 😂

[@keddw]

People hate this 'bike' because it's bloody hideous. The idea is fine and very bold from Yamaha, but all that dreadful plastic up front is ridiculous

[@ironmonkey1512]

Heavier, more complex, more expensive to maintain. An answer to a question nobody asked.

[@tdmtam]

I took a shot of one last year and was really impressed but the confidence it instilled. I like to try one around the NC500 or touring through Europe. But would I own one as my only bike ????? No.

[@stephencartwright5046]

it is a fascinating idea. The thing I still want to know is why? Your comments here emphasise this. You agree that you only feel the benefits if you ride like a nutter as it gives you fair warning before it lets go. Is that a sound basis bike for building a production motorbike?

[@dtbrown1978]

As I get older and want to keep riding into my 60, 70s I think is style is an awesome idea. Sporty but safe. Even if they take this to full touring bikes.

[@raynic1173]

All yamaha has to do is have a track day with the Nikens and a few sporty 2-wheelers and compare lap times, being that they keep bragging about the front end grip.

[@moehamp5477]

I rode one for 5 minutes and now want to own one best fun I've had on a bike in years

[@alwynmcmath]

That headline - not everyone hates it!

[@zidisrider]

I absolutely love it. I'm actually considering one right now. The prices are amazing

[@yahoodlums]

Wait... Mossy had bright red hair???

[@deviantrider9309]

More of the same please, love mossy he calls a spade a spade if he says its good you know its worth throwing your leg over & having a go

[@janra8653]

This bike solved a problem that did not exist.

[@pfistor]

Just not a fan of how it looks or how wide it is in the front. It's better than most trikes I'll give it that but just cant get excited about it. Part of the beauty of a motorcycle is that it doesnt have anything it doesnt need. This just feels a bit odd. Maybe in another generation or two if they get the bulk down... credit to Yamaha for effort towards innovation.

[@markfox1545]

Just think - you enter a wet roundabout with a lovely scenic rainbow hue and scent of diesel without fear; there ARE advantages to this vehicle! I speak as a Honda CBR500R rider.

[@2wheelsrbest327]

Personally love to ride one but I just wonder whether Yamaha have made the same mistake that they made when they brought out the GTS in the 90s. Given I always prefer to stay on a bike when riding it rather than sliding down the road extra grip sounds good to me. Yep good description of Mossy a legend as he has ridden so many bikes over the years. Much respect to him.

[@freddyboywright]

Great Bike. Ride it before you slag it off

[@Psyrecx]

It's not a bike might be a reason.

[@Brian-ie2un]

Who would like it, people like me who dont ride a lot and so would feel confident each time I was out on it, when in the rain and winter time.

[@ragbag46]

Brilliant chatter from you guys, covering all points with plenty of humour!

[@Skymaxy]

I like the fact that my Niken annoys people 😁

[@clanmac66]

It doesn't matter how hard they try to sell it, I would never be seen dead on one! And, that's Niken's problem!

[@brno221973]

I like it & went to yamaha in the mindset of buying one but I’ll be honest, I bottled it at the last minute & bought the tracer 900GT but maybe in a couple of years when they’ve been about a bit I might be swayed. Not heard any real bad reviews from people who have tested it just sly digs from people who purely go on the looks & the concept. Great video guys.👍👍👍

[@ClaudeSac]

'listen'

[@saraw6446]

The piss taking would be brutal, but I'd love to give it a try. Not sure if I'd swap my R1, but if I could afford a second bike I can see lots of occasions I would use a Niken. Great review btw

[@ZX9RDan]

That bike, in a full electric version! It could have a larger battery than a 2 wheeler. Could actually have a decent range.

[@ShaunHensley]

Twice as much grip up front? What’s not to love

[@amijantti6045]

To be specific I dont think it has twice as much grip since the weight is divided to two wheels. I am not 100% sure tho

[@emilmuhrman]

It won't have twice the grip sense the weight is distributed on the two wheels. The only grip advantage is that if one wheel slips on something the other one retain grip.

[@staninjapan07]

Some interesting points, fellas, thanks. As an English man living abroad very long term, I wonder what it would be like to ride on British roads (I learned over here a couple of years after leaving the U.K.) When I took my Yamaha in for its first oil change (and a recall check), the mechanic responded when I asked abut the Niken "It's the safest thing on the road", almost as if he'd forgotten that mine is a two-wheeler and so was everything else in the showroom. That's not to say the two-wheelers are any less safe than they have always been in the hands of a reasonable road-rider. But for the cost, I would have one with very little hesitation, but only after a two-day rental as a 'proper' test-ride. Here in Japan, though, I would be subjected to many fewer negative comments and probably many more questions about how it handles etc.

[@TheMucklegipe]

I feel it fair to remind people Piaggio had the MP3 which was set up similarly years ago. That said this is the first proper three wheeled motorcycle, and many of the detractors of it said the same about the Piaggio. One thing I also feel I should mention is many videos of the Piaggio who managed to come off it was because one of the front tyres had deflated and the advantage of having two wheels at the front was instantly negated and the stability went tilling the bike over, that said any front wheel burst would most likely mean a conventional bike might well do the same.

[@Brennyn84]

Reminds me of a wheeler on The Wizard of Oz 2. Very interested to say the least.

[@Showmetheevidence-]

This bike has 1 major issue. If you’re shopping for a bike (& most people would only have 1 bike) then this won’t be top of the pile. To pick this means _not picking_ an R1, or a KTM duke, or a GS, or a Fireblade, or something from Triumph etc etc etc.

[@Denis-bo8ms]

One thing that would make a Niken better - make it electric

[@chrisblake1918]

Hybrid, maybe. All electric? MINIMUM 300 mile range to charge.

[@mattingray5651]

Really??? to ride for 100 miles than wait for 4-8 hours before can ride again.

[@motovlogger7198]

Owning a Tricity this is a fantastic review I agree on all accounts don't slate it till you've tried they are great machines whether be geared or auto those 2 front wheels 10hp or 100hp are bloody amazing really loved watching this. Thanks guys for video 👍

[@hoseajopan1870]

i don't hate this bike, i love this bike. but i don't have money to buy this bike 😂😂😂

[@alphaetomega]

That is the problem, a proverbial poster on the wall doesn't keep the lights on at the factory.

[@Jin-Ro]

Buy a trike instead....

[@chr11sf]

I admire Yamaha for producing it and I bet it's a hoot to ride, but I just wouldn't own one as prefer two wheels only...If manufacturer's want to be 'bold' let's hope one of them can at least bring out a supersport bike with adjustable ergos (you know, like cars and vans have had since the 60s ffs!!!)......raiseable and lowerable clip ons and pegs, may even revive the dying SS market. Also, Yamaha (and Suzuki, Kawa etc) pls give us selectable ABS before I end up in a hedge one day.....

[@timcameron9023]

At least if you're riding it, you can't see it

[@paansukarjo90]

it is not a motorbike.. but you can at least call it a motorcycle though.

[@celticwarrior1961]

totally agree bicycle a vehicle consisting of two wheels ,from greek/latin meaning two (bi as in bipod or biped having two legs ) .tricycle a vehicle having three wheels from tri from greek/latin meaning three (tri as in tripod or triathlon ) so it is a trike by definition and if they don't wont to call it a trike then its a motorcycle

[@1998TDM]

Just watched a video of a turbo Niken in Aus. !50hp, or so." Weaponised" by a Yamaha dealer and sounded amazing. Niken development race series, that would be amazing, too.

[@bennettsbikesocial]

I'd love a go on it! Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/barIqIWbg56Mo68