Top 5 things you need to know about the Yamaha Niken

[@Ontheroadtourism]

I've taken the plunge and bought one today at a very heavy discounted price. I'm returning to motorcycling after a six year brake and looking forward to getting back in the saddle. The defining point for me buying it was the front end stability and the hope that it will be better in the rain than a conventional bike.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Congratulations and enjoy your new trike!

[@davidrayner9832]

A friend of mine with six bikes moved house today and asked a few people to ride his bikes about 90 minutes. It was teaming rain and I rode his Niken. Very stable. Some people didn't turn up because of the rain so I'm going back tomorrow to move another one. It'll be a choice between a Hyabusa and a Diavel but whichever, they both have two wheels so if it's raining, it'll be interesting to compare to the Niken.

[@davidbesant]

I remember when Gillette invented the twin blades razor. Now four blades are the standard. Can't wait to see the 2050 five wheeled Niken.

[@ian-c.01]

There are plenty of advantages but what about the disadvantages ? People have said there are twice as many parts to wear out and replace but I think having 2 front ends would split the load evenly and wear and tear should be reduced quite a bit. Better grip, better braking, more stable on bends, better turning circle, smoother ride, all together this makes much more sense than a standard 2 wheeler ! The only disadvantage that I can see is possibly lower mpg and after many tens of thousands of miles probably having to replace a few bushes in the linkage. It may also be a bit more involved replacing fork seals too but those kind of jobs come late in a bikes life, they shouldn't be thought of as negatives.

[@a13bkd62]

I bought one of these in September and live in the UK. I just liked the technology and despite favouring the retro/classic/scrambler style just fancied something 'modern'. Bought mine secondhand from The Motorbike Shop in Farnborough Hampshire who were great to deal with. In fact it was recalled for a cruise control mod and again they were excellent - name check for John, very helpful guy indeed. I have the GT version so have the higher screen. The faster roads helmet area-vibes TMF mentioned are definitely there and can get tiring. Anyway, the only real complaint I have has already been raised in the messages below; it just feels heavy to move around and does seem to want to tip so keeping good balance whilst driveway maneuvering and keeping your legs out when straddling are important. Mine started to tip as I was moving into my garage and I just caught it so now I'm super careful. Riding it is excellent but again I do notice the weight which is peculiar as in fact it's not really that heavy/wide or awkward. Maybe just me and over time I'll get used to it. Lovely engine, great standard spec too. I recommend the Niken and suggest if you get the chance take one for a spin.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching and for stopping by!

[@michaelreid2329]

Just wondering as you mentioned a driveway tip, could the bike fall on you or does the suspension prevent that from happening?

[@paulr7496]

These are now being used as camera bikes for the Tour de France and other bike races. Going round wet, greasy hairpins at slow speed with a pillion who keeps randomly shifting sides is hard to handle so I can see why the Niken would appeal. But it's a very small market.

[@taz473]

I rode this bike,its amazing. Nothing compares to its road handling.be warned,once ridden and you will be wanting to sign on the dotted line...🙃🤙steve.

[@captainaverage721]

Always felt that Yamaha answered the question that no one had asked with the Niken. Brave attempt though, Yamaha should be applauded

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I agree!

[@janra8653]

No... Is more like solving a problem that doesn't exist.

[@mikeleonard4871]

@@janra8653 if you have ever lost the front end of a bike on gravel, man hole covers, wet road markings etc then you will be aware of the problem the Niken is possibly trying to address

[@janra8653]

@@mikeleonard4871 lost the front end many times. If you cant handle it, get a car.

[@mikeleonard4871]

@@janra8653 I simply pointed out that the Niken has more front end traction. Simple physics. I didn't realise you were some tyre sliding God.

[@Banditmanuk]

I was lucky enough to ride the original Niken on the Niken launch tour last year. I do think you have to ride one to appreciate how well it actually rides. In the corners, on the brakes, on rough roads and in the wet very few bikes would stay with it. Saying all that I wouldn't have one over its base and two wheeled doner; the MT09. Pity so many folks hate the bike. It's a great bit of engineering, but destined I think to be a poor seller.

[@Banditmanuk]

@Paolo G Brits appear to think it's not a 'proper' motorcycle.... one two many wheels. Light bikes are more fun and easier to manoeuvre at slow speed.

[@Banditmanuk]

@Paolo G Got an XSR900 so know how good that engine in the MT09 is. Ha ha I also know about Bandits it is how I came about my KZbin channel name years ago. Ride safe best regards Richard.

[@christaylor491]

Wife is starting to get suspicious with me walking off to a quiet part of the house everyday since 1st December with my phone 😳

[@billfreeman398]

I can see its a marmite thing. I own a Piaggio mp3 400 among other bikes and i couldnt give it away.. advertised it for a grand less than current market value and not a sniff. 6.5k miles, fsh etc. The 2 front wheel set up does make a good winter bike though. Nice work Mr Flyer.

[@goldwingrider7372]

Oh to be in England, when the spring is here! Like you, TMF, I have never yet seen a Niken on the road. I wonder how many Yamaha have actually sold - not many I bet, which is a shame because they may think twice about pushing the boundaries next time. I sat on one at the NEC recently, not the same as riding it I know, but I was impressed by the design, "feel"and build quality of the bike.

[@tclarke35]

Ive got one and I'm in Missenden!

[@markbradley7036]

Love the bike I bought one as I’m New to biking and I’ve ouown my triumph scrambler although they kep each other company in the garage , as the review says epic absolutely

[@Miata822]

#6- Buy one if you are or plan to become a collector of rare and unusual motorcycles. The value is certain to increase after the bike is discontinued which will probably be as soon as they sell the few they have made. Searching "Yamaha Niken owner review" here on KZbin I found no people who had actually purchased the bike.

[@fullnoeleko]

They are real peoples who buy this Niken. Not a lot, but Yamaha knew that and only produce it in little number. Peoples who have it are really happy, as they can drive it all year long, and that' great ! But quite some peoples thinking about buying one are afraid, not about like it or not, but of the opinion of others biker...

[@Miata822]

@@fullnoeleko what you say about people worrying about the opinion of others is probably true.

[@peterarmstrong9116]

@@fullnoeleko very true. The Niken screams sigma, and that is not a bad thing.

[@ssparko7776]

I have an MP3 400 and ready to move up. niken is next but here in the us its tough to find a good used one. hope the other companies will see how this can open up the market to better safer bikes.

[@jimbandit1250sa]

I’ve had all sorts of Bikes and I must say I tried it. Wow I bought it and yes it’s different and extremely planted and soo much fun great review Andy nice one ☀️👏🏍👌

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great to hear!

[@MrTrek164]

Andy I now own one of these ,I agree about the screen but other than that I can't fault it .It does all great and I'm looking forward to a track day .

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Congratulations and enjoy!

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

Soon off on my second tour of Snowdonia on my 2020 GT. Perfect bike for it .

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool!

[@malcolmabram2957]

I had a predecessor of this bike about 40 years ago. It was a Reliant Robin. Did not have the performance, but was able to carry a lot more.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hehe 😜

[@malcolmabram2957]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Thank you. Great video. Seriously though, a Reliant Robin, on its V5 document, was classified as a motorcycle, and could be driven with a motorcycle licence only.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I remember them well!

[@zidisrider]

Funny to see you made a video about the Niken. Didn't see it before. I'm seriously consider of getting one as the prices are so low now. My friends told me they hate it. GOOD !

[@motorcityoctane6713]

I asked around Ryan F9's vid what's another good bike channel & bunch of people recommended this. They were right great content & great reviews. Subbed immediately, most other channels just grab a handful of throttle so 12 year olds click. Glad I found some more great bike content & reviews

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Oh brill - thanks for that, I’m touched!

[@mattnicholas9842]

You verify the points that occur to me.... have not heard or read a single negative review yet even though I commute 60 miles every working day in Greater London I’ve never seen one. Good bike that nobody wants, is it because it’s fugly. You’ve ridden it and liked it. Would you buy one ?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Nope....

[@fullnoeleko]

A lot of peoples are afraid about the opinion of other's bikers. That's one of the biggest reason peoples doen't buy it.

[@williamrae9954]

First one i saw was in Paris,i was in the Volvo FH13,tooted because he couldn't get through on the traffic(RHD), never saw him until he emerged out the front of the truck.On riding one,it felt so restricted compared to my Tracer900 which was de-catted before i rode it,and probably due to the extra weight....straight through system and a flash,what it certainly needs....loved it,by too expensive!

[@JBMotorrad]

I've seen two of these in NC, USA in 2 years of riding and 39,000 miles all over the state. Rare, but not much more so than a Super Tenere here, too. I've only seen a handful of those out and about.

[@bren106]

*Should have been 6 things you need to know. It scares off white vans, first one of your vids for a long time without one faffing around in front of you.*

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good point!

[@loddude5706]

I think the first photo of 'Eat my shorts Niken' finger written on the back of one, deserves a free sticker : )

[@scottnineteen]

Dude I've got one and done 20 000 miles on it, your last point ...'great fun, you can just chuck it into corners', yip couldn't agree more, honestly I think it takes the piss out of two-wheeled motorcycling. It feels like a Goldwing that can also carve corners to shreds. I'm not even sure muppets could crash one. Other point - it's a bugger to push about and in some weird way quite keen to fall over. While only one of my two stationary drops were my fault - a full crash down on both sides has only scratched a bit here and there and broken nothing.(small scratches on (left) engine case, outer fairing flare, tip of both mirror and handle bar ...that's on both sides, other than engine case ...oh and the handle-bars are unbent and the steering remains perfectly straight)

[@gabex4156]

Hey. Have you rode it in the winter like? Frosty morning roads, maybe a bit of snow?

[@scottnineteen]

@@gabex4156 not snow, nor ice, but I've hit large puddles at 129kmh on freeway, and yeah it moved an inch or two front and back, but that's all. I think the point to be made is that however you look at the two front wheels they are always going to provide more stability and safety than a single wheel. It feels like it too. I had a careless moment with a new tyre recently, dry warm sunny day accelerating gently from intersection and the rear let go all the way so rear flicked around 90 degrees bike leant down and I thought this will be the biggest high side ever, ...then ..nothing. I had fallen down the inside opening throttle wide in the process, ...but pulled myself up and off I went.embarrassed. there's marks on the rear to the edge of the tyre. I'm saying with a single front I would be still coming down from that high side.

[@TheVigilantStewards]

That's really cool! I think my wife would go for three wheels. I've ridden dirt bikes, a moped on the street, and a 125cc bike in Kenya. So no real full on street bikes. I worry about street surfaces and things and would love that extra safety. I think it would be a lot of fun for my wife and I to ride around on when our kids are a bit older and will let her go. In Kenya we had a blast, the nanny , my pregnant wife, and my two year old daughter were all on one motorcycle behind me the rider hahaha. We were at the beach and it was just hilarious

[@scottnineteen]

Nah don't get the wife and kids on it, For one it might have 3 wheels but it's still a large bore modern sport bike, and one unintended throttle twist and everyone will be on the road behind you. Second unless you're 6 foot tall or over, it'll be a case of when not if you all topple over coming to a stop, with some legs and small people being squashed and burnt a bit in the process. Otherwise go for your life. :)

[@TheVigilantStewards]

@@scottnineteen Oh no I wouldn't take small kids on a bike here in the US... small standard motorcycles in Kenya are built to haul people around, like you said these here definitely are not. Those bikes are light and lower to the ground

[@bobadam4225]

I have only seen one on the road. Coming towards me I remember saying to myself "what the hell is this coming" then once passed I remembered what it was. I too have only heard good thing, just not sure I could bring myself to getting one. And ashamedly, I don't know why.

[@scottmitchell6371]

Mmm, don't know, better than a Can am Spyder in that you can lean it, good for touring? I think they made it cos they could, what gets me is that even with two front wheels it's lighter than my Super Tenere! 😮

[@DanTube2010]

If ever a self-driving bike is produced it may well look like one of these.

[@worzysp1]

Great video. Would you feel comfortable riding all year round one this. Apart from snow

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes, definitely

[@colindeans5972]

I'd see the point if it could be ridden on a car licence like some other smaller trikes. Otherwise it's a bit pointless. Thanks again TMF.

[@karlosh9286]

Yeah, on this Niken you need a bike licence to ride a trike ! Trike's on car licences is complicated. Wheel spacing, power output, weight rules. Then there's "grandfather" rights on older licences. There's certainly some Piaggio scooters that can be ridden on car licences. Have a look at www.trike-design.co.uk/information/trike-law/ , www.askthe.police.uk/content/Q900.htm

[@VolkswagenGamer]

You would buy this just based on the fact that it's different. I applaud Yamaha for thinking outside the box. Now where is that hybrid motorcycle 🤔

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I agree - hats off to Yamaha!

[@alanottley]

If you every get a chance in your travels, I would be interested in your impressions of another three wheeler... a Ural...

[@geneclarke2205]

I'm voting a thumbs up for the bike. I can see the benefit for emergency response, police, and last mile delivery adding a margin of safety over the FJR 1300 P which Yamaha will drop in 2021.

[@parsivalshorse]

I would think that the only reason to have bikes as emergency response vehicles would be that they can get through the traffic - which this is not really going to do well.

[@peterarmstrong9116]

@@parsivalshorse it's narrower than a K1600GT and I've no issue filtering on one of those!

[@parsivalshorse]

@@peterarmstrong9116 Ok, but I can think of much easier bikes to filter on.

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Definitely 1 of my bucket list bikes to rent for a day. The other being an electric bike. Would love to see for myself just how far these machines have pushed the envelope. Cheers TMF for showing these and other incredible motorbikes on your channel. 👍🏼 👏👏👏 😎 🇺🇸

[@glenns6923]

Dont know where your located but they have one for rent in Townsend Tennessee...

[@michaeljkasnter]

Nobody bought it, have yet to see one on the rode- i live in Miami where we ride 24-7-365

[@glenns6923]

Trike....kinda weird looking, different, does put a grin on my face (good/bad?) have fun I'll stick to two wheels . Thanks for sharing.

[@michaelreid2329]

My wife and I, each now in our 60s have recently had simple overbalance drops in our driveway ( sideways slope). With knee damage I was unable to pick up my wife's VFR800X, and my mind went back to when she was learning to ride: the Piaglio 3 wheeler which, with a locking front suspension which prevented such falls would seem to offer benefits to riders such as ourselves. You mentioned the Niken does not lock although I imagine it wouldn't be able to pin the rider under it either?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Not quite sure what you mean? You can drop it like any two wheeler…..

[@michaelreid2329]

@@TheMissendenFlyer I had wondered whether the 45 deg Max lean angle was some sort of mechanical limit so that you couldn't drop the bike. Reading more comments it does appear you can, leading to damage of cases and parts. You couldn't do that with the Piagilio MP3.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Correct....

[@billcotton1551]

It's funny TMF .I have never seen one of these here in the States ,and there is no buzz about them at all any more.

[@lusid6662008]

one thing you missed is that because its a trike most people can ride it on a car licence :)

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Not this trike you can’t - the front wheels aren’t wide enough apart....

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I wonder how many people, if they actually rode one of these bikes, would love it...

[@Miata822]

And of those, how many would actually pay the hefty price to own one.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

@@Miata822 Probably the same number who would pay for a Bentley...those who could afford to I guess.

[@Miata822]

@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne Bentley sold 154 cars in the UK this year, Yamaha sold 27 Nikens, or at least that many were registered. Some were no doubt demo bikes.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

@@Miata822 Bill, the figure you quote was for July 2019 sales, not for a year. However, for clarity, I am NOT suggesting anyone buys a Niken, merely pointing out that people should not just dismiss them until they have at least tried one.

[@splodge57]

@@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne why? I dismiss loads of bikes without riding them including this one.

[@mpop4eva]

Another thing to know about it ..... How to pronounce the name 😜. Nee ken, according to a Yamaha promo video I saw soon after it was launched. Just thought you might like to know. I’ve been invited to have a test ride on one, and now, having watched your video, and heard how much you enjoyed it, I think I just might go for that ride. Not that I’m in the market for one (it’s a FJR1300AE, no question, when I change), but it looks like it will simply be fun.

[@Speedytrip]

I tried one and it just felt like a big motorcycle. Still power wheelies which was impressive considering it has 2 wheels to lift up. It's cool that manufacturers try crazy concepts, but at the same time I'm sure they didn't expect to sell tens of thousands of these. Rear suspension also felt unnecessarily harsh (though I didn't fiddle with it). I think the main customers for this kind of bike would have been riders with disabilities. Unfortunately the bike doesn't stand on its own...so its not really an option. Some journalists have said that on a track the double contact patch upfront makes sens, but then again, the image of the bike is probably not inline with that type of rider either. The only advantage I can think of would be on cold wet roads or winter (a bit of snow) and then again, its not like a Can-Am Spyder either, you can still drop it if you push your luck.

[@fullnoeleko]

Main customers are peoples who drive all year long, or touring far in anytime. That's the strong positive of this Niken. When you have lost several time the front wheel during autum or winter, you begin to see this Niken with sympathy

[@TheVigilantStewards]

But since you can't buy a tilting can am.... this is pretty good! I think I would get this over a tilting motor works because I don't want a harley

[@syncrosimon]

You wonder why Yamaha has done a "tour de force" on the Nikon, and then produced a budget bike like the Ténéré. Surely if Yamaha wanted to spend out on R&D then the Ténéré platform would be the place. Yamaha should do a Ténéré X version ( with all the goodies ) as well as the entry version we have. This Nikon makes me wonder why Yamaha developed this, and not an electronics package for the Ten.

[@WiltshireMan]

You didn't do the walk around in the usual way with the other camera:) Interesting bike, I wonder if they got the idea from the Reliant Robin :))

[@aunoates6617]

Hi, if you're interested in the walk around, it was done in a pub car park and can be seen in the previous vid which was around June time.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you Aun!

[@karlosh9286]

Buy one of these, and next year you'll be a millionaire !

[@aunoates6617]

@@karlosh9286 Ha Ha ......Yes, but pretty sure that was a Reliant Regal. 😎

[@colinclarke4285]

I'm a little disappointed that these aren't A3 Licence friendly because I'd trade my piaggio MP3LT for one of these in an instant

[@palantir135]

Totally bonkers bike, I like it. A bit big and probably quite heavy but only when you’re not riding at speed. Nice for bikers with a handicap who want to have fun; power, speed etc. I’ve seen one in my hometown. I’ll keep this bike in my memory but for now, I stick to normal bikes.

[@peterarmstrong9116]

the same modifications need to be made to a Niken as to a two wheeled machine for disabled use. The additional front wheel offers no stability (balance) advantage.

[@TheBorderRyker]

I would just love to see a Can-Am Ryker review from you. I think that it would be very interesting to hear your thoughts. I realise that this is a very different beast, but it would definitely be fun. Ride Safe Man. Namaste 🙏🏻

[@xchalibur77]

When I look at a motorcycle video I like to see the motorcycle not the rider, anyway I would like very much a touring version of this, something between a honda deauville and pc800

[@terryl7855]

Saw a video on the engineering of the front end, pretty cool. They should do the same to the rear with a large and raunchy motor. It would be the fastest quad on the planet :)

[@twotter1969]

I wonder what sort of tyre life an owner will get out of the front tyres? I'm sure you would have to change both at the same time, so double the cost?

[@chrisredfield3240]

There smaller strange size too 120/70/15 i can only find scooter tyres this size and the speed rating is very low.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Two tyres though so half the wear!

[@chrisredfield3240]

@@TheMissendenFlyer but still twice the grip? Witchcraft

[@sharpbends]

Probably handle pretty good with a side car attached as well :-)

[@Jonathan-L]

And pull a trailer also! :)

[@TheVigilantStewards]

I hope they give this bike an update , I'd be curious to see how they tinker with it after all the feedback

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think Yamaha are likely to quietly discontinue this one (if it’s not already)….

[@TheVigilantStewards]

@@TheMissendenFlyer That's a bummer, a three wheeled scooter has smaller wheels and props you up on top of the seat... I would much rather have a motorcycle with the added safety and wife pleasing feature of three wheels. I read Aprilia is coming up with one. I thought your review notes were very positive

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

...indeed. but alas they've not sold well is my understanding....

[@Marth667]

Well, 2023 variant is out, apparently a bit of an update

[@robertwbeams9929]

So when life condems me to an electric 4x4 wheelchair, and I am allowed only one bike, this thing will be preferential to a CanAm if only for filtering. I am so excited at the prospect not.

[@raymondpinder3692]

Thanks for another good video.

[@Bikerbug2020]

Do you have more vids in the can about the Niken GT ? Don’t understand why but the bike fascinates me, most likely because you don’t see any at any dealership in Florida or even on the roads anywhere. Would seriously like a “go” on one, as y’all say in Britain. Maybe someday if and when Unicorns fly... LOL

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No that’s it for vids on this one for now...

[@lynsmith1096]

Good video TMF. Seen a lot of good review on this Bike but not for me.

[@paulharrison8155]

I'm confused. Is it planted or disconnected ? ...… It can't be both surely ?

[@dnlgrhm]

Does having the camera mounted on the top of the windscreen affect the turbulence?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Not that I noticed...but it must do!

[@simonstokes2672]

It’s different. I like different.

[@karlosh9286]

Who's this Tricycle for ? I'm thinking it could appeal to riders with a lack of balance who don't want to give up riding just yet. Guessing they'll be older riders, so I might need one in 10 to 15 years time ! Looks as though it would be good for winter riding on icy roads, or anytime of the year on wet, oily or gravel roads.

[@Oekedoelekens]

You'll still need balance, it can fall on its side just like any regular motorcycle. I think it's ideal for year round riding, even better if it was shaft driven.

[@peterarmstrong9116]

hardly, those who own them say they are more prone to tipping than a two wheeled machine!

[@syncrosimon]

Great commentary, very interesting bike that.👍👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@gabex4156]

Did anyone here bought it? I'm curios how it is on frosty morning roads and a bit of snow. Cheers.

[@johnfitzgerald4274]

Thank you.

[@docmarten8382]

I often say to mates, ride everything, refuse nothing when offered test rides because you never know what can appeal. Yamaha do come up with some weird things.... and we are the better for it. If nothing else, they have created a big talking point about the machine. TMF, sounds as though you gave a good real-time world review, but was the Blackadder... Twisty Turny comment that had me rolling laughing on the floor. 11/10.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Love a bit of Blackadder me...

[@cooldentist7135]

What kind of helmet camera is that? Where we can buy it?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

GoPro - Amazon....

[@portapawl5396]

I've always wondered why they went for the MT-09 engine on a motorcycle that 50 kilos heavier than the Tracer 900. A cost thing maybe? Why not spring for the MT-10 engine? Its massive anyway. Why not give it more power?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good question!

[@cramer071]

what happens when you get one flat tire ? safe or dangerous? I think it will run in the direction of the flat tire and not keep straight which may throw you to incoming traffic.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good question!

[@bobklee2397]

Probably better than getting a flat tire on your only front wheel

[@marklongworth1998]

This bike wouldn't look out of place in a Batman film, and if it was , Yamaha would sell a shed load. Does it come in black ?

[@karlosh9286]

Do I want one ? Yes. Will I be getting one ? Well I'd need a full sized garage, and a spare £15K. So no time real soon. Would I currently get rid of my Speed Twin or Street Triple to get one ? err NO ! Without cash restrictions this could be "motorcycle" 4 or 5 in my imaginary full sized garage. Definitely not number 1 or 2.

[@lauriebloggs8391]

Fabulous machine.........................

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

As the sales clearly demonstrate!

[@lauriebloggs8391]

@@TheMissendenFlyer well......I think so, lol!

[@kyotosal]

What does the name Niken refer to? Thank you Sir for another good report!........Sal : )

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I'm not sure it refers to anything.....

[@alisleiman8426]

Two swords

[@peterarmstrong9116]

@@TheMissendenFlyer gee you're the one test riding it and you didn't even bother to find out? It means two swords. Why two swords? Well aside from the two wheels, Niten Ichi Ryu is a Japanese fighting technique.

[@johnward3490]

Would love to know the sales figures for it. Can’t see the point.

[@tomg8636]

@@theonlyredspecial not great to give his full name and that he is a yamaha dealer, if that was said in confidence....

[@sproutandkidneysoup2296]

According to the Howmanyleft website, 29 were first registered last year, and 7 so far this year.

[@splodge57]

Not much resale value, you'll be giving it away.

[@dannyracer25]

R1 engine would be better ha ha probably not. good review Tmf thanks from Danny

[@RichardASK]

Not R1. The MT10 would suit it well.

[@SteveInskip]

Hats off to Yamaha for having a go and pushing the boundaries, but it’s not going to seduce many bikers or car drivers. It’s neither one thing nor the other. If you want to get people out of cars you need weather protection and storage.....and it should stand up on its own when you get off the piggin thing! And it should be cheaper than actually buying a small car! The popularity in the showroom sort of tells you the marketing people at Yamaha got it wrong! Nice try though!

[@peterihoy4908]

That camera is going to play havoc with the flow off of the top of the screen, just sayin'.

[@ronluning]

I was seriously considering the GT version, but for the same money more or less at end of year discount time I got a KTM 1290 Super Adventure S instead. No comparison. If, however, Yamaha put in the MT10 motor with a 6 US Gallon tank, I likely would be on that 3 wheeler. I have an XSR900, and can't picture it being very thrilling with an extra 150lbs to lug around, mostly on the front end.

[@Don-lw4cb]

Very interesting, seems like it would be a great one to own.

[@scottnineteen]

Like you r reviews and i'm glad you had a further ride on a Niken. You still seem rather indifferent to them in general however, and without meaning to be pedantic your conclusion doesn't follow your observations. No dramas but if a bike's (paraphrased) a lot of fun, very planted and safer ...why would you wonder who would buy one? Skipping the reasons for that, I bought one (std original with the worse screen) and it blows my mind, I ride in NZ twisties miles better than I've seen you encounter, and the Niken is a corner carving starship and that's with the standard and likely ordinary shock and forks. But even if it weren't so good in bends it would still have that plushness you mention and even then ...if it were a choppy shitty ride, it still then has so much more confidence and safety. Comfort, performance and safety ..what compares with that? Anyhow I took my wife out on the back as pillion the other day, she's over 50 and a hopeless pillion (she'll never read this), and frankly the bike seemed ordinary and overweight. Made me think, the path to goodness on a Niken is maybe not as a tourer/sports tourer but the other way, less weight (say a couple of bob for machined aluminium steering heads up front ), sticky tyres and keep that marvelous and light engine too, with an ohlins rear shock and forks ...it's a scratching/racer/starship, that just then happens to be able to - with a sorted fairing - be ridden all day. So yeah the concept and then the execution by Yamaha is utterly compelling to me, I can't help but think if motorcycles had just happened to originate with 3 wheels, then those who first rode with two would be considered suicidal. Two wheels is fraught, I rode a 2019 Z900 replica the other day, lovely engine but the bike just needs another front wheel ...haha but seriously I don't see anything like sufficient upside in having just one front wheel now, just seems like a pointless risk. (weight, wheelstands and lane splitting aside ) anyhoo, cheers. Like your vids. ps. I think some of the difficulty maneuvering the bike around when you're off the bike is due to the grip of the front tyres ...seriously it makes turning the bars difficult especially at a stand still or even nearly so, there's a tendency to be careful heaving the large but sensitive steering system too.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the real world feedback Scott - good to hear a fan of the model!

[@chidizzy6633]

Never seen one on a UK road .

[@nickguy831]

You don’t need to use couch changing up!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

???? Not sure I follow?

[@AlexRye-sv6no]

​@@TheMissendenFlyerthink he meant clutch, quick shifter?

[@garypunter412]

I’m with you on this bike TMF, have never seen one of these on the roads. Then again at £15000 for this is a bit steep and pitches it directly against some amazing two wheeled machines. Lots of BMWs and KTMs at that price, without all the quirks and drawbacks. Can’t see the point of it really. That said I am strangely drawn to it, like a moth to the flame lol

[@splodge57]

£15,000!.. seriously? Lucky to get £1,500 when you want trade in.

[@garypunter412]

splodge 57 yep, I was in Fowler’s in Bristol last weekend and one there, ex demo I think. Just shy of £15k. How many of fantastic bikes could you get for that 💰 💴 💵?

[@bogdancretiu2474]

@@garypunter412 got a real good deal on an ex demo 1 week ago with 1100 miles on it, heated grips, heated confort seat for rider and pillion, gilles clutch and brake levers, for 10k :))

[@fullnoeleko]

"Lots of BMWs and KTMs at that price, without all the quirks and drawbacks" ... But without the advantages and the pleasure of riding all year round without losing the only front wheel.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

4:35"if it hits a boulder or something" OMG Bib dives for cover...

[@brizolidis]

You know black panther? Yeah yeah, black panther, of the Marvel universe. With that helmet on, you look at lot like him

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I’ll take that!

[@martinpip8212]

The black panther I think his name was Donald Nielson a murderer in the UK in the early 70s

[@rockyp3917]

Is it self balancing?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No....

[@midnightrider287]

If you ever worried that buying a Harley would catch you some stick, wait till the boys see you pull up on this 😂

[@peterarmstrong9116]

it's the quintessential sigma bike. Only an alpha would worry about such a thing.

[@ThumperXT]

Try a Harley, you`ll definatley feel the road!!!

[@joseantoniolago5857]

Why? because Harley's are shite?

[@Porsche996driver]

Wow Yamaha did all that work but the bike won’t stand by itself when stopped? They’re missing 90% of the market that would buy this. A couple of Segway sensors adapted to this, otherwise who’s buying it?

[@iamtherealzombie]

My pet peeve, people who say "literally" when they don't mean "literally" ;) Unless of course a NIken GT *can* turn on a 6 pence.

[@MrJohnnyorange]

Which bike puts the BIGGEST grin on your face?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

RE Interceptor 650....

[@MrJohnnyorange]

@@TheMissendenFlyer Well that was unexpected!

[@t4ketsuru]

I think its overly engineered for it's own good. On the long run the maintenance fees will be rather big and annoying,but i suppose if you have the money go for it.

[@peterarmstrong9116]

apparently aside from a 50,000km inspection of the Akerman's bearings, the maintenance schedule is no different to any other CP3 based machine.

[@thebingleywheeler]

As I've said many times Andy....this rig is going nowhere....great review as ever though pal

[@karlosh9286]

You could have asked "What's it like filtering?" . I'm guessing "no so good" :-D

[@Oekedoelekens]

I think you'd be surprised. I have a bmw gs, width: 92cm at the bars, 88cm at the panniers; it filters fine, especially on the motorway, never had any problems there. The niken is about 88cm at its widest point, so it would be even better at filtering! Only problem I can foresee is that hopping on and off curbs in the city will be more difficult because of the smaller size of the front wheels.

[@peterarmstrong9116]

narrower than my K1600GT and I filter just fine on that!

[@bfarm44]

Want to hate it Also me, need to add this to me oddities collection. Batman bikes for all

[@Dombennezon]

Yamaha Knickers

[@fantastic1965]

There's arguably only one thing you need to know. It has 3 wheels and therefore not a bike.

[@mikehurley5052]

No 1 reason to not buy one, just look at it.

[@robhives6996]

Mate there are plenty of awful looking bikes. (Google honda Pacific coast) commuter style bike are pretty rats to look at, so people buy a nice looking uncomfortable sports bike to commute on and instantly regret it. Horses for courses🤷‍♂️

[@ikbendusan]

is titling your videos "top 5 " helping you get views?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Tends too yes....

[@ikbendusan]

@@TheMissendenFlyer bloody algorithm innit

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yup

[@iainian]

Has anyone seen one on the road apart from TMF riding one?

[@martynanstis1620]

Yes I saw one a couple of months ago

[@iainian]

@@martynanstis1620 Oh OK.....however I wonder how many Yamaha have sold in the UK? (Not cheap either!)

[@mattsheen6031]

Our local motorcycle instructor uses one when out with students. Not sure I see the benefit, but according to the dealer he loves it.

[@janra8653]

No...

[@iainian]

Piaggio did scooter with 2 wheels in the front and I saw quite a few in Paris (2015) but only ever 1 in the UK?!

[@LoveLifeTriumph]

Sorry that’s simply not a motorbike! I get why and what they are trying to achieve BUT not a bike Mr TMF!

[@superspace4179]

Would you buy one?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Doubtful....