Yamaha Niken Ownership Review

So what is it like to own and ride a Yamaha Niken. Having mine since 2020 here I give an insight in owning one. It's not a beginner motorcycle. If you have any comments or questions just ask.

[@paulclarkson1778]

I've owned a Niken since March 2023. It is an amazing machine. Never fear a low side again, even with a puncture. So solid, smooth and comfortable. Thank you Yamaha!

[@pat2bornot2b]

Great to hear! Thank you for the comment

[@jonelscott272]

I have a 2019 Niken GT. I agree with your comments. I’ve put 30K miles on it and will keep it forever. I take it on camping trips to the hill country and other adventures. It handles gravel and dirt roads just fine and allows me access places I’ve never been before. No bike is perfect, but I absolutely love this bike!

[@pat2bornot2b]

Thank you for your comment and the Niken is a bike some just don't get but it's a stunning machine. Happy motorcycling.

[@andrewewan624]

Honest review!!! ...I am of similar age/experience.... had my NIKEN GT a couple of years....54,000 kms, ultra-reliable ... and yes....be prepared for all the questions and looks...lol Superb motorcycle

[@pat2bornot2b]

Yes getting older has few advantages except experience. I had no issue only the cruise control that was a recall and I made a video on replacing the switch. Yes always being asked about the bike. Thank you for your comment :)

[@donallitster3106]

Great video Pat. I've been intrigued by this beast on the rare occasion I spot one. It makes a lot of sense in the one place that matters most. Odd that this design has'nt become more mainstream. Cheers. Donal Litster

[@pat2bornot2b]

Hi Donal, I think it is that a lot of motorcyclist world wide are very conservative, yes it look odd but so do so many new inventions, takes people time to get used to things that are different from the norm, think of when adventure bikes arrived first although the Niken is a bit more challenging.

[@jala6707]

Thanks for the video. Glad you like the bike. I just bought an almost new 2019 Niken GT for a very reasonable price. Looking forward to riding it this summer, once the snow is gone (here in Canada). Two questions for you: could you give me a link or direction where you bought your hand guards? I assume they fit well? And also: how much difference does your extra 'slip-on screen' make? Did you also look into other full taller screens? I am 188 cm tall so am expecting some turbulence at higher speed with the OEM screen.

[@pat2bornot2b]

I bought the hand guards from Amazon www.amazon.de/gp/product/B01M3TIU2R/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 they are Acerbis Dual Road Hand Guards and the fitting kit needed (as the one from amazon way not the right one) from Louis.de the correct kit is ACERBIS MOUNT. K. 0017634 which you will need. Like all hand guard they block the mirrors, so you end up peering around them. The slip-on screen made a massive difference as the GT screen causes terrible helmet noise. I've not tried other screen but may get a small one which might put the wind more on my chest rather than directly on my helmet.

[@jala6707]

Thanks a lot for the response!! I will look at those Acerbis hand guards and the slip-on screen! @@pat2bornot2b

[@deangreenhouse458]

Hi. Like you i have been riding many years. Not as strong or agile, but want to keep riding. I’m 60 5’ 7”. How difficult was the lowering kit. Like your video.

[@pat2bornot2b]

Well, I'm 66 and just under 5'8" (part of getting old you get a little shorter). I did a deal when I bought my Niken to have the lower kit fitted so I didn't fit it myself. It is still a tall bike and I'm very happy to have it fitted. If you have any other questions just ask. Thank you for the comment and liking the video.

[@cbates2410]

So is it a trike then as it dose have 3 wheels ?

[@pat2bornot2b]

No, as the front wheels as too close to be classified as a trike. It's is classed as a Motorcycle, corners like a motorcycle, rides like a motorcycle and will fall over just like a motorcycle as it will not stand up on its own.

[@cbates2410]

@@pat2bornot2b right ok can you move the wheels apart to make it classified as a trike or not something that can be done

[@mickroom7603]

Its ugly. Period

[@pat2bornot2b]

No, different and weird, but look at KTMs front headloght, Triumph Speed Triple front etc.