Review: Yamaha NIKEN GT (2023) | Can three wheels beat two?
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- Опубликовано: 11 июл 2024
- BikeSocial road tester Simon Hargreaves test rides the 2023 #yamaha #niken GT at its launch in Sardinia. Now featuring an updated, enlarged and torquier inline triple, and with refinements to the frame, rear suspension and electronics - including a smart 7in TFT dash, heated grips, cruise control, up and down quick shifter and 30-litre panniers - have the changes improved the new Niken GT enough to bring it any closer to being desirable, or is it still just a bit too weird to be a #motorcycle ?
Join in the discussion in the comments below, or head to our Bennetts BikeSocial Facebook group!
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction
00:50 On-board test ride starts
01:44 Engine spec including power and torque
05:05 Frame changes
05:30 Rear suspension changes
06:00 Steering geometry and front end
06:20 Electronics spec including TFT dash, riding functions, display options and switchgear
07:12 Benefits of twin-track front end
09:08 Adjustable screen, seat and weight
10:45 Price
11:45 Action montage
12:50 Verdict
25:10 Outake
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I wish more manufacturers would experiment with new ideas
You so nailed it with a lot of your comments. I own a 2020 Niken GT. I would also find it weird to ride a two wheeler again. Yes, I still think it's the best bike I've ever owned. I really like being able to concentrate on riding, rather than road surface conditions. I would bet it's probably quicker cross country than many sports bikes. I took mine touring Snowdonia last year and wouldn't have wanted to be on anything else. Bikers hate you, ex or non bikers all want to talk to you whenever you stop. Fantastic machine.
Thanks man 🤘
"Bikers hate you".. I find it unfathomable just how narrow minded 'we' can be at times.
Weak minded bikers will find offense where there is none. @@gretchensghost
Absolutely love the Niken GT. I have done 2 European tours taking in 15 countries covering 17000 kilometers. It was amazing to ride. I have had several bikes over the years, this is simply the best touring bike I have ridden. Great review, honest and factual. Thank You.......
I own the 2019 Niken GT and I have to say I love it. When I look outside where I keep it, it puts a big smile on my face. Being a member of a huge national motorcycle club everyone and I do mean everyone I have met frowns upon it at first and at the end of the day they all really like it and want to have a go. It’s a very impressive piece of kit. I’d defo buy a new one
A good over view Simon. You are allowed to say that you like the new Niken Simon. You won’t get cancelled for “Likin the Niken”😂You seemed much more keen on the bike at the original launch back in 2017/18. From my POV, it is a very easy bike to ride and instills confidence particularly in less than ideal weather conditions. Bravo Yamaha.
Former Niken owner here. Was very happy with it in every way except the engine. It was just too slow and once the novelty was gone I just want excited about it anymore. Makes sense to up the power this time around.
Rode the Niken a few years back with Bennetts at Bruntingthorpe, had a great day and the bike was very impressive on track.
I’ll start by saying that I’d love to have a go on one but I can’t imagine buying one. Maybe they’re the answer for someone who wants to tour but struggles with a 250kg+ 2 wheel machine at low speed?
Are they a motorbike? Of course they are. You’re out there in the elements doing battle with the cars the same as those of us on 2 wheels. There’s too much, them and us in the world already.
Great review as always Simon.
Similarly to the Honda DCT gearbox and new front suspension in the new Honda Goldwings, I believe this is something that grows on you after 2-3000 miles driven in different environments.
At least, that's what happened to me with my 2022 Goldwing DCT, and exactly the same thing happened to a dear friend that bought a Niken GT a couple months ago. His feedback on his first two rides was that maybe he had made a mistake buying the bike. Now, after two months and 2000 miles on it, he says he can not think of driving a conventional bike again. And he's had (like in my case) more than 30+ bikes, and we both have more than 40+ years riding all types of motorcyles.
These are bikes with new concepts that you don't quite get to fully appreciate in a hour hour demo ride. But the more you use it and live with it, the more you appreciate what the latest engineering can offer you. For me, it's a matter of time of letting the looks grow on me, but about the dynamics of the bike I'm totally sold on it already...
Best regards from sunny Spain from a loyal subscriber, keep up the good work.... 👍
Agree with many of the observations- I’ve got a 2021 GT and it is fantastic - my mates on ‘normal’ litre bikes are not amused about its ability to keep up with and pass (in corners with the back wheel shimmying) - but it’s not a race bike. It’s a great tourer and yes, I do love opening the garage door to see…Megatron .
Ps: also use it for commuting and it pops gurgles and spits (fantastic CP3 engine exhaust sound) all the way to work and back, lane splitting no problem, just plan ahead. No nods from the sport bike brigade, but then humiliating them in the weekend becomes so much more satisfying.
Enjoyed this. Thanks!
I have ever only seen one on the road....but lots at the tour de France and other cycling events on the TV.
Done around 13,000 miles in Europe over the last 4 years and have probably seen 3 of these.
I'd like one as a winter hack for when the roads are cold and greasy.... but I'd never be able to love it. I'd just abuse it so I didn't have to ruin my 'proper' bike...
This guy makes fantastic reviews👌
I have a 2019 which I love riding but I have dropped it in the garage twice while pushing it around as it is top heavy. I installed engine guards and bought an Eastbound winch. It ignores tar strips and potholes. I never thought I would use cruise control but I really like it.
It attracts attention like nothing I have ever owned.
My man 3 of a kind always beats a pair!
Simon did an extraordinary demonstration of this underappreciated engineering marvel, the Yamaha Niken! In my experience, everything Yamaha manufactures will rival and often exceed the performance and quality of its competitor's products. We've owned two Yamaha Grand and Baby Grand pianos with electronic player options, as well as their archery products! Without hesitation, I can attest to their amazing build quality and performance. Your subscribers may be interested in viewing the annual Tour de France Cycling World Championship races where you'll see several of the photographers and commentators riding as passengers on Yamaha Niken motorcycles being driven over challenging terrain accompanying the Peleton during the 21-day bicycling event. I'm certain the safety and handling characteristics of the Niken factored heavily into the decision of the race officials to use Niken motorcycles!
Imagine the Niken with a front-end similar to a GTS1000, still with two wheels but hub-center steering, instead of the double-fork system that looks like Heath Robinson designed it.
Of course it's going to be fabulous on the Twisties. Especially empty mountain roads. But what is this like as a daily urban schlepper? You never see clips of it in cities or in urban traffic because it's just too bloody wide to zip through the gaps! I almost always turn to my trusty Bandit 650S for this but even my ATAS or ST1100 would still run rings around a Niken on a daily use basis.
I can’t help thinking Yamaha missed a trick here, locking the front suspension enabling the bike to stand without feet being down like the mp3, Peugeot Metropolis scooters would give it a wider market. I’d certainly buy one but being 5’4” I need the confidence free standing gives me which I have on the Metropolis I own.
it's just so damn cool looking
I think what the Niken's problem is , and always will be , is when you were little growing up , and had either a tricycle or bicycle with stabilizers , you just want rid of them so that your piers would perceive you as not being a little kid/beginner, as good as the Niken may be , I think this is it's problem.
It's not training wheels though. It doesn't stand upright on its own.
But then we grew up and realised our choices shouldn’t be made because other people might not agree with them!
I've ridden the old model and found it 'fine'. I like the idea of one as a winter single track roader for front grip on gravel and mud but I still think light and narrow is the way to go 'on the tops'. Interestingly my friend took out the MT10 at the same time and she much preferred the Niken when we swapped over.
Did anybody else briefly think Simon was going to demonstrate the kerb mounting ability? Great review as always, thanks. I'm going to try one but I don't think I could get over that price tag tbh
When I watched the footage, that's exactly what I thought too 😆 "Go on, ride it up the pavement then!". You can almost see me thinking it for a second, but I don't remember considering it...
Yeah, I know, there are two problems:
1) getting a demo ride (Yam dealers have to 'own' the demonstrator, at a discounted rate - but even so, not so many will take the punt on a bike they might not sell)
and
2) yup, tough paying full RRP/SSP when you *know* it'll be significantly discounted in 12-24 months.
@simonhargreaves6876 brilliant, wasn't just me then! Good bikes bring out the kid in us eh! 🤣
As much as I love the Mt09 I have now I reckon in a few years I could justify one of these. As you say price will had dropped aload, still have that lovely cp3, still biking but probably in a safer way. Applause, yamaha for being brave and pushing things forward. Amazing achievement esp as you say financially it's probably a very non viable project!
Hey if you rode closer to the guy in front you could be his pillion.....
I think it's neat, better than those can am things, or the ural side car thing. In my state though you would need a separate endorsement for 3 wheeler, moto endorsement wont cut it.
I have a Can Am Spyder RTL which is even less of a bike. However, there’s no doubt that two contact patches and double the brakes is a safety benefit.
If I were to move back to a more bike like vehicle, this would get a test ride.
Go on, admit it. Its a guilty pleasure and you want one in your garage😉😉
In a dream garage, 100%. But there are at least seven bikes I'd own in front of the Niken. Some of them Yamahas.
Totally brilliant - ride angle is measured by lack of paint on bottom of panniers init? Also, my experience using 3 wheels after 60+ years on two wheels was hauling the front end around, as opposed to the totally natural flow of two, so not for me!
My desire from Mfgrs: windsxreens that csn recede complete out of airflow and adjust to tsll enough for taking my helmet/torso completely out of the wind blast. I don't mind if this involves removable sections, but it would be yet another way that bikes would evolve into real transport that's enjoyable instead of toys.
The Niken is a trike. It is also a vehicle that deserves the same respect and attention as any motorbike. The rider is in the wind and it leans.
For 2023 I was a hoping that Yamaha would add another driven rear wheel. Instead they've updated a cool "Concept Bike", which takes away the concept of a "Concept Bike". Which is what made the bike fun in the first place. Being able to buy and ride a unique bike, with all the niggles and flaws inherent in concept vehicles.
Maybe I'm just missing the whole concept. 😉
Can anyone share what is the COMFORTABLE n STABLE Top speed this machine or the earlier generation can go? I know is slightly subjective....but would like to know this figure. Thanks
I like unconventional things and I'd be more than happy to ride one of these every day - if I could afford it!
Me too. I'd like one with an MT-10 motor. That'd be fun.
I'm the same way. I had a Can-Am Spyder for a while and after it killed itself by fire I was looking hard at one of these but wanted to try electric so I went with an HD LiveWire. I still love the idea of this bike though and it's on my short list for next motorcycle.
Can you filter with it?
I appreciate your enthusiasm for this bike but I feel it's solving a problem that doesn't exist. An example for you. Couple weeks back me and a mate were on our way back from Devon. On the M3 and suddenly the traffic just stops. All 3 lanes stationary almost while they filtered down into 2 then 1 then off the slip road at Odiham. We threaded our way through a fair old distance on one of the hottest days. On the nikken you'd be sat there in 33 degree heat wearing bike gear with no shade. No thanks. I do like the dash it has though!
The dash is good for sure.
Yamaha say the absolute width of the Niken is 1cm more than the width of a Tracer 900 GT - so although its front end does indeed give the rider the *impression* of being wide, in reality, it's not.
But in traffic, perception of width is important so I understand your concern. I've never actually filtered with a Niken. The last time I was filtering hard was with a Ducati Multistrada V4 Rally and I twatted the mirror on a Transit van. Ducati was undamaged and I was in a hurry so, you know, the van was collateral. Shoulda given me more room, am I right? 😉
Sounds like they retuned the rear suspension for stability all around. The original was designed to be a bit more lively in the back… to accentuate the stability up front. I’ve actually never seen a Niken in the wild, but if Yamaha is releasing an update, somebody must be buying them.
Has the niken got reverse on it
Go on ..gooo on
... go😂❤❤
Hi sir
Thanks for the review
Can u plz me is it helpful for person with disability
Whose's legs not working properly can they ride this without any crush or injury?
Well, the Niken isn't self-supporting at standstill, like Piaggio's MP3. It'll fall over unless you put your feet down. So no, it's not different to a standard bike in that respect.
@@writestuffmedia thank you so much 💓
Just the range that puts me off, fookin hate garage forecourts, other than that would deffo have one
If its a trike could you ride it on a car license? Also while itsnot my thing it would be brilliant for folk with disabilities who want to bike but may find a regular bike toodifficult.
I'd love one, but just don't think I could have it as my only 'bike'
It’s like the coolest bike I’ll never own….which is okay. Very cool vid. 👍🤪🇨🇦🏳️🌈
2x Michelin Road 6 up front to start...... just the start of the costs....
Cracks me the hell up; Like, who cares if it has three wheels - right? I have been surfing for over 40 years, and it has been fun to surf on different surfboards…like, Twin Fins ( 2 Fins ) or Singles Fins - Thrusters ( 3 Fins ) - and LongBoards ( 8 feet long ). It’s just FUN….it’s thinking outside the so called “norm” , and just having fun. Surfing different Boards is as best as I can call it….”Freeing”….you try something different and just go with it…have fun, see what it can do or how it performs. Right?
My last two bikes were a Honda ST1300 and a “Busa” - Yoshi Kitted,,,
Would I own a Niken? Hell Yes!!! What a blast this would be. Like, this has to be fun to ride - right? Who gives a rats arse on what people think.
I’d certainly give it a go, if I wasn’t living where I am ( I have no Garage ), because it looks lie it would just be so much fun. Think outside the Box people - “Venture out onto the Branches of the Pear Tree - because that’s where the Fruit is…..” - Be Different…
Cheers!
I'd call it a trike. Also , if I had the space, and the cash, I would have one .
I'm convinced that in time 3 wheelers will become dominant. Like this Yamaha or Piaggio's MP3, these machines give you the pleasure of leaning in curves but with a huge does of added safety. I stopped riding motorcycles in part because I was tired of the stress involved in dealing with homicidal drivers who had zero respect for my safety and well-being. With a 3 wheeler, which is also much more visible (motorcycle accidents often occur because drivers don't scan for such small vehicles), stress would be lower.
How many cc pls
So, you actually do not need to put your feet down when you stop? You do not have to balance while riding the same way as it is on a regular mororbike? I am really interested in purchuse it but can not test tide it because (no surprise at all) Macedonian Yamaha dealer never brought one, because no one ever showed interest in buying it.
You do, it will fall if you don't
I think it looks fun and when I get older and my balance and strength isn’t what it was this might be an option.
Hmmm... as I've said, it's not self-supporting. It's really hard to assess whether it needs more or less effort to ride than a conventional bike and my gut instinct is it's pretty much the same. I think if you find something like an MT-09 or equivalent a challenge, the Niken will be no less of a challenge.
@@writestuffmedia I rode one today, it required less from me than a standard bike, and it was enjoyable once I got used to it, not something I am into right now but I can see why it might be in my future.
I wonder what the Police would think of this bike as a safer option for the Police riders.
As someone already said - I too would have one only to abuse in bad winter weather when extra grip was needed..... but then a modern bike on good tyres ridden well is still well able to hold its own. I am sure it is very cleverly engineered and works very well but just too ugly for me, even my other half who is not into bikes says what the fcuk is that ?!!! 😆 Bikes are meant to be a somewhat passionate indulgence ..... this monstrosity isnt it ( for me anyway )
I have a 2019 gt and ride it everyday rain or snow wouldn't have anything else
I like the idea of it. I wish I could support them and have one in my dream garage but there's only bike in there. and it's not a dream garage. It's the only one The House will allow.....cough. Anyways, I do have a problem with those 'wheel arches' though. I'm sure as a design problem, there was quite the narrow route for solutions but they just annoy me. I'd love to see this concept as a full drress tourer. Maybe more bodywork would offer solutions to the designers...? 9/10. Well done Yamaha.
Which they increase the front wheel distance so the could ride on car license. They should make some smaller versions with wider wheels for none bike license holders 300cc 500cc 750cc version.
That would certainly kill off the filtering.🤔
I this had been buildt so it could be driven with a car lisence it would have sold alot moore. I would defenetly change out my piaggio mp3. Just sayin 🙂
Suffers from too much weight and a poor center of gravity, took mine to Portugal then back to France, and sold it shortly after.
Q: what's a "poor CofG"?
But yeah, it's no lightweight. With 2 x the metal at the front, it never will be.
@@writestuffmediaHave you tried a slow maneuver on a Niken?
@@gordanmoran4549 yes and it's easy!
There still making this thing? Wow 😂
It's weird, there are only positive comments and positive reviews of this bike, nevertheless it's a flop, a complete disaster. Do I not have a good product if it doesn’t sell well?
Kk
a half priced, used R1 could easily smoke the Niken on streets with reasonable tarmac in dry conditions.
Put the two front wheels at the back with a tiltable design and I might reconsider it.
Why? Front end grip is more important than rear end grip on a bike.
1 at front goes against laws of physics hence Trotter's Reliant van will tip over just in a gale - Morgan 3-wheeler will drift but not tip, I'm told!
@@nwbasson I understand where you're coming from regarding grip at the front, but I normally only need max grip at the front when under heavy braking or perhaps getting a corner wrong etc. For the most part I've never really found a lack of grip a problem at the front but with two wheels at the back...closer together it could be interesting gassing it out of corners. I was thinking along the lines of one of those Carvet 3 wheeler vehicles with the bo dyshell over it.
@@Elkfazer1 if you gas it out of a corner with more rear end than front end grip,what do you think will happen?
You can actually gas the Niken out of corners harder than a normal bike because of exactly the reason that it has more front end grip
What is it 🤔, something that’s a unnecessary over priced engineering disaster, for me I’d bye a trike,
the biggest problem with the Niken is......yes you guessed it : Stigma.
Not the bike then? I think it is ugly and they could have done a better job of the styling and a much, much better job of the aerodynamics. It didn’t stop me buying one. Once you are on it you could be on any of the “power ranger” styled bikes out there. As a rider you can’t really tell the difference between 2 wheels and 3. It bothers me little what people think of me riding a trike, I’m having fun.
@@Clampett01 not many riders have your mentality, and as i grow older am beginning to give much less f£&&s as to what others think. Almost took a Niken out on the ABR bit was oversubscribed and didnt want to wait.
I just don't see the point in it. Just seems gimmicky.
I own one. Loads more grip isn't a gimmick. Incredible cornering and handling isn't a gimmick. I love mine.
Very poor review Simon. You spent almost the whole time comparing it to the previous model. I have never ridden any of these 3 wheel machines (I did have a CX500 with a Watsonian sidecar for a bit). I want to know how it compares with a "normal" bike, not how it compares with the old model. What are the pros and cons? About the only thing that came accross was that you had fun riding it. But more fun or less fun than 2 wheels? Please be less worried about people judging you, and pay more attention to informing us.
Apologies! I will try harder.
Note: there are other videos on Bennetts' YT channel offering original insight into the LMV concept; the tech and comparisons with conventional bikes. I didn't want to repeat what they've already said.
When a completely new bike is launched, fair enough, we give it chapter and verse on the tech.
But when it's an update of an existing model, the general idea isn't to start again from scratch with an explanation of what the bike is and where it fits, but to describe the differences to the previous model. I agree, it's assumed knowledge on your part, but if we did a deep dive every time an updated model is launched we'd end up explaining what the Otto cycle is, and no-one needs that explaining again. I mean, happy to oblige if they do!
Have a look back at previous vids on this channel and see what they say. If you've got questions after that, come back to me and I'll be happy to answer as best I can (although bear in mind I can only offer an opinion on what the Niken is like in the context of the launch, not a long term, living-with experience. I can take an educated guess, but that's all it would be and not something anyone should base a buying decision on!).
PS A CX500 with a Watsonian sidecar sounds cool!
Stop talking crap about a longer stroke
I know, it's the width that counts, right?
Do you need a bike license to ride / drive one of these.
It’s one strange looking thing
You need a full motorcycle licence.
@@gearjammer3688this is we’re Yamaha went wrong the should of developed it be ride on a car license they would of sold more and with different engine sizes 300cc 500cc 750cc they would have more people with a car and a bike.
I will never recognise this as a motorcycle, it's been designed for snowflakes and it's not going to help with getting a new young generation in to proper 2 wheeled motorcycles
Does the Niken have an automatic transmission?
I'd buy that before a Can Am .