Yamaha Niken Review. Are 3 Wheels really better than 2??
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- Опубликовано: 30 июл 2024
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I finally had a chance to throw a leg over the undeniably interesting looking Yamaha Niken! So without further ado, here's me charging about on the 850cc, 113BHP, 3-wheeled peculiarity while telling you what I think about it!
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Развлечения
IF I had the money, I'd be all over it. That extra front-end grip/security makes all the difference. "Safe" and "Stable", is a good thing, (low-siding... not so much). I think this would be the ultimate touring machine. Brilliant engineering by Yamaha.
Very true. Touring with almost no danger of front end slides certainly does have an attractive ring to it! I also like that there are no electrics involved on the linkages. Just good old engineering!
@@AndyManCam No unnecessary electrics. I agree.
So happy to see you out on a motorbike again! That sure is a unique machine, that front end looks like it would devour anything in its path, Mad Max Steam Iron of Obliteration! Cool ride, Cheers Andy!
Cheers Eric. It was great to finally get back out on two... sorry, three wheels!! Weather and work have been doing a proper double team on spoiling the fun until now! This bike actually seemed like it would devour all in its path mate! I was instilled with a strange feeling of indestructible confidence!
Interesting question you asked about whether the stability would become boring. My first reaction was a resounding 'NO' but then I thought about the reviewers I've read and watched who have talked about having to reset their experience-gained instincts about how fast they could enter a corner due to the Niken's remarkable grip but then having to reset in the other direction when they returned to conventional two-wheel mounts.
So after some reflection I would suggest that it depends on where you are in your biking trajectory and of course the rider's personal character and what they get out of biking. For me, having been riding for 40-odd years, getting too old and creaky for sportsbike and/or track day riding but having enjoyed it immensely in earlier years, I have found over time that my real joy of riding is corner-carving far more than balls-out speed, so I can't see a downside to being able to enjoy what I love but with added security. I'm not trying to prove anything to anyone nor am I competing against anyone or anything, especially the laws of physics that deal with traction and forces applied during cornering! So I'm very interested in this machine, especially now it's been a bit tweaked for 2023 and may well take the plunge. I'm still sadly baffled by the hatred that this bike seems to generate (and yes, I completely consider it a motorbike/motorcycle, as does the law) and really believe we should welcome all shapes and sizes of bike into the pantheon, even if they take a form that we would never choose for our own ride. Anyway, very thoughtful review so thank you
I totally agree! For me it’s also more about carving than all out speed. The most important thing really is that you enjoy the riding that you do!
Looks a blast! I love the sound of that engine.
Ay up lad welcome back been looking at that machine for a while and from and engineering standpoint its brilliant nice to see its real world characteristics very informative video
Nice video and a really interesting bike, full hats off to Yamaha for taking the step out of the ordinary and making something like the Niken. Now that you've ridden it I'd be interested to see you ride an older 3-wheeler, something like a Piaggio MP3, and see how the feel and technology differs between the two
Great to see you back Andy, im not sure if Yamaha are asking a question no one is asking but i will give them credit for being such an innovative company, i believe its coming into summer for you guys and i cant wait to see what youre up to. Cheers mate
Wow, I’m really surprised to see that it corners amazingly well. Thanks for sharing!
Cheers mate. No trouble! I was VERY surprised at how well and how freely it corners. No resistance from the setup at all. In fact it properly leaps into the bends!
Nice little test, thanks :) .... I'm quite intrigued by the Niken .. might have to nip to the local yammy dealer and take one out for a hoon ..
Great review and welcome back to the tube mate. Not exactly my style of machine, but hey, someone's going to like it.
Thanks Andrew. You and me both. Not for me, but I can definitely see that some folks will love the pants off of it!
Welcome back Andy, and welcome to my world :)
Due to the weight of the MP3's I've always said that the 850cc engine would be ideal for that bike, and this proves the point... Plus I would like a manual gear change than the CVT automatic - only downside is you cant lock the wheels like the MP3 - something I need due to back/hip injuries :(
Adding in the 850cc certainly jazzes things up a bit! The manual shift also always increases that feeling of being involved with the ride, doesn't it? Shame that it's a case of so close, but yet so far for you mate. Maybe there will be an aftermarket wheel lock addition made at some point? I suppose it depends on how long the product runs for.
Praise the Biking gods Mr Man cam is back, great vid as always mate keep on coming
I think these things are brilliant.... and it's good to see Yamaha doing different formats to other manufacturers. Long term test required, something Alpine, early summer.... would be stunning if you could blag that.
An interesting machine. Love to ride one, if I had the room & buckets of excess cash I’d have one, but that’s never going to happen. Haven’t really heard a bad word on them though. Looking forward to more of your trips Andy. Can’t ride the GS or Zephyr for 8 months due to two arthritis related hand surgeries. One down one to go. Will be living the motorcycle life vicariously via your journeys. Please keep the twisties coming.🏍👍 hey & some great discussion points on the mechanical magic to pull apart at your cafe stops.
You and me both mate! Just like the Zero‘s, it’d be a great plaything to have in the garage for gits and shiggles. But that’s a rich mans game. Sorry to hear about the biking sabbatical. Hope you can keep your spirits up for all that time. I’ll do what I can to help!!
Interesting they are really cheap second hand or pre reg like 7-8k
As always, a fair and upbeat review! Always enjoy your perspective. Sadly I’m with many other folk, and have formed a completely biased and uninformed opinion of the trike....it’s just not for me. Love the triple, love the MT09 (and especially the Tracer), but can’t get past the extra appendage on this beast. Ride safe mate! Glad to hear from you again!
Cheers very much! I was close to forming that same opinion. But honestly, riding it changes a lot of the preconceptions. It's still too complicated , expensive and sort of misses the point for me. But it was a lot of fun to ride regardless!
Enjoyed that Andy, would love a go on one of those puppies....wonder what it's like to filter on? ...I also wonder who the bike is aimed at? ...sounds like a great fun ride but would you swap your two wheeler for one? - for me your description of it as "the steam iron of motorbikes" probably says it all......no wonder they're not selling many! From your review I'm getting a fun novelty ride with prodigious grip, but better to stick to a conventional bike for thrill and economy (three tyres to replace, more brake pads, extra weight to haul.....). I still want a go though and love the sound of the triple engine! Cheers and thanks for the review.....TMF
Cheers TMF. I’d certainly recommend a jolly if you get the chance. It’s a surprising experience! For me it’s definitely more novelty and I wouldn’t trade 2 wheels for three. As you say, more to replace, and lots more bearings to suffer in the Northern European winters! The knowledge that the grip will almost always be there certainly has its advantages and for the all weather mountaineers, it’s probably the perfect steed. But a bit like playing a computer game on easy, the challenge and the excitement is missing for me. But then again, maybe you can go way faster around the hairpins?... Look forward to your post ride thoughts old bean!
I have a gilera fuoco 500
3 wheel 500cc and seeing this yamaha niken
Has really made me want one. As I ride all year round I only see a few bike in the winter when commuting to work. This thing could be perfect for me wow
Perfect Tour de France camera bike!
Great review, no doubt it will find, or create a market. As for me, it reminds me why I have a car and motorcycles.
great blog, only one ive seen on the yammy with good content.
Thanks very much Neale! Maybe I was the only Vlogger that DIDN'T get invited by Yamaha to ride it! ;D
I think this bike is totally bonkers, in the good way! I don’t think I’d necessarily like to own one, but from everything I’ve seen of people riding it I would LOVE to ride one on some super twisty mountain roads. I bet I’d be cackling and hooting with joy and amazement the entire time. I got to look at one with its clothes off at a motorcycle show, and the engineering of that front end is pretty cool. I absolutely consider this a motorcycle, even if it looks a bit like a snowmobile when you look down at the front from the cockpit! Sorry that you didn’t get longer or to try it out on some windier roads this time.
Andy is back!! Where have you been man? Good rewiev, the thing looks better in real life then in pictures that's for sure. So it behaves like conventional bike right, so the question is will it low side like one if pushed to fare you recon? If so then what's the point right 🤔
Man I miss my Ducati 748 , she was such a head turner and the sound was music, and the nice thing is she was black so blended in when you needed it to if you get what I mean
Tomorrow I hope to test ride the MT10 and maybe this one. More interested in the MT honestly, I do not dig the looks of the Niken but appreciate that Yamaha had the balls to come out with it. I like the platform a lot, tried the 09sp and the Tracer GT (which I preferred), both bikes are lovely on their own.
Looking forward to hear your opinion of the MT10!
I've owned an MT10 nearly 3 years, it's an amazing machine, be amazed if you didn't like it. One word of warning it's a thirsty beast.
Yeah, I have seen a large number of people talking about it being thirsty, power comes at a price of petrol and rear tire :) Cheers!
Was seriously considering the nikken but bottled it & opted for the tracer 900 GT instead.😁
Were you aware of the Niken GT?
Excellent , looks a little odd, but I am sure I would get used to it if I had one. Thank you for sharing.
Cheers! It was surprisingly easy to get used to and then very shortly afterwards start to push it!! I think a lot of fun could be had!!
I have a few questions and i hope some experts could help.
Q1. Does this bike balance itself at traffic light stop with a push button or both brakes engaged?
Q2. I understand that with 2 wheels in front, some bikes are more difficult to turn into a corner as in, one needs more effort. Is this true for Niken too?
Q3. Is the turning radius bigger compare to normal bike of similar size, e.g., MT09?
A1. No. It would fall over just like a normal bike. A2. This bike corners like it’s on fire! Surprisingly agile for the layout. A3. I think it is a little bit bigger than the MT09. But not much. I didnt notice any difference.
Is this Belgium? I'd like a Niken. Good review. I have subscribed
Welcome to the team! Thanks! This is in northern Germany, around Hamburg.
@@AndyManCam I forgot to give you a 'like'. Rectified that oversight, and while I'm here, I'll watch it again.
Very elegant, subtle and delicate design has to be said :)
So very true! With a long distant history in design, I really appreciate the work that has gone into this machine!
@@AndyManCam Motorbike world and design is somehow very conservative which is good in my view...
How was this for comfort given your height and what bikes are best for 6’3 riders have you found?
It was a while ago now, but i think it was pretty comfy. The best bikes I’ve found for my size lately have been the KTM 1090 Adventure, Yamaha Tenere 700 and the Aprilia Tuareg 660 (which i now own).
My mate has really bad knees and was struggling to hold the bike up when stopping at junctions etc. Would one of these help?
Probably not. All the Input I've found says the bike will lay down if it's on its own. And given this bike is 500 lbs it wouldn't to him any justice. He may want to look at lighter bikes or taller bikes that take the strain off his knee
Absolutely right. Sorry, slow om the reply here. But I can confirm that if you take your feet off the floor, the bike WILL fall over. And at 260kg, that's more than a BMW GS to pick up! So inactual fact, it's probably worse for people with weak or injured legs!
Thanks guys. Good to know. 👍
Andy.. Thanks for the review. I totally agree with you. Yamaha had a demo day here in Dallas TX and I felt the same things you did. Very stable with a little buzz coming through the seat and bars at the higher range of the RPM scale. But over all... I would buy one if nothing else for bragging rights. ☺️
Definately need to test ride one. Will stick with my two wheels though.....
I'm glad you are back my friend. But I'm afraid for me that is not a motorcycle. If I've for free I would sell it and get T7 hahahah
I rode one last year, enjoyable experience. Thought the ride was plush over quite bad roads. Yes it corners really well but so does my MT10 and that's the issue. If your a confident rider on two wheels why would you buy the Niken? If you do buy one are you admitting to everyone that you are a bit crap at cornering???
I was lucky enough to film the Yamaha tech talk and see a 'Naked' Niken; that Ackermann front end is a proper engineering work of art. Sadly even though it's a good bike, I just don't see it selling in numbers and I certainly wouldn't trade my insane MT10 for one.
Yamaha would be selling out of these if they added an upright wheel locking mechanism like the Piaggio. Disabled riders would have purchased them for sure.
You’re probably right. But I thinking would also up the weight, complication level and finally the cost.
Maybe they will put the MT10 engine in one! Interesting
MT10 engine and a TFT screen and I am sold! Currently I am debating between the 2020 Ninja 1000sx and Niken GT and those 2 points are making me pass on the Niken...sad :-(
Oh and only quickshifts on up-shifts; another deal breaker!
Do they have and breaking?
Not sure what you mean?
AMC you said your thinking of changing your gearing, I've changed mine from 16front and 43rear to 16 front and 37 rear and I'll never go back, can't believe your have trouble with that machine with one touch different at the front
I’ve since found out that in Germany, you have to register the new gear ratio with the TÜV People and have it printed on the bike papers!! Very complicated and too expensive for my tastes!! I’ll stick with what I’ve got for now!! 😂😂
@@AndyManCam Is it printed on yours??
Ive got standard gearing on the FZ1, so no.
@@AndyManCam I'm sure you changed that front sprocket in a earlier video??
I had different gearing on the versys, but not the Fazer. I did clean all the gunk out of there when I had to remove the sprocket guard to fit the SW morsch Engine Bärs. That could be what you’re thinking of?
This bike blew me away when I saw it last year at the yearly 2 Ruedas TRADE show here in Alicante.
I almost got a chance to test ride it but in the end they cancelled as most people were scared shitless and they feared that sooner rather than later.somebody would crash it.
Maybe this year
I hope so mate. It’s a blast to ride! TBH I think it would be far harder to crash one of these than a normal bike! That front end is bomb proof when it comes to grip and stability!
@@AndyManCam Just got back from this years " Ruedas motorcycle show here in Alicante, Spain and htis bike was not displayed so... too bad! Will upload video later today. Cheer Andy!
That’s a shame! Next time!!
Does it filter well...
It’s a little heavier than I’d have liked at really low speed. Obviously it’s also a bit wider at the front. Though I guess that with the bars being the widest bit, that shouldn’t really pose any kind of problem!!
Give it a year or two of development and maybe we'll see an R1 with a lighter, more compact version of this front end. R1KEN?
THAT would be a tiny little bit awesome!
You still got the fz1 ?
Absolutely yes! The combo of enjoyment had and bank balance means I'll have it for some time yet!
I'm pretty sure it's pronounced 'Nee ken', as in _two swords_. Nice review, Andy. 👍 🏍
Martybartfast
No it’s “Nike-un”😁👍
@@brno221973 ruclips.net/video/T4HoNPzOmU0/видео.html
If you will listen closely, the Japanese person pronounces it "Nye-ken"
ruclips.net/video/jKqjw4Bch8w/видео.html
It’s still an odd looking thing no matter which way you pronounce it.👍😁
Cheers Martybartfast. I think this argument will never really find a conclusion!!
Back with an extra wheel😂 not everyones cup of tea but while I’m able to get my leg over two wheels the Niken is off the list!! Strange you have to fuel it up after a test ride, it seems the German salesmen haven’t worked it out😳
Yeah the German sales techniques leave something to be desired! 45 minute test ride with 15 minutes to fuel up doesn't really let you get a feel for the product. Plonkers!! Needless to say, I wouldn't buy from them!
Pls tell me fuel economy of this bike
No idea I’m afraid. I only had the bike for 30 minutes! Probably similar to an MT-09 but a bit worse as it’s heavier.
@@AndyManCam thanks dear
I have no doubt it is "better", but at a significant financial cost, and complexity, which later on is maintenance costs. I suppose it is similar to just buying a Mercedes, or if you can afford it, you get the AMG version. I'm waiting until they add a second rear wheel... that will be even better... lol
It certainly comes at a cost. The extra rear wheel might be a bridge too far! I'm excited for the 3-wheel drive version...
'Poppage' - indeed. Nice [edit: no not 'nice' - 'excellent'] review ...you people over there with that accent really are quite clever, anyhoo, I rode a demo and thought omfg!, I'm 55 and been riding for 45 years, and a planted front end / front end stability is, while maybe not everything, a big - big deal, and so I bought one today. Dealer said they'd otherwise sold 'one' ...in I think the whole of Auckland NZ. Wtf is wrong with them all? There's nout queer as folk said someone over your way and I agree.
I think the Problem is that people make up Minds about things that are ‚different‘ before trying them. Just like with the electric bikes. Before test: „Never buying one of those monstrosities“. After test: „OMFG, that was amazing, i want one!“
At least you’ll be individual mate! Maybe don’t rave about it too much, or every Tom, Dick & Harry will want one! 😜
I'd have been quite happy if Yamaha would have stuck all the Niken development money into something like, say...... a FZ8R sportbike, a MT-09RR superbike, a 140hp version of the 847cc? Any of those with top notch R1-like suspension and brakes. MV Agusta gets that sort of power from their 800 triple.
Not a bad shout. Of course, the manufacturers all have to be one-upping each other on the crazy exciting new stuff that they're doing! I'd have liked to see Yamaha's take on the Electric bike market. That said, their terrible fuel mapping makes me worry about the programmers on the team!
Crazy exciting new stuff? Meh. Just same old worn out formulas, with dumb gizmos thrown in, heaps of electronics, but generally very little actual chassis/suspension/dynamics/engine formulaic changes happening. Where's the real innovation? I get the budgets have been tight since about 2008, whereas in years prior the development time for new bikes was about every 2 or 3 years. I get that. But comon, all the old standby bikes in some manufacturers lineups are just getting old, and stale, and uninteresting. Do we really need another 230 hp superbike? Or can we just revise or redo half the ignored bikes in every manufacturer's lineup?
I was thinking more along the lines of this, with its very complicated self balancing quadruple fork linkage or even Honda’s allegedly upcoming fuel cell bike. I agree with you that just adding extra gimmicks to already good (and often tired) bikes is very lazy product development. I don’t want a TFT speedo. I want smooth fueling goddammit!!
@@AndyManCam Agreed. And these 3 wheeled units was the answer to a question no one was asking.
Looks very stable and simple for riders in the corners, it does look a tad strange. Definately a marmite machine.
VERY strange! I reckon you're right mate. Some people are going to LOVE it!
Its a no for me. But interesting to see none the less. Thanks for the vids.
It’s certainly not a machine that’s going to float everybody’s boat! I’d rather spend the extra money on toys for a two wheeler!
Much safer. Must be a good thing. More pros than cons.
That depends on what you want/like! Sure there are lots of pros. But they’re not pros to everybody. I really enjoyed the ride and would love a longer go, preferably in some mountains. But I wouldn’t want to buy one over a ‚normal‘ 2 wheeler.
Andy Man Cam ok. Is it because it’s not so macho .... maybe, a little bit. If it feels pretty much the same on the go, and for safety that should be something riders should definitely think about. Maybe it’s for riders say over 50 and not the younger riders. Who knows!
Absolutely. For those who need a confidence boost in the bends, this is perfect. I'm not saying that it's not good. Just that I enjoy the feeling of cornering without the training wheels making it super safe. Thrill is part of the attraction. Then again, the thrill here will just be different as you can corner much faster, in far more adverse conditions.
Guten Tag Herr Cam, jetzt, dass Sie verheiratet sind steigen Sie auch auf ein Gefährt mit Stützräder um, sehe ich da. 😜
Genau! Brauche so viel Hilfe und Sicherheit wie möglich!!!
@@AndyManCam 😂 Good to see you again, old buzzard.
Good to be at it again! (That's what she said)
No no no... for sure 3 wheels take away that magical aura of equilibrium on two - no more are you a blade runner :D
I wonder how it feels when this crazy system becomes unbalanced - different tire pressure, damping/preload adjustments...
Very good point. I imagine that, just like in a car, it's horrible. Only exacerbated by the tripod layout! That would be something you'd have to stay totally on top of. I wonder how a single side blowout would affect handling too.
Great roads on your doorstep, seen one of these don't get it personnely, think it will fizz and burn
Sadly NOT on my doorstep! It took 45 minutes to get to the Yammie garage, and another 30 minutes to get to the first (And pretty much only) bend! The roads here are PANTS!! :D
It is pronounced nee ken : nee = 2 in nihongo
I think that is an argument that will rage on until the bike is no longer available. Probably longer!
50% more tires and brakes to buy. Just sayin
Oooooooh, the fork seal nightmare!! That would be a job for the garage, for sure!! :D
🙄👍
Cheers TK 👍🏻
Andy: If you are going to review unusual bikes, then this is the one that really fascinates me: vinsmotors.com/modelli/duecinquanta/?lang=en
That IS interesting! I dont think they're going to let a clumsy idiot like me loose on it though!
Mejor el auto
Better a motorbike, surely!?
The Owners Manual says DO NOT change Drive Mode when moving. But you wouldn’t bother reading it.
I only had 40 minutes with the bike! PLUS I had to refuel it too! No time for manuals. Also, if Yamaha didn't want the drive mode to be changed while moving, it would be very easy for them to lock the function out until the bike is stopped. Manufacturers confuse me sometimes!
I just don't get why anyone would buy one.
I reckon you’d be surprised by the number of people who Love the feeling of biking, but lack the faith and confidence in the front end to really throw themselves into it. With this machine it feels like you’re riding a bike, but you can throw everything at the front with very little worry about it spitting you off.
Amazing engineering from YAMAHA but this by definition not a bike as you keep calling it,more that nasty place between a car and a bike it is a Trike.
Great review and I enjoy your video's but would not be seen dead on that Frankenstein creation!
Cheers Polecat. I’d say it’s a few steps closer to a bike than a trike as it can’t stand on its own and the front wheels are ver close together. Also the handling is extremely bike like! I reckon you’d change your mind if you had a go. I’m not saying you’d buy one, but the ride was surprisingly good.
I have no idea why anyone would buy this over the MT09 given the price/wanker premium...
are you disabled mate i guess not this will give a lot of riders a new lees on life including me ;)
The feeling of security in the corners will definitely appeal to many. Sadly I don't think it will be a great choice for disabled riders as it has no self stabilising ability. If you don't put your feet down, it falls over. And then you have to lift it back up again!
Is for them dream too drive a real motorcycle....
But it is a real motorcycle, just with three wheels!
@@AndyManCam Absolutely not , hehe, real motorcycle has 2 wheels, I drive it, the different is big, is too handle a vehicle with 2 wheels and the front wheels where u easily can tip u bike if u be too hard when u brake front wheels, this with 3 u dont have this...
Yeah OK, so it’s a little bit different! A motorbike without any of the danger!! 😂
Sorry but this bike looks like a crime against motorcycling.
I sat on it at this year's auto show in Portland Oregon and fell in love instantly and if I had $16,000.00, I would be riding one now