The real testament to the prowess of the Niken is the environment which it is being tested. Up in higher elevation with cold tires and this thing handles like it's taking a stroll in the park. What a feat of engineering!
bought a Spyder last year after coming off a Goldwing due to hip problems. This looks like I can get back into 2 wheel like riding and still cope with my hip limitations. Good on Yamaha for producing this.
Kudos to Yamaha for 'taking a risk' on the Niken. Clearly, there seems to be some appetite for this thing, or else, they would have not have built it. In any case, sales success or not, the engineering required to make the Niken has definitely upgraded Yamaha's capabilities, and they are now seen as advancing the scene through technology.
Niken isn't excatly my cup of tea, but this review was very informative. Your channel deserves so much more views than it's getting, hope to see it grow and prosper in the future!
Only inline-3 engine made (that I know of) that was "flat-plane"(180° like an F800GS with an additional piston between, going the opposite direction) was the Laverda Jota until 1982, then switched to the same 120º phasing that every inline triple in the world has used. Yeah it's "crossplane" but only by definition. Yamaha is treating it like some kind of marketing genius. Daytona 675R : crossplane Speed triple 1050: crossplane Tiger 1215: crossplane Rocket III: crossplane Yamaha MT-09: crossplane MV Agusta Brutale 800: crossplane Benelli TNT 1130R: crossplane Ford Fiesta 1.0L Ecoboost: crossplane Geo Metro 1.0L: crossplane BMW i8 1.5L: crossplane Call it what they want I guess. The Laverta Jota was the only remarkable inline-3 that deserved some "flatplane" marketing buzz.
It seems as tho the bike handles great. I like how Yamaha can produce something that isn't the norm. Can't wait to see one here in Florida and get to do a test ride. Saw the bike at Daytona Bike Week and it looks very interesting. "I'm Like-in the Niken".
I would expect it to center stand when stopped - a huge advantage. Plus be able to position the bike in a tight spot. Most of all, I'd buy this bike simply for the unique riding experience.
What up brotha' Heed!?! Love the 1st part of this review and the Niken tok!!! I've been excited for this since I saw it as a concept bike a while back! How tall is the seat height on the Niken? Is it the same as the seat height of the FZ/MT 09? Or is it taller/shorter?
Amazing location. Interesting machine. I can't see myself buying one, the weight, complexity and price seems like too much of a penalty for any extra grip, but I'd love a ride just to know what it's like.
Joric78 and I think that’s the downfall off this machine. Everyone thinks it’s kinda cool but I don’t know anyone that wants to buy one. I personally don’t see it being very successful.
Yeah, and the lack of any sort of low speed lock out means it isn't even suitable for disabled riders. I wonder if I'll actually ever see one on the road?
I think it will sell well because people will think it's safer. I'm not convinced it is significantly safer, but some people see three wheels and just assume so. I think an entry level self balancing version will do really well.
Ian Jacob That's exactly how I feel about it. Super cool looking, very unique. But, I'm not sure I'd want to be one of the first to buy it. I do want one, but I'll be waiting for the used market once full reviews are out.
You know I mean sure it's like skiing.. More like a Snow Mobile though am I wrong in saying that the the basic architecture of a Snowmobile: rear mono drive in that it powers the only rear wheel or track in the snowmobiles' case with 2 front points of contact to guide and steer the vehicle. I bet with a studded rear tire and 2 ski's up front this thing would be a beast in the snow. Hell I bet it would be good stock just with studded tires.
I get that they were trying to draw a comparison between snow and motorcycling, but could they have found a road with more cars on it? And buses! It does not seem like there has been enough (or any) advantage shown to justify the complexity. Tire selection will be limited, it weighs 150 pounds more than an MT09 and costs $7K more. I can't see it but I do appreciate that Yamaha tries new things.
I wonder how it does on things like snow, it would be really cool to have a trike that works al year round in Canada. Or I wonder if Yamaha could modify it to do that
I have just watched this again. If only Yamaha had supplied this machine with the relatively cheap technology that allows a bike to stand up on its own, I think their sales of this brilliant bike would have been better. Such a shame they are discontinuing it. I am trying to find one for sale in Thailand.
I get 50 mpg with my XSR on the CP triple. Half cruising around and half throttle pinned seeing how fast I can go.. Great engine. Pushing an extra 100+ pounds on this thing though? Do you think they'll make one of these Nikens with the MT10 engine? Seems it would need more power.
BWX Iv also thought about this. Everyone loves the fz09 engine it’s great and punchy and lots of fun but in the niken I don’t even think it would feel very fast. Especially when all the weight is on the front of the bike it’s not really prone to wheelies or anything fun.
Yeah I mean it's an amazing engine on the MT/ XSR, but that's pushing about 400 lbs. Add an extra 155 lbs and still a great engine but not going to feel anything like it does on a lighter weight bike.
Just to echo BWX and refute MotoBoy, I get exactly 50 mpg (4.7L per 100km) from my 2016 XSR 900 with an approximate 80:20 ratio of town to highway riding, based on 16-17,000km riding in the last 15 months in a central European city.
Adam, I realize the front suspension is quite complex, how robust does it appear to have been built and what about any required maintenance such as alignment etc.?
This bike would be great for those disabled people that want to enjoy riding a motorcycle. That's probably what Yamaha thought in building this bike. Just my 2 cents.
I doubt it will be a huge flop as you say. I don't see them flying off the shelves but it's certainly interesting. I've been riding sport bikes for 19 years... mostly R6's and R1's. I currently ride an FZ-10 which I absolutely love! It's not as aggressive as an R1 but on our back roads here and in the mountains you don't have to be all over the shifter with the FZ10. The torque delivery is very linear and the ergonomics of the FZ are so much more fun than the R1 was. I agree with most people that wish this was equipped with the 1000CC engine but it's certainly too early to tell. I'm very interested in this bike as a test ride and something to get my wife back into riding. For me it's a YES since it'll hopefully get her back in the saddle and will allow our 12 year old daughter to ride with her as a passenger but at the same time will give me a "unique" vehicle to ride when I want to. This is my complete answer to the Can-AM Spyder that we were considering before. I know they're 2 significantly different machines but the Spyder is just a wheeled snow mobile where this is in a class of it's own. I say give it a chance!
The real testament to the prowess of the Niken is the environment which it is being tested. Up in higher elevation with cold tires and this thing handles like it's taking a stroll in the park. What a feat of engineering!
I didn't realise you had your own channel, Adam. As just about my favourite reviewer, I have subscribed.
Thanks man.
bought a Spyder last year after coming off a Goldwing due to hip problems. This looks like I can get back into 2 wheel like riding and still cope with my hip limitations. Good on Yamaha for producing this.
Kudos to Yamaha for 'taking a risk' on the Niken. Clearly, there seems to be some appetite for this thing, or else, they would have not have built it.
In any case, sales success or not, the engineering required to make the Niken has definitely upgraded Yamaha's capabilities, and they are now seen as advancing the scene through technology.
no poor decision in any view from yamaha or yamaha owners , eh? : )
Niken isn't excatly my cup of tea, but this review was very informative. Your channel deserves so much more views than it's getting, hope to see it grow and prosper in the future!
I have the GT. This is One of the few reviews where the presenter actually knows how the bike is put together.
He is such a good reviewer. My favourite one.
Only inline-3 engine made (that I know of) that was "flat-plane"(180° like an F800GS with an additional piston between, going the opposite direction) was the Laverda Jota until 1982, then switched to the same 120º phasing that every inline triple in the world has used. Yeah it's "crossplane" but only by definition. Yamaha is treating it like some kind of marketing genius.
Daytona 675R : crossplane
Speed triple 1050: crossplane
Tiger 1215: crossplane
Rocket III: crossplane
Yamaha MT-09: crossplane
MV Agusta Brutale 800: crossplane
Benelli TNT 1130R: crossplane
Ford Fiesta 1.0L Ecoboost: crossplane
Geo Metro 1.0L: crossplane
BMW i8 1.5L: crossplane
Call it what they want I guess. The Laverta Jota was the only remarkable inline-3 that deserved some "flatplane" marketing buzz.
It seems as tho the bike handles great. I like how Yamaha can produce something that isn't the norm. Can't wait to see one here in Florida and get to do a test ride. Saw the bike at Daytona Bike Week and it looks very interesting. "I'm Like-in the Niken".
I would expect it to center stand when stopped - a huge advantage. Plus be able to position the bike in a tight spot. Most of all, I'd buy this bike simply for the unique riding experience.
What up brotha' Heed!?! Love the 1st part of this review and the Niken tok!!! I've been excited for this since I saw it as a concept bike a while back!
How tall is the seat height on the Niken? Is it the same as the seat height of the FZ/MT 09? Or is it taller/shorter?
Hello. Great review but I wish I could have seen the motorcycle.
Amazing location. Interesting machine. I can't see myself buying one, the weight, complexity and price seems like too much of a penalty for any extra grip, but I'd love a ride just to know what it's like.
Joric78 and I think that’s the downfall off this machine. Everyone thinks it’s kinda cool but I don’t know anyone that wants to buy one. I personally don’t see it being very successful.
Yeah, and the lack of any sort of low speed lock out means it isn't even suitable for disabled riders. I wonder if I'll actually ever see one on the road?
I think it will sell well because people will think it's safer. I'm not convinced it is significantly safer, but some people see three wheels and just assume so. I think an entry level self balancing version will do really well.
Ian Jacob That's exactly how I feel about it. Super cool looking, very unique. But, I'm not sure I'd want to be one of the first to buy it. I do want one, but I'll be waiting for the used market once full reviews are out.
"If we needed get to Mars tomorrow, Yamaha Engineers would figure out a way" Best line ever.
You know I mean sure it's like skiing.. More like a Snow Mobile though am I wrong in saying that the the basic architecture of a Snowmobile: rear mono drive in that it powers the only rear wheel or track in the snowmobiles' case with 2 front points of contact to guide and steer the vehicle. I bet with a studded rear tire and 2 ski's up front this thing would be a beast in the snow. Hell I bet it would be good stock just with studded tires.
I get that they were trying to draw a comparison between snow and motorcycling, but could they have found a road with more cars on it? And buses!
It does not seem like there has been enough (or any) advantage shown to justify the complexity. Tire selection will be limited, it weighs 150 pounds more than an MT09 and costs $7K more. I can't see it but I do appreciate that Yamaha tries new things.
That Niken is pretty cool. Great review Heed!
Glad you enjoyed watching this one, Tim.
Very nice video, does it counter steer just as a motorcycle?
concepts are becoming reality.. kudos to Japanese engineering prowess..
I wonder how it does on things like snow, it would be really cool to have a trike that works al year round in Canada. Or I wonder if Yamaha could modify it to do that
Lol, I got a kick out your comment. You could put small studs in the tires...
I need one for winter riding.
Great vid mang
I have just watched this again. If only Yamaha had supplied this machine with the relatively cheap technology that allows a bike to stand up on its own, I think their sales of this brilliant bike would have been better. Such a shame they are discontinuing it. I am trying to find one for sale in Thailand.
Nice dude. Thanks for sounding off.
@@AdamWaheed Cheers, Adam.
Great bike I've got an mp3 love it. Yahaya need to have this bike lock in the upright position like piaggio does then everyone would love it
I get 50 mpg with my XSR on the CP triple. Half cruising around and half throttle pinned seeing how fast I can go.. Great engine. Pushing an extra 100+ pounds on this thing though? Do you think they'll make one of these Nikens with the MT10 engine? Seems it would need more power.
BWX Iv also thought about this. Everyone loves the fz09 engine it’s great and punchy and lots of fun but in the niken I don’t even think it would feel very fast. Especially when all the weight is on the front of the bike it’s not really prone to wheelies or anything fun.
Yeah I mean it's an amazing engine on the MT/ XSR, but that's pushing about 400 lbs. Add an extra 155 lbs and still a great engine but not going to feel anything like it does on a lighter weight bike.
Lol nobody is getting 50 MPG with Yamaha's triple....
Actually lots of people do get 50 mpg. It's not like you're riding like you were on the track all the time if you are on the street.
Just to echo BWX and refute MotoBoy, I get exactly 50 mpg (4.7L per 100km) from my 2016 XSR 900 with an approximate 80:20 ratio of town to highway riding, based on 16-17,000km riding in the last 15 months in a central European city.
Adam, I realize the front suspension is quite complex, how robust does it appear to have been built and what about any required maintenance such as alignment etc.?
HI David, sorry I missed this man.
I'm in Japan. I cant wait still winter!!
awesome .. especially to be able to ride in the Austrian alps!
Staling the niken now .or was iton neutral
Absolutely cool bike. Great video
17:57 "Thats what she said" !!
Lol.
What kind of rubber are they running?
+1 to your LED headlight comments
More useful for an all year full tourer but well done Yamaha.
Rear fork? 🤔
New to your channel. Nice review.
Top speed?
Great now i have to buy 3 tires !!!
Michael Kastner let alone how many fork seals will need to be replaced.
This bike would be great for those disabled people that want to enjoy riding a motorcycle. That's probably what Yamaha thought in building this bike. Just my 2 cents.
If you can't ride a motorcycle you can't ride this. The controls are all the same and the bike will fall over just like any normal bike.
Not stable enough for disabled riders.. CANAM 3-wheeler works great..
I pass whenever and wherever i see fit!!
yamaha, we want a WR400R-450R
Top speed
What a video, can't even see the damn bike.
When you start riding Ihad to go To much bluttering to my taste
X was du mir das es was
This will be a HUGE Flop !!!!!!! Why do we need to take turns on the street faster? My CBR-1000RR-SP2 takes turns fast enough!!!!
Oh don't be a hater.
None of us knows what it will be. Let the market decide.
I doubt it will be a huge flop as you say. I don't see them flying off the shelves but it's certainly interesting. I've been riding sport bikes for 19 years... mostly R6's and R1's. I currently ride an FZ-10 which I absolutely love! It's not as aggressive as an R1 but on our back roads here and in the mountains you don't have to be all over the shifter with the FZ10. The torque delivery is very linear and the ergonomics of the FZ are so much more fun than the R1 was. I agree with most people that wish this was equipped with the 1000CC engine but it's certainly too early to tell. I'm very interested in this bike as a test ride and something to get my wife back into riding. For me it's a YES since it'll hopefully get her back in the saddle and will allow our 12 year old daughter to ride with her as a passenger but at the same time will give me a "unique" vehicle to ride when I want to. This is my complete answer to the Can-AM Spyder that we were considering before. I know they're 2 significantly different machines but the Spyder is just a wheeled snow mobile where this is in a class of it's own. I say give it a chance!
Adam, Bottom line... is this worth the $16K to be that "Unique" rider that shows up at the bike gatherings, etc?
It's expensive. If it was around 12-13 I think the price would be more palatable.
The whole purpose of this bike is bollocks.