Yamaha Invites You to Ride the Revolution with Niken, A New Three-Wheeled Sportbike
Yamaha took Nike’s advice to ‘Just Do It’ by creating the 2019 Yamaha ‘Niken’, a three-wheeled sport trike that will be made available in the second half of 2018.
The three wheels have been partnered with an advanced CP3 inline 3-cyinder motor derived from the award-winning MT-09. But instead of being cast from aluminum, Niken’s frame was welded from tubular steel. Combined with a pair of 15-inch front wheels and the support of inverted forks that hinges at their crowns, Niken is perfectly able to cut through corners like any other two-wheeler.
Unveiled at EICMA in Tokyo, the Niken is unlike other three-wheeled motorcycles released before, like the Piaggio MP3. This is far from being a scooter as you straddle it like a motorcycle. It has an 847cc liquid-cooled, DOHC triple with the standard six-speed transmission, an electric quickshifter, and a slip-assist clutch for shifting and control of the revs. Its two contact patches in the front (and fully adjustable suspension) gives it the ability to carry a 45-degree lean angle.
Other exciting features of the Niken are Yamaha’s ride-by-wire throttle system, adjustable throttle mapping, traction control, ABS, and integrated cruise control. The bike has “graceful curves” that highlight the “mass-forward” design to “show off the unique LMW system” and a selectable ‘D-MODE’ for the option to choose from three throttle valves with just a push of the button.
Niken’s complete range of technologies provides riders to feel comfortable on the three-wheeled sport bike while also offering enough speed and cornering ability to make things exciting and fun.