Rider Magazine likes the Yamaha Niken

[bhern]

Just received the latest issue yesterday, so only had time to skim the review, but they were very complimentary of it from a performance and handling standpoint.

Here's the review online: 2019 Yamaha Niken - First Ride Review

Expected retail price is around $16K.

[Bob Denman]

No desire to own one: but they are interesting!

[bhern]

No desire to own one: but they are interesting!

I loved one of the comments, saying it looked like an alien dropped on the planet to eat other motorcycles. It is definitely an interesting development.

[Bob Denman]

This is the one that dropped in for a snack...
But it arose from Hell: not dropped from another Planet!

tomahawak_2.jpg

[blacklightning]

In my opinion, it is definitely an ugly bike. But at the same time, I hope to be in the number to take one for a test ride when the Yamaha truck rolls around. Lots of good information in that article that really talked to me. Even though I like it, it is still ugly and I will probably not buy one. But I also said that about the F3 Series. I said they were ugly and I wouldn't buy one. Well, I still think it is kind of ugly, but I bought one and love it. The F3 sold itself on the ride alone. Who know's maybe this Yamaha will do the same thing.

[ARtraveler]

If this model is successful, it may be the start of other manufacturers getting into the three wheeler (two in front) market.

I am surprised they went with the Piaggio style here. Time will tell. Not for me.

I am still waiting for my next issue. The mailman is not done with it yet.

[blacklightning]

I am still waiting for my next issue. The mailman is not done with it yet.

As a former rural mail carrier, you may be more correct than you think. Lol!

[Arion]

Yep, just read the article as well. Doesn't interest me largely because, IMHO, it's the only contemporary bike I can think of that's uglier than a second generation Kawasaki Versys 650.

My leaning three wheeler experience is limited to the Piaggio MP3 500cc scooter. The safe but dramatic lean angles (something like 40 degrees) were amazing. More importantly, the "lock button" feature that could be engaged at a stop to prevent the thing from toppling over was an excellent feature. It automatically disengaged at something like 6 to 8 mph and off one could go leaning dramatically once again. Unless I've missed something the Niken doesn't include that feature, although it's possible it might be a future safety feature after enough of them topple over while stopped.

Don't recall what Honda calls their yet-to-be-released leaning three wheeler, but I remember it being much, as in much, better looking. But then to each his (or her) own, yes, no?

[Rogue Hawk]

If this model is successful, it may be the start of other manufacturers getting into the three wheeler (two in front) market.

That is what I hope for. I am on two wheels now, but I would like to get a three wheeler that is Japanese. But this Yammy is too ugly.

[ARtraveler]

That is what I hope for. I am on two wheels now, but I would like to get a three wheeler that is Japanese. But this Yammy is too ugly.

I believe that MANY are now in the wait and see mode. I am thinking that the first company that does a three wheeler similar to the Spyder, is going to have a LOT of first year sales.

However--be prepared to have your trade in--undervalued again.

Most would jump on a Honda without much persuasion.

[Rob Rodriguez]

I'm in the "wait and see mode".

I don't mind the looks of the Niken but I don't like that you have to hold it up.
I'd like to see Honda bring out a production Neowing....or something like it.

I'd have no issues with buying another Spyder but for that to happen BRP needs to build a bike I want and they currently don't.

We will see what September brings.

In the meantime I'm heading out on a western states tour with my RS in a couple weeks.

[Grandpot]

Is the kickstand optional?

[isthatahemi]

If you consider dropping the bike every time you get off an option lol. This isn’t a mobility scooter, it’s a 3 wheeled sport tourer, particularly the Niken GT.