2018 Yamaha Nikon three wheeler

[FIRECAT]

At The 10 year homecoming anniversary in Valcourt I told Jose Bousouli and DennyLapoint about the new up-and-coming Yamaha three wheeler and told them they better get moving on a new sport tilting model to replace the RRS! They did not take me too seriously nor was I even sure but Yamaha just released last week A production model available this spring! Quite a weapon with a 900 3 cylinder change drive and only 3 feet wide still needs a kickstand not as stable as a spider but definitely way more performance orientated! Now I’m not one to jump to a different brand but after my test ride it fits everything I think it might be I might be going over to the Japanese side of things! Check this thing out on YouTube it will Rev your heart! LOL! Will not be interesting to the senior crowd but definitely for beginners women and midlife crisis people like myself LOL! Also should pull the sport two wheelers to the three wheel side due to the fact it handles just like a two wheeler I can’t wait to try it ! Please chime in on your thoughts and comments about this after watching video and checking out photos! Not sure on pricing yet but there are two wheeler 900 is 8000 US 9700 Canadian so I’m thinking they will be delivering this under 14,000 A mere pittance compared to the price of F3!!!

[FIRECAT]

At The 10 year homecoming anniversary in Valcourt I told Jose Bousouli and DennyLapoint about the new up-and-coming Yamaha three wheeler and told them they better get moving on a new sport tilting model to replace the RRS! They did not take me too seriously nor was I even sure but Yamaha just released last week A production model available this spring! Quite a weapon with a 900 3 cylinder change drive and only 3 feet wide still needs a kickstand not as stable as a spider but definitely way more performance orientated! Now I’m not one to jump to a different brand but after my test ride it fits everything I think it might be I might be going over to the Japanese side of things! Check this thing out on YouTube it will Rev your heart! LOL! Will not be interesting to the senior crowd but definitely for beginners women and midlife crisis people like myself LOL! Also should pull the sport two wheelers to the three wheel side due to the fact it handles just like a two wheeler I can’t wait to try it ! Please chime in on your thoughts and comments about this after watching video and checking out photos! Not sure on pricing yet but there are two wheeler 900 is 8000 US 9700 Canadian so I’m thinking they will be delivering this under 14,000 A mere pittance compared to the price of F3!!!
Hey Lamont what do you think of this thing

[pauly1]

There probably is a small subset of the Spyder community that would opt for a less stable platform. Piaggio has had this design out for a few years but I've yet to see one on the road. Performance needs to be vetted.

We've ridden the current competition but keep coming back to the Spyder for safety and performance.

Wayne

[bscrive]

It's definitely a looker. But, unless they offer a semi auto transmission and vertical locking when stopping then this would not be something my wife would want. She really likes the stability that the Spyder offers coming to a stop. If they do end up coming up with that, or the NEOwing comes out then all bets are off. nojoke

[Highwayman2013]

Ugly

[IGETAROUND]

That is a fine looking machine with great lean angles, if priced right should do well:yes::clap::ohyea::thumbup::popcorn::popcorn:: popcorn::popcorn:

[Chupaca]

Been all over the place in the internet. They are really pushing it but I have to say it is a lot of hardwear on a sport bike and seems it will be a fun ride but most will go home to the two wheeler/three wheelers they have and enjoy. There will be some who will go for it no doubt...jmo :thumbup:

[Pirate looks at --]

Not too sure I see the point, it does not offer the stability of a Spyder, nor the nimbleness of a two wheeler??????:dontknow:

[BajaRon]

Not too sure I see the point, it does not offer the stability of a Spyder, nor the nimbleness of a two wheeler??????:dontknow:

I agree. Seems like adding weight and technology (that you can't afford to have go wrong) just to be able to lean. It does not appeal to me. But who knows. It might if I rode one.

i am sure there is a niche group that it will attract. How big that group will be is anybody's guess at this point. I am sure Yamaha has done market surveys. But those don't always pan out either.

By the way. It is a Yamaha Niken (not Nikon). Though several places refer to it as a Nikon for some reason.

[HankD]

Not too sure I see the point, it does not offer the stability of a Spyder, nor the nimbleness of a two wheeler??????:dontknow:

I look at it from a completely different perspective. The Niken would likely be much more nimble than a Spyder, and more stable than a normal two wheeler. I like it, and it will probably end up in my garage depending on reviews. Either as a replacement to my Spyder, or an addition to it.

Hank

[jcthorne]

So it does not have the stability of a Spyder and it does not have the speed of a sport bike.

So what is it that its actually supposed to do better than either one of those? Just do not see any advantage to this unless it was self stabilizing and could hold itself upright at low or zero speed. Without that, its just a fat slow bike with an extra wheel.

I truly do no think BRP is at all concerned with it. There is very little market for BRP in the sport bike area. The RSS did not sell and is why its gone.

[FIRECAT]

Sorry about misspelling the name must be my French Canadian spelling getting in the way! As a Snowmobiler first What drew me to the spider stability is a similar stance on the ground when stopping although I do spend a day every year my local Yamaha dealer by the end of day I am secure on two wheelers! My 2012 RSS is getting long in the tooth mileage is getting way up there so I am looking for a new one highly considering of F3 S could do the trick! A Thorough test ride of the niken Would make it or break it!!! so anyway it doesn’tlook like a very good cross country ride as their bikes are pretty naked!! Right after test ride I will give a full report I have my impressions!!

[MercerLake]

I'm surprised that YAMAHA would come out with something so ugly! That front end has to weigh a ton! But beauty being in the eye of the beholder, it doesn't fit mine.nojoke

[FIRECAT]

Total wet wait with anti-freeze and gas and oil is only 578 pounds where the RSS dry weight is 700+++ also wait is balanced 50-50 when Ryder is on it front to back

[BajaRon]

Sorry about misspelling the name must be my French Canadian spelling getting in the way! As a Snowmobiler first What drew me to the spider stability is a similar stance on the ground when stopping although I do spend a day every year my local Yamaha dealer by the end of day I am secure on two wheelers! My 2012 RSS is getting long in the tooth mileage is getting way up there so I am looking for a new one highly considering of F3 S could do the trick! A Thorough test ride of the niken Would make it or break it!!! so anyway it doesn’tlook like a very good cross country ride as their bikes are pretty naked!! Right after test ride I will give a full report I have my impressions!!

Not your fault. Several places on Google list it (erroneously) as a Nikon. At least you have a lot of company in this 'error'! :thumbup:

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

By the way. It is a Yamaha Niken (not Nikon). Though several places refer to it as a Nikon for some reason.
Maybe because spell checkers know about the camera?

[ARtraveler]

Yup! Caught the spelling glitch. "Niken." Had to search it on line.

Two things come to mind. As Highwayman said--"Ugly."

:agree: x 2.

Looks like a Piaggio on steroids. I am guessing this is an entry level test. If it takes off, Spyder could have some competition. I am not in the market for this one though.

[WA5VHU]

From what I understand the Piaggio MP3 is very popular in Europe and other places around the world where scooters are a mode of daily transportation, due to its superior cornering traction, especially on those slippery wet cobblestone streets. Seems that two wheels up front are better than one, even if they are rather close together. Sorry, but the Spyder only has pretty well only one wheel up front when cornering hard.

We don't buy as many MP3's in the US and the reason is "just because". You know how we are about something different or something we didn't come up with. Like how long it has taken the over-the-road truckers in the US to begin to accept automatic/autoshift transmissions vs. the rest of the world. Or motorcyclist for that matter.

I suspect the Yamaha Niken will be a screamer in the twisties!

They say the MP3 does nicely.
155482

[WA5VHU]

I find beauty is what you get used to. Anyone remember when the F3 first came out? :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

[ARtraveler]

I find beauty is what you get used to. Anyone remember when the F3 first came out? :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:

Yup! Nobody wanted that Dodge Pickup. Surprise, surprise--now it seems to be the one everyone likes. :firstplace::firstplace:

[SXSMachine]

The Niken was ugly as a prototype and they didnt change it for production. The claim some sports bike heritage to it but suspension like that isnt sportsbike handling but you CAN make sportbike handling suspension.

They should have waited til the had the OR2T as a 3 and 4 wheeler (shame USA and Australia are the only 2 significant markets where you cant have 4 wheelers (some spots in US yes)) put the production finishes and gone with that although I'd like to see how it corners with its slab sided front end that close together.

If the Niken succeeds it will possibly take 3 years to take off and possibly thats why they are going with a bike they can easily trump themselves.

The big thing I think for Spyder product will be if Honda put the Neowing in the market, but they rarely do things first where-as Yamaha do (1980 GTS 1000 monoside front end). If Honda does put in the Neowing it will be to win that category not come second.

Be safe on the roads coming to Winter you Nthner's!! :thumbup:

[ofdave]

the Niken gets more press here than in the papers

a. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...65#post1312465 (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?109050-Leaning-3-Wheeler&p=1312465#post1312465)
b. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/s...09063-YAMAHA-3 (http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?109063-YAMAHA-3)
c. http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?109087-YAMAHA-NIKEL&p=1312584#post1312584
d. this one

read 'em all
many opinions for sure
I think a slow start and then they'll sell the heck out of them

[SXSMachine]

I think a slow start and then they'll sell the heck out of them

Its a starter bike but they make the wrong claims....

[ofdave]

Its a starter bike but they make the wrong claims....


I meant slow sales to begin and then it would catch on and sell well.
I don't know any claims they make to be wrong since I haven't seen or ridden one.
It hardly seems like a starter bike to me, that would be a Honda rebel 300 or TU250 or the like.
My guess is that Honda will be along with their Neowing in a couple years after Yamaha tests the market.

[JerryB]

Hi WA5VHU,

Re: From what I understand the Piaggio MP3 is very popular in Europe

1 1/2 yrs ago I spent about two weeks in France, mostly in Paris. They were EVERYWHERE; very popular.

Your attached photo looks like it could have been taken in Paris,

Jerry Baumchen

[SXSMachine]

I meant slow sales to begin and then it would catch on and sell well.

Oh I got you, it must have been me that was not clear I was agreeing with you! :thumbup:

Yep we are in total agreement except I know that suspension is not optimal because I know why its not optimal. Maybe it can keep up with a sportsbike ridden by someone else but ridden back to back the two wheeler should always be faster even if you took weight and "flikability" out of the equation.

Here's to what's coming and what rings everyones bell.

[PocoToro]

https://autos.maxabout.com/bikes/yamaha/niken

I found a "price" for the Yamaha Niken in India ₹ 16,00,000
Now if my currency converter is right $24,476.81 US
Depending on import duties.............Id guess $16,000 to $18,000 US
List for a base F3 is $20,800 and it comes with a frunk. no storage in the Niken

[artig]

Having ridden a Piaggio MP3 for some distance, and having owned 2-wheel scooters in the past, I wouldn't have any objection to keeping one in the garage if it had had some more power. More or less like the Yamaha Niken. The two front wheels makes it feel much more stable in corners, especially ones with gravel or uneven surface as often experienced here. It could be held upright by locking the suspension, so no need for feet down when coming to a stop. I still have a 2-wheeler to get the lean in corners, and if the Yamaha comes here at a decent price it might well end up replacing my Spyder and my F650GS.

[ataDude]

...still needs a kickstand...

Do I have a deal for you! Click below:

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?12326-New-must-have-accessory

;)

[HIspyder]

Anything with a chain drive is enough to make me look the other way.

[SpyderSkeets]

Having stability with the Spyder is great, but that isn't the main reason I bought one. I bought one because it is different. There is something alluring to the Spyder and it catches the eye of almost everyone, whether they like it or not. In my opinion, it is one of the coolest looking things on the road that is in my financial reach. ALMOST every motorcycle I see on the road is cookie cutter. This Niken doesn't look much different than any bike of that class, except with two wheels in the front. That being said, if the Spyder did not exist, I might be tempted.

[isthatahemi]

There probably is a small subset of the Spyder community that would opt for a less stable platform. Piaggio has had this design out for a few years but I've yet to see one on the road. Performance needs to be vetted.

We've ridden the current competition but keep coming back to the Spyder for safety and performance.

Wayne

Something to consider; 30% higher cornering grip threshold (~.7G vs ~1.0G) puts the Niken in another realm vs the Spyder. Im not certain that the traction control will be as invasive as on the Spyder, but the vastly higher limits, superior acceleration and braking, will mean this design has a lot of “baked in” stability. If Yamaha incorporates a stability system into it, safety won’t be comparable, it will landslide in favour of the Niken.

Add to that no centripetal force trying to dislodge you when turning, I can’t picture a scenario where safety would be compromised? It’s not an unproven design or layout, just an unproven/unknown version of it. I am a die-hard, 2000+mile a year snowmobiler, 1000+ mile a year ATV’r. I like the platform and feel of both, but the Spyder misses the mark that both those machines hit, mostly when ridden hard. For cruising, the Spyder is probably king. On road there is nothing like the completely neutral / natural feel of a motorcycle, but they are so flawed with regards to safety, as the front end is just too unreliable.

I intend to purchase one of these (sold the Spyder), and the only thing I foresee missing is, in my humble opinion, worlds best engine, the V-Twin. Everything an engine should be, character, torque, horsepower, and the best soundtrack of any machine, ever.

[Mad Mac]

Don't worry, Yamaha will perfect it. They, like Honda, will run the crap out of it and put it thru it's paces. The Japs have the money and technology to back-up any design they wish to market. And I will guarantee you, that the Japs will have the "BUGS" worked out before it or anything hits the market for consumption!! Mad Mac:lecturef_smilie:

[isthatahemi]

Lol - I guess you’ve never owned a first year Yamaha product? They are THE WORST company in the past 15 years or so with first year defects. I got burnt, so did a bunch of my buddies. Yamaha is not what you think, nor what it used to be. I could list the huge list of first year botches, but let’s name a few; Phazer, Nytro, Apex, R6, Kodiak ATV, 2014 FZ09. All those were riddled with huge design or engineering defects, (first hand experience here for most of them, I swore off buying any yamhas forever, would have to make an exception here). Most BRP, Ford, and Honda stuff had been nearly flawless in my experience by comparison. Yamaha has a weird track record of engineering awesome technology, and screwing up the implementation. They always sort it out, but the above list has so many recalls, TSB’s, updates, and lawsuits you would be staggered if I detailed them all.

[Lew L]

I'll stick with my old, slow V-Max. BUT----- as a Yamaha product------ it has never given me any mechanical trouble and has shown it's taillight to many a bike and all the cars.


but I don't race any more.

Lew L

[Mad Mac]

Lol - I guess you’ve never owned a first year Yamaha product? They are THE WORST company in the past 15 years or so with first year defects. I got burnt, so did a bunch of my buddies. Yamaha is not what you think, nor what it used to be. I could list the huge list of first year botches, but let’s name a few; Phazer, Nytro, Apex, R6, Kodiak ATV, 2014 FZ09. All those were riddled with huge design or engineering defects, (first hand experience here for most of them, I swore off buying any yamhas forever, would have to make an exception here). Most BRP, Ford, and Honda stuff had been nearly flawless in my experience by comparison. Yamaha has a weird track record of engineering awesome technology, and screwing up the implementation. They always sort it out, but the above list has so many recalls, TSB’s, updates, and lawsuits you would be staggered if I detailed them all.

My experience w/ Yamaha has been a good one or I didn't run it hard enough to break it(Phazer (snowmobile), V-max (motorcycle & snowmobiles), virago, boat motors, quads(Grizzlies). Plus numerous Honda's( about 25 of them). The Japs cross-engineer most of their recreational products and they (at the time I was a service manager) manufacture enough spare parts to take care of the products they sell, way better dealer network than BRP has at the time. Now I'm not going to sit here and bash the hell out of BRP, I do like their
side by side line(Maverick/Commander) and snowmobile product line, very high performance oriented. I am a retired Moto-x and desert racer from the late 70's and off and on in the 80's and 90's when Uncle Sam would allow me the time. I just hope I have the same kind of reliability with this machine as I had with my Jap bikes, like my '94 and '03 Gold Wing's, put the key in, start, and go. Just the way I like it when I'm on the road recreating and seeing what this country and yours(yes, I've been up that way also) has to offer. Mac:doorag:

[SXSMachine]

Gotta LOVE a V-Max. Thats a bike to but a double front end on. I'd definately take that in an instant, depending on the styling even over the Honda Neowing. Its a bike that deserves to be ridden at leaning front end potential. :bowdown:

[ARtraveler]

https://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.png A New Trend is Happening
Yamaha has a new "tourer" on the market.

The Eluder. It is a "re-birth" of the Venture Touring. It will be sold "less" touring topcase.

This one will be an 1800 cc V-twin, has analog gauges. Weight 873#. The entry level is $22,499. About $500 less than the 1800cc/6 wing.

The article:
Before I rode the Yamaha Star Eluder, I wondered if it should be called the Enigma. As a package, the motorcycle didn't immediately make sense to me.

The Eluder is essentially the Venture touring motorcycle Yamaha introduced last year without the top box, passenger backrest, rear speakers and the Sure-Park feature (an electric motor that helps the rider maneuver into parking spots). There are some other minor styling differences, such as blacked-out parts on the Eluder, but it still has two defining elements that struck me as contrasting when I saw them on the Venture: a thoroughly modern and full-featured touch screen infotainment system and electronic rider aids package coupled with a very traditional, low-revving, air-cooled V-twin engine.
I'll get to the riding impression in a minute (skip ahead if you just want the review), but before I even threw a leg over the Eluder, I was eager to ask the Yamaha execs why they chose this engine for their touring bikes.

A link to my original thread with some pictures.

http://www.spyderlovers.com/forums/showthread.php?110507-A-New-Trend-is-Happening

[SXSMachine]

I'll go to the link in a minute but I would three wheel the MT01- which was never brought to the US - and it had the 1800cc aircooled engine its a mover n shaker in the street-sports format. I love it and its number one on my bikes to buy now I have moved to a bike friendly place.. :thumbup:

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Yamaha_MT-01_-_2006_model_-_front_right.jpg/1536px-Yamaha_MT-01_-_2006_model_-_front_right.jpg

[KX5062]

Lol - I guess you’ve never owned a first year Yamaha product? They are THE WORST company in the past 15 years or so with first year defects. I got burnt, so did a bunch of my buddies. Yamaha is not what you think, nor what it used to be. I could list the huge list of first year botches, but let’s name a few; Phazer, Nytro, Apex, R6, Kodiak ATV, 2014 FZ09. All those were riddled with huge design or engineering defects, (first hand experience here for most of them, I swore off buying any yamhas forever, would have to make an exception here). Most BRP, Ford, and Honda stuff had been nearly flawless in my experience by comparison. Yamaha has a weird track record of engineering awesome technology, and screwing up the implementation. They always sort it out, but the above list has so many recalls, TSB’s, updates, and lawsuits you would be staggered if I detailed them all.


That is just flat out not true. Yamaha is considered to be the best motorcycle manufacturer in the world, ranking right up there with Honda in overall quality.

If you or your buddies got lemons, which all companies have, then sorry. However, to say they are "worst" motorcycle manufacturer on the planet for first year model defects is completely wrong. There is plenty of documentation around to disprove your assertion.

[dndfindley]

Lol - I guess you’ve never owned a first year Yamaha product? They are THE WORST company in the past 15 years or so with first year defects. I got burnt, so did a bunch of my buddies. Yamaha is not what you think, nor what it used to be. I could list the huge list of first year botches, but let’s name a few; Phazer, Nytro, Apex, R6, Kodiak ATV, 2014 FZ09. All those were riddled with huge design or engineering defects, (first hand experience here for most of them, I swore off buying any yamhas forever, would have to make an exception here). Most BRP, Ford, and Honda stuff had been nearly flawless in my experience by comparison. Yamaha has a weird track record of engineering awesome technology, and screwing up the implementation. They always sort it out, but the above list has so many recalls, TSB’s, updates, and lawsuits you would be staggered if I detailed them all.

I could call fake news but I will give you the benefit of a doubt and say it is simply a case of you personally having a bad experience. Yamaha has been proven to be the most reliable motorcycle in the world. I have owned several Yamaha's and have been pleased with all of them. As to your statement about a first year Yamaha - I purchased a first year 2015 Yamaha FJ-09 with the VIN ending in 044 meaning it was the 44th machine coming off the line. I was the first person to have one in my area and I still have it. It has been totally trouble free, not a glitch or a hiccup. The FJ-09 (name changed to Tracer 900 for model year 2019) has the same engine as the Niken which is an 847cc inline triple putting out 115 crank horsepower. The Niken will be a little slower because it will weigh almost a hundred more pounds. However it will have better braking and most likely better handling at speed. I will wait for the reviews of the Niken by the motorcycle mag's just as I did with the FJ-09 and if they are what I think they will be I will buy one of the first ones at the dealer just as I did with my current Yamaha. Looks are subjective. I wouldn't call the Niken ugly although it does look a bit strange...and mean at the same time.

[missouriboy]

Something to consider; 30% higher cornering grip threshold (~.7G vs ~1.0G) puts the Niken in another realm vs the Spyder...????? 1.0 is nearly 43% higher than .7 :dontknow:

And that IS a LOT!

[isthatahemi]

That is just flat out not true. Yamaha is considered to be the best motorcycle manufacturer in the world, ranking right up there with Honda in overall quality.

If you or your buddies got lemons, which all companies have, then sorry. However, to say they are "worst" motorcycle manufacturer on the planet for first year model defects is completely wrong. There is plenty of documentation around to disprove your assertion.

If you ignore the tangible examples I gave, then I suppose you can keep believing in Yamaha. All the ones I mentioned were first year screwups. It’s not like I didn’t own a few of them, and in my circle we owned every example. If you are the type of person that loves what they buy, anything and everything is great. On the other end, there are haters, in between is someone like me who will call a winner, loser, or a non-event. But Yamaha has had first year issues, not all the time, but the worst I’ve ever seen had been from them.

bikes they do well, so I might still buy one, but I don’t pretend it couldn’t be in need of half a dozen updates at some point. My real issue with Yamaha is the deception that takes place after the sale, deny, deny, and then eventually fix it. Like the internet doesn’t exist. And there are too many sycophants out there postulating urban legends about their reliability. My Phazer with $9000 in warranty claims is but one example. Moving on../

[rnet]

I find beauty is what you get used to. Anyone remember when the F3 first came out? :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked: :shocked:Yes sir, and I still think the front is fugly, but I have one. Can't see the front when your sitting on it and it does not perform as good as my GS, but I'm working on it.

[Big F]

Not too sure I see the point, it does not offer the stability of a Spyder, nor the nimbleness of a two wheeler??????:dontknow:

I cannot see why someone would want the new Yamaha Niken as it still requires using a kick stand???????? No stability... GO SPYDER!!!
BIG F

[Buckeye Chuck 54]

It's too late in the game for me to try anything new. I'm sold on my '14 RT-S.
But it would be fun to see something new. Before my Spyder I rode Honda's for years.
Honda has been typically tight lipped on the Neowing. All I can find is pictures. No info on
engine size, just a flat 4, nothing on transmission. It's said to have 2 electric motors.
What's that mean? Run a gyroscope? Run a turbo?
The truth will come out.




I meant slow sales to begin and then it would catch on and sell well.
I don't know any claims they make to be wrong since I haven't seen or ridden one.
It hardly seems like a starter bike to me, that would be a Honda rebel 300 or TU250 or the like.
My guess is that Honda will be along with their Neowing in a couple years after Yamaha tests the market.

[den1953]

There's an outfit named Tilting Motor Works that makes a front end tilting trike kit for Harley Davidsons and Honda Gold Wings. Tilts up to 45 degrees and also has an available hydraulic stabilizer that holds the bike upright at stops and up to 3 mph in parking lots etc. There are some YouTube videos of the trike in action. They are also developing kits for Indian motorcycles.

[Rookiespyder]

Noooooo storage compartments ENOUGH SAID for me.

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

It's said to have 2 electric motors.
What's that mean?
It's a hybrid.

[FIRECAT]

So looks like the Niken will be arriving in the fall as a 2019 giving Yamaha these next few months to improve on it and get the bugs out of it! I’m not 100% sure it’s coming to Canada but likely I was looking at buying a new spider but I’m going to hold off and wait till the fall when Yamaha releases their niken and BRP may release their sport tilting spider that I have verification is in the works as we speak!! The future looks bright

[Highwayman2013]

So looks like the Niken will be arriving in the fall as a 2019 giving Yamaha these next few months to improve on it and get the bugs out of it! I’m not 100% sure it’s coming to Canada but likely I was looking at buying a new spider but I’m going to hold off and wait till the fall when Yamaha releases their niken and BRP may release their sport tilting spider that I have verification is in the works as we speak!! The future looks bright

Good luck. The only new thing I heard coming from BRP this year is a Spyder under $10,000.

[jcthorne]

I understand the need to market a 'loss leader' version of the Spyder. But its pretty hard for anyone that already owns and rides a Spyder to get too excited about it.

I REALLY hope they bring a performance version of the F3 to market one of these days. I see no need for a tilting version.

[Rob Rodriguez]

So looks like the Niken will be arriving in the fall as a 2019 giving Yamaha these next few months to improve on it and get the bugs out of it! I’m not 100% sure it’s coming to Canada but likely I was looking at buying a new spider but I’m going to hold off and wait till the fall when Yamaha releases their niken and BRP may release their sport tilting spider that I have verification is in the works as we speak!! The future looks bright


I received an email yesterday that said the Niken, and I quote "available the second half of 2018" which makes me believe it will show in the fall. Will be really good to test ride one of these.

I'm excited by the $9999 Spyder. Well, I will be if it has a more sport like riding position (not like the F3) and decent power. I could care less about all the creature comforts. Bare bones ride with a decent seating position and decent power (as much as the 998) and I'd buy one in a second.

[jcthorne]

I received an email yesterday that said the Niken, and I quote "available the second half of 2018" which makes me believe it will show in the fall. Will be really good to test ride one of these.

I'm excited by the $9999 Spyder. Well, I will be if it has a more sport like riding position (not like the F3) and decent power. I could care less about all the creature comforts. Bare bones ride with a decent seating position and decent power (as much as the 998) and I'd buy one in a second.

You will be disappointed.

F3 frame, 600cc motor, no power steering, single channel stability control, no abs, very little body work. No creature comforts. The lean forward riding position is gone. They could not sell them even when they did discount them to the 11k range. They sat on dealer showrooms.

There was rumor of a kit to move foot controls and pegs on an F3 rearward which would allow what you are looking for but have not heard any more about it in a long time. Perhaps that will be an option to come with the new bike. Could widen its market potential if both riding positions could be accommodated on one model.

[nhoj]

....F3 frame, 600cc motor, no power steering, single channel stability control, no abs, very little body work. No creature comforts. The lean forward riding position is gone. They could not sell them even when they did discount them to the 11k range. They sat on dealer showrooms.

What bike are you describing here?

[Peter Aawen]

What bike are you describing here?

The ST's & RSS's - ie, the Spyders that had the sportier riding positions. ;)

[nhoj]

The ST's & RSS's - ie, the Spyders that had the sportier riding positions. ;)

Don't think so. I rode an ST for 4 years and it didn't have a 600cc motor. He was speaking of some other bike.

[Rob Rodriguez]

You will be disappointed.

F3 frame, 600cc motor, no power steering, single channel stability control, no abs, very little body work. No creature comforts. The lean forward riding position is gone. They could not sell them even when they did discount them to the 11k range. They sat on dealer showrooms.

There was rumor of a kit to move foot controls and pegs on an F3 rearward which would allow what you are looking for but have not heard any more about it in a long time. Perhaps that will be an option to come with the new bike. Could widen its market potential if both riding positions could be accommodated on one model.


Well BRP continuously disappoints me in both the Spyder and Snowmobile world so I'm not holding my breath that the new Spyder will appeal to me. :)

Everything you describe sounds great though except the 600 motor and the F3 frame. Actually I don't care if it has the F3 frame as long as it doesn't have the cruiser riding position. I really don't see how a kit could give a person both riding positions with the current F3 frame (the seat would need to be higher, not just the pegs moved back...maybe the kit offers a different seat?) but maybe. If the new bike offered both seating positions that would work.

I think the sport seating position didn't sell in the RS, RSS, maybe even the ST was because people looking for that type of ride want more performance. I mean BRP sells a ton of RT's and the seating position is more "sport" or "straight" bike (ie, your feet are not touching your waist) than cruiser (more RS than F3). I bet the F3S doesn't sell that great either because its marketed as a performance bike yet its performance isn't any different than the other f3's. The only reason to buy that model is the cheaper price. At some point if BRP wants to sell a "performance" model Spyder they need to step up to the plate and actually build one. It's really that simple.

I understand they try and save money by offering one bike (same frame, same engine, same tires, same brakes, etc, etc) and then differentiate them buy adding storage, backrests, etc (essentially factory accessories) on them. But by doing that they can only appeal to a certain segment of the riding population. Not everyone wants a cruiser, not everyone wants a sport bike, not everyone wants to ride just pavement, to appeal to a broader market you have to build a broader range of bikes. BRP could still use the same strategy they use now. Build the 1330 and give it various performance levels (this could be done electronically), build 3 frames, one cruiser style, one sport style, one straight bike (RT) style. Use all the same switches, levers, tires, brakes, shocks etc, etc (just like they do now) on all three of the frames. Keep the unique components minimal. Then you appeal to a broader range of riders and still keep costs reasonable. Does this cost more? Absolutely. Its the old risk and reward thing. You want a larger reward (you want to sell more Spyder's) then you need to take more risks (spend more money, develop more models, appeal to more riders).

Now this is where someone replies and says they are just happy that BRP is still in business and offering a Spyder model.

[Peter Aawen]

Don't think so. I rode an ST for 4 years and it didn't have a 600cc motor. He was speaking of some other bike.

No, the first & second sentences in that quote from jc are all about the sub $10k Spyder, then he wrote "The lean forward riding position is gone", & in doing so, making a statement showing he'd closed off his sub $10k discussion; he then followed that with "They could not sell them even when they did discount them to the 11k range" which I read as being in reference to the ST's & RSS's with the lean forward riding position (that is now gone) which BRP could not sell when they discounted them to the $11k range - those ST's & RSS's with the sportier riding positions that were discounted that low STILL just sat in the dealer showrooms, which is why the sportier riding position is dead! :thumbup:

[pauly1]

There are differences in weight and drive train. The F3 and F3S have the original larger rear sprocket as was launched in 2015 and nominally 850 lb weight. The F3T and Ltd models have an RT sprocket, which reduces acceleration but improves fuel mileage. The RT models weigh in at 1150+ lb, which affects acceleration. The hp is 115 across all models, modesty for a sport bike and certainly for one that weighs 850 lb. The weight bias is forward allowing for a nice burn out but compromises acceleration due to wheel slip.

[jcthorne]

There are differences in weight and drive train. The F3 and F3S have the original larger rear sprocket as was launched in 2015 and nominally 850 lb weight. The F3T and Ltd models have an RT sprocket, which reduces acceleration but improves fuel mileage. The RT models weigh in at 1150+ lb, which affects acceleration. The hp is 115 across all models, modesty for a sport bike and certainly for one that weighs 850 lb. The weight bias is forward allowing for a nice burn out but compromises acceleration due to wheel slip.


Actually the S and the T have the large sprocket. The F3 base model and the Limited have the smaller RT sprocket on the 17 models. I think the 18s are the same but have not seen them in person yet.

[jbim]

I think there is a market (maybe big) for tilting 3-wheeler if someone can build one that is reasonably priced and performing. There's a guy on the west coast that offers a kit to convert Harley's and GW's to a tilting 3-wheeler see https://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/. Obviously some people are able and willing to ditch big money for a 3-wheeler bike. It looks like tilting 3-wheelers are coming so I hope Can-Am is working on one.

[MR. H1956]

Yes it is ugly. Looks like a crouch rocket with a third wheel. I wonder how it will handle on a wet road and what happens if one of the front tires hits a slick spot and looses traction in a curve.

[robhowen]

Very interesting as I'd never seen this.
Rob


https://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/.

[SXSMachine]

I think there is a market (maybe big) for tilting 3-wheeler if someone can build one that is reasonably priced and performing. There's a guy on the west coast that offers a kit to convert Harley's and GW's to a tilting 3-wheeler see https://www.tiltingmotorworks.com/. Obviously some people are able and willing to ditch big money for a 3-wheeler bike. It looks like tilting 3-wheelers are coming so I hope Can-Am is working on one.

Of course there is a market for 3 wheelers the Spyder is in it, in2012 the two models judged wee the Spyder and HD servicar for a total markey of $160mill US alone.

The tilting motorworks system was trash, I think they have been trying to improve it but the have no market penetration. The www.tremoto.com (http://www.tremoto.com) is better by a long way but no production models anyone who DOESn't want to ride a tilting 3 wheeler has forgotten what its like to knee down and lets face it as we age knee down isnt for everyone but a 1 degree radian of force on the rider absolutely positively is the most blissful feeling in your life, it is the feeling of pure ecstasy that provokes every rider to their first bike and beyond.

For years I worked with Tremoto thinking they could make the model I want but the width of a Tremoto is illegal in Australia, hell even the width of a Spyder and a servicar is Illegal and both of them prevent lane splitting and filtering up the the front of the lights. The Yamaha is in my opinion ugly as sin and sub-optimal in its hardware but it still could be a great ride. Theres also a time and a rider for the Spyder and Im not knocking that either but not getting a lot of changeover, 2012 figures showed the almost half the riders jumping onto a 3 wheeler it was their first bike.

I am building the prototype of my 3 wheeler as I speak and I am going to bring the offering I want to market because it will give spyder rider the stability they love at slow speeds and the 1 radian o force most riders want at high speeds so it may capture a lot of first time riders and a lot of change-over riders.

Its going to be wonderful!! I'll be relying on new technologies in manufacturing at the end of the day to bring this to life as making jigs for 5000 bikes isnt a cost a business can bare. A kit will lead to a custom to a bespoke to several models to a new vehicle....... so long as there is demand id keep going.

Anyone who wants to win the race be in the race! Let the year of the 3 wheeler roll on! :clap::clap::clap::clap:

[isthatahemi]

I guess the Niken is bad news for you then....I’m not a Yamaha fan, but not likely you will beat what they have built.

[SXSMachine]

I guess the Niken is bad news for you then....I’m not a Yamaha fan, but not likely you will beat what they have built.

Those who can't, criticize those who do....:roflblack::roflblack::roflblack::roflblack:


;)

[Traumspyder]

In Germany, many want to test drive the Nikon, but no one wants to buy.

[Montery]

Im not defending or supporting Yamaha's entry into the three wheel market, but I seem to remember back in 2008 on most of the motorcycle blogs everyone was bashing the very idea of BRP coming out with ....of all things a three wheeler. Change Spyder to Niken and the comments were the same, I guress we will just have to wait and see if its a winner of a bust!!!!!!

[Triumphcycleman]

You still have to shift it with a clutch and you still have to hold it up. What's the point of buying it over a regular two wheeler?

[UtahPete]

How is this in any way a Spyder-related topic? And, who really cares what 'they' think?

Yamaha has not come up with a better camera than a Nikon, and to my knowledge has not merged with that company.

Please move this to 'off topic' where it belongs.

[Lew L]

-------------------------- warning-------off topic-----------------:joke:ing

Does the Niken have scoops like a V-Max??? The motorcycle the Niken is based on had small scoops. Gotta have big scoops-------- :joke:ing.

Lew L