2023–2025 · Naked Bike · A variant of the Niken
Differences between the standard Niken and the GT
Three Wheels, Zero Doubt
The Niken GT is a motorcycle with three wheels: two 15-inch fronts that lean together on Yamaha's Leaning Multi Wheel system, a composite frame and a single 190-section rear behind them. Power comes from the 890 cc CP3 inline-triple, good for 115 hp at 10,000 rpm and 67 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm, fed through YCC-T ride-by-wire. Yamaha claims the LMW layout delivers exceptional front-end grip and stability in all conditions. ABS, traction control, ride modes, cruise control and an up-and-down quickshifter are standard, and so is a TFT display with smartphone connectivity. That's an unconventional package.
On paper, this hardware is built for stable, fast road miles, not for featherweight flicking. At 595 lb (270 kg) wet it's a heavy machine for a triple, and the spec makes no attempt to hide that. In return you get adjustable suspension at both ends, cruise control, a 4.8 gal (18 L) tank and a 32.9 in (835 mm) seat that Yamaha says was reshaped to help shorter riders reach the ground. That points to a rider who puts front-end confidence ahead of low weight and likes engineering that looks like nothing else in the parking lot. If you want light and playful, look elsewhere. Stability comes first here.
Spec sheets don't ride bikes, but they set the baseline.
| Power | 115 hp (85 kW) @ 10,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Torque | 67 lb-ft (91 Nm) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Displacement | 890 cc |
| Engine | Inline-three |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Final drive | Chain |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front brake | 298 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-15 |
| Rear tire | 190/55-17 |
| Seat height | 32.9 in (835 mm) |
| Wet weight | 595 lb (270 kg) |
| Fuel capacity | 4.8 gal (18 L) |
Equipment check
Chassis
Connectivity
Drivetrain
Safety
I've been listening to riders for years: in the paddock, at club nights, in owner chats, and in the emails and messages that land in my inbox. On the Niken, what comes back is remarkably consistent. Riders praise the security of the front end, the smooth triple and the quality of the finish. The same riders point to the weight, a lean limit that arrives early and a price that keeps it a niche choice.
The loudest praise is about cornering. Riders consistently describe a level of front-end grip and mid-corner stability they haven't found anywhere else, and they say it matters most when the surface is uncertain: that's where the feeling of security is strongest. Some owners go further and talk about carrying corner speed they wouldn't attempt on a conventional motorcycle, simply because the front gives them the confidence to lean. The second theme is the highway. Owners report very little wind buffeting and a relaxed riding position, and they describe long stretches at speed as comfortable and stable. Confidence is the word that keeps coming up.
The engine gets nearly as much praise as the front end. Riders describe the inline-three as smooth, refined and linear, with strong midrange torque and a triple character they enjoy. Some say it suits a sporting pace and relaxed touring equally well. There's one reservation that comes with it: some find this engine less vibrant here than in lighter models. Build quality is the other recurring compliment. Owners talk about immaculate paint, a high-quality TFT dash and solid components, and they say the fit and finish matches the bike's premium positioning. It feels expensive, they say.
The most repeated gripe is weight. Riders say the Niken feels heavy and less responsive than lighter two-wheeled sport tourers. Just as often, you hear about the lean angle: the 45-degree maximum arrives earlier than expected, and the footpegs touch down when the riding gets spirited. Individual owners add more. The steering is heavier than a conventional bike's in slow-speed maneuvers, and tight turns can feel sluggish. Some mention an unusual sensation over bumps: the two front wheels can pick up different imperfections, and the rear can hit a bump the fronts missed, which leaves an occasional disconnected feel. Then there's the money. Owners note it costs significantly more than comparable two-wheeled sport tourers, and some worry that the complexity of the front end could mean higher maintenance over the long term. A niche purchase, by their own account.
Heavy weight dulls agility
The bike feels less agile than lighter sport tourers, requiring more effort to change direction and reducing the playful character of the engine.
Brake performance lacks bite
The front brakes, while adequate, are criticised for lacking the initial bite and strong stopping power expected for a heavy, high-performance machine.
Where this Yamaha Niken pulls ahead of — or falls behind — its rivals on the numbers, and the typical bike in its class on character.
Power
Torque
Displacement
Wet weight
Seat height
Forget spec-sheet bragging. Here's who the Niken is actually built for.
The strongest match here. If you like clever engineering and a bike that stops conversations at the meetup, the leaning twin-wheel front end and TFT cockpit fit your city-plus-ridge-road week.
Made for Bay Area Ridge Roads · San Francisco / Bay Area · Skyline Boulevard / Alice's Restaurant
A fair fit with a catch you can read in the spec: 595 lb (270 kg) is a lot to turn through endless tight corners. Come for the front-end grip Yamaha claims, not for lightweight flickability.
Made for Tail of the Dragon · Back of the Dragon · Blue Ridge Parkway
A decent fit for sporty weekends with road-trip miles in between. Cruise control, a 4.8 gal (18 L) tank and the 115 hp triple suit the long stretches, but it's a heavy bike for the tight stuff.
Made for Austin / Texas Hill Country · Texas Hill Country BDR-X · Twisted Sisters
If this one isn't quite the fit, these are the bikes worth riding back-to-back against it.
