Welcome to my obsession! If you’ve stumbled across this article, you might be wondering: what exactly is a Niken? Let me introduce you to one of the most innovative motorcycles on the road today.
What is a Niken?
The Yamaha Niken (and its touring variant, the Niken GT) is a groundbreaking three-wheeled sport-touring motorcycle designed by Yamaha Motor. First released in 2018 and receiving its final refresh in 2023 before discontinuation in 2024, the Niken represents a bold departure from traditional motorcycle design with its unique two-wheel front end.
Let’s take a Niken for a spin via the following clip from the Niken GT Videos page:
Click the button!
The Name Behind the Machine
The name “Niken” comes from Japanese, combining two words: “Ni” (二) meaning “two” and “ken” (剣) meaning “sword” or “blade.” This perfectly describes the motorcycle’s distinctive dual front wheels that slice through the road ahead.
Despite what you might think, it’s pronounced “nye-kun” (rhyming with “why fun”), not “nee-ken” as some might assume. Even Yamaha’s own Japanese salespeople use this pronunciation!
A Brief History
The Niken made its debut in 2018, creating quite a stir in the motorcycling world. In 2023, Yamaha released a significant refresh, dubbed “Revolution Reloaded,” which introduced numerous improvements to the platform. Unfortunately, Yamaha announced in April 2024 that the Niken would be discontinued, making this remarkable machine even more special for enthusiasts.
The LMW Revolution
At the heart of what makes the Niken special is Yamaha’s Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) system. Unlike traditional trikes that remain flat when cornering, the Niken’s front wheels steer and lean in unison, preserving the authentic motorcycle feel while providing enhanced stability and grip.
The two 15-inch front wheels provide approximately 80% more front-end grip than a conventional motorcycle, creating a riding experience that combines the freedom and excitement of a motorcycle with unprecedented levels of confidence and security.
Why Consider a Niken GT?
For riders returning to motorcycling after a break, those seeking enhanced stability in challenging conditions, or enthusiasts looking for something truly different, the Niken GT offers a compelling package:
- Enhanced stability and front-end grip
- Traditional motorcycle handling and lean angles
- Superior performance in wet or slippery conditions
- Sport-touring comfort with practical features
- A genuinely unique riding experience unlike anything else on the road
The Niken Experience
Riding a Niken is something that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. Many riders report that despite the unconventional appearance, once underway, it’s easy to forget you have two wheels up front—until you hit your first corner or patch of wet pavement, where the additional confidence becomes immediately apparent.
Interestingly, most negative opinions about the Niken come from people who have never actually ridden one. Among those who own them, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many claiming it’s the best motorcycle they’ve ever owned.
Conclusion
The Yamaha Niken GT represents a fascinating chapter in motorcycle evolution—a bold experiment that challenged conventional wisdom about what a motorcycle should be. Whether you’re a curious enthusiast or a potential owner, the Niken deserves consideration as one of the most innovative motorcycles of recent years.
In future articles, we’ll dive deeper into the specific technologies, features, and riding experience that make the Niken GT such a remarkable machine. Stay tuned!
Are you a Niken owner or enthusiast? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below, or create content for our community!
