Okay, so here’s the thing about the Yamaha Niken: most people take one look at it and think I’ve lost my mind. How could I possibly have a Yamaha Niken obsession?
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Two front wheels? On a motorcycle? It looks like someone in Yamaha’s design department had one too many sake bombs and nobody stopped them. I get it. I really do.
But I’ve been obsessed with this weird three-wheeled beast since Yamaha first unveiled it back in 2018. Not casually interested—properly obsessed. I’ve watched hundreds of videos, read every review, stalked every forum thread. A couple years after it came out, I even visited a local Yamaha dealer here in Japan just to sit on one (there’s a photo of me grinning like an idiot somewhere).
The more I learned about this thing, the more I realized Yamaha hadn’t just slapped an extra wheel on for laughs. They’d actually engineered something genuinely clever—something that leans into corners like a regular bike but gives you grip and stability that makes you feel like you’re cheating physics.
After twenty-plus years in Japan riding trains, bicycles, and lately tractors (long story), the idea of exploring on something that offers a completely fresh experience without just repeating my motorcycling past? That’s exactly what I need. I want to avoid repeating old chapters—the Niken represents something new to experience and be excited about.
Why This Site Exists
So when life got complicated a while back and I needed something productive to focus on, I thought: why not build the Niken resource I wish had existed when I first discovered this bike? All that knowledge from years of research, all that enthusiasm—it had to go somewhere.
This site is designed to be more than just my obsession diary. I’ve curated the best Niken videos (check out the Niken GT Videos page), built a gallery of stunning shots, and documented everything from the technical specs to the heartbreak of its discontinuation in 2024.
If you’re a Niken owner with stories to share or insights to contribute, I’d genuinely love to hear from you. This can be a community resource, not just my soapbox.
What Makes the Niken Special?
The LMW System: Those two 15-inch front wheels don’t just look weird—they give you about 80% more front-end grip than a conventional motorcycle. Yamaha’s Leaning Multi-Wheel system means they steer and lean in unison, preserving that authentic motorcycle feel while providing unprecedented stability. Deep dive into the LMW system →
The CP3 Engine: Yamaha gave it their legendary triple-cylinder motor from the MT-09, updated to 890cc in 2023. Smooth, torquey, with that perfect middle-ground sound that’s neither twin thump nor inline-four scream. More about the engine →
Built for Touring: With riding modes, traction control, cruise control, heated grips, and those practical panniers (hard cases from 2023), this isn’t just a novelty—it’s a genuine sport-touring machine.
Why I Still Have a Yamaha Niken Obsession and Want One
Yeah, Yamaha discontinued it in 2024 (which genuinely broke my heart). But here’s why the Niken GT still matters to me:
- Fresh experience: I’ve done two-wheeled bikes. I’m hungry for something genuinely different.
- Practical for work: As a farmer and English teacher in Japan, I sometimes need to navigate forest tracks to reach fields. That extra front-end stability? Perfect for my situation.
- Community connection: The Niken attracts curiosity and conversation, which helps me practice Japanese and connect with people.
- It’s just cool: When Yamaha updated it for 2023 (“Revolution Reloaded”), they addressed every critique of the original. Then they killed it. Classic.
And who knows—if circumstances shift and I end up back in the UK helping my Dad, I’ve been keeping in touch with dealers there. A used Niken GT might finally become reality instead of just research.
Start Exploring
- New to the Niken? Watch some videos to see what the fuss is about
- Want the details? Check out posts on the LMW system, engine specs, or 2023 updates, or The Complete Yamaha Niken GT Guide & Specifications
- Just browsing? Browse the Niken Gallery for inspiration
- Owner with stories? Contribute content – seriously, I’d love to feature your experience
Welcome to NikenPeeps. Welcome to my Yamaha Niken obsession. And if you think I’m crazy about this bike, just wait until you watch a few videos.
