Welcome to the Yamaha Niken forum!

[Cruizin]

Its time to start the Yamaha Niken Section. Whether you lke it or hate it, this bike will be talked about for years to come. I'm hearing that this bike is fun to ride, that the handling is amazing and that those who ride it predict that it will be a great selling bike.
 
 

 
Engine Type 847cc liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline 3-cylinder; 12 valves
Bore x Stroke 78.0mm x 59.1mm
Compression Ratio11.5:1
Fuel Delivery Fuel injection with YCC-T
IgnitionTCI: Transistor Controlled Ignition
Transmission 6-speed; miltiplate assist and slipper clutch
Final Drive Chain
 
Suspension / FrontTBD
Suspension / RearTBD
Brakes / FrontTBD
Brakes / Rear298mm hydraulic disc; ABS
Tires / FrontDual 120/70R15
Tires / Rear190/55R17
 
Revolutionary Leaning Multi-Wheel Chassis
The NIKEN™ LMW chassis is an exclusive motorcycle control system that provides unparalleled rider confidence across a wide range of road conditions. With two front tires leaning in unison, the NIKEN doubles the amount of available grip for exceptional stopping power, cornering confidence, rider comfort and impeccable road manners—all while maintaining natural steering feel.
Radical Styling
NIKEN doesn’t look like anything on the road because it isn’t like anything else on the road. Graceful curves highlight the mass-forward design to show off the unique LMW system, combining futuristic technology with flowing, organic style.
Powerful Inline-Triple
Derived from the award-winning MT-09™, the advanced CP3® inline 3-cylinder motor uses Yamaha’s full range of performance technology to produce exceptional torque with linear power delivery. This results in a flexible, responsive powerplant that combines the best aspects of both 2- and 4-cylinder motors while remaining light, slim and compact.
Advanced Rider Aids
NIKEN features a complete range of technologies to boost rider confidence and performance, including Yamaha’s ride-by-wire throttle system, adjustable throttle mapping, traction control and ABS. Riders also enjoy the convenience of a factory quick shifter and integrated cruise control.
 
Advanced 3-Cylinder Engine
Derived from the award-winning MT-09, the NIKEN features a thrilling 847cc liquid-cooled inline 3-cylinder motor packing a range of advanced technologies. With DOHC heads, an oversquare 78mm x 59.1mm bore and stroke and 11.5:1 compression ratio, NIKEN delivers an exciting, torquey character, refined with additional crankshaft inertia for smooth starts.
Crossplane Concept CP3 Engine
By utilizing the naturally smooth firing order and power characteristics of the 3-cylinder motor, Yamaha’s CP3 engine produces extremely linear torque with an excellent feeling of connection between the throttle grip and engine. To boost refinement and improve rider and passenger comfort, the motor features a geared counterbalancer to minimize engine vibration. This results in a responsive powerplant that combines the best aspects of both 2- and 4-cylinder motors while still light, slim and compact.
Advanced Yamaha Engine Technology
The CP3 engine uses forged ‘fracture-split’ connecting rods, where the big-end ring of a connecting rod is split in two to create a more precise mating surface when they are bolted together again around the crankshaft. The cylinder block is offset towards the front wheel, to reduce piston force against the cylinder walls, improving efficiency. And the cylinder bores are plated with a ceramic composite for excellent durability and heat transfer.
Unique Staggered Intake Funnels
To provide a broad spread of torque and a unique intake sound, the airbox intake funnels have been designed with three uneven lengths. This combines with the fuel injection system and cylinder head design to deliver a torquey, flexible engine character.
Assist and Slipper Clutch
Yamaha’s assist and slipper clutch gives the rider smoother, more confident downshifts when entering corners aggressively, as well as a lighter pull effort at the lever in day-to-day riding, all while easily handling the torque of the NIKEN's high-output motor.
Compact 6-Speed Transmission
The transmission harnesses the low-to-mid-range torque and excellent response characteristics of the inline 3-cylinder engine to give riders ideal gearing ratios for any type of riding. The 6-speed transmission also features staggered input and output shafts in a triangular layout, to reduce overall engine size and further centralize mass.
Mass-Centralized 3-into-1 Exhaust System
The NIKEN utilizes a compact three-into-one exhaust system with midship muffler. Not only does this layout centralize mass for sharper handling, the headers feature SixONy™, a hard-wearing ceramic nano-film coating that looks great while resisting both exhaust heat and the elements. Featuring a short, slash-cut exhaust outlet, the NIKEN howls with a sweet 3-cylinder exhaust note, too.
 
Advanced YCC-T® Engine Control
The ride-by-wire Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) system senses the slightest throttle input by the rider, relays the data to the ECU, which instantaneously calculates the ideal throttle valve opening based on engine rpm and throttle opening, and then sends commands to a servo-motor actuator that moves the throttle valve which actively controls the intake airflow volume. This technology contributes to the rider’s feeling of torque and controllability from the 3-cylinder engine.
Selectable D-MODE
The NIKEN features Yamaha’s D-Mode system to allow the rider to choose the optimum engine character for their riding situation and preferences. The rider can choose from three throttle valve control maps (Standard Mode, “A” Mode, and “B” Mode) for different throttle response characteristics at the push of a button.
Adjustable Traction Control System
A Traction Control System (TCS) assists the rider in managing traction on various road conditions by quickly modulating throttle opening, ignition timing and fuel volume. The NIKEN TCS includes two modes to suit various road conditions, and can also be disabled by the rider if they so choose.
Cruise Control System
The NIKEN includes a cruise control system powered by the YCC-T. Using the left handlebar switchgear, the rider can easily select or adjust a set speed to ease long-distance touring on the highway, improving rider comfort.
Factory Quick Shifter
NIKEN comes standard with Yamaha’s Quick Shift System (QSS), which allows on-throttle upshifting without the clutch, for smooth, fast shifts with minimal loss of drive.
High Tech Instrumentation
A high contrast all-LCD display provides a clear display of engine and road speed, electronic systems such as traction control and D-Mode, fuel range, economy and more.
 
Class-Defying Leaning Multi-Wheel Chassis
Yamaha’s advanced LMW (Leaning Multi-Wheel) chassis is the result of countless hours of engineering and testing to create a unique motorcycle control system that provides unparalleled rider confidence no matter what the road conditions. With two front tires leaning in unison, the NIKEN doubles the amount of available grip for exceptional stopping power, cornering confidence and rider comfort, especially over uneven pavement and poor road conditions.
Unique Double-Tube/Dual-Axis Steering Design
The radical front end of the NIKEN uses paired fork tubes for each front wheel and steering linkages to provide ideal steering geometry and natural steering feel. The system turns and leans like a conventional motorcycle, but with twice the front tire grip. And, like other Yamaha sportbikes, this system provides adjustable compression and rebound damping for a highly tunable ride.
Compact, Sporty Design
Front wheel track is only 16.1 inches, making NIKEN no wider than traditional motorcycles and ideal for congested, urban riding conditions, with maximum lean angle at an impressive 45 degrees. With a rider aboard, NIKEN offers a perfect 50/50 weight distribution for neutral handling. And the seat design, fuel tank width, and other dimensions are all set to work with the qualities of the compact 3-cylinder engine to achieve a sporty handling character, an upright riding position and a narrow body at the seat/tank junction.
Hybrid Frame Design
Connecting the LMW system to the rear wheel is an all-new hybrid frame that utilizes steel castings and tubes with a lightweight aluminum swingarm pivot area and swingarm. Balanced for rigidity and steering response, the NIKEN chassis provides superb handling and natural steering feel.
Adjustable Horizontal Monocross® Shock
The rear suspension features a linkage-type Monocross® shock, mounted below the seat with an almost horizontal alignment. This unique positioning contributes to mass centralization and a slimmer body design. The rear suspension is also fully adjustable for spring preload as well as compression and rebound damping.
High Performance Tires
NIKEN uses paired 15-inch lightweight alloy wheels with LMW-specific 120/70R15 tires. Developed in concert with the chassis, these tires feature sportbike-style profiles and construction, for high levels of grip, wear resistance and wet-road capability. Out back, the rear wheel mounts a massive 190/55R17 rear tire for a combination of style and traction.
Powerful Triple Disc Brakes with ABS
Mounted outside of each front wheel are disc brakes with four-piston radial calipers, matched to a large rear disc brake, complete with Yamaha's responsive ABS. With paired front tires and the security of ABS, NIKEN riders are able to brake with confidence across a hugh range of road conditions.
 
Aggressive, Mass-Forward Profile
Highlighting the unique LMW system and all-new riding experience, the NIKEN presents a muscular and aggressive appearance unlike anything else on the road today. The front suspension systems are proudly displayed, while the body curves to a graceful and sleek tail section.
LED Lighting
Dual LED headlights present a furious glare at the road ahead, but match style with function, providing a huge spread of crisp illumination for excellent visibility. Position lighting, mirror-mounted turn signals and brake lights likewise use LED technology, for bright, long-lasting performance and modern style.
High Quality Finish
The NIKEN fuel tank is gracefully curved to provide a narrow midsection, and uses the same lightweight alloy found in the YZF-R1® and R6® fuel tanks for reduced weight. Paint and surface finishes are selected to highlight the technical nature of the LMW chassis as well as for long-lasting durability.
Comfortable, Upright Ergonomics
With upright ergonomics and a slightly forward lean, the NIKEN rider is ready to attack corners or cruise down the highway with equal comfort. The tapered aluminum handlebar, placement of the seat and footpegs, and narrow midsection create excellent rider feel. A wide, plush saddle boosts both rider and passenger comfort, too.
 
 
 

[Cruizin]

[Cruizin]

[Cruizin]

To me, it's closer to the Tracer/FJ-09 than it is to the MT-09 in looks and features.
 
I want to test ride one before passing judgement. The looks are growing on me.

[wordsmith]

To me, it's closer to the Tracer/FJ-09 than it is to the MT-09 in looks and features.  
 

Que?

[koth442]

To me, it's closer to the Tracer/FJ-09 than it is to the MT-09 in looks and features.  
I want to test ride one before passing judgement. The looks are growing on me.

Did you mean FZ-09 vs FJ-09? 
Also, I think this would be conventional steer 100% of the time. Which means I would instantly ride off a cliff.

[koth442]

I don't see why not.

[texscottyd]

I'm really intrigued.  Not convinced, but intrigued... 
 
I will keep an open mind, and can't wait to start hearing real world feedback.  Anything that helps grow the powersports market, I'm 100% behind. 
 

[Cruizin]

Will posts in this Nikken section continue to show in the regular post steam ('recent posts' and 'recent threads')?

 
Yes they will. Simply pass over them like any other post that you don't want to read.
 
The Niken has the same engine as the FJ-09, and even looks like an FJ with two front wheels and four shocks.
 
If Yamaha builds a spaceship powered by this same engine, I'll create a section for it too.

[Cruizin]

I'm really intrigued.  Not convinced, but intrigued...   
I will keep an open mind, and can't wait to start hearing real world feedback.  Anything that helps grow the powersports market, I'm 100% behind. 

 
Agreed. I really cant wait to ride one. I dont think it will be just a fluke, I think Yamaha believes that they are really on to something here. The bike still leans, apparently up to 45 degrees. But with an extra wheel sticking out.
 
We will either love it or hate it. I can't wait to discover which.

[betoney]

I'm really intrigued.  Not convinced, but intrigued...   
I will keep an open mind, and can't wait to start hearing real world feedback.  Anything that helps grow the powersports market, I'm 100% behind. 

My same mindset as well.  I definitely dont hate it but will need some convincing.  My local dealer is scheduled to host Yamaha Demo Days this summer, hopefully the Niken is available to test ride.
 

[ghostrider1127]

Will may have a ride in few weeks , pretty curious
 

[Cruizin]

Will may have a ride in few weeks , pretty curious

 
If you are saying that you may somehow have a test ride lined up, please send me a PM. I need to talk to you. I wont share anything that could get you in trouble, just need to talk to you.
 

[justplainbill]

Just read this "up close" review on TopSpeed: https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/2019-yamaha-niken-ar178134.html  
 
The reviewer did not get to ride one but states (pretty firmly) that Niken countersteers much like a two wheel motorcycle. For me, that's what it's all about and the reason I've ignored CanAm's Spyder.  
 
UK Yamaha's site   https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/niken/niken.aspx?view=featurestechspecs provides more specifications for Niken than other sources. Weight is listed at 264 Kg (578 pounds), which might be unavoidable, but is a little troubling.  A day riding in the mountains on my (former) FJR1300 (630 pounds) was exhausting, unlike the same ride on the FJ-09. 
 

[root]

Just read this "up close" review on TopSpeed: https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/yamaha/2019-yamaha-niken-ar178134.html   
The reviewer did not get to ride one but states (pretty firmly) that Niken countersteers much like a two wheel motorcycle. For me, that's what it's all about and the reason I've ignored CanAm's Spyder.  
 
UK Yamaha's site   https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/motorcycles/niken/niken.aspx?view=featurestechspecs provides more specifications for Niken than other sources. Weight is listed at 264 Kg (578 pounds), which might be unavoidable, but is a little troubling.  A day riding in the mountains on my (former) FJR1300 (630 pounds) was exhausting, unlike the same ride on the FJ-09. 

 
 
I’m surprised it’s that light to be honest. 150lbs to add additional fork and wheels? The weight is added to stabilize so I don’t think it will have the same effect as a heavy 2 wheel bike. Just a guess though.