2019 Yamaha Niken GT First Look
| November 5, 2018
2019 Yamaha Niken GT First Look—This time last year, Yamaha unveiled the Niken—a first of its kind, three-wheeled leaning sportbike. Today, the company just announced the Niken GT—the touring-focused version of its Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) motorcycle.
2019 Yamaha Niken GT First Look
The Niken pairs matching 15-inch wheels with inverted dual-tube forks and measures 885mm wide, or roughly 35 inches. In addition to the two wheels up front, the LMW features a conventional rear end and is powered by a liquid-cooled DOHC 847cc inline-triple derived from the FZ-09’s engine. Three wheels, three cylinders – makes sense. To help increase long-distance touring capability, the Niken GT adds a taller and wider windscreen, heated grips, a comfier seat, lockable, quick-release 25-liter ABS side cases, a rear carrier base and passenger grips, an extra 12-volt DC outlet, and a center stand.
With twice the amount of front-end traction, the Niken GT actually lends itself quite well to carving up the corners and offers a max lean angle of 45 degrees. It’s not the same sensation as on a traditional, two-wheeled sportbike – granted – but it provides more stopping power, added stability, and increased confidence for those looking for it. While not for everyone, this three-wheel concept was specially developed as an option for riders who’ll use it to tackle the vast expanse of adverse, all-weather, four-season riding conditions.
An interesting motorcycle, to say the least, this unique, long-distance sport-tourer will retail for $17,299 and arrive in March 2019. However, it’s only available through Yamaha’s online reservation system. With its third, additional contact patch forget about dragging a knee, we want to see this thing drag its handlebars! Brent Jaswinski
