How Does It Work: 2019 Yamaha Niken + Videos
Hopefully, you watched the video above to get you in the mood to learn more about the 2019 Yamaha Niken. Back in October 2017, we got our first look at Yamaha’s three-wheeler via the Tokyo Motor Show.
The Yamaha Niken is undoubtedly a polarizing machine in regard to consumer reaction. Social media was ablaze with critics the moment photos hit the internet. I’m personally super excited to have the chance to ride this thing and to see what it’s like, and while I hope that happens within the next few months, let’s take a look at what we already know to hold us over:
Yamaha Niken Leaning Multi-Wheeler Coming To US As 2019 Model
- Niken is comprised of two Japanese words; “Ni’ meaning two and ‘Ken’ translating to sword.
- Yamaha has since purchased copyrights from Brudeli regarding its Leanster vehicles expressing its interest in the future of three-wheeled vehicles
- The Niken will use the Triple engine from the MT-09 with slight fueling tweaks and is said to offer Yamaha’s YCC-T D-Mode system (three ride modes), cruise control, traction control, assist and slipper clutch, as well as a quickshift system
- Up front, are two 15-inch wheels wrapped in 120/70R15 sized rubber approximately 16 inches apart, each with dual inverted fork tubes and their own 298mm rotor
- Maximum lean angle is said to be 45-degrees
How does this wild front end work? Check out the video below for a more in-depth look into Yamaha’s Leaning Multi-Wheeler (LMW) technology.
Ryan’s time in the motorcycle industry has revolved around sales and marketing prior to landing a gig at Motorcycle.com. An avid motorcyclist, interested in all shapes, sizes, and colors of motorized two-wheeled vehicles, Ryan brings a young, passionate enthusiasm to the digital pages of MO.
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Gotta be able to split lanes in CA
But imagine if it works. Twice the cornering power, twice the braking. And what's the number one cause of crashes in road course racing? The front end washing out.