Niken - Ride the Revolution

With the NIKEN, Yamaha opens up the possibility of a whole new era in motorcycling, a riding revolution - oﬀering a sensation that is unique. Imagine the ability to carve through winding roads with unmatched conﬁdence...a new feeling that could be compared to the thrilling experience when carving turns with skis.

This revolutionary new kind of motorcycle feels, handles and looks like nothing else. At the same time as being diﬀerent to a motorcycle, the NIKEN's handling characteristics are also reassuringly familiar to riders.

The advanced Yamaha-exclusive technology used in the double leaning front wheel layout oﬀers high levels of traction - making it a strong performer in corners and giving the NIKEN rider the ability to carve through winding roads with unmatched conﬁdence. And two front wheels means there are two front tyres and two sets of front brakes, so the levels of traction and braking are also like nothing else on the road!

The NIKEN's unique leaning multi wheel (LMW) system oﬀers very sporty and conﬁdent handling characteristics, together with enhanced feelings of stability and grip when cornering in a wide range of surface conditions.

Yamaha's engineers have gone to great lengths to ensure that the character of the NIKEN is similar to that of a conventional motorcycle, and the majority of riders will be able to transition seamlessly from a two wheeler to the Yamaha LMW system without having to alter their riding style. But as soon as they enter into a corner, NIKEN riders will feel growing levels of conﬁdence and enjoyment - oﬀering more fun with less stress.

NIKEN Key Features

Totally new concept in the motorcycle industry
Unique corner carving abilities
Special feelings of front end grip, confidence and braking Radical design
Advanced leaning multi-wheel technology
Deep lean angle, maximum 45 degrees
Ackerman steering with double upside down front forks
Hybrid steel and aluminium frame with cast aluminium swingarm
Approximately 50:50 front-rear weight distribution with rider
847cc, 3-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC CP3 engine
Special fuel injection settings and optimised crank balance
LED headlight and taillight
YZF-R1 derived mirrors with integrated LED turn signals
Dual 15-inch front wheels with 410mm track; 17-inch rear wheel
YCC-T
D-MODE with 3 engine running modes
Cruise Control - operates above 50 km/h
Traction Control System with 2 modes, and off mode
A&S clutch for increased stability when downshifting
Quick Shift System for smoother upshifts
Compact instrument panel with LCD display
Aluminium 18-litre fuel tank
Fully adjustable rear suspension
Dual 298mm front disc brakes and 282mm rear disc brake
12V DC power outlet

Availability and Price
The new NIKEN will be available from December 2018 in Granite Grey with a RRP of $21,999.00

Specifications

NIKEN Specifications
Engine type	3-Cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valves
Displacement	847 cm³
Bore x stroke	78.0 mm x 59.1mm
Compression ratio	11.5 : 1
Lubrication system	Wet sump
Clutch type	Wet, Multiple Disc
Ignition system	TCI
Starter system	Electric
Transmission system	Constant mesh 6-speed
Frame	Diamond
Front suspension	Double USD telescopic forks, 110mm travel
Rear suspension	Swingarm - link type suspension, 125mm travel
Front brake	Hydraulic double disc, 298mm
Rear brake	Hydraulic single disc, 282mm
Front tyre	120/70-15
Rear tyre	190/55-17
Overall length	2150 mm
Overall width	885 mm
Overall height	1250 mm
Seat height	820 mm
Wheel base	1510 mm
Min ground clearance	150 mm
Wet weight (including full oil and fuel tank)	263kg
Fuel tank capacity	18 L
Colours	Granite Grey
RRP	$21,999
Availability	December 2018

Niken - Turn Up the Revolution

FEATURES

Renewed 847cc CP3 engine

The 847cc 3-cylinder engine that drives the new NIKEN has been specially developed from the outstandingly successful powerplant used in the best selling MT-09, as well as the Tracer 900 and XSR900. To suit the unique requirements of the NIKEN, this torque-rich crossplane philosophy engine is equipped with special fuel injection settings that are designed to enhance this radical new motorcycle's performance in the environment that it loves: twisty mountain roads. There's also a newly designed crank that gives excellent drivability and smoother starts. NIKEN riders also beneﬁt from the latest electronic control technology including YCC-T, D-MODE, Cruise Control and a Traction Control System, as well as an A&S clutch and Quick Shift System that gives a high degree of controllability and fun riding in varying riding conditions.

Bold and futuristic design

The NIKEN's muscular and athletic body design clearly shows that this innovative new 3-wheel Yamaha is designed for energetic riding. The twin front wheels form the focal point from which the futuristic cowl and integrated fuel tank ﬂow, giving a unique mass forward look that emphasises NIKEN's bold and unique profile. Yamaha's designers have sought to highlight the distinctive technology used in the LMW system, and rather than being hidden away, the structure and workings of the Yamaha-exclusive mechanisms are there for all to see. From the rider's viewpoint the NIKEN has a rugged wide-shouldered appearance that contrasts with the slim fuel tank, giving a unique riding style unlike any other motorcycle. The upward curving main seat features a wide, flat design with excellent rear support that gives high levels of comfort.

Hybrid steel and aluminium frame

The NIKEN is designed to master a wide range of riding situations, and so in order to achieve high levels of straight-line stability together with sporty cornering performance, a new kind of hybrid frame has been especially developed. The head pipe area is manufactured from cast steel, while the swingarm pivot area is cast aluminium, and the main frame connecting these two assemblies is made from steel tube. By delivering the required levels of strength, rigidity and ﬂexibility precisely where they are needed, this hybrid design enhances the planted and natural feel of the leaning double wheel front end, and ensures sport bike agility together with excellent handling performance.

Sporty and lightweight cowl with dual LED headlights

The sporty front face features lightweight dual LED headlights housed in a downward curving aerodynamic cowl that looks like nothing else on the street, and the dual position lights serve to emphasise the strong and planted look of the double front wheels. The broad nose cowl and sport screen give the NIKEN rider good protection from the elements, and together with the natural riding position, this advanced LMW is ready for everything from thrilling corner carving through to sport touring over the weekend. YZF-R1 derived mirrors feature integrated LED turn signals, and are designed to give a clear rear view even when the riding position changes. In contrast to the broad-shouldered front end, the slim and upswept tail and separate license plate holder convey a feeling of agility, underlining the NIKEN's revolutionary style.

Double external upside-down front forks

In order to achieve sport bike handling capabilities, the NIKEN's maximum lean angle extends to 45 degrees, and this has been made possible by the use of the Ackermann dual axle steering mechanism, together with a cantilevered suspension system mounted to the outside of the wheels. The double "external" upside-down front forks are equipped with rebound and compression damping adjusters that enable the rider to dial in their ideal suspension set up, and the relatively narrow 410mm track contributes towards the NIKEN's natural steering feel - as well as keeping overall width to a minimum.

Double 15-inch front wheels

With the high levels of grip and greater feelings of stability provided by two front wheels, the NIKEN has been developed to be an expert corner carver, capable of delivering a thrilling ride on winding roads. The double 15-inch front wheels are ﬁtted with 120/70R15 V range tyres that have been specially developed for the unique requirements of this leaning multi wheel vehicle. Oﬀering high levels of grip, abrasion resistance and wet-weather capability, they contribute towards the NIKEN's outstanding corner-carving performance.

R-series type aluminium fuel tank

The premium quality and high overall speciﬁcation of the NIKEN is underlined by the use of a beautifully sculpted aluminium fuel tank that has been created using the same advanced production technology as the YZF-R1 and YZF-R6. Featuring a smooth, ﬂowing design that blends seamlessly with the wide shouldered front cowl, this lightweight fuel tank design features concave surfaces that give a ﬁrm knee grip area and allow the rider to move freely. With a capacity of 18 litres, this high quality light aluminium tank gives a range in excess of 300 km, offering the NIKEN rider the ability to cover rather large distances with minimal fuel stops.

Compact instrument panel with LCD display

Another feature that reinforces the NIKEN's premium look and feel is the black background of its LCD instrument display, which clearly displays all key information to the rider and gives excellent visibility, day or night.

Balanced chassis design

The NIKEN's unique LWM 3 wheel layout introduces another dimension compared to a conventional motorcycle, and in order to optimise the NIKEN's handling performance, a 552mm long aluminium swingarm is used. This is 15mm longer than the MT-09 design, and the increased length helps to give a strong feeling of stability when cornering. Another key design element is the riding position, and compared to the MT-09 the NIKEN rider sits around 50mm further towards the rear. This seating position gives an idealised 50:50 front-rear weight distribution with the rider on board - giving a natural handling and steering feel.

Fully adjustable rear suspension

The NIKEN's rear suspension oﬀers full adjustability for preload, compression and rebound damping, enabling the rider to set it up to suit varying conditions, and for convenience the preload can be set without the need for tools.