When the Yamaha Niken was introduced at last month’s Tokyo show, it generated a lot of buzz, but details were limited. Now, Yamaha has given us some more information in the run-up to the EICMA show.
Previously, all we really knew was that the bike was powered by the same inline-triple that Yamaha uses in the FZ-09 (sorry, now the MT-09).
Now we know more juicy details, such as:
- The three-cylinder motor has been retuned for use in the leaning three-wheeler
- Max lean angle is 45 degrees on the machine
- Like the
FZMT version of the engine, the Niken will be a six-speed, instead of some weird DCT - The machine is definitely headed for market, and it seems the Euros will get it first
- The Niken will have Yamaha’s usual electro-trickery: riding modes, traction control, and cruise control
- Front and rear suspension are both fully adjustable
- Quick shift and slipper clutch are standard
- The seating position is slightly further back than the MT-09, to ensure proper weight balance
OK, we realize that’s not a whole lot more in the way of details, and certainly not the answer to the question many are hoping for (or dreading): Is it coming to Canada? All we can say is, they haven’t told us it is, and it hasn’t appeared on the Canadian website yet. Motorcycle.com has confirmed it’s going to the US market, though, so we’d be surprised if we didn’t see it arrive here as well.
