The Yamaha Niken, that crazy-looking uncle of the more conventional Tracer 9 sport tourer, has been updated for 2023. As before, it features two wheels up front configured to allow the bike to lean like a two-wheeler, while enjoying the benefits of two front contact patches. Yamaha has made several significant updates to their leaning trike, but, alas, the bike is not currently available in North America.
Top of the list of updates is the engine, now 890cc, up almost 5% from previous generation. While still based on the same architecture of the old engine that was also the powerplant for the Tracer 9 and MT-09, the new engine features a redesigned crankcase, reshaped crank webs with an 8% increase in mass, and is tilted 5 degrees forward for what Yamaha claims is optimum chassis balance. The increase in crank web mass is said to improve low RPM irreconcilability and stronger acceleration from a stop. A new exhaust gives better ground clearance and meets Euro5 regulations, and a new intake and air cleaner are designed to be quieter. No word on power figures yet.
2023 Yamaha Niken GT. Photo: Yamaha
Along with the engine upgrades, the bike now features Yamaha Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) and ride-by-wire Accelerator Position Sensor Grip (APSG), which should allow the onboard computer wizardry more control over engine responses, ride modes, and is also equipped to automatically control RPM level as the clutch is engaged as part of the starting acceleration assist system. Also, the setup is said to give a smoother and, almost counterintuitively, more natural feel to the throttle.
The ride modes, known as D-Mode settings, are Sport, Street, and Rain, and are reconfigured to match the upgraded engine. Sport features a direct throttle response, Street is described as a smooth throttle response, and Rain has a mild throttle response, and reduces maximum power by 18%.
The 2023 Niken features an upgraded quick shifter which works both up and down, and works in conjunction with a Assist and Slipper (A&S) clutch. The previous Niken quick shifter only worked with upshifts.
In the cockpit, the bike features a new full-colour 7-inch TFT (thin-film-transistor) display with three different themes to choose from, smartphone connectivity, Bluetooth capabilities, and Garmin Motorize GPS app compatibility, all controlled by a joystick and home button on the left handlebar. There is also a USB-A outlet in the cockpit, as well as a 12V outlet under the seat. Heated grips and cruise control are standard, although the cruise is not the new Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) that was just introduced on the upgraded Tracer 9 GT+.
2023 Yamaha Niken GT in action. Photo: Yamaha
There are a host of other upgrades, improvements, and additions with the aim of improving comfort and providing increased refinement for the Niken, including an adjustable windscreen with 70mm of manual up and down adjustment, a reshaped seat to improve the rider’s reach to the ground, and hard cases (30 liter capacity on each side) with new stays with passenger hand grips.
But the real party trick with the Niken will always be the unique front end, giving riders a level of confidence and grip unimaginable with a conventional two-wheeler, but retaining the feel of a regular motorcycle. It is a shame the model never caught on in North America, but at least the Euros can still happily flog them through the hairpins of the alps.
