The 847cc engine is shared
with the Tracer 900 and the MT-
09, though it's been tuned for a
sport-touring application with a
heavier crankshaft, lower final
drive ratio, modified fuel injection
settings and stronger transmis-
sion gear material to cope with
the increased weight. Claimed
peak horsepower remains the
same at 115, but the Niken is more
than 100 pounds heavier than the
Tracer. That weight combined with
the drivetrain tweaks mean that
power delivery is relaxed. Still,
the ECU automatically feeds in
throttle when leaving from a stop
to prevent stalls and acceleration
runs from first through third gear
will quickly put a smile on your
face thanks to the upshift-only
quickshifter. Above third gear the
Niken sometimes feels like it's
making more noise than forward
thrust, but what a noise it is!
To earn the "GT" suffix, the
Niken gets some updates. Cos-
metically, the paint is now Matte
Phantom Blue, and the front forks
are gold (though the internals have
not changed). Functional improve-
ments include a center stand,
extra 12-volt electrical outlet, taller
windscreen, thicker rider and
2019 YAMAHA NIKEN GT
FIRST REVIEW
P88
Rain or shine,
straightaway or
corner—the Niken
GT just plain
works.
passenger seats, heated grips, a
passenger grab rail with a location
to mount a top case and quick- re-
lease 25L side bags.
Most of the GT pieces are
excellent additions (particularly
the seats, which are some of the
best OEM units I've enjoyed in a
long time) and it's worth spend-
ing the $1300 premium for the
