2019 YAMAHA NIKEN GT
FIRST REVIEW
P84
sive from a technical standpoint, but does it feel like a
motorcycle when you're behind the bars?
Anticlimactically, you'll forget about the second front
wheel most of the time, partially because the wheels are
hidden from view while riding. The wide bodywork from the
tank forward and raised plastic humps flanking the dash
hint that something is different, but you quickly get used to
the visual mass and when you're moving there's no way to
see the intricate dance of the front end.
But the real reason you won't be constantly distracted
by having twice as many front wheels as usual is that the
Niken GT generally feels like a regular motor-
cycle. In a straight line, it's nigh impossible
to tell the difference. The only unexpected
feeling is how comfortably the front sus-
pension soaks up jolts, as the front end's
articulation acts as additional suspension
travel and softens the impact. Yamaha test
rider Gerad Capley notes that "if one wheel
hits a bump, it doesn't transfer force to the
frame, it transfers it to the other wheel." This
is good news because you're going to hit a
lot more bumps with three wheels of width.
Having all those components is great
for comfort, but the flip side is that in the
corners, your inputs to the front wheels have
to be fed through all of the same pieces.
(Above) The bags work well, but the
combination lock, waterproofing situation,
and tacked-on reflectors are underwhelming.
(Below) The LCD screen is easy to read, and
the power outlet location is convenient, but the
ignition assembly looks unfinished.
Not pictured:
me laughing in
my helmet about
how easy the
Niken makes wet
weather riding.
