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Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/990347
2019 YAMAHA NIKEN FIRST TEST P102 the rider. However, the handle- bar bend and coziness of the saddle is spot on. As always, Yamaha's 847cc CP3 three-cylinder engine con- figuration proves to be a gem, even when fitted inside a heavier chassis. Full of immediate torque, this triple delivers good acceleration grunt in the lower gears—impressive considering some of the oxygen-deprived mountain passes we rode across during our 183-mile day ride through the Austrian Alps. Still, we couldn't help but wonder how much better it could be with the extra ponies of the YZF-R1's CP4 engine. Smooth and rich in character, this engine proves to be fun, playful and eager to run. The six-speed gearbox benefits from an electronic quickshifter, which makes for immediate clutch- less upshifts. Downshifts on the other hand still must be made the old-fashioned way. Yamaha's three-way adjust- able D-Mode selection allows you to tune the combined effect of the powerband and throttle response. Of the three modes (1, 2 and 3), we preferred the smoother more calibrated re- sponse of Mode 2. Riders look- ing for a big acceleration feel—at the cost of overall smoothness— may prefer Mode 1's more ag- gressive setting. On the other hand, those that want the smoothest feel, for per- haps riding in inclement weather, will likely appreciate Mode 3. Two-way adjustable traction con- trol is also standard, and can be manually disabled at a stop, if, say, you want to pull a wheelie. And yes, with a bit of clutch finesse, the Niken wheelies in first gear. However, the front end comes up quick so make sure to cover that rear brake! So, is the Niken going to replace that shiny new MT-09 in your garage? We don't think so. It does open up a new world of riding opportunity, allowing riders to enjoy precision cornering in a more sedate, and maybe even safer manner. After all, you don't have to be an ace rider to exploit the Niken's greater cornering grip, and that, for some, is going to be the winning ticket. CN 2018 YAMAHA NIKEN (MSRP TBA) ENGINE: .................Three-cylinder, 4-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 12-valves DISPLACEMENT: ...................................847cc BORE X STROKE: .....................78 x 59.1mm COMPRESSION RATIO: ...........................11.5:1 Clutch: Wet multi-plate, assist and slipper type TRANSMISSION: ................................ 6-speed CHASSIS: .... Steel and aluminum diamond FRONT SUSPENSION: ...........................41mm upside down telescopic forks, 2 per side, fully adjustable REAR SUSPENSION: ........ Monoshock, fully adjustable FRONT BRAKE: ......... Dual 265.6mm discs, dual 4-piston caliper, ABS REAR BRAKE: ...............Single 298mm disc, 2-piston caliper, ABS FRONT TIRE: ...............................120/70 R 15 REAR TIRE: ................................. 190/55 R 17 WHEELBASE: ....................................... 59.4 in. SEAT HEIGHT: .....................................32.3 in. FUEL CAPACITY: ................................. 4.8 gal. WEIGHT: ....579.8 lbs. (ABS curb, claimed) COLOR:............................................... Graphite S P E C I F I C A T I O N S From this end, the Niken looks almost normal.