Yamaha Niken
Few machines have angered bikers like Yamaha’s Niken. Check out any social media post about it and there’s a minority that raves about the innovation and an even smaller segment that has sampled it and talks about front-end grip. However, the overwhelming reaction is one of hate.
“What’s the point?”, “Great for disabled riders” or “It’s not a motorcycle” are the three favourites, but can all be answered very quickly. Firstly, it’s designed to give a rider unassailable confidence in the front end. Secondly, it’s as bad for disabled riders as any other motorcycle, as it falls over just the same. Thirdly, it is classified by the DVLA as a motorcycle, though Yamaha prefers ‘Leaning Multi Wheeler’.
Ride one and it feels much like a proper bike. The parallelogram frontend uses two moving horizontal beams and pivoting mounts for the two pairs of forks, permitting leans angles of up to 45° in corners.
Apart from being a bit ponderous at low speed, it offers a feeling of support and grip that some, but not all, who have tested it love. It steers like a normal bike, too. If you didn’t know, you’d never guess those two front wheels are being steered by a combination of steering arms and pivots, rather than a direct link between bars and wheels.
Of course, there are downsides — at 263kg, it is 69kg heavier than the machine you see opposite, despite having the same motor. Then there’s the price — at £13,642, it is also more than £4000 dearer than an MT-09. But the concept works — if you fancy one and can afford it, give it a go.