Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
The European market can look forward to the new and improved Niken GT for sporty three-wheeled touring in 2023. (Yamaha/)The 2023 EICMA show saw Yamaha reveal a significant number of revisions to the 2023 Niken GT. From increased cubic capacity to electronics and creature comforts, little has been untouched on the three-wheeled sport tourer.Editor’s note: We three-wheeled around on the Niken GT during the 2019 Yamaha Niken GT MC Commute Review article and video.Touring is still at the forefront of the Niken’s design, but now there’s more power, improved electronics, and other revisions to make the unique machine better. (Yamaha/)The Niken GT now has the more powerful CP3 890cc triple seen in the Tracer 9 GT and MT-09. Unique details set it apart from the mill in the tourer and middleweight naked, namely reshaped crank webs with 8 percent more mass; Yamaha says the added mass lets the engine “deliver stronger acceleration from a standstill and give greater ease of use and better controllability at lower rpm.” The engine also features a redesigned crankcase, new radiator, quieter intake, and a revised, redesigned, EU5-compliant exhaust that now allows more ground clearance.The Niken GT comes with standard cruise control and three ride modes, Sport, Street, and Rain. (Yamaha/)The Niken’s cable throttle system has been replaced with a new ride-by-wire throttle. Revisions were also made to the starting acceleration assist system so that it provides, according to Yamaha, “a more natural level of intervention by automatically maintaining appropriate rpm levels when the clutch is engaged.”The new CP3 has increased cubic capacity, redesigned intake and air cleaner, and a new exhaust. (Yamaha/)Previously, riders could climb through the gearbox with the upshift-only quickshifter seen on past models, but the quickshifter has been updated to accommodate both up- and downshifts. A new assist and slipper clutch is also part of the transmission for smoother gear changes.There won’t be any excuses for getting lost because the Niken GT works with the Garmin Motorise app to provide the rider with turn-by-turn directions. (Yamaha/)In order to improve overall balance between engine and chassis, the triple has been tilted five degrees forward thanks to revisions to the tubular steel main frame.Dual-leaning front wheels are Niken trademarks. (Yamaha/)The rear suspension is updated with an all-new forged aluminum shock linkage arm. Yamaha claims this setup reduces unsprung weight by 236 grams (half a pound) compared to the steel one used previously.New shock settings and a smaller diameter spring were made to smooth out the ride for single riders and keep the rear suspension firm when a second passenger hitches a ride.The seat padding has been reshaped near the rider’s inner thigh to make mounting, dismounting, or touching feet down easier.Yamaha upgraded the Niken’s quickshifter to offer both up and down shifting functionality. (Yamaha/)Other creature comforts include a new adjustable windscreen, standard heated grips, a USB-A outlet, an underseat 12-volt outlet, and a total of 60 liters of storage in the hard cases, which in turn are attached to the bike with new luggage mounts.A new radiator helps keep the engine cool when it’s pumping out the ponies. (Yamaha/)The Niken’s ECU has also been updated, along with several other electronic. Traction control parameters have been tweaked to match the new engine’s performance. New handlebar switches and a 5-way joystick can be used to navigate through the updated 7-inch TFT full-color display.Smartphone connectivity is also new, allowing riders to link to the Niken through Yamaha’s MyRide-Link app to view and manage phone calls and messages through the dash display. This also opens up the possibility of displaying Garmin navigation on the TFT, though downloading the Garmin Motorise app is also needed to use nav.The traction control has three levels of intervention: 1, 2, and off. (Yamaha/)Unfortunately the new Niken will not be making its way to the states for 2023, but it will be available to European markets in Yamaha Black with bronze-colored components for £16,200.Want to see the new three-wheeler in more detail? Scroll through the photos below the spec sheet.2023 Yamaha Niken GT Technical Specifications And Price
PRICE:
£16,200
ENGINE:
890cc, DOHC, liquid-cooled inline three cylinder; 4 valves per cyl.
BORE x STROKE:
78.0 x 62.1mm
COMPRESSION RATIO:
11.5:1
FUEL DELIVERY:
Fuel injection
CLUTCH:
Wet multiplate clutch
CLAIMED HORSEPOWER:
84.5kW/10,000 rpm (113 hp @ 10,000 rpm)
CLAIMED TORQUE:
90.7Nm/7,000 rpm (66.9 lb.-ft. @ 7,000 rpm)
TRANSMISSION/FINAL DRIVE:
6-speed/chain
FRAME:
Diamond
FRONT SUSPENSION:
Telescopic fork; 4.3 in. travel
REAR SUSPENSION:
Swingarm; 4.9 in. travel
FRONT BRAKE:
298mm disc
REAR BRAKE:
282mm disc
WHEELS, FRONT/REAR:
15 in. / 17 in.
TIRES, FRONT/REAR:
120/70-15 / 190/55-17
RAKE/TRAIL:
20.0°/2.9 in.
WHEELBASE:
59.4 in.
SEAT HEIGHT:
32.5 in.
GROUND CLEARANCE:
5.9 in.
FUEL CAPACITY:
4.0 gal.
CLAIMED WET WEIGHT:
596 lb.
AVAILABLE:
Europe only
CONTACT:
yamahamotorsports.com
The Niken GT is back in black. (Yamaha/)Riding through cold weather is bound to happen on a long tour; new heated grips are there to keep the rider’s hands warm. (Yamaha/)The windscreen can be adjusted plus/minus 70mm with a lever on the left side of the TFT display. (Yamaha/)Yamaha reshaped the seat to improve reach to the ground. (Yamaha/)Rear suspension has been revised from the linkage arm to the spring. (Yamaha/)There are three different screen themes to choose from on the new TFT. (Yamaha/)A five-degree change in the engine’s angle required adjustments to the frame as well. (Yamaha/)The side cases offer 30 liters of storage space each. Passenger hand grips are incorporated into the design. (Yamaha/)Not only does the revised exhaust boost ground clearance, but it also has been redesigned to meet EU5 regulations. (Yamaha/)
