When three wheels are better than two

Innovative, daring and the three-wheel received much-discussed the Niken is production motorcycle that has major updates this year

- Adam 'Chad' Child

The 890cc triple - in terms of wheels as well as cylinders was first shown to the public in 2017 and, frankly, some jaws are still on the floor today. Stunned onlookers simply didn't know what to make of the thing. What exactly was it? What was it for? Who would buy one?

It certainly wasn't for car drivers to ride without a bike licence as the front wheel track is too narrow, and the bike will still fall over if you let go of it. Instead, Yamaha said it simply wanted to give more front-end feel to a premium sports tourer. Just as in climbing, where holding on to the wall with two hands is better than just one, with two wheels at the front there is more grip and less chance of losing the front.

The more open-minded were fascinated. I first rode a Niken in 2018 and have subsequently covered many miles on the three-wheeler, including touring Scotland. I love the grip and stability of the unique Leaning Multi Wheel (LMW) front end, which allows you to get away with murder. But there were niggles: particularly a soft rear end, a small non-adjustable screen and, by modern standards, a general lack in premium spec and tech.

For 2023, Yamaha has given the Niken a new lease of life by addressing some of those shortcomings, and also added a few quality touches we weren't expecting.

Although it looks much like the older bike, there are significant changes. The 2023 model receives the new SP3 motor, up 42cc, and now produces 113.3bhp at 10,000rpm and 66.9lb-ft at 7,000rpm. There's a new steel and aluminium hybrid frame, and Yamaha has improved and redesigned the rear suspension, too.