Yamaha Niken GT (2019-on) review

We can ride it until the tanks dry easily .Brakes work fine especially if you fit better pads to your desired braking tastes .Front suspension is fantastic but the rear can get a bit unsettled if you really push it but it does depend on many factors .

Cp3 enough said.

Furry fasteners at 30k but riden in all weather's all year certainly far better corrosion wise than a lot of others on the market .100% reliable

Didn't like the oe tyres and to change them out you do need to fit H rated scooter tyres ie Michelin pilot road 4s work great .Favourite feature is the tactile and functionality switch gear combined with the LCD which I prefer over the tft I have had previously .

Ride quality is great, upright but very comfy on the GT. Tank range for a tourer could probably do with another 20 or 30 miles but the gauge flashes for a refill between 130 and 150 miles about the same time as my bladder indicates time to empty. Brakes, Adequate. Initially I braked like previous bikes but certainly the last few had dual or linked brakes, the Tracer has the same as this but was around 50 lighter. Relying on front brake only hauls you up but longer than the lighter bike and often engages the Abs. Better technique is a little front, plenty of rear then increase front if necessary.

The Yamaha engine. A cross the range (I've had test rides on the 2, 3 and 4 cylinder 700,900 and 1000cc) absolutely brilliant lots of torque, flexibility and go. The gearing on the Niken is slightly lower than the 900gt it replaced which gives a slightly lower top end but 120mph is more than I need. Fuel consumption is mid to high 40's

No issues as as it's same engine, the brilliant CP3 as in my previous well used, well maintained Tracer 900 Gt I'm not expecting too much trouble.

Standard Yamaha servicing, only the 16000mile service is more than the comparable yamaha 2 wheel service as front suspension /headstock bearings are inspected. Tyre choice as standard is good but I found a more sticky Pirelli Angel Gt even better personally. Tyre wear is slightly higher than I experienced on the 900gt. And you'll need to factor in cost of 3 not 2 tyres Not strictly servicing but certainly, "running costs" INSURANCE. Big nasty surprise here hardly anyone would touch it. My 900gt was £209 fully comp. NIKEN IS DOUBLE. really disappointed with attitudes and poor service from previously exemplary insurer "Narol Cash" and don't just buy from any of the price beating comparison sites. I did, had bike on road for several days only to be told by an easily overlooked (potentially) email that I wasn't covered.!... and breathe...

The GT is well equipt. Display on screen is easier for my eyes than the previous Yams TFT. Heated grips are good cruise control great. Switch gear takes a bit of muscle memory training this would be made much easier if they were back lit. Screen on Gt is fixed but tall and it works for me most of the time (I'm 183cm.six ft old money) my pillion says it's "OK" and seat is "alright but could we stop for a stretch after 100 miles?" The panniers are semi rigid and only lockable with a padlock thru the two zip pulls. If you've concerns about leaving them on when bikes unattended... Just take them off, they are easy to mount and dismount. If travelling solo a waterproof rollbag usually suffices for me the wide rear seat provides adequate bungee points.Headlights are blindingly bright

Front suspension is very good. Combined with Niken's unique wheel arrangement, bumps, wet roads, gravel are non-events. I found the rear preload lowest setting best for me at 105kg. Rear may be harsh for lighter riders, but plenty good when loaded with pilllion and luggage. Brakes are good with good feedback and no fade, but the Niken does stop a bit long. A tank of fuel easily averages 250km, which is timely for a stop and stretch. Seat is very comfortable, and upright riding position is not tiring. It really works as my all rounder!

Broad rev range. A modern refined engine package. No shortage of horsepower, but more displacement / start line torque would be ideal for this somewhat heavy package.

No issues yet at 8000km.

1st and 2nd service costs were equal at $250 Cdn.

Comfort is 9 of 10. Windshield is noisy. Monochrome guage display is not up to the competion's for size, brightness and colour. Stock Bridgestone A41 tires seem a very good choice.