When it comes to three-wheeled vehicles, there are
some that take the form of cars missing one wheel, and others that more closely
resemble motorcycles with one extra.
Yamaha's new Niken clearly falls in the latter
category and takes it a step or two further. Where other trikes take a more
sedate approach, the Niken looks like a full-on sport bike, but with the added
stability of a dual front wheels.
The Yamaha Niken packs a three-cylinder engine of
undisclosed capacity and output, but we get the distinct
feeling we're looking at an 850 cc engine. Whatever the size, it features dual
overhead cams, four-valve cylinder heads, and liquid cooling.
However much power is channeled to the rear wheel,
while a pair of 15-inch rollers up front articulate on inverted forks to
maintain stability in corners and when coming to a stop.
The bike is alternately billed as a 2018
model or as “reference vehicle”. Either way, we won't be
surprised to see this or something similar carving back roads in the near
future. Look for more details to surface at the EICMA motorcycle show in Milan
on November 6.
