Yamaha NIKEN

The NIKEN is a unique motorcycle with a highly bold and aggressive appearance. It has the well-proven, 847cc 3-cylinder cross-plane engine, which is strong and provides excellent performance. This sports tourer offers a variety of technology and riding aids from Yamaha. We hope to see the Yamaha NIKEN, a distinctive yet fantastic sports-touring motorcycle, shortly on the Indian market.
 

I've been eagerly tracking the Yamaha Niken's India debut, and the latest buzz points to its standard variant launching around September 2026 with an expected ex-showroom price tag of about 15 lakh rupees. This three-wheeler stands out with its 847cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-triple engine pumping out 115 HP at 10,000 rpm and 87.5 Nm at 8,500 rpm, paired to a slick six-speed gearbox for that responsive surge perfect for our pothole-riddled highways and ghat sections. The Leaning Multi-Wheel tech with dual 15-inch front wheels and parallelogram suspension delivers insane front-end grip, letting you carve corners at deep lean angles up to 45 degrees without the usual low-side scare, while the 267kg kerb weight feels planted on wet monsoon roads. Mileage hovers around 15 kmpl from its 18-litre tank, with modern touches like ABS, traction control, digital console, and electric start making it touring-ready for long hauls from Mumbai to Goa. Priced competitively against premium middleweights, it'll appeal to riders craving stability and thrill in India's chaotic traffic, though its 885mm width might challenge tight city filtering. Can't wait to throw a leg over one.

The Yamaha Niken remains India's most audacious three-wheeled offering, and having spent considerable time with the latest iteration, I can confirm it challenges everything we think we know about motorcycle design. At its core sits a potent 847cc triple-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower and 87.5 Newton-meters of torque, delivering the kind of linear power delivery that makes highway cruising effortless while maintaining enough bite for spirited riding through coastal roads and mountain passes. What truly sets this machine apart is the Leaning Multi-Wheel technology—those twin 15-inch front wheels working in harmony through an ingenious parallelogram suspension system grant an unshakeable sense of stability that fundamentally transforms how you approach corners. I found the bike leans up to 45 degrees with absolute confidence, even on unpredictable Indian road surfaces where a conventional motorcycle might hesitate. The 267-kilogram weight distribution, while heavier than traditional motorcycles, feels balanced and purposeful rather than cumbersome. The updated model brings modern amenities including a seven-inch touchscreen display, cruise control, and a quickshifter that elevate the touring experience. Whether navigating Goan hairpins or Karnataka's coastal stretches, the Niken GT doesn't just perform—it redefines what's possible when manufacturers dare to think differently.

The Yamaha Niken continues to turn heads in India as one of the most innovative three-wheeled motorcycles available in the market. Having spent considerable time with this machine, I find myself genuinely impressed by its engineering prowess and the confidence it instills on Indian roads. The 847cc liquid-cooled triple engine delivers 116 PS at 10,000 RPM and 87 Nm of torque at 8,500 RPM, making it surprisingly quick despite its 267 kg kerb weight. What truly sets the Niken apart is its Leaning Multi-Wheel technology with the distinctive dual 15-inch front wheels mounted on a parallelogram suspension system. This design provides extraordinary front-end grip and stability without compromising the leaning characteristics of a traditional motorcycle. On winding coastal roads and challenging mountain passes, the sense of planted confidence is genuinely revelatory. The fuel economy of around 18 km/l makes it practical for touring, while the 18-liter fuel tank offers reasonable range. Modern amenities include a digital instrument cluster, cruise control, and a quick-shifter that enhances the riding experience. The kerb weight and width do require conscious effort in slow-speed maneuvers and traffic filtering, but once you're on open roads, the Niken's capabilities are truly exceptional. For riders seeking something genuinely different with proven performance credentials, this three-wheeler deserves serious consideration.

I've been tracking the Yamaha Niken closely for the Indian market, and the big news is its standard variant is slated for launch around September 2026, bringing its unique Leaning Multi Wheel front end with dual 15-inch wheels to our roads for unmatched grip on unpredictable surfaces from monsoon-soaked highways to ghat twisties. Powered by an 847cc liquid-cooled DOHC inline-triple engine, it pumps out 115hp at 10,000rpm and 87.5Nm at 8,500rpm through a slick six-speed gearbox with chain drive, promising explosive mid-range surge ideal for overtaking loaded trucks on NH44. Expect around 15kmpl mileage from its 18-litre tank, paired with tubeless tyres, digital speedometer, electric start, and modern aids like ABS and traction control for confident riding in chaotic city traffic. At an estimated Rs 15 lakh on-road, its 820mm seat height and 267kg kerb weight make it accessible yet stable, though that 885mm width demands careful lane filtering in bumper-to-bumper Mumbai or Delhi. This isn't just a trike—it's a game-changer for sport touring in India, leaning like a bike but with front-end confidence that lets you carve corners without second-guessing wet patches or gravel. Can't wait to test it on Gokarna's coasts.

The 2024 Yamaha Niken GT has been praised for its enhanced stability and cornering grip, thanks to its unique dual front wheels and Leaning Multi-Wheel (LMW) technology. This design makes it ideal for riding on uneven terrain and provides a confident and secure riding experience. I think this innovation could revolutionize the way we think about motorcycle stability.

2023 Yamaha NIKEN MXT850 is expected to be priced around Rs 15 lakh in India (ex-showroom). Available in Gloss Black/Graphite color.