Yamaha Niken 900 GT 2019 — Specifications

Two wheels at the front, a philosophy all its own. Since its launch, the Yamaha Niken has divided, intrigued, and fascinated. Some see it as a UFO, others as a revolution. The 900 GT version pushes the concept further by adding a touring dimension to this unclassifiable machine. With its LMW dual inverted fork system, its 268 kg wet weight, and its price tag of 16,299 euros, the Niken GT doesn't compete in anyone else's league. It invented its own.

Beneath the massive bodywork lies the CP3, the 847 cc triple that already delights MT-09 and Tracer riders. Here, it delivers 115 horsepower at 10,000 rpm and 87.3 Nm of torque at 8,500 rpm. Honest figures, enough to carry the whole package to 200 km/h, but it's above all the engine's character that wins you over. Smooth, eager, always ready to pull thanks to a well-spaced six-speed gearbox and a standard quickshifter. The assisted slipper clutch rounds out an already proven mechanical package. Yamaha took no risks on this front, and that's a good thing. The steel diamond frame, ABS, traction control, and three engine maps are identical to the standard version.

To earn the GT suffix, Yamaha applied the same recipe as on its Tracer range. Tall screen, heated grips, comfort seat for rider and passenger, cruise control, dual 12V sockets. The passenger gets reinforced grab handles that double as luggage mounting points. Two 25-litre semi-rigid panniers complete the picture. That's adequate for a weekend, a bit tight for a proper tour. It's a shame Yamaha didn't go straight for the 30-litre City or Touring hard cases, as on the latest Tracer GT. A curious choice, especially at this price point. Another notable omission: the colour TFT display. The Tracer 900 GT already had one, yet the Niken makes do with a more conventional instrument panel. A centre stand makes an appearance, welcome for routine maintenance on a machine of this size.

What does the Yamaha Niken 900 GT weigh? At 268 kg on the scales, this machine makes its presence felt at a standstill. On the move, it's a different story. The dual front end with its 120/70-15 tyres delivers grip and stability that no conventional motorcycle can match, especially on wet or broken surfaces. Braking relies on two 298 mm front discs with radial four-piston callipers and a 282 mm rear disc. The 820 mm seat height remains accessible, but the bulk of the front end demands some adjustment during low-speed manoeuvres. The 18-litre tank allows reasonable range without heroics.

What does a Yamaha Niken 900 GT cost? At 16,299 euros new, it's a steep bill. You can find a better-equipped Tracer 9 GT for less, and a BMW R 1250 RT for barely more. The Niken GT cannot be justified by pure reason alone. It speaks to the curious rider, the one who wants to ride differently, who values the safety of a dual front end, and who accepts paying the price of being different. On the used market, a 2021 Yamaha Niken 900 GT with 2,500 km goes for around 10,500 euros, which makes the concept considerably easier to swallow. For the traditional tourer, the Tracer remains the rational choice. For the explorer of new sensations, the Niken GT opens a door that nobody else offers.