Yamaha might have discontinued the radical Niken GT from America, but this three-wheeled motorcycle is still selling across the pond. We are also confident about its future because a bunch of new patents have been filed in Europe, and they emphasize the Niken GT is getting smarter than ever. Almost all patents focus on the complex leaning multi-wheel setup. However, an interesting filing also mentions the possible utilization of Yamaha’s updated multi-wheel setup on a vehicle beyond a motorcycle.
Patents Show Anti-Tipping And Collision Detection Tech For The Yamaha Niken
The Yamaha Niken GT’s complex learning front dual wheels seem to be getting some serious technology upgrades. Patents filed with the European Patent Office indicate individual motors for both the left and right front wheels that can be independently actuated. Currently, the Niken comes with a unified motor for both wheels. The individual setup should offer more precise lean and grip control.
Yamaha seems to offer two ways to actuate this setup. One is by the rider, and the other is automatically with a series of new sensors that will be integrated into the design. The sensors included in the patent designs monitor the lean angle, vehicle speed, and angular acceleration. Using these sensors, Yamaha plans to equip the Niken with anti-tipping features as well. This would elevate the safety quotient of the three-wheeled Yamaha, especially during hard and fast cornering.
Another notable technology feature mentioned in the patents is front collision detection. While not detailed, we can expect the camera-guided radar-linked system on the Yamaha Tracer 9 GT+ to be repurposed for the souped-up Niken GT. If the whole system comes on board, we can expect other features like Vehicle Hold Control, Unified Braking System, Blind Spot Detection, and Adaptive Cruise Control.
Yamaha Might Be Building A Brand New Three-Wheeled Vehicle
Imagine A Yamaha Rival To The Harley-Davidson Trikes
This is highly speculative but based on a very particular patent separately filed in Europe. It mentions Yamaha’s Y-AMT gearbox, but what has intrigued us more is this specific section of the patent filing.
The leaning vehicle is not limited to the motorcycle, and may be, for example, a three-wheeled motor vehicle or the like. The three-wheeled motor vehicle may include two front wheels and one rear wheel, or alternatively may include one front wheel and two rear wheels.
This makes us imagine Yamaha making a three-wheeler with two rear wheels, similar to the Harley-Davidson trikes. Does this indicate that Yamaha is cooking up another three-wheeled motorcycle? Even better, since it’s not confined to a bike, are we looking at early signs of a possible Polaris Slingshot rival?! The possibilities are endless.
Yamaha’s Popular CP3 Engine Will Continue To Power The Niken GT
Power: 113 HP
Since the patents here exclusively focus on the technology side of things, we expect the popular and versatile CP3 inline-3 engine to continue powering the future Niken GT. This engine also powers the MT-09 naked sports bike, the XSR900 classic-vibing roadster, and even the highly practical Tracer 9 touring bike. This three-cylinder mill is a fairly high-revving unit with peak power and torque produced at 10,000 RPM and 7,000 RPM, respectively. Power is sent to the rear wheel via a chain-driven 6-speed gearbox.
Yamaha Niken GT Engine Specs
|
Engine Configuration |
Inline-3; Liquid-Cooled |
|
Engine Displacement |
890 cc |
|
Bore X Stroke |
3.070 X 2.444 in. (78.0 X 62.1 mm) |
|
Compression Ratio |
11.5:1 |
|
Torque |
67 LB-FT |
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Lubrication System |
Wet Sump |
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Fuel System |
Fuel Injection |
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Gearbox |
6-Speed; Constant Mesh |
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Clutch Type |
Wet; Multiple Disc |
|
Fuel Efficiency |
40.5 MPG |
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