2023 Yamaha Niken GT First Look Preview

The 2023 EICMA show saw Yamaha reveal a significant number of revisions to the 2023 Niken GT. From increased cubic capacity to electronics and creature comforts, little has been untouched on the three-wheeled sport tourer.

Editor’s note: We three-wheeled around on the Niken GT during the 2019 Yamaha Niken GT MC Commute Review article and video.

The Niken GT now has the more powerful CP3 890cc triple seen in the Tracer 9 GT and MT-09. Unique details set it apart from the mill in the tourer and middleweight naked, namely reshaped crank webs with 8 percent more mass; Yamaha says the added mass lets the engine “deliver stronger acceleration from a standstill and give greater ease of use and better controllability at lower rpm.” The engine also features a redesigned crankcase, new radiator, quieter intake, and a revised, redesigned, EU5-compliant exhaust that now allows more ground clearance.

The Niken’s cable throttle system has been replaced with a new ride-by-wire throttle. Revisions were also made to the starting acceleration assist system so that it provides, according to Yamaha, “a more natural level of intervention by automatically maintaining appropriate rpm levels when the clutch is engaged.”

Previously, riders could climb through the gearbox with the upshift-only quickshifter seen on past models, but the quickshifter has been updated to accommodate both up- and downshifts. A new assist and slipper clutch is also part of the transmission for smoother gear changes.

In order to improve overall balance between engine and chassis, the triple has been tilted five degrees forward thanks to revisions to the tubular steel main frame.

The rear suspension is updated with an all-new forged aluminum shock linkage arm. Yamaha claims this setup reduces unsprung weight by 236 grams (half a pound) compared to the steel one used previously.

New shock settings and a smaller diameter spring were made to smooth out the ride for single riders and keep the rear suspension firm when a second passenger hitches a ride.

The seat padding has been reshaped near the rider’s inner thigh to make mounting, dismounting, or touching feet down easier.

Other creature comforts include a new adjustable windscreen, standard heated grips, a USB-A outlet, an underseat 12-volt outlet, and a total of 60 liters of storage in the hard cases, which in turn are attached to the bike with new luggage mounts.

The Niken’s ECU has also been updated, along with several other electronic. Traction control parameters have been tweaked to match the new engine’s performance. New handlebar switches and a 5-way joystick can be used to navigate through the updated 7-inch TFT full-color display.

Smartphone connectivity is also new, allowing riders to link to the Niken through Yamaha’s MyRide-Link app to view and manage phone calls and messages through the dash display. This also opens up the possibility of displaying Garmin navigation on the TFT, though downloading the Garmin Motorise app is also needed to use nav.

Unfortunately the new Niken will not be making its way to the states for 2023, but it will be available to European markets in Yamaha Black with bronze-colored components for £16,200.

Want to see the new three-wheeler in more detail? Scroll through the photos below the spec sheet.