Duel Yamaha Niken GT Vs Tracer 900 GT: the good three (wheels) plan ?
A motorcycle is two wheels, a handlebar and a motor. The proof, we have "always done like that" … With its additional wheel at the front, the Yamaha Niken would therefore be excluded from this definition ?! MNC wanted to be clear about it by opposing the GT version of this confusing tripod to the Tracer 900 GT. Duel.
Duel Niken GT Vs Tracer 900 GT page 1: The "houla" effect….
You know the "wow" effect, which designates the reaction of admiring surprise to the discovery of a new impacting product. In the world of motorcycles, this popular expression of marketing services is the prerogative of Latin sportswomen, "couillus" roadsters or particularly polished neo-retros..
- MNC special file :
- MNC special file :
The discovery of "the" (yes, its official name is masculinized) Niken GT provokes another type of exclamation: "houla"! Even "houlala, what a face!" … Its massive front axle leaves you speechless because it is placed not on one, but on two wheels! Its 15-inch tilting rims are suspended by a double fork connected to a parallelogram (details in). Never seen on a motorcycle !
Because, yes, Yamaha considers it as such: the Niken GT – a new version with road pretensions reinforced by semi-rigid 25-liter saddlebags, a high screen and a comfort saddle – takes place next to the Tracer 900 GT in the offers "Sport Touring Motorcycles" from the Japanese manufacturer, which gallantly describes it as "a sporty road for the whole year".
So ? Did they abuse sake at Iwata headquarters ?! Not so sure, because the Tracer 900 GT and the Niken GT share several essential components: engine, gearbox – with original single-acting shifter -, radial brakes and chain transmission. Some controls, heated grips, governor, traction control and selectable maps as standard are .
Another point in common: the two are driven with the A license (motorcycle), unlike the Piaggio MP3, Peugeot Metropolis, Can Am Spyder and other Harley-Davidson Trike accessible with the B license (car). The Niken is for bikers! This restrictive choice is dictated by the volcanic character of its 115 hp 3-cylinder engine. Also a way to distinguish it from 3-wheel scooters, like its distant cousin .
- MNC Smart-Video : Live presentation of the duel Niken GT Vs Tracer 900 GT
Comparing the Tracer 900 GT to the Niken GT therefore gives the possibility of making direct comparisons and of measuring the interest – or not – of this additional wheel. And to answer a question that torments MNC from our: are three-wheelers really better than two ?!
One more wheel, less euros in the wallet !
Whether they do better, it remains to be proven during this comparative test. But one thing is already certain: three-wheelers are considerably more expensive than two! The Niken GT is priced at € 16,299 against 12,199 for the Tracer 900 GT, i.e. a difference of € 4,100. Its unique technology pays for itself: logical in one direction, abused in the other…
Especially since certain finishing aspects are unworthy of this high price (the equivalent of an MT-09 and an MT-07 in your box): the integration of sheaths and electric cables leaves something to be desired around the "3 – 847 cc "legs, just like that of the radiator filler hose. Not very pretty all that…
The raw treatment of certain plastics is also upsetting, as are the pieces of blue tape and the Rilsan necklaces here and there … Finally, the suitcase racks considerably make the rear ugly when dismantling this insufficiently large luggage for y (observation alas identical with the Tracer 900 GT).
- MNC Smart-Video :
The comparison to the stylish – and practical – integrated bindings of the Tracer 900 GT illustrates the difference between an accessorized version like the Niken GT and a full-fledged model like its two-wheeled rival. However, we salute the qualitative aspect of the three-wheeler’s white stitched saddle, its hollowed-out plates and its superb aluminum front fender mounts..
This saddle, in fact, spreads the thighs more apart than on the Tracer 900 GT: the fault of its bulky Y-shaped architecture! The seat has therefore been lowered to save accessibility: 820 mm on the tricycle against 850 mm on the "motorcycle", which can also be raised to 865 mm (not adjustable on the Niken). For the same purpose, the suspensions are shortened to 110 and 125 mm (137 and 142 mm on the Tracer GT).
But that’s not enough: a 1.75m pilot does not put both feet on the ground perfectly on the Niken GT, while it is on the Tracer 900 GT. The motorcycle – the "real one"! – takes advantage of its finesse on its front part but reveals in passing a firm and slightly sloping saddle. That of the tripod, wide and thick, gently cleans the seat !
The position is noticeably different: the Tracer 900 GT offers a comfortable posture, the bust barely tilted on its right handlebars and the feet slightly set back. On the Niken GT, the position is even more relaxed: its slightly wider handlebars (88 cm against 85 according to MNC measurements) are bent towards the rear, while its footrests are directly above the bust.
The only ergonomic drawback: said footrests are quite high, thus limiting the space allocated to the legs. The resulting fallback is frustrating for a machine of such a size, especially over long distances. The comfort would gain if they were lowered, to the detriment nevertheless of the ground clearance. And that would be a shame, as the Niken GT allows for generous angles !
One more wheel, less worries !
Yamaha announces a possible tilt of "45 degrees" with the Niken … MNC did not take out his protractor to check, far too busy as we were to take advantage of his astounding ease in taking the angle! The intuitive handling of its front axle contrasts radically with the rather clumsy reactions of other motor tricycles.
The Niken GT is bluffing of fluidity when it is registered on the angle, very close in terms of sensations with the bike. Yes, yes, MNC faith! The resistance generated by its additional wheel is especially noticeable at very low speed, without being really annoying. A few meters are enough to practically forget it. And this all the more quickly as we cannot distinguish its 120 mm tires. !
- MNC Smart-Video : Niken GT Vs Tracer 900 GT on board camera
But the real interest of this third wheel is manifested on bumpy and / or wet roads, where this third point of contact allows entry into curves significantly higher than with the Tracer 900 GT. The Niken GT offers total peace of mind, whatever the conditions, leading to ultra-fast cornering negotiations. Higher than those of the motorcycle? Yes. At least, on tricky bitumen …
At a time when the bitumen turns white
MNC made the observation by taking the road as early as early twinkling, while the sun was barely rising on an icy and wet asphalt … The Niken GT played these conditions with insolent ease, offering the possibility of file the footrests despite negative temperatures (down to -4 ° C on the dashboard): impossible to do with the motorcycle without immediately losing the front !
By forcing the line, the limits all the same end up manifesting itself: its very high grip ends up giving way, causing a lateral drift of the two front wheels. The tripod then widens by slipping – without brutality – before regaining grip to resume its initial trajectory. However, be careful not to abuse it, at the risk of leaving in the scenery or on the opposite side of the road…
The alert is less stressful, however, than on a two-wheeled motorcycle, which tends to suddenly fold inward as soon as grip is lacking up front. But not everyone is called Marc Marquez to catch up with this type of "low side"! This additional support "fall prevention from the front", Yamaha offers it as standard on its Niken !
Upon arrival of our morning journey of 220 km, swallowed in one go to join the Tracer 900 GT, MNC establishes two other positive observations about the Niken GT: its engine common to the MT-09 family tows it with a lot of lively, offering a delicious blend of smoothness and – strong – character. Finally, its general comfort pleasantly preserves the rigors of these winter conditions..
An armchair for three
Well installed on his thick saddle, his hands warm on the heated grips, the pilot is suitably sheltered behind his fixed screen. Its enveloping front part and its forks effectively protect the feet and shins. On the Tracer 900 GT, the lower limbs are fully exposed !
The Tracer makes up for it with its hand guards which, with the heated grips, guarantee imperial comfort in all circumstances. Its adjustable screen also offers more versatility than the fixed one of the Niken GT. Its protection is, however, similar in the high position: the bust, shoulders and a large part of the helmet are protected in a similar way on both machines..
Too bad that the padding of the saddle of the Tracer 900 GT is not thicker and that the Yamaha engine manufacturers did not channel the vibrations of the three-cylinder better: on the motorcycle as on the tricycle, crackling is felt in the saddle, handlebars and footrests between 4000 and 5500 rpm, i.e. between 100 and 130 km / h (both run at exactly the same speed).
One more wheel, extra pounds…
On smooth and dry asphalt, the Tracer 900 GT takes the upper hand this time over the Niken GT: its pilot can now tilt it without restraint and benefit from its superior agility. The bike, 40 kg lighter (227 kg against 267), tilts with a simple pressure on the footrest, where the tripod mainly requests the arms.
This difference is quickly felt muscularly speaking in the very winding portions! The inertia exerted by the additional wheel is also felt at high speed, where the Niken GT becomes a bit rowdy: its stability, imperial at low and medium speeds, is called into question in ultra-fast curves..
The slightest action on the handlebars then leads to sometimes exacerbated reactions: the price undoubtedly for its liveliness at low speed. The Tracer 900 GT then continues to escape, despite a perfectible suspension cohesion: it is a motorcycle extremely sensitive to adjustable damping, as MNC had already noted during our .
The Tracer 900 GT also takes advantage of its extra tone under acceleration to maintain its advantage. The two engines delivering exactly the same performance (115 hp and 87.5 Nm), the advantage goes logically to the Tracer 900 GT: the motorcycle – more responsive – sticks a few meters to the tricycle at each restart, especially at low speeds. . And the longer the acceleration lasts, the greater the gap…
Still, the three-wheeled motorcycle is less lagging behind than expected! It is even possible to make up all or part of the delay in entering curves, particularly when braking: its third wheel gives the Niken GT greater slowing possibilities than those of the Tracer 900 GT, despite a bit of a backward bite. Logical, since grip at the front is doubled !
The exercise is however tiring, especially on tortuous routes: the shoulders heat up and the body tired, suggesting to the pilot of the tripod to give up the hand … On the Tracer 900 GT, the rows are negotiated drum beating until more thirst with, honor is safe, a touch of "fun" and superior improvisational possibilities !
Verdict: a third complementary path
The Niken GT is an excellent surprise for MNC: the Yamaha tripod is by far the best three-wheeler tested by the Motorcycle Journal of the Net in! Its front end has the naturalness that is lacking in, without showing any resistance like that of one or – in another register – of this "sticky" aspect specific to the .
Its dynamic behavior is extremely playful, while providing additional grip and secure stability compared to the Tracer GT. The bet was therefore successful for Yamaha, which has effectively managed to partially reproduce the sensations of a motorcycle … with an additional wheel !
- MNC Smart-Video : Niken GT Vs Tracer 900, first results
This flattering balance also owes a lot to the qualities of its engine, barely modified compared to the MT-09 / Tracer (injection reworked and crankshaft heavier). The CP3 is, once again, full box: supple, full and vigorous at all speeds, this "3-legged" develops earthy energy and a very pleasant muffled growl !
Admittedly, the additional 40 kg of the Niken GT cut him off a bit under 4000 rpm, but without ever stifling his communicative joie de vivre. It is an alert, lively and "rough" engine in mid-range, which nevertheless remains capable of foolproof docility at the bottom of the tachometer..
A high-performance block but not overflowing: its explosiveness is perfectly channelable – yes, quite a feat! -, despite a finicky injection on the motorcycle as well as on the tricycle. In view of its respondent, Yamaha’s choice to limit access to the Niken to bikers seems sensible !
Ultimately, however, MNC gives the victory to the Tracer 900 GT for its unbeatable "quality-equipment-price" ratio. The bike is also more fun, less tiring and more efficient in the second part of the turn. On well-paved roads, the Yamaha road car prints a physically untenable pace for the three-wheeler. Phew ?!
Thanks to its greater suspension travel, the Tracer 900 GT also enjoys better damping progress: the Niken GT, with its drier reactions, shakes more when the coating creases, even if its soft saddle fortunately erases a lot. part of this phenomenon.
The 3-wheeler can also take advantage of a rigorous suspension which is somewhat lacking in the bike, a little soft on the rear. This quality combines with its third wheel to give it the advantage over bad surfaces, with complete confidence. Yamaha can boast of having two excellent sporty two- and three-wheel road proposals: no other manufacturer can say the same !
Which one to choose ? MNC would opt for the motorbike as the main vehicle and would afford the Niken GT as a second motorbike for winter trips on a tired secondary network. Problem: the budget then reaches 28,500 euros! Huge ?! Yes and no: it is the price of certain high-end type road motorcycles, or even "full optioned"…
The Niken is also a credible alternative for certain motorcyclists sufficiently cooled by a nice scare on two wheels to think about hanging up the gloves. The additional grip provided by the three-wheeler is a solution to consider carefully, because ultimately not incompatible with the pleasure of holding a handlebar. And isn’t that the main thing ?
- Continued on page 2 : Details in captioned photos
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