Just one recent 200-mile round trip helped me appreciate all I like and dislike about the Niken.
The journey to Lichfieldโs one Iโve made before, but with greater experience of the Yamaha, Iโm starting to click with it virtually from mile one. I can now immediately trust the front end grip without needing time to test my belief in its ability.
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In saying that, Iโm also learning more about the balance of adhesion at each end of the bike. With so much more available at the sharp end, Iโm realising itโs now the rear thatโs more likely to let go soonest.
Itโs a more preferable situation for me, with the traction control helping the on-throttle moments, and my off-road experience assisting my judgement and control of any rear tyre slides going into a corner. For me, if thereโs ever an end to lose first, itโs the rear every time.
Feeling looked after
The taller screen, panniers, heated grips, and centre stand Iโve recently had fitted have made a huge difference. Boosting the Nikenโs versatility distinctly, the screen is especially beneficial. Wind protection is in another league, improving comfort at higher speeds and keeping me altogether warmer.
Restricted by traffic
The panniers are big enough to hold all I need for some time away from home. Though I do think I might need to secure their zips better than the tiny, fiddly to use Yamaha combination padlocks. The panniers naturally add to the width of the Niken, though as the girth of the rear end is about the same as the front, itโs easier to judge when filtering. Getting through the stationary traffic isnโt too bad on a dual carriageway, but trying to make progress through heavy traffic in towns requires more care, and a lot more patience.
I want to go further
The fuel range isnโt quite as good as Iโd like. I know the Niken will just about get to my desired 200 miles from a tank, but when fuel stops arenโt as frequently sited as is the case on motorways, and when you have to pay motorway prices, it can be a bit irritating: on my most recent ride I had to pay an extra 25p per litre on the M5 than I would at my usual fuel station. If the Niken was mine, Iโd definitely look into trying to boost its range. If its tank held just another 5 litres, Iโd like it a lot more.
Boot cleaner needed
Another issue time with the Yamaha has taught me is less favourable. Ride it on wet roads, as I did when I went to meet a mate for pub lunch, and the pub wonโt like the state of your boots. With feet in the direct line of fire from the front wheels they get coated in muck in minutes. Iโm going to have sort that!
Yamaha Niken: This month
- Rider: Chris Moss
- Cost new: ยฃ13,499
- Engine: 847cc, liquid-cooled, inline triple
- Spec: 114bhp/65lb-ft
- Kerb weight: 263kg
- Tank: 18 litres
- Seat: 820mm
- Miles this month: 357
- Miles on clock: 1515
- Average mpg: 46mpg
- Current tyres: Bridgestone A41s
- Modifications: tall screen ยฃ189.82, panniers and frames ยฃ610.13, tank bag and mounting ยฃ177.31, centre stand ยฃ233.24, heated grips ยฃ151.10
- Total value of mods: ยฃ1361.16
