Yamaha’s leaning technology gathers steam
Matching 15-inch wheels with inverted tube forksYamaha’s been active on the leaning multi-wheeler front in recent years, with the success of the volume-production Tricity probably giving it an extra level of motivation.
While the Tricity has made its home in the low-capacity space, Yamaha is obviously looking at injecting some real performance and ‘big-bike’ feel into its leaning technology.
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That’s where ‘Niken’ – which means sword in Japanese – comes in. On the Yamaha stand at last week’s Tokyo Motor Show, Niken is based on the MWT-9 concept which was revealed by Yamaha two years ago, and is powered by the company’s 847cc in-line triple found in the MT-09 range and XSR900.
There’s a four-speed transmission as well, but that’s all standard stuff compared to the front end with matching 15-inch front wheels and upside-down 35-inch fork tubes.
Here’s what Yamaha has to say about it: “This model is equipped with LMW technology to reduce the effects of changing ride environments and to deliver a high feeling of stability when cornering.
“It achieves excellent performance for spirited and sporty riding on various road surfaces and the capability to freely carve through the continuous corners of winding roads.”
Yamaha will reveal the full suite of information at EICMA in Milan on November 6 in its
‘Pioneers of Emotions’ press conference.
We all know the gap between concept and production can be remarkably short. Will Niken take that step? Yamaha may answer that very question on November 6.
What are your thoughts?
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