- Steering mechanism different from the Niken
- Will allow the bike to lean into corners
- Bodywork and engine identical to the V-Max
Yamaha has filed patents for a three-wheeled V-Max. Although it will steer by leaning in to the corner with the two wheels at the front just like the Niken, the mechanism on the V-Max is completely different.
The Yamaha Niken features a unique steering geometry with ‘parallelogram link design’, allows the motorcycle to be leaned into the corner. Each of the two wheels at the front is supported by dual inverted forks from the outside. However, patent drawings show that the V-Max trike will feature a different steering mechanism. This one has suspension arms extending from the central fork assembly. The suspension design is very similar to the multi-link mechanism found in cars.
Neither of these mechanisms is similar to the ones used by traditional trikes from Harley-Davidson and Indian. The two wheels at the front should offer a much higher level of grip, while provision to lean the motorcycle gives them a sporty undertone. The patent drawings show that the three-wheeled V-Max uses the same aluminium diamond frame and the 1679cc V4 engine, which churns out 200 horsepower.
In case Yamaha is serious about putting this bike into production, we should see a concept later this year. However, it might be a couple of years before we see one hit the showroom. We do not expect Yamaha to introduce either the Niken or the three-wheeled V-Max in the Indian market.
Source: YoungMachine
