Side-by-Side Test: Can-Am Ryker, Yamaha Niken, Quadro Qooder // Side-by-Side Test: Can-Am Ryker, Yamaha Niken, Quadro Qooder – Motorcycle, Scooter and Alien
We will touch on the title first. The motorcycle is a Yamaha Niken. Although it has three wheels in total, it is ridden with a category A exam and it is also because it rides like a motorcycle and also because of its performance we should not underestimate it or even think that due to improved stability (twice better front grip) each. Niken leans like a motorcycle, rides like a motorcycle, and shines in poor driving conditions.
The scooter in all its meaning is the Quadro, which even has four wheels in this version. Automatic transmission and easy to use: gas, brake, no clutches. Versions with only one drive wheel are also available. Because it’s ridden with a car exam, it can be a compromise if you’re looking for mobility that offers some motto of enjoyment and tilting, while not requiring knowledge or an exam to ride a motorcycle. The third, the Can-Am Ryker, is entirely its own mobile species, genetically even closer to snowmobiles. In case you may not know, Can-Am is part of a group of Canadian manufacturer BRP, which is famous for snowmobiles, jet skis and quadricycles and SSVs, to name just a part of the program. The Ryker doesn’t tilt in corners, has a pair of wheels at the front that are essentially the same as smaller city cars, and at the rear the wheel is larger and wider as power is transmitted to the rear wheel via a belt like on American cruisers. The transmission is automatic by selecting gears by pressing the + and - buttons as in sports cars. He is driving with a car exam with the obligatory use of a protective helmet.
All three are interesting because they bring something new to the mobility market and can in fact also offer motorists and anyone who would like to ingest the wind in their hair the sensations that are the privilege of motorcyclists. The exception, of course, is the Yamaha Niken, because it is a motorcycle and requires an experienced rider. But with its appearance, it is downright stunning wherever you drive. We find it interesting the direction in which the development of motorcycles can go in terms of increased safety and stability in all driving conditions, regardless of the weather or the ground under the wheels. The Quadro and Can-Am are also of interest to all people who, for example, have limited mobility and can offer a great alternative when it comes to enjoying driving with a high degree of safety.
In our test, we drove through town, crowded, and then down the highway to bends and a hill pass. Yamaha and Quadro find themselves better in city crowds because they are, of course, narrower and shorter. We did not notice any shortcomings on the highway, but there are limitations in the engine power of the Quadro, as it reaches its limit at 130 km / h. Yamaha and Can-Am are far ahead in their class when it comes to acceleration and top speed. On the bends, however, it becomes interesting. Only here does Yamaha really come into its natural environment, and driving with such a measure of reliability, calmness and stability through a bend is a very unique experience. The engine is also powerful enough to make the ride adrenaline pumping. There is nothing much less adrenaline pumping behind Ryker. This one shines especially when accelerating and braking, as it has a fantastic grip on wide tires. Restrictions are only in bends. Compared to Yamaha, it is slower, but still brutally fast and, like a go-kart, keeps the direction in the corner. When exaggerated, everything is calmed and stabilized by electronics with a very well-functioning ESP system. The Quadro struggled the most when cornering when we were looking for its limits. For a quiet, touring ride like, say, drivers of Harley Davidsons or Honda Goldwings, it’s very good. So it offers some genuine enjoyment. But the moment you want an adrenaline ride, you get to the limit of the incline and the limitations of not exactly a sports single-cylinder. It has to be leased and under the helmet there is always a smile. It is also a great means of transport to work and home in any weather, as it has very good wind protection.
Finally, a comment: They are different, they are very unusual and definitely each of these three wonders on wheels can find its owner, who will delight him every time he sits on it - each in his own way. What the future will bring, however, will be very interesting, we may soon get something even more repulsive.
Text: Peter Kavčič · Photo:
Infobox
Face to face: Matyaz Tomažić
In this comparison test, three rather different vehicles were found. Different not only in terms of performance and driving characteristics, but also in terms of design solutions. Until a few years ago, I would have calmly written that all candidates are at least unusual, if not already somewhat bizarre. But the fact is that over the years we have become accustomed to both large Can-Am as well as different variations of three- and four-wheeled scooters that ride with category B. It seems perfectly right to me that scooters like the Quadro and the like can ride also motorists. Their ease of use is complemented by good brakes and, within reason, also reliable stability and driving characteristics. If you ask me, I would include scooters and motorcycles up to 125 cubic centimeters in the range of vehicles that can be driven by B-category holders, provided, of course, that a practical test and driving excellence are passed, which would be confirmed by an additional code in the relevant section. on the driving license (such as code 96 for trailers). I believe that such a measure would bring a lot of positive effects - both in sales and in traffic itself and, above all, people's satisfaction.
Let us return to the chosen ones this time. So, with the exception of the Yamaha Niken, we are not talking about anything new under the item, the Quadro is a variation of the scooter, and the Ryker is just a more modest version of the larger touring tricycles. At first glance, both should offer a lot of driving pleasure and adrenaline, but driving is not quite so. The safety (Ryker) or construction (Quadro) limitations are too pronounced for a motorcyclist with quite a bit of experience to really and always enjoy. However, neither the first nor the second is intended for motorcyclists anyway. Those who are flirting with the idea of buying such a vehicle, however, certainly have good and well-founded reasons. They should choose Quadro for each day and Ryker for free time.
A completely different story is the Yamaha Niken. Despite the third wheel and the rather large mass of the front part, this Yamaha rides like a motorcycle. Sorry, as good, almost as a sports motorcycle. That is why he needs at least basic motorcycling knowledge. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t (yet) feel good on two bikes (then), then this is it.
It would be ungrateful and incorrect for any of these three to be ranked on the podium, so this time I will only give a personal view of what to have and what not. Yamaha Niken: as long as I feel great on two wheels - no. Quadro: My idea of an ideal scooter includes a bit more lightness and agility, so - no. And Ryker: There must be at least one reason to take a trip with Ryker instead of a motorcycle, but I can’t find him. But I would have him to take a jet ski to the beach with him.
Background: Can-Am Ryker Rally Edition
Sales: Ski & Sea, doo
Test model price: € 12.799 € 9.799, base model price € XNUMX XNUMX.
Engine (design):
3-cylinder in-line
Movement volume (cm3):
74 x 69,7 mm
Maximum power (kW / hp at 1 / min.):
61,1 kW (81 km) at 8000 rpm
Maximum torque (Nm @ 1 / min):
79,1 Nm at 6500 rpm
Energy transfer:
rear-wheel drive - CVT transmission
Tires:
front 145 / 60R16, rear 205/55 / R15
Wheelbase (mm):
1709 mm
Weight (kg):
empty car 280 kg
Seat height from floor
599 mm
Fuel tank / consumption
20l / 7,5l / 100 km
final grade
Ryker is a fun vehicle designed for those for whom the motorcycle is too demanding and the car is not fun enough. It promises to be different and gives a lot of driving joy. Forget about overtaking the columns along the line, because it is not designed for that, but the Rally model therefore gives a completely new dimension of driving on macadam, which cannot be experienced anywhere else - not even on ATVs.
We praise and reproach
+ fantastic look
+ location on the road
+ assistance systems
+ possibility of personalization
- Price
- Does not tilt like a motorcycle or scooter
-
Yamaha Nike
Sales: Delta Team, doo
Base model price: € 15.795.
Test model price: € 15.795.
Technical information
Engine: 847 cm³, three-cylinder, liquid-cooled
Power: 85 kW (115 hp) at 10.000 rpm
Torque: 88 Nm at 8.500 rpm
Power transmission: 6-speed transmission, one-way quickshifter
Okvir: diamond
Brakes: front, double wheel ABS, rear ABS
Suspension: front double double USD-fork 2 / 41mm, rear swingarm, single shock absorber
Tires: front 120/70 15, rear 190/55 17
Seat height: 820 mm
Fuel tank / consumption: 18 l / 5,8 l
Weight: 263 kg (ready to drive)
We praise and reproach
+ driving position
+ front suspension
+ stability, sense of confidence
- It's time for a new series of switches and displays
- (too) fast activation of the ABS rear brake
- power / weight ratio compared to other MT-09 models
final grade
The Yamaha Niken is a motorcycle that needs to be swept away with some prejudice first. A great opportunity for all those who want to either stand out or step out of some standard frameworks. Its potential, despite its sportiness and excellent driving dynamics, lies in carefree and long journeys.
Fooder board
Basic data
Sales: Špan, doo
Test model price: € 11.590.
Technical information
Engine: 399 ccm, single cylinder, four stroke, liquid cooled
Power: 23,8 kW (32,5 hp) at 7.000 rpm
Torque: 38,5 Nm at 5.000 rpm, fuel injection, electric power transmission: automatic CVT
Frame: tubular steel
Brakes: 256 mm diameter double disc at the front, 240 mm diameter disc at the rear
Suspension: front, double, single suspension, rear shock absorber
Tires: front 110 / 80-14˝, rear 110/78 x 14˝
Seat height: 780
Fuel tank / consumption: 14 l / 5,3 l / 100km
Wheelbase: 1.580
Weight: 281 kg
Panel Panel 4
We praise and reproach
+ comfort
+ large trunk
+ driven with B-category
– price
- high passenger seat
- slope restrictions
final grade
The Qooder is a maxiscooter that has its limitations due to the hydraulics system that controls the wheels in incline: it does not incline to such inclines as a motorcycle. With that in mind, driving with it is fun and safe. But any exaggeration falls away. For a leisurely trip and fighting the city crowds, it will also do well.
