Here’s my 2p worth of guesswork…

Bet on an MT-07 based T�n�r� breaking cover next year, quite possibly stretched in capacity (like Triumph did with the 675) in order to compete in the existing 800 class. However, I personally think Yamaha would be savvy to keep it as a 689cc bike and be a bit different – stand out from the crowd – be cheaper and lighter than the competition. That’s always been the trouble with the S10, they tried to be the same as the competition, but too late and not quite as good. A 700 T�n�r� for a thousand pound premium over the MT-07 would be an extremely attractive (and tempting) proposition, undercutting Triumph and BMW’s offerings by more than a grand.

If a �6,199 XT700Z T�n�r� breaks ranks, then it’s going to put a lot of pressure on 660Z sales (only 120 sold in the UK during 2013). I somehow can’t see it staying in the line-up unless they cut the price of the 660Z back to the levels they were when I bought my Z in 2008 (�4899 list). As for the X/R, they only sold 64 Xs and 40 Rs in 2013 in the UK - and that was before the MT-07 came out! That just isn’t enough…

I have a slight inkling though that the existing 660 range might move production for a fourth time (after Italy, Spain and France), this time going to India, which might just save the XT as we know it. If it happens, Minarelli are almost certain to lose 660 engine production to the sub-continent as well. India Yamaha Motors (IYM) have two plants which fit the bill perfectly, one at Faridabad (engines and mechanical components) and Surajpur (assembly). The Surajpur factory currently has the capacity to produce a million motorcycles annually and is expanding all the time. The single cylinder XTs also fit well with the philosophy and style of kind of bikes people demand in Asia. KTM have done it recently, so why not Yamaha?

If production does switch to India, the big question would be, which of the 660XTs will be produced, which will find their way back to Europe (if any) and will they be “cheaper” than they are now? I reckon the T�n�r� might just be the one that does (if adventure bike sales remain buoyant)…

Anyway, just guessing. Only time will tell...

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