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assenvas · # 8 27-04-14, 08:33

Hi,

Good direction, Pleiades. I agree with you. The most logical for Yamaha would be to go for a two cylinder 700 or 750 Z, light and competitive. However I come from automotive background and would like to point few little details to your post.
Price wise probably (provided that go with one of the above) I think Yamaha will not be able to afford going below current XTZ even more, I would go for a little premium above. We should not forget that over the last 10 years Yamaha sold huge quantities of 660s around the globe which allows them to keep the price fairly low. A new model though will have the burden of development cost, plus homologation in EU putting pressure on margins. On the other hand though the gap I see for a 700/750 Tenere is just around a grand below BMW/Triumph duo.
Regarding the current x/r Range I think that if Yamaha decides to follow BMW strategy and keep the mid thumper they might just consider to redesign and why not combine the two in one like 19" front wheel similar to GS650. Production in India is absolutely realistic having in mind that the GS650 is produced in China. This will give leverage to Yamaha to keep extended product line in Europe (eventually applying pressure on competition) at a low cost.
Of course this is only guessing from me based on my experience and you cannot be more right - time will tell. I am curious.
Just one last thing - a Yamaha dealer, friend of mine, told me that the launch of the new Ten is expected late this year. Probably in Milan with the new Africa twin by Honda.

Let us see.