What happens in Australia is called the exchange rate, the GST (Goods and Services Tax of 10%) and the endemic price gouging performed locally by Yamaha Australia.
Unfortunately I suspect the last reason is the major contributing factor in the overall pricing structure
Of course Yamaha isn't in anyway unique locally in this regard
Unfortunately the USA doesn't import the XT660 range ... which is just such a crying shame because I generally land parts ex the States for my Super Tenere at a tad over 50% of the local cost.
Occasionally I find that with careful use of the parts cross-reference I can often order against other models ... but life would have been well hell of a lot simpler if the States had just come to the party
