Breaking News - Yamaha says Super-Ténéré & FZ8 will come to US

[Rincewind]

Yamaha Announces 2011 Availability in U.S. Market of Super Ténéré and FZ8

Special order needed for the Super-Ténéré.

Yamaha made some 2011 model announcements for the U.S. Market this morning.  A number of our readers have expessed an interest in the Super Tenere adventure bike previously available in the European market, only.  Well, Yamaha is bringing the bike to the U.S. for the 2011 model year through a “Priority Delivery Program” at Yamaha dealerships beginning in September.  To get one, you will have to place a $500 deposit with your dealer, and expect delivery of the bike beginning in May of 2011.  The starting U.S. MSRP will be $13,900, and the bike will be available in blue (as pictured above).

The Super Tenere was tested by MD here, and left a quite favorable impression.  It offers huge gas tank capacity and capable handling, both on-road and off.  Yamaha has stressed mass centralization, and the handling prowess of the Super Tenere, and early returns indicate they hit the mark.

Also available in the U.S. for 2011 will be the FZ8 Naked announced last year in Europe.  In many ways, it is a smaller displacement version of the U.S. market FZ1.  At 779cc, it reportedly offers a good mix of low-end torque and high-end pull . . . a merging of the characteristics of 1,000cc nakeds with 600cc nakeds.  We will see what we think when we get a chance to test one.  

http://www.motorcycledaily.com/2010/09/yamaha-announces-new-2011-star-stryker-and-availability-in-u-s-market-of-super-tenere-and-fz8/

[DogBoy]

Attention JamesG: here you go.


Seriously, that is good news.

[Rincewind]

Yamaha USA Super-Tenere Page  - $13,900

Yamaha USA FZ8 Page - $8,490

 

[scottzilla]

The FZ8 makes no sense.  Dealers are giving away FZ1's and it's simply a better bike (If you think a better suspension, less weight and more HP/Torque is "Better").
The Tenere will be tire kicked to death, especially by cheap-ass STN members.

[Powder Addict]

I dunno, I like the FZ8, that's a bike I would put on any short list if/when I'm shopping.

[UFO]

The FZ8 makes no sense.  Dealers are giving away FZ1's and it's simply a better bike (If you think a better suspension, less weight and more HP/Torque is "Better").
The Tenere will be tire kicked to death, especially by cheap-ass STN members.

Ténéré is on a PDP-like program (think FJR when it came to the US), so that's zero risk for Yamaha.  We'll see how the FZ8 goes, but having an FZ6, FZ8, and FZ1 in the lineup long term doesn't seem like a good idea.

[dentedvw]

I won't be tire kicking it, I simply cannot afford it. Poor timing for me.   If only I were sleeping on a Donald Trump mattress...

Ah well, in a number of years, when I can get a used unit for half of that, I will likely get one.  

So, bravo Yamaha! I would if I could, but take a raincheck?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

[Skee]

Yamaha USA Super-Tenere Page  - $13,900
 

A Wee with guts; I could see me switching back to Yami...

[Mookie]

Last I checked you couldn't get a Naked FZ6 or FZ1 in the US.  the FZ8 looks like a worthy competitor to the Street Triple - I think it's right there in the sweet spot for a naked bike.

How's the Super stack up against the GS?  I never read any of the reviews because I thought we were never going to get it.

[Rincewind]

We'll see how the FZ8 goes, but having an FZ6, FZ8, and FZ1 in the lineup long term doesn't seem like a good idea.

You forgot the FZ6R.  And the FZ6 is no more - it is not shown on their 2011 line-up.  So it goes: fully-faired 600, naked 800, or half-faired 1000.  That seems pretty diverse to me.

[IrishFazerBoy]

FZ8, but no fazer 8 ???   I would have thought that the fazer would do better in the US.   The S10 is VERY tempting !!!

[scottzilla]

Ténéré is on a PDP-like program (think FJR when it came to the US), so that's zero risk for Yamaha.  We'll see how the FZ8 goes, but having an FZ6, FZ8, and FZ1 in the lineup long term doesn't seem like a good idea.

Fine, but this also leads to higher sell prices which will certainly hurt overall sales (Think VMax).  They should commit and stop screwing around.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

How's the Super stack up against the GS?  I never read any of the reviews because I thought we were never going to get it.

 

[Galo]

Hmmmn....if one reads the small print on several 'pre-release' tests, the FZ8's engine is a bored-down FZ1 engine, meaning it will be heavy for its displacement, much different from the upcoming 800cc Trumpets which are bumped-up versions of the light, modern 675 mill or the clean-sheet BMW 800cc engine. Also, the chassis is deemed to be 'very similar' to the FZ1's, so...I don't get it. Almost as heavy as the FZ1, porky engine for its displacement & HP....does nothing for moi.

[JamesG]

Attention JamesG: here you go.

Oh damn... What am I going to bitch about now?

Better start saving my pennies...

[Rincewind]

Almost as heavy as the FZ1, porky engine for its displacement & HP....does nothing for moi.

The FZ1 and FZ8 have the same listed wet weight on the website!  It's almost hard to believe.

[UFO]

The FZ1 and FZ8 have the same listed wet weight on the website!  It's almost hard to believe.

Yeah, it's the odd bird here.  I think the S10 will do fine, especially with PDP.  Those that want one will get one and Yamaha will sell every single one they bring in.

FZ8....??? probably not.

[JamesG]

If the likes of the Katana and B-King could sell, then 'Mericans will buy FZ8s.

[R Doug]

Brav-freak'n-o