fwiw. I think this has the potential to be a great bike... but looking at the photos above of the prototype and the physical size/build of it, I think we'd be unrealistic to expect it to be anything other than an updated XT660Z with the twin MT07 engine - which is no bad thing in my opinion.

I loved my 2008 model XT660Z - and still consider it the best off-the-shelf 'Adventure' bike when you consider the overall package and it's intended use.

Updating it with a modern smooth and refined twin, with 50% more power is just going to nail it for Yamaha as far as I'm concerned, particularly if they can keep the price below £7500 GBP (as low as £7000 has been suggested by MCN, but you know what they're like ;o) - since it appears that Yamaha have been concentrating on keen pricing in more recent years.

With regard to size, weight and complexity - just as we don't drive (and certainly cannot buy) Series 1 Land Rovers, Toyota BJs etc. anymore - so too bikes are much more refined, comfortable and laden with the latest emissions controls and other legislative components such as ABS etc.

If this bike can come in around the 200Kg mark fully fuelled with a 250+ mile range like the old model, I'm sure it will cause people to consider even the new Africa Twin as overkill for a genuine long-distance travel bike.

Jx