Yamaha surprised many at the Birmingham NEC bike show by announcing price cuts to five key models for 2012, rather than the price increases most expected.
Throughout 2011, Yamaha's models have been consistently higher in RRP than the equivalent model from rival Japanese manufacturers. Caused by the unfavourable yen/pound exchange rate, Yamaha did try and excuse this discrepancy by claiming they were producing 'premium' models that were of a high build quality.
While this is certainly true in some respects, the fact was that, when faced with the choice, cash-strapped buyers didn't buy the Yamaha product, hence the price reductions.
For 2012 the firm's flagship YZF-R1 will be £11,999, down from £13,399 which is a saving of £1,400 (the limited edition anniversary model R1 will be £1000 more at £12,999). The YZF-R6 drops by £400 to £8999 (£500 more for anniversary colours), the FZ8 is £1000 less at £6999 (£500 extra for the anniversary colours) while the faired Fazer8 ABS is £7999, a saving of £1000 on 2011's prices. Finally, the XT1200Z Super Tenere sheds £1000, taking it down to £11999.
All these prices exclude the £129 on the road charges.
"We continue to look at offering the best value for our customers, striving to give not only our customers the best product but also continuing to produce exciting motorcycles and scooters of the highest quality for our customers to enjoy well into the future," said a Yamaha spokesman.