At the moment, the FZ09 is not replacing the FZ8 - from what I was told. When I spoke to the Yamaha factory reps and marketing team at MotoGP in July, they indicated the plan is to continue to make the FZ8. Reportedly, they are going to wait and see if the FZ8 will continue to be sold in the US, but it will be sold in Canada and elsewhere worldwide.
Its interesting how the sales of the FZ8 and the Honda CB1000R were lower in the USA, and they sell much better in other places around the world. Personally, I really like the euro Italian look of the FZ8 and the Honda CB1000R. However, the first time I laid eyes on the FZ8 I knew I had to have one, just after deciding not to get buy a Ducati along with two friends. We all bought FZ8s instead! I've owned a lot of motorcycles in my life, still own a few today including italian bikes, and probably get as many compliments or more on the FZ8 than anything I've ever owned. Many people ask if its an MV Agusta or something exotic. The FZ8 definitely costs a more money to produce than the FZ09, using an R1 based engine platform. If the FZ09 is more fun to ride than the FZ8, it should be a bit hit, especially for the ultra cheap entry price.
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