The fact that neither is flying out of the shops (and not only because of the economic downturn) should speak volumes.
The FZ8 is a botched attempt to go after Europe's best selling bike, the Kawasaki Z750. How successful Yamaha has been luring in people away from the Big K can be gauged by the fact that one month after initial deliveries Yamaha was already offering 0% financing and three months later they were offering a free Akrapovic exhaust and some other goodies to go with the bike. Still no takers and God knows what they'll try next to shift that showroom anchor.
The Super Tenerè is not built to be purchased by customer. Pretty much like the Honda VFR1200F it was built to placate European dealers, which have been clamoring for years for different, exciting models to lessen their overeliance on scooters. The ST1200 was put together in a hurry and it shows. While it has none of the Honda's embarrassing faults, it's as expensive as a BMW R1200GS, weighs 30kg more, it's more thirsty and much less comfortable.
No need to get too excited... the new BMW six cylinder tourer will be much better.
