Although Yamaha did basicly mutate the Bulldog from other bikes(Buell M2, BMW R1100R, and the MOnster) it is a fine looking bike as a whole. Suzuki had trouble selling the VS 800 a few years back a one respondant stated however, did'nt all of the major manufacturers have trouble selling standards? In 2001, the standard seems to be the hot commodity providing that they have the performance to back up their styleing, which unfortunately the Bulldog does not. With such a large displacement, I would expect a minimum of 80hp out of such a bike.
As far as rip offs go, did anybody read about the sportster clone that Kawasaki is planning to release? That is a direct rip off! A foolish one at that becase anybody looking for a budget cruiser that has a narrow stance, easy maintenence, and American styleing would buy the sporster.
Minime stated that Yamaha does have a few bikes coming this way for 2002, as confirmed on the Yamaha web site. (They are going to post the new models on June 12) I am crossing my fingers till they bleed for the FJ1300.