Does anyone know or guess why is the front fork of the ABS model (XT660ZA - ABS 2016), so much different from the non-ABS model?

Is it just because YAMAHA needed to keep the cost low, and selected a cheaper OEM front fork for the ABS model, to compensate for the extra cost of the ABS unit?

Or maybe..

Is it because the ABS model cannot handle as much travel on the front fork (because of geometry, fork inclination etc)?

Is it basically a safety issue or a cost issue?

Any thoughts?

The 'ZA' model has less suspension travel (160mm) and sits lower, and for this reason the forks are different and there is also no room for preload adjusters on top. As far as I am aware, the only reason that the bike's with ABS are lower (both front and rear) is because Yamaha's market research dictated that the sort of buyer who wants ABS also prefers to have a lower seat and both feet firmly planted on the ground. It is nothing to do with cost.

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