Difference between model years

[Summit670]

I know it is on here somewhere but can't find it - can someone tell me the difference between model years?

No, it's not.  It was lost when the previous forum went poof. (Jim)

I believe 2008 and 2009 are the same.  Not sure about 2010, 2011, 2012.

Gen 1 - 2008,2009
Gen 2 - 2010+

2010 Changes:

• Taller windshield with auto-lowering (ignition off)
• Dash vents to help alleviate back pressure
• Heated handgrips
• Engine heat management modifications
• Fairing design changed
• Lockable glove box on left side
• Side fairing vents changed
• Ktrac (ABS only bikes) Optional 2010, Std 2011+
• Linked brakes (ABS only bikes?) Optional 2010, Std 2011+
• Switch on left grip for changing the display
• Thermometer (outside air temperature)
• Mirrors relocated
• Switchable engine maps (Eco mode, Standard)
• Oil pan modified so that the drain plug is facing forwards instead of downwards

2011 changes:

2012 changes:

• Black wheels and grab bars

Thanks.

[basmntdweller]

08's and 09's are same except color. '10's and '11's had all the changes you mentioned. Not sure on the '12's. 10's and 11's also had the Ktrac and linked brakes if I am not mistaken.

Matt

[stevewfl]

Fortunately they all have KiPass

[VirginiaJim]

We actually had a good comparison until the forum went 'poof' between the 08/09 and '10 bikes.  Course that doesn't help you now.

Ok, so I'm ready to take suggestions and stickying this temporarily for the differences between the gen1 and gen2 bikes (08/09 - '10)...  Please respond in this thread.  Thanks.

[basmntdweller]

Off topic warning!
Just curious , how many of stevewfl posts would be still here if all that referenced Kipass were mysteriously deleted?

and now, back to regularly scheduled differences in model years.

Matt

[ZG]

12's come stock with black wheels... 

[Scaffolder]

And black grab bars.

[vortex2]

Changes from Gen 1 to Gen 2

Switch on grip for changing display, which also has thermometer (outside temp)
Bigger windshield which auto lowers when ignition is turned off
Switchable engine maps, ECO mode and standard
Glovebox moved to left side, has locking door
New fairing and heat control panels
Mirrors raised for better visibility
Color changed to blue metallic
KTRAC traction control
Linked brakes
Heated grips

[MrPepsi]

For the serious newbies.
Gen1 = 2008 and 2009
Gen2 = 2010, 2011 and 2012 (so far)

[Jaxter]

Vortex, you may have missed a couple of changes...one change is they chainged the oil pan by re-orienting the drain plug, and they added vents in the fairing to modify the air flow to the inside of the windscreen.

[VirginiaJim]

Off topic warning!
Just curious , how many of stevewfl posts would be still here if all that referenced Kipass were mysteriously deleted?

and now, back to regularly scheduled differences in model years.

Matt

Probably half or more.....but we wouldn't have as many wiminz pictures, would we?. 

[jimmymac]

ABS and traction control was an option in 2010. It's standard for the later models.
Earlier models only had ABS as an option.

[turbohawk]

Have heard rumors that Gen 1 is faster than Gen 2 due to an electronic speed restriction added. Can anyone confirm or deny?

[basmntdweller]

Have heard rumors that Gen 1 is faster than Gen 2 due to an electronic speed restriction added. Can anyone confirm or deny?

Nothing concrete, but a guy I found on craigslist and went to look at his '08 claimed he had his to 175mph. Many here claim the newer one stops at 155mph. I ended up with a new '09 this past July and some say it is the same as the '08s. I doubt I will ever have the opportunity to verify it's top speed (or the balls!).

Matt

[feelergaugephil]

My 08 does 178, shield down and no bags, only reason Im posting in here bcos Im seriously thinking of getting a 2010 model, but if its slower,,,,,, Ill keep my 08.
(and dont ask "why on earth would you want to go that speed") quick auto response will be "I bought a 1400 to ride it like a 1400, If I wanted slower I'd have bought a ninja 250"

[gPink]

An ecu reflash might get rid of the speed restriction and open the secondaries sooner.

[feelergaugephil]

Your probably right, a friend of mine did that to his 2011 kawasaki zx10r, that think is scary fast.

[MajorTom]

Hi guys,
Had lost track of the forum when, as someone said, it went poof!

Happy to be back!

Isn't the radiator also different since 2010 ? Isn't it now curved (bigger?) and also be part of the reason the newer 14 run cooler than the 2008 and 2009?

[MajorTom]

Also, I don't know if there is really a change in the top speed but I can tell you I tested my bike up to 153 mph in 5th gear and it wanted to continue...I didn't.

You have to know that up here in Canada, you can not only have a huge fine (upwards of 2000$) but loose your permit at these kind of speeds...accused of dangerous driving.... But,,, it was fun for the couple of seconds it lasted. I don't think I care not ever exceeding 155 mph.

[maxtog]

Also, I don't know if there is really a change in the top speed but I can tell you I tested my bike up to 153 mph in 5th gear and it wanted to continue...I didn't.

There was a change.  The 2010+ is a little faster because of a design change to the front that added ram air.  Should be added to the list.  Supposedly a 4.7hp increase at high speed.