There are never going to be winners in this ongoing debate. Some people will always think that the 2nd gen models are not worth the money.
I have both, in the hot weather I ride the '09, and in the cold, the'10.
The '10 is a better bike in every way. I paid more for it. It should be better.
Why it is better.
Traction control. I ride on all surfaces, including some I didn't want to. It works great.
Linked ABS. I like having a touch of front brake withe the rear pedal.
Heat issue. Resolved. And it is an issue for 99% of Gen 1 owners.
Better mirrors. And they block the wind on your hands in the cold weather.
Switch for menu. Really like that.
Thermometer. Non-essential, perhaps.
Better windshield. I used it to make a cut-down for the '09.
Eco-mode. Use it all the time, better mileage than without.
Enhanced K-Pass. Works great. (O.K. I made that part up.)
All-in-all, I am happy I have the '10. The 09 is a great 1st Gen bike.
Your opinions may vary. But unless you own both, they may not be as objective.
T/C - granted, though the only time I would have wanted it since buying my '08 was cornering on hot tar snakes.
L-ABS - disagree, as this is personal preference. I prefer non-linked ABS
Heat - perhaps better, but you 99% figure is anectodal, and wildly exaggerated. Mine is warm, but does not have a heat problem.
Mirrors - my '08 has better mirrors (I have 55mm risers installed, so 15mm higher that the '10-11 mirrors - easy fix for $65)
Menu switch - granted
Ambient temp - easy fix, $10
W/S - easy fix $125
Eco - granted
Enhanced KIPASS - not so much, it costs about $50 to add the wallet fob to an '08-09, but about $200 to add the transmitter fob to a '10-11
There are lots of winners in the debate: Me, because I like my '08 and saved the money. You, because you have and like both. Every body else who bought one or the other or both and is happy. Anyone who didn't buy either and is happy.
Cheers.
