IMO, I think the 08/09 will go down in Connie history as the best years! Much like the 87/88 911 Porsche did for the air/oil cooled 911! It was a better 911 better than the 86 and prior and not water cooled like the forward models...
The 08/09 Connie has no speed governor, no linked brakes, and better bodywork lines, limited edition only for 2 years... 
If you don't have one... well you just suck. 
Although you surely jest, I will pretend it is serious and disagree completely.
1) Very few people care about 5MPH or whatever top speed difference, because we will never go that fast.
2) Many people consider the linked brakes a desirable feature, either way it is no big deal.
3) Sorry, but the "lines" of 2nd gen fairings are more attractive.
4) The 2nd gen has a myriad of very nice improvements missing in the 1st gen: Heat management, nicer exhaust, autolocking glove compartment, higher mirrors, improved windshield, ECO mode, handlebar controls, variable heated grips, windshield memory, white dashboard lighting, oil pan improvements, ignition improvements, rotor and brake improvements, etc.
What makes the 1st gen special are:
1) Some of the non-black colors are still unique (like the silvery light blue "Neutron Silver", for example)
2) It was the first of the 1400's, so it set the stage and glory of the current Concours.
