Decisions 2008 vs 2011

[freebird6]

As I start to look around I know I want ABS.

 My 08 has been an absolute joy and to be honest I ride enough into the winter months that I actually enjoy what little heat I feel coming off of it  (admittedly mine is not one of the machines that everyone talks about eminating lots of bad heat) so that is not an issue. At 6'3 I do not have a problem with the view out of the mirrors and I like the set up of the bike. But I want ABS.

THe dilemma is whether I am going to buy an 08 with ABS and warranty still in place like one offered here http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/4077928407.html or whether I pay a couple of thousand more and get an 11 like this http://morgantown.craigslist.org/for/4053380269.html

Both are great bikes but I am faced with a dilemma as to which would be a better buy. Not planning on selling till I run the legs off of her so resale is not an issue.

Looking for some expert opinions taking all factors into consideration.

[pasini510]

I have a ABS 08 and love it but if it was me I woud try to get the 2011    Think it has heated grips and TC  Looks better and I like the fairing redesign to get heat off legs.

[RideBellChain]

Go with the new one.  New fairings are functional (and nicer looking), heated grips, and better resale value when it's time for a newer bike.  A fresh 3 year warranty and riding away with under 10 miles on the bike is priceless.

If you're gonna make payments...go with the best.  If it's a cash deal, and money is a big factor, go with the older one.  You really can't lose either way - the bike is AWESOME!

[Scaffolder]

I put over 44,000 miles on an 08 and loved it. I just put 42,000 miles on a 2010 and could never go back to the older model for that little difference. The heated grips, windflow alone are worth so much on their own. And then the Michelins, windscreen, and seat. The best color of 7 yeas. Hands down.

[Scaffolder]

I ride year round in Maine. They are about 10-15 degrees apart comfort wise while riding in the cold.

[ZG]

New fairings are nicer looking

Not IMO... I prefer the body lines of the gen 1 better. 

[texrider]

Not IMO... I prefer the body lines of the gen 1 better. 

Yes, they have the classic superbike look about them! 

[gPink]

...and faster.

[texrider]

Especially black gen ones.

[Scaffolder]

I liked the old look, but the new feel.
I wonder how many of the faster ones actually use those mph up. I tend to break 100 everyday multiple times, but 120-140 tends to be a nice time to back off a bit before I find a LEO.

[maxtog]

I have a ABS 08 and love it but if it was me I woud try to get the 2011    Think it has heated grips and TC  Looks better and I like the fairing redesign to get heat off legs.

+1

And better mirror location, handlebar computer control, bigger windshield, windshield memory, better glovebox location, heat shield over midpipe, and some other nice stuff added.  Of course, the brakes are linked and some people don't like that (doesn't bother me, though).

Despite what ZG thinks, like you, I agree that the 2nd gen fairings are much nicer

Top speed of a few MPH due to limiter?  Who cares!

[MAN OF BLUES]

Bah...
Owning an 08, as a person who intends to run it till time runs out, has its merits...

It is the first issue, not to be trifled with from us folks that like nostalgia, of owning gen one connies...

And they ARE faster....

[JS_racer]

so you have a non abs 08 ?? well, might as well find a new in the box 11. they can be found for a screaming deal.

my 09 abs has 57k miles i put on in the last 3 years, was a new in the box in 10.

[katata1100]

Don't forget eco mode- it really helps the mpg. Even though I have a Guhl reflash, on long trips, I keep it in eco mode, to shorten the number of times i have to stop to refuel- it really does help.
And, I am sure there will be some who say if you care about mpg, you shouldn't buy a bike like this but hell, when the bike is loaded to the gills, I am on a long trip and I am wearing my full suit, the last thing I want to do is pull over, take the gloves off, swing that boot wearing foot over the bike (without scratching a bag),  get the beast on the center stand (to get max amount of fuel in tank), find gas key, find cc and fuel up.

[maxtog]

swing that boot wearing foot over the bike (without scratching a bag)

Do not swing your leg like that.  Face the bike and put your leg forward and then over.  Problem solved.

[gPink]

Is that with one hop or two, Max.

[maxtog]

Is that with one hop or two, Max.

Zero hops.  Maybe I am more flexible than typical, or maybe it is because I have short legs, or maybe it is from all those years of martial arts when I was younger... but I have no problem going straight over the seat with my leg while facing the bike.

[MAN OF BLUES]

58 HERE, almost 59, TaeKwonDo for many youthful years, I now mount the bike "like saddle horse"...

hehehhehheheh

[katata1100]

Zero hops.  Maybe I am more flexible than typical, or maybe it is because I have short legs, or maybe it is from all those years of martial arts when I was younger... but I have no problem going straight over the seat with my leg while facing the bike.

New event at the Olympics- watch Maxtog spring down the track in his leotard, to mount his C14!

[gPink]

...and he sticks the landing!