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There is really not a lot of difference between models. Basically just try and get the best one you can for what you can afford. Anyway, see if this helps...

2008

Available in khaki, black and white

Problems with some regulator/rectifier connectors failing with burnt out earth pins. Neither the reg/rec itself, or the connector part numbers have been superseded. It appears the fault was due to the connector being snapped home properly on assembly and resulted in poor contact/high resistance and water ingress. Affected bikes had the loom replaced under warranty. Many 2008 bikes are still running (like mine) without issue. Any bike on the road now (eight years on) will have either been fixed, or is one that isn’t going to be a problem.

Problems with excessive amounts of oil blowing out the crankcase breather on long high speed runs/motorway use and filling the drain hose quickly which can result in oil backing up into the air box. A different design of baffle chamber was fitted from 2009 and is a retro-fit part. It is not a big issue and just means that you need to check/empty the drain hose more often. Many 2008 bikes will still have the old design (smooth sided) chamber fitted (mine has) without issue.

2009

Available in black (decals changed), red or blue

Different seat fitted with grey lower panels and either red or yellow stitching.

A small minority of 2009 bikes have suffered from failed gear selector mechanism parts in the some cases cause transmission lock up and broken dogs on 3rd/4th gear. In the worst cases the debris from the broken parts has damaged the crankcase internally and/or the crankshaft, and in a few the crankcase itself has burst open. This issue so far has only affected a small number of bikes. I am currently exchanging communications with Yamaha about this problem…

2010

Available in black, blue and red.

Production moved to Spain

2011

Available in black, blue and white.

ABS model available with lower suspension/ride height (no fork preload adjustment) and the battery moved to under the tank to make way for the ABS pump under the seat.

2012

Available in black, blue and white (changed decals).

Production moved to France.

ABS model discontinued in the UK (available elsewhere in Europe), replaced by a UK only “Touring” model with the same low suspension and luggage as standard, but without the ABS.

Midway through 2012 different fork internals were fitted made by KYB which include progressive springs. Externally these bikes have a raised nut type adjuster (previously a recessed Allen head).

2013

Available in matt grey or blue (changed decals).

UK only “Touring” model discontinued.

Headlight reflector design changed slightly.

Grey plastic “crash” panels were replaced by black (depending on main colour).

2014

Available in matt grey or blue.

No changes.

2015

Available in matt grey (changed decals) and white (changed decals and they now call it “Race Blu”!?)

No changes.

2016

No new model (still a 2015 model)

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