| Author | Message | ||
     Live4moto |
Did the XB9 yearly model upgrades follow the XB12 yearly upgrades? "2004 first year of the XB12R 2005 New 43mm front forks 2006 New smoother shifting transmission, new higher capacity frame, new swingarm, new airbox and air intake system 2007 Another new airbox setup, new Pirelli tires 2008 Significant engine changes, entire bottom half of engine is different, new oil cooler and oiling system, new ddfi3 fuel injection system, new throttlebody with IAC, no more need for manual TPS resets. 2009 Blacked out body including frame and motor, ZTL2 brakes. 2010, new right side scoop, new 3 bearing rear wheel." (Quoting Froggy) | ||
| Froggy |
Yes. Only thing to add is 2005 the 9 switched to DDFI2 and XB12 throttle body, and they never got ZTL2. 2004 all models received a new belt and pulley system. There were a ton of minor changes to all the bikes over the years, I can spend all day listing them. There is very little that was on a 03 R that didn't change somewhere along the lines to the 2010 R. | ||
| Live4moto |
Looking for a race bike so the tranny up grade in 06 + forks in 05 are pointing me towards the 06 or newer. Thanks for the info  | ||
| Froggy |
If you are going to be racing, look at 08+, the cranks are stronger and can take more high RPM abuse without self destructing like previous years. | ||
| Mtkawboy |
Doesnt the 09 have an inch or so lower seat for more leg room too ? | ||
| Froggy |
The seats changed a bunch of times over the years on the 52" wheelbase Lightnings, even I couldn't keep up with every single change. Most of them were in materials, not seat height. I believe you may be right, I recall something about the 09 XB9SX getting the standard lightning seat instead of the higher "skyline" seat previous CityX's had. |
