Model differences that matter?

[Shan the Man]

Hi all - new to the forum.

I've been considering a speed triple for a while and am getting close to pulling the trigger.
I'll be buying used for $$ reasons and am wondering how big a difference the model changes over the years have made. I know I want to go 2005 or newer but is it worth the extra $$ to get a 2008 for the Brembos? How about the fuel mapping changes in 2007? Worth anything or better off with a 2005 + a Power Commander?

I'd like to spend as little cash as possible but am willing to save up a while longer if the newer models make a big difference as I plan to keep the bike for a long time.

Any input would really be a help!

[Leverlution]

Power Commander is an evil word around here. $20 USB to OBD2 cable from amazon (one on there specifically says "tested with TuneEcu", and TunEcu software which is free. Load maps, make changes, turn on or off o2 sensor/SAI, adjust speedo, read/clear codes, run diagnostic tests etc. 10x better than a power commander and only costs about 20-25 with shipping for the cable. Even better, download some OBD2 software for Autos and you can use that cable for your car to read check engine lights.

I've heard there is a pretty noticeable difference in the suspension, rake, and weight balance on the 11+ from the older ones. The Brembos on mine are awesome. ABS didn't start until 11 if you are interested in that.

As for the rest, I can't help. Sorry.

[ryanjfitz]

Firstly, get the newest model you can afford.

That being said, no huge ohmyphuckinggod changes from 05-10. The early models had spongy front brake issues and charging problems. If you cranked them on a low battery, they would eat sprags.

All these problems were fixed by 2008 if I recall correctly... but the 2008-10s have the faggoty flower wheels. If you can find an honest, knowledgeable 2005-2007 owner who has addressed these issues I wouldn't hesitate to jump on it.


Lotsa big changes in 2011. New everything except the motor. They might've changed the head.... have read about a couple people having leaking head gasket issues- my bike had this as well, was never fixed. Cracking headlights as well, but they fixed that- the new ones aren't cracking.

[disposablehero]

The sub frames on the new ones crack too. Come on pt. Don't hold out info. The brakes on the 05-06 was addressed with a recall from what I recall. The 07 was better from factory. The actual stopping distance of the earlier vs brembo brakes wasn't improves but they feel beyter. That initial bite. The? Exhaust was changed a little too. And rear sets. Some 07's had the new exhaust so if llooking at aftermarket pipes that is an issue to address. Seat cowls are different along with the tail end.

PC is no good on our bikes. Just get the cable and adjust the actual ecm vs tricking it.

[ryanjfitz]

The sub frames on the new ones crack too. Come on pt. Don't hold out info. The brakes on the 05-06 was addressed with a recall from what I recall. The 07 was better from factory. The actual stopping distance of the earlier vs brembo brakes wasn't improves but they feel beyter. That initial bite. The? Exhaust was changed a little too. And rear sets. Some 07's had the new exhaust so if llooking at aftermarket pipes that is an issue to address. Seat cowls are different along with the tail end.

PC is no good on our bikes. Just get the cable and adjust the actual ecm vs tricking it.

LOL subframe AND the frame both cracked on mine. I phucked it good...

Yes they had a recall, but wasn't a bulletin thing- you had to ask for it.

Rearsets were changed? Didn't know this... when/ what were the changes?

Thought the only real exhaust change in 07 was the length of the header pipe/ location of the O2 bung... didn't have much to do with performance.

Yeah tail sections were different on the 08s, also the tank was changed to metal instead of plastic.

[SpeedieGTI]

Plastic tanks can be a nightmare I'd go with 08 solely for that reason.

[disposablehero]

Yeah. The stock rearset makes contact with the comp werkes pipe on my 07. You couldn't use the brake. I had to use spaces to get it to work. Then I got aftermarket rear sets and they clear.

[Joe Houle]

The early brakes are a non issue with the R6 brakes being a cheap direct swap.

The charging issue is also an easy fix with updated RR and wiring.

[dr_gallup]

There was a running change on ignition coils some time after 06. That's the only problem my 06 has had. No problems with brakes, charging, starting or plastic tank. YMMV

[Shan the Man]

Thanks for all the excellent input! Sounds to me like an 08-10 would be worthwhile. Would like the 11 updates but don't have the $ (and those new headlights, not for me...)