Yes, another of these threads
I've searched and found tons of threads comparing the two models of these bikes, but most of them were started in the 2012-2013 timeframe comparing "used 2011- vs new 2012+".
Now that the 2012+ have been out for a while and accumulating some miles, what's the general consensus on differences, maintenance, etc?
I know the advertised differences between the models - improved engine, suspension, seat - but I'm looking for daily use feedback.
Any gremlins that are coming to the surface or little issues that pop up on the newer bikes?
I had my heart set on a 2012-2014 model year bike (new style but w/o the beak)... but recently I've started 2nd guessing myself on that, entirely due to price.
The thing is that I'm a bigger guy, 6' 240lbs, so I know that even if I get a newer model with the 'better' suspension, I'll need to upgrade anyway.
Frankly 95% of my riding will be on-road and my goal will be to get the bike set up for spirited street riding more than trail riding (though not to push the suspension too far towards performance that it kills comfort). Stiffer springs, RT emulators, etc.
So this is where I'd be most interested in hearing any differences - do the newer bikes have any geometry changes that cause them to handle/behave better? Or are the improvements entirely due to improved springs/damping?
Aesthetically I definitely prefer the newer model years but form follows function in my book so I can get over the looks if the older models can hold their own against the new ones after swapping out seat, suspension, etc. The newer bikes seem to fetch a $1500-$3000 premium over the older ones which would go a long way to paying for the suspension upgrades and such. At this point I'm still leaning towards a 2012+ but it's a 60/40 split so not leaning too heavily one way or the other.
Thanks!
I've searched and found tons of threads comparing the two models of these bikes, but most of them were started in the 2012-2013 timeframe comparing "used 2011- vs new 2012+".
Now that the 2012+ have been out for a while and accumulating some miles, what's the general consensus on differences, maintenance, etc?
I know the advertised differences between the models - improved engine, suspension, seat - but I'm looking for daily use feedback.
Any gremlins that are coming to the surface or little issues that pop up on the newer bikes?
I had my heart set on a 2012-2014 model year bike (new style but w/o the beak)... but recently I've started 2nd guessing myself on that, entirely due to price.
The thing is that I'm a bigger guy, 6' 240lbs, so I know that even if I get a newer model with the 'better' suspension, I'll need to upgrade anyway.
Frankly 95% of my riding will be on-road and my goal will be to get the bike set up for spirited street riding more than trail riding (though not to push the suspension too far towards performance that it kills comfort). Stiffer springs, RT emulators, etc.
So this is where I'd be most interested in hearing any differences - do the newer bikes have any geometry changes that cause them to handle/behave better? Or are the improvements entirely due to improved springs/damping?
Aesthetically I definitely prefer the newer model years but form follows function in my book so I can get over the looks if the older models can hold their own against the new ones after swapping out seat, suspension, etc. The newer bikes seem to fetch a $1500-$3000 premium over the older ones which would go a long way to paying for the suspension upgrades and such. At this point I'm still leaning towards a 2012+ but it's a 60/40 split so not leaning too heavily one way or the other.
Thanks!