Can you tell me the differences between these two years and which one you feel is better and why. Does newer justify increased cost? Thanks!

 

Get the 12 if you can afford not major differences but enough to matter.

09 had 96, 12 probably a 103

09 had TB issues, whereas 12s don't seem to, 09 different 02 sensors 09 no cat in headpipe 12 cat in headpipe

Abs was more standard on 12 vs 09

Lots of little minor changes

Get the 12 but if you can't swing the 09 is still almost the same bike

 

The 09 came from the factory with the weak compensator. If the comp has been updated on the 09 that would cure about the only major bad spot. The 12 had the newer comp from the factory. I get about 2 years out of a battery before the starter has trouble pulling through the first compression stroke. The 12 most likely also has automatic compression releases that make that first stroke much easier and should allow longer battery use before it becomes too weak for that first stroke on the start. There were a bad series of voltage regulators on the 12s. Might check the VIN and see if the one you are considering was affected and if the regulator was changed.

 

The 2012 definitely has a 103, plus came with the "low" seat if still original. As they say, buy the newest one you can afford...

 

Go with the 2012! Even if the differences you think you notice are insignificant, the upgrades to internal parts and systems from the factory are major improvements. These are the things that most people don't see.

 

you can google:

" 20XX model year technical forum"

and find the dealer model introduction docs for each year- fun to track changes.

as above the 09 came stock as a 96" ( 103" optional), no cat in the header and exempt from tier II emissions regs which may or may not matter to you.

my 09 runs great, I got a great deal.
the abs and brembos are wonderful.

look at the various factors and arrive at your own valuation

mike