Was at a dealer and could not resist sitting on a new 2011 RK in the Sedonna Orange color and the first thing that struck me is this particular model was much lower than my "09 RK. Is this just my imagination pushing me to trade up or are the newer bikes lower now ? I also noticed that the orange looked different on different models - not allot - but when placed side by side they are different shades - what's up with that ?

 

Think they lowered the seat on the 11' but, that's all.

 

I think your eyes are deceiving you. The Sedona Orange is the same on all models that have that color.
Could have been the angle of the light you were seeing on different bikes.

Also, the ride height should be the same on an '09 and '11 RK assuming one hasn't been modified.
Edit: As smokindave mentioned, the seat might make it feel lower

 

The seats were redesigned for the 11s, maybe they sit a bit lower.

 

According to the HD website the ground clearance is unchanged in the 2011. The seat height is about a inch lower.