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General Notes
Organization: by manufacturer to show you the changes from 2008 to 2009 
Seat Laden: 180 lb rider on the bike
Seat Unladen: No rider on the bike (* reflects 1" added to Laden Height as other data not available)
Weight: * means dry weight (no fluids in it; add about 25-70 lbs. for wet weight)
NIP: Not In Production

Disclaimer: I make the very best attempt to accurately report all specifications. Please double check the manufacturer's website for absolute confirmation.

Buell   Harley-Davidson   Honda   Hyosung   Kawasaki   Suzuki   Triumph   Victory   Yamaha   

Buell Analysis

New Model: The1125R has a new sister ... the 1125CR. It's 2.7" longer in overall length, just a bit wider overall and has almost an inch more ground clearance (0.93"). The headlight innards are slightly different, a small difference in the final drive ratio spec, and doesn't come in Artic White like the 1125R. Everything else is the same.

Seat Heights: The Lightning XB12S raised up 1/2" while the Lightning XB9SX dropped 1.3".

Weights: The XB12S added 5 pounds ... 

Engine CC: No changes.

MSRP Prices: All models stayed at 2008 pricing except the XB9SX, which went up $100 and the XB12S variations, which dropped to $9,995 for the black model and then the $10,495 2008 price for any translucid color.

Updated 9/19/08: Other Notes: I did a disservice to the XB12S line, that had 4 variations in 2008 but now is down to two in 2009 ... still the XB12Scg is important because the dang seat is a good 2" lower! – Mama

Harley-Davidson Analysis

New Model: The V-Rod Muscle was added to the VRSC line-up and the main thing I see is that they went to what's called a satin chrome straight shot exhaust ... very elegant! Here is the side-by-side comparison of the three 2009 "Rod" motorcycles for your review.

Seat Heights: No big changes; on a few models there are a few 0.1 to 0.3 drops.

Weights: The only big shifts I'm seeing are on the bigger, heavier cruisers/touring models (those already over 700 pounds) is an increase of 15 to 31 pounds. The biggest change was to the Softail Custom, moving from 703 to 765 pounds.

Engine CC: I made some corrections to reported cu to calculated cc numbers. For instance, those 96 cu bikes, the bulk of the models, were updated from 1600cc to 1584cc. The VRSC line-up, which I had listed at 1300cc is actually 1250cc.

MSRP Prices: A lot of models increased in starting MSRP price for 2009, anywhere from $50 to $1000 (most on the lower end of that range). A few notable decreases: 883 Low from $7,145 to 6,999; Dyna Street Bob from $13,795 to $12,999; Road King from $17,595 to $16,999; Softail Fat Boy from $17,195 to $15,999.

Other Notes: Three models have been discontinued for 2009, including the Dyna Wide Glide, basic Sportster 883 (keeping the Low and Custom), and Sportster 1200 Roadster. – Mama

Honda Analysis

New Models: Two models, the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR, have added an ABS option! Also new to the line-up is the sporty CRF230M, a 223cc street-legal bike that extends the lower cc range. The big news is that the DN-01 cruiser has arrived in the U.S., "offering Honda's radical new HFT Transmission, it's an automatic unlike anything you've ever seen. You can shift it into six preset ratios, or you can let it function as a stepless, no-shifting Constantly Variable Transmission, or CVT." It's pricey for a 680cc, but the seat height is decent and the weight is in line with others in that class range.

Seat Heights: Not a single change!

Weights: Small changes in the Gold Wing (Base) and Shadow Spirit.

Engine CC: Not a single change!

MSRP Prices: Increases range from $100 to $500 with the notable exception of the base Gold Wing at $1400 ... but then the 2009 "base" has been upgraded from the 2008 ... both feature the premium audio package, but the 2009 also includes the comfort package (heated grips, seat, passenger backrest, and engine ducting for feet warming).

Other Notes: At this time it looks like the Nighthawk may be on its way out. You'll also note that in the VTX1800 line-up, two variations already were phased out after 2007, but what's up with the F, N, and T? I'm not finding any online info and the Honda site is not showing 2009 specs. I'll keep my eye on that. – Mama

Hyosung Analysis

New Models: The company is adding a GV650 Special Limited Edition to celebrate its 30th Anniversary. No details are available other than the color scheme ... black bike with red details ... red wheel rims and frame parts.

Seat Heights: Not a single change!

Weights: Not a single change!

Engine CC: Not a single change!

MSRP Prices: $100-$400 increases except for the GT250R, which keeps its pricing for the solid color and adds $200 for a two tone scheme.

Other Notes: I saw on the GV650 and three GT650 pages that fuel injection is coming to these models ... but no date set, so I'm gathering that's not for '09. – Mama

Kawasaki Analysis

New Models: The four variations on the new Vulcan 1700 are big news, but there are some missing details, most notably, the MSRP and nothing on the touring Voyager model. Online analysis suggests that Kawi is looking to clear the Vulcan 1500 and 1600 stock on hand before coming out with the 1700 in later 2009, but when it does the 1500/1600 models will most likely be phased out. The other new model for 2009 is the addition of the ER-6N, a sport-style model in the mid-range engine size. And you'll see that the ZX-6R and ZX-14 have added the Monster Energy variation.

Seat Heights: Not a single change!

Weights: Don't be alarmed at seeing higher numbers across the board ... remember that weights with a * are dry weights ... for 2009, Kawasaki moved to reporting the wet (curb) weight, which is what you are actually riding!

Engine CC: Not a single change!

MSRP Prices: Jumps are evident, ranging from $150 to $700

Other Notes: Along with no changes in 2009 for the Vulcan 1500 and 1600s, it looks like the Z1000 and ZZR600 will be phased out. The Eliminator 125 was brought back by popular demand. – Mama

Suzuki Analysis

New Models: On the scooter scene, the famous Burgman 400 is adding an ABS variation model. Two standard models have been added, the Gladius 645cc and the TU250 249cc.

Seat Heights: Not a single change!

Weights: Following the example of other major manufacturers, Suzuki is now reporting the curb (running) weight instead of the dry weight ... a much better indicator for riders.

Engine CC: Small changes were made from the 2008 reporting because on those model years one had to use a formula to get to the cc number ... so for 2009, the company is calling out the actual cc and my estimated 700 became 652, estimated 800 became 805, and estimated 1500 became 1462.

MSRP Prices: Prices rose $100 to $700 depending on the model.

Other Notes: It looks like the SV650 is leaving us in favor of the new Gladius (both are categorized as standard styles). I'm also not seeing an update on the standard style B-King, a first cousin to the Hayabusa. And is the Boulevard S83, formerly the Intruder 1400, phasing out? It appears the C90 will continue to fill that cruiser cc slot. – Mama