Why aren't 2015 onwards bikes

[mikeyw64]

more commonly referred to as Gen 3 (or even Gen 2.5) ?


I mean it's a reasonably good list of changes over the Gen 2


revised first gear ratio,
different steering stem seal for lighter steering at low speed,
stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity,
an adjustable vent in the windshield,
revised ABS programming to reduce the linked braking effect,
a new rear luggage base,
silver bezels on the analog dash meters,
elongated mid-pipe heat shield,
change of warning lamp color from red to yellow,
tank pad,
cushions on passenger pegs, and a more deeply sculpted seat
North American models now use same oxygen sensor as rest of world

[mikeyw64]

Ok so will admit a fairly minor list of changes compared to those between Gen1 & Gen2


KTRC traction control and K-ACT ABS and brake assist, as well as linked brakes[8] which are optional in some markets (2010 only) and standard in others.
The 2010 model has revised bodywork to improve engine cooling and reduce engine heat to the rider,
mirrors raised by 40 mm (1.6 in),
the dashboard top was redesigned with vents to help relieve back pressure,
a larger wind screen and with memory function and auto-lowering,
a heat shield across the midsection of the exhaust pipe,
a handlebar-mounted switch to control the dash computer,
variable heated grips,
an optional "Fuel Economy Assistance Mode"  (was this also only in 2010?) that tells the ECU to use a leaner, more economical air-fuel ratio at engine speeds less than 6,000 rpm and road speed less than 80 mph (130 km/h),
an "Economical Riding Indicator" was added to the dashboard.
The tank-mounted storage area was removed and replaced with an auto-locking glove box in the left fairing,
the exhaust silencer cap was changed,
the two color seat was replaced a single color model,
the instrument cluster illumination was changed from red to white,
an ambient outdoor temperature display option was added to the computer display,
included key sets were changed from two active fobs/keys to one active fob/key and one passive mini fob/key,
the front fork fluid levels were increased by 25ml,
the oil pan was modified so that the drain plug faces forward instead of downward to prevent damage.
The ECU was programmed to limit top speed to 154 mph.
The rear pannier covers were fully painted (instead of leaving a black area at the bottom)

[Poseidon]

Since we are on a forum, I think it should be referred to as a Gen 2.1 (first revision - like software versions). It wouldn’t go to Gen 3 until there is a visual design change to the bike. 

[mikeyw64]

Since we are on a forum, I think it should be referred to as a Gen 2.1 (first revision - like software versions). It wouldn’t go to Gen 3 until there is a visual design change to the bike. 

I can agree with that 😁

[maxtog]

more commonly referred to as Gen 3 (or even Gen 2.5) ?

Mostly just because the changes are so few and so minor compared to what happened 2009 vs 2010.

[maxtog]

Since we are on a forum, I think it should be referred to as a Gen 2.1 (first revision - like software versions.

Seems reasonable to me.

[just gone]

Since we are on a forum, I think it should be referred to as a Gen 2.1 (first revision - like software versions). It wouldn’t go to Gen 3 until there is a visual design change to the bike. 

I'm starting to feel like Rodney.

Three years ago and change.

[mikeyw64]

I'm starting to feel like Rodney.

Three years ago and change.

which is easy for those that were here 3 years ago to say

[Tree]

OK.  I have a 2008 ABS.  If , say just for S&G's, that I had the opportunity to purchase a gently used 2010+.  What do you think would be the most noteworthy improvement(s)?  Perhaps the Top Three that would make the move a no-brainer. 

It's clear that making the move to the latest and greatest version is sometimes the most logical conclusion.  That being writ, is 2015+ where the "Next Gen" line could be drawn?

ZG/GTR1400 Generations?

Gen 1: 2008-2009
Gen 2: 2010-2014
Gen 3: 2015-Present

Yes, I could research all sorts of content on-line to get an answer but the information from forums like this one is, IMHO, where it's at.

[Poseidon]

I'm starting to feel like Rodney.

Three years ago and change.

Great minds think alike!

I had never seen that post from 3 years ago.

[Poseidon]

OK.  I have a 2008 ABS.  If , say just for S&G's, that I had the opportunity to purchase a gently used 2010+.  What do you think would be the most noteworthy improvement(s)?  Perhaps the Top Three that would make the move a no-brainer. 

It's clear that making the move to the latest and greatest version is sometimes the most logical conclusion.  That being writ, is 2015+ where the "Next Gen" line could be drawn?

ZG/GTR1400 Generations?

Gen 1: 2008-2009
Gen 2: 2010-2014
Gen 3: 2015-Present

Yes, I could research all sorts of content on-line to get an answer but the information from forums like this one is, IMHO, where it's at.

I can’t speak for previous generations, but what I can say is that I don’t have any of the common complaints with my 2017 that most of the Gen 2 owners complain about. I can easily ride out a full tank on the stock seat.

The linked brakes on the less linked setting isn’t that bad. I am able to trail brake without activating the front brakes. That was actually my biggest concern prior to buying my bike. I had read several threads complaining about the linked brakes. I had even gone as far as researching what it would take to unlink them. After the first couple of rides, I got a feel for where the linking takes place and it has been a non-issue since.

The windshield vent definitely works. I had some mild buffeting with it closed, but open mid way, I get no buffering at all. I’m not crazy about the looks of it tho.

[maxtog]

OK.  I have a 2008 ABS.  If , say just for S&G's, that I had the opportunity to purchase a gently used 2010+.  What do you think would be the most noteworthy improvement(s)?  Perhaps the Top Three that would make the move a no-brainer. 

For me, the top 9 changes, in order would be:

1) Heated grips
2) Heat management (better fairings, heat shield, more insulation)
3) Traction control
4) Ambient temp display
5) White dash illumination
6) Computer control on handlebar
7) Raised mirrors
8 ) Locking glove box
9) Oil pan drain moved

The rest of the changes, no so important (to me)

It's clear that making the move to the latest and greatest version is sometimes the most logical conclusion.  That being writ, is 2015+ where the "Next Gen" line could be drawn?

Maybe as a 2.1, I don't think as a 3.  There is no change in the 2015 that would sway me to want it over a 2014.  And much of what was 2.1 could be bolted on to the gen 1 or 2.0 (windscreen, change steering stem, click the preloader once, swap seat [have different anyway], tank pad sticker [yuck], clear fluid tanks).  As for the rest- Some people might appreciate the linked brake reduction.  1st gear change- why?  Silver bezel, yellow warning lamp, yawn.

Conclusion, the only thing that really matters much with 2.1 is the reduced linked braking effect, and I am not sure that will matter to most people.

[maxtog]

Ok so will admit a fairly minor list of changes compared to those between Gen1 & Gen2

Yep

an optional "Fuel Economy Assistance Mode"    (was this also only in 2010?)

Yes.  I will admit to using it occasionally.  But what is really nice about it is more that it is a second "slot" for a user-selectable, real-time, second "map" (think reflash or "selectable driving mode").

[mikeyw64]

Yep

Yes.  I will admit to using it occasionally.  But what is really nice about it is more that it is a second "slot" for a user-selectable, real-time, second "map" (think reflash or "selectable driving mode").

I know it's optional to turn it on I was more asking "was it an option to have it installed on the 2010 models or could you order the bike without it, same as ordering without KTRAC"

[just gone]

If , say just for S&G's, that I had the opportunity to purchase a gently used 2010+.  What do you think would be the most noteworthy improvement(s)?

It's sort of relative. That is relative to you and how you feel about your Gen I bike. Does the heat bother you? If so then the fairing change might be #1 if not then the fairing change seems to most to make the bike less physically attractive. The ability to change the LCD display from the handle bars is very nice, but again it doesn't really effect riding performance. Traction control is nice to have, except those with decades of experience with large bikes can certainly be found to POO POO it as un-necessary. Hand grip warmers are also nice but again that would be relative to the person's needs. When going through mountainous areas when touring (I hate to stop between gas stops) it's very nice to just turn on/off the grips instead of having to stop every 20 minutes to change gloves as the temperature fluctuates with altitude changes. If you are a tank bag enthusiast the Gen II is more amenable to that. The change in the gauge illumination from red to white is more pleasing to my eye, but I know that logically the red illumination of the Gen I is more logical for night vision. The memory function of the Windshield position on Gen II can be very nice for those that always have their windshields near one of the memory settings but I never use it myself. The second fuel map might be not appreciated by most but again it's nice to have when you find yourself stretching things a bit in the boonies. The most touted in publications at the time IIRC was the fairing change for heat control and the addition of the traction control.

As for the 2.1 version, again the same relativity pops up. I found the perfect windshield for me on my Gen II was the OEM with a vent from the Gen 2.1 after trying 4 other windshields. If I pulled a trailer or rode a lot of two up then the first gear ratio change in the Gen 2.1 would most likely be a very nice improvement. I have no idea personally, but I have doubts that the stem seal change could really do much or if it is even noticeable. I believe the most touted in publications at the time was the reduced brake linking effect, the windshield vent and the first gear ratio change.

[just gone]

I know it's optional to turn it on I was more asking "was it an option to have it installed on the 2010 models or could you order the bike without it, same as ordering without KTRAC"

99.9 percent certain it was standard on all '10s and up, same as windshield position memory. I think that is a good question for jimmymac to answer since he says he has a Non ABS '10.

[B.D.F.]

I believe because the changes are relatively small, and they are interchangeable with the existing 'version' of the vehicle. That is not the case with Gen. 1 / Gen. 2 bikes, the fairings are sufficiently different that they are not interchangeable or even able to be installed on the 'other' version of the bike.

But I think the whole concept of generations of the same vehicle is not defined by anyone anyway. I am speaking of changes w/in a series; outside the series, the manufacturer would specify a series change such as the C1, C2, C3, etc. series of Corvette. But the difference between, say, a 1964 Corvette coupe and a 1965 Corvette coupe would be more of a consumer- applied, generational change, or in this case, the 1964 would be singled out and referred to by its unique quality (the rear window is two pieces, hence 'split window fastback').

I think if we applied something similar to the software world, there would be a Gen. 1, Gen. 2 and Gen. 2.1 version of the Concours, the decimal indicating a relatively minor change w/in the larger, common series family.

And beyond all that, there have been some small changes to the line that do have occurred alone; the new front rotor carrier was changed in 2012 or 2013 (I think 2013).

Brian

more commonly referred to as Gen 3 (or even Gen 2.5) ?


I mean it's a reasonably good list of changes over the Gen 2


revised first gear ratio,
different steering stem seal for lighter steering at low speed,
stiffer rear suspension for enhanced carrying capacity,
an adjustable vent in the windshield,
revised ABS programming to reduce the linked braking effect,
a new rear luggage base,
silver bezels on the analog dash meters,
elongated mid-pipe heat shield,
change of warning lamp color from red to yellow,
tank pad,
cushions on passenger pegs, and a more deeply sculpted seat
North American models now use same oxygen sensor as rest of world

[maxtog]

I know it's optional to turn it on I was more asking "was it an option to have it installed on the 2010 models or could you order the bike without it, same as ordering without KTRAC"

It is a standard, all 2nd gen years feature

[Poseidon]

I believe because the changes are relatively small, and they are interchangeable with the existing 'version' of the vehicle. That is not the case with Gen. 1 / Gen. 2 bikes, the fairings are sufficiently different that they are not interchangeable or even able to be installed on the 'other' version of the bike.

But I think the whole concept of generations of the same vehicle is not defined by anyone anyway. I am speaking of changes w/in a series; outside the series, the manufacturer would specify a series change such as the C1, C2, C3, etc. series of Corvette. But the difference between, say, a 1964 Corvette coupe and a 1965 Corvette coupe would be more of a consumer- applied, generational change, or in this case, the 1964 would be singled out and referred to by its unique quality (the rear window is two pieces, hence 'split window fastback').

I think if we applied something similar to the software world, there would be a Gen. 1, Gen. 2 and Gen. 2.1 version of the Concours, the decimal indicating a relatively minor change w/in the larger, common series family.

And beyond all that, there have been some small changes to the line that do have occurred alone; the new front rotor carrier was changed in 2012 or 2013 (I think 2013).

Brian

1963 was the split window Corvette.

[B.D.F.]

Yep, you are right and thanks for the correction.

My favorite Corvette, the '63- '67 fastbacks or coupes. Now nice examples becoming made of unaffordium.

Brian

1963 was the split window Corvette.