The K dating system, model years?

[Zim]

Just wanted to clear something up being a total SV noober, I'm a little befuddled although I think I know the answer.

My bike was registered in 2008 but states clearly it's a K9 in the product ID stamp in the service/warranty record (SK650SK9S to be precise). So when I order stuffs for it, some sites say 2008, K9, some say 2009 K9 (when mine is a 2008 K9 and none say that!).

I'm guessing I just make sure I choose 2009 and K9 stuff when ordering?

Its the same. I don't think there are any different parts from the K7 onwards. Someone will be along with something more definitive but I have a K9 and have purchased parts from K5 onwards in the past, but also checking the fiche and doing some research first.

[timwilky]

In some ways the K matters, just using a date does not give an accurate model description. I have seen 2003 dated curvys whereas a K3 is a pointy with a high subframe, a K4 is the same bike with a lower subframe etc.

you need to know the subtleties which affect certain bits such when cats appeared, twin spark heads etc. Most parts are interchangeable within a whole model range. But some evolutions are not backward compatible..