Is the 2004 that much better than the 2003?

xenarchi · Apr 14, 2004

I am going to buy one of these beasts this Saturday. I cannot wait, I have to have one now.

The dealer has a 2004 for 11,500 and a 2003 for 9,900 (new)

Are the differences between the new 2004 RSW that great? Should I save the few grand and go with the 2003 or is the 2004 better?

(i have read about the changes they made in the 2004)

vlxjim · Apr 14, 2004

Only if the 04 is Silver/Flame it's the fastest color you know. I got my 04 for $10400.00 no recall and the faster Silver/Flame paint. I change the handle bars the stock ones suck, looks like a roto tiller. I like the new seat and rear pegs, but you can do the flip mod to the 03 pegs or get the relocate kit from Yam. I had three dealers all trying to get me this bike and all would let it go for $10,400 you should be able to get a 04 for about the same as I got the invoice was close to this price.

Good Luck.

Scarman · Apr 14, 2004

Riding position is supposed to be different as far as seat, pegs, bars. I was curious so I went down to the dealer and sat on a 2004. I really didn't notice any difference in riding position. The seat was a little more comfortable, but I would still go with a Corbin for long trips.

It was a new sales guy so I decided to play with him a bit. I let him try to sell me on the bike. After 10 minutes I had to let him know I had one. The place was dead quite so I didn't pull him from any legit customers.

Arthur · Apr 14, 2004

For that much money I'd go with the '03. You could make the changes they made for less than the $1600 they are charging you. I made all the changes they did a year ago when I got my '03.
Good Luck.
And Welcome to the addiction.

xenarchi · Apr 14, 2004

Thanks mucho for the quick answers, looks like the 03 is the way to go. I have seen other things about this..what do you mean by "no recall"?[?]

carknee · Apr 14, 2004

The '03 will need to have the recall work performed on the bike before you can buy it. The '04s arent affected by the recall.

Please READ the "Total Recall Forum" to find out what the recall is about.

torque · Apr 14, 2004

i think i'd buy the 03 after the tranny is fixed, and save the extra cash for mods too...the 04's don't have to go thru the recall, as those bikes are already updated with the new transmission parts

Arthur · Apr 14, 2004

hmmm forgot about the recall. Give them $300 for the HC pistons. That'll send you down the road with an even bigger smile.

oly · Apr 14, 2004

2003 vs 2004: how can you improve on perfect?

ezas · Apr 14, 2004

Personally I don't like the looks of the seat on the 04's. If it was me I would save the coin and get the 03. That extra money can go into high-compression pistons if the recall has not been done yet. The passenger pegs have been relocated on the 04's about 1", thats not going to make or break the passenger comfort. I did whats called the flip and grind for the passenger pegs and I think mine look better than what Yamaha used on the 04. The cost was free and took only about 3 hrs and I was using a Dremel tool only.

1warrior · Apr 14, 2004

03 have extra money , do the pistons during recall and have a blast

tommyt · Apr 14, 2004

2003 for sure! Take the extra money and spend it on gas...

milanoaj · Apr 14, 2004

I have an 02 and love it , save the money and go for the 03 and do some mods and you will not be in the dog house either.

wunt1 · Apr 14, 2004

is it a indigo onyx then buy, everyone here brags on my custom paint. til i tellem its from the factory

sangathor · Apr 14, 2004

02, 03's and 04 are identical mechanically (cept for a circlip in the tranny). The 04's have a couple of ergo changes (seat, bars, pegs), but beyond that is the same exact bike as my 02. The only difference between an 04 and my bike, performance wise, is mine's gonna be a whole lot faster after I do the recall.

If it were me, I would save the $ and invest it in all the mods that you will soon feel compelled to do. [/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]

oly · Apr 14, 2004

Buy them both

WarriorRob · Apr 15, 2004

I paid $11,141 for an 04 silver flames with no freight/setup fees, only TT&L. It's important to get the OTD (out the door) price before you decide. I'm very happy with my bike as-is, but my PCIII was delivered yesterday and my Rinehart pipes are due tomorrow. Looks like a busy/fun weekend...........[/emoticons/emotion-2.gif]

I like the looks of the 04 seat, but after about an hour and a half, it hurts!!!!! I do plan to install a gel pad or super cell foam under the original seat cover. Probably another $100 bucks.

xenarchi · Apr 17, 2004

Thanks for all the help everyone. It has been done, going to get the 2003 Liquid Silver bike they have at the show room. More to come....

DEEtroitWarrior · Apr 17, 2004

Wow, if you think the '04 seat is bad...

Anyway, the Onyx/flames 2003 models are faster than any 04 ... just look at how wide that new seat is! [/emoticons/emotion-2.gif] Must be more drag/slower!!

Is the 2004 that much better than the 2003?

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