I can see if the year is brand new and no input to consider. They are no longer "new". Now that they have been around and are a winner go for the 09. Why would you buy a 08 and spend $$ to do all you can to make it a 09? You still have the old frame, old suspension, old tire,old exhaust system and more and you still have a 08. It just seems so EZ to me. If I were you, the only thing I would consider is waiting till the 2010 models come out in a month. You may want a 2010 or at the least the 09 will decrease in value. Wait for the 2010 then buy the 09 at a discounted price.