looking for a 954 - is the 03 better than the 02? other than being newer?

I also hear these bikes can be terrible on street bikes because of overheating, any tips on what to look for?

Really had my heart set on a 954 so i'm hoping to hear some reasons to buy one and what to look for!

thanks

 

Only differences that I'm aware of is the color and the year model. No overheating here. A lot of people can vouch for that. It runs warm but it is normal. Get it, you won't be disappointed and if you are having issues with it when you get it, we will get you right before you blow your money at a dealership....

 

I went from a 600 to a 02 954. It's a great bike. I also read a few places about overheating. My bike has never overheated or blew coolant on me like the articles said it would. I commute with it and end up in traffic. It does heat up to 210-215 but the fan gets the temp down just fine.

 

theres an emission cone on the stock exhaust in the '03 model.. only other difference than what pimpin' said.

 

both models run well. I have an 03 and it does run hot like mentioned above but never overheated and i have beat on it in 90 degree weather. As for the emission cone.... a dremel takes care of that lil guy. good luck! post pics when you get it!

 

Got an '02 954 here man ... excellent bike (street or track) ... stop and go traffic in hot weather down here (100+) does make the temp jump up really fast from its normal running temp of 180 .... but as long as ya stay somewhat moving around a lil it'll go back down no prob .... i have absolutely ZERO complaints on this bike .... none ... whatsoever ...... love it !!! ......

 

yup, dremel does take care of the cone... and as for all the hot weather stuff, throw a switch on the fan, and start running it when the bike gets 200 and you're sittin in traffic, it'll keep the heat off of you.

only complaint i have about the 954 is the little rubber fairing clips (useless...) and the fact there's no petcock and you're not supposed to take off the tank (you can get a quick disconnect though)

other than that, i am in love with my 954, i haven't wanted or had the desire to even ride another bike since i got it.

 

+1,000 .... my 07 gixxer6 has been just sittin there collecting dust and cobwebs for about a month because i just love this bike ....