2008 - 2009 parts comparison

I posted this over at TT, but thought I would post here as well...

I have just spent several hours pouring over the 2009 parts fiche looking for anything different compared to the 2008 models. I have a 49 state WRX, so keep this in mind when you read this. There may be some other differences between the X and R (and California bikes). So, except for the obvious black plastic, black seat and graphics differences, here is what I found that is different and/or updated for the 2009 bike...

1. Cam chain guides mounting bolts are a different number.

2. Crankshaft main bearings. The bearing on the left side is a different number now. In '08 both left and right main bearings were the same number. I find this very interesting. Anyone know anything about this?

3. The U-shaped brace on the left side that holds the AIS, Reg/Rect, horn, etc... has different bolts holding it to the frame.

4. The tool kit appears to have an extra rubber plug or grommet thing on the top now. My bike only has a support on the bottom of the tool kit. But the '09 diagram shows something that looks like a welded on projection above the tool kit too (for added support?). Can anyone with an '09 confirm this?

5. The front caliper has a different pin on the lower side. I'm no brake expert, so I can't explain it very well. It looks like it supports the caliper. Not sure if the R has this since the front calipers are different.

6. The radiator assembly is a different number, and so are the button head allen bolts and spring nuts that hold the shroud and fins to the radiator. I wonder what is different about the radiator? Can anybody who has seen both bikes tell any difference in the rads?

7. The black plastic cover over the front of the coolant overflow tank on the left side of the bike is a different number. Maybe something to do with #3 above?

8. The rear sprocket is a different number, but I believe we have already determined that the difference is the lack of the black plastic ring on the '09 bikes.

9. The '09 bikes also have different rear axle blocks (chain pullers) on both sides.

10. The rear brake pedal is a different number. Anyone got a pic of the '09 brake pedal? Different shape maybe?

11. The big whale tail rear fender is a different number as are some of the mounting bolts for the metal brace underneath it.

12. The taillight assembly is a different number. Not sure what would be different about it though. ???

That is all I found different between my '08 WRX and the '09 WRX. My guess is most of the same holds true for you R² owners.

I wonder what they changed in the ECU if at all...

feel like getting a PCV

mtb wrote:

I wonder what they changed in the ECU if at all...

feel like getting a PCV

Nothing was changed in the ECU. Same part number from '08 to '09. I also noted the fuel pump is the same number (thinking about your problems).

PCV???

Power Commander V

I doubt you guys will have the same fuel pump problem as me... I was just unlucky

In regards to #4 Mark, mine has that rubber grommet/welded tab up top on the R². I was also told that there are differences between the US models and the Canadian ones as well. I'd like to find out exactly what.

SheWolf wrote:

In regards to #4 Mark, mine has that rubber grommet/welded tab up top on the R². I was also told that there are differences between the US models and the Canadian ones as well. I'd like to find out exactly what.

Wonder why they added the top support for the tool kit? I don't see any issues with the old design. Did you have to cut that little tab off when you installed your water bottle/fuel tank mod?

I think the Canadian models are designed to get dirty.

They knew there was a chick somewhere with a mud fettish. I didn't have to remove that top tab. I just added some rubber to the side of it and the bottle snugs up against it.

mwakey wrote:

mtb wrote:

I wonder what they changed in the ECU if at all...

feel like getting a PCV

Nothing was changed in the ECU. Same part number from '08 to '09. I also noted the fuel pump is the same number (thinking about your problems).

PCV???

I am curious has I can not read the maps for the PC V, I would like to compare them to the maps for my PC III

oldirt wrote:

mwakey wrote:

mtb wrote:

I wonder what they changed in the ECU if at all...

feel like getting a PCV

Nothing was changed in the ECU. Same part number from '08 to '09. I also noted the fuel pump is the same number (thinking about your problems).

PCV???

I am curious has I can not read the maps for the PC V, I would like to compare them to the maps for my PC III

Sorry. I can't help you with the PCIII or PCV. I don't have either.

Ok, as noted, thanks to Mark in the oil change thread, my 09 does NOT have a crush washer on the drain plug, it is a flat washer. One less pain in the ass to worry about replacing.

SheWolf wrote:

Ok, as noted, thanks to Mark in the oil change thread, my 09 does NOT have a crush washer on the drain plug, it is a flat washer. One less pain in the ass to worry about replacing.

That IS the crush washer. What is it made of? Mine is copper.

Mine is steel. It's the same thickness as the washer on my side panel, and it sure won't crush unless I stick it on a railway tie and let the Rocky Mountaineer go over it.

During the next oil change... snap a picture... both of ya....

that will solve the problem

Interesting. I wonder why they did that? And I wonder how it seals like that. Is your drain plug different too maybe?

Just looked up the drain plug and washer (gasket as they call it) and the part numbers are the same for both the WR's for '08 and '09. I would say you got the wrong washer on your plug Wolfie. Have you had the bike to a dealer for the oil change or have you done them all yourself? Maybe the googan at the dealer swapped out the washer with the wrong one somehow. A steel washer is not going to seal very good on it's own.

I'll take a pic of it next oil change (I do all the work on my vehicles). It looks like a standard drain plug with that flat washer. I might go one step further and get the magnetic one. I had one in my old DT and it was real handy to find any excessive wear going on. I'm also sending in my oil samples to Finning and have it analyzed. That should give me some good readings to go by and pick up any premature wear of bearings or pins.

According to my closest dealer, the oil filter is not the same for the 08 and 09 WR250R. I want to call BS on that but I have not seen anything refuting it yet.

He showed me on their computer the filter number stopped at 08, then on the 09 page there is a dash in the 08 column. Hard to describe, but anyone have an idea on this?

That doesn't make sense. The engine is the same in both years. I know the filter number changed last year to the updated number. The first filter I bought last year when I got the bike was the old number (5TA-13440-00), and every one I have bought since is the new number (5D3-13440-00). I'm pretty sure the new one will fit both '08 and '09.

Mark, get your ass up here and you can make all the comparisons you want...

INSTIGATOR wrote:

Mark, get your ass up here and you can make all the comparisons you want...

So you have an '09 bike?

My back is still a bit tender, but I should be healed up enough by next weekend. What are you doing next Sunday?

Yup 09. I have an RC boat race in the morning I should be done by 1PM.

mwakey wrote:

That doesn't make sense. The engine is the same in both years. I know the filter number changed last year to the updated number. The first filter I bought last year when I got the bike was the old number (5TA-13440-00), and every one I have bought since is the new number (5D3-13440-00). I'm pretty sure the new one will fit both '08 and '09.

That's the one that fits my '08.

That is the same number on the oil filter I was just given with my 09 when I bought it last week as well. They probably just updated the old filter and it didnt show up on the microfisch when you looked it up for the comparison...