Versions and years

[moosey]

OK, so here's a probably dumb question but the answer isn't as obviously out there as you might think.

Let's say that I'm looking for a part that's compatible with my bike.
And the part is advertised as being suitable for "2014 onwards"
And my bike has a 14 plate, so that seems fine.

But... the V5c says that the bike model is "DL650 AL3"
And there's plenty of AL3's around with 13/63 plates.
Presumably, my 2014 AL3 looks very much like other people's 2013 AL3's.

So it's a "2013" bike really in all but registration. Right?


Obviously, this isn't hypothetical.
I'm after a peg-lowering kit from cymarcbikeparts, and they advertise a 2014+ version and a pre-2014 version. They've helpfully suggested that I should probably pick the one that matches the the reg document, and if it's the wrong one they'll swap it no bother. All very lovely of them but I thought I would double-check with the collective wisdom of the community first...

[greywolf]

It's a rat's nest. Model year, build year, registration year all get involved in peoples' minds. In the UK, concentrate on L3 for your bike. That's not a variable. It means you have a 2013 model year. The build year and registration year may be different but those are not involved in finding parts or accessories. Always look for the K or L designation on UK registrations and also in any country that uses them in their documentation. See http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,11834.msg125994.html#msg125994

So you just need to find parts and accessories for a 2013 model year bike, right. That would be nice but manufacturers seem to have almost as much trouble keeping track of model changes as owners do. One thing in your favour is pretty much all Glees use the same parts except for wheels and fairings on the XT. If a peg lowering kit fits a 2014 (L4) it will also fit L2-L6 models.

The A just means ABS. All Glees have ABS.

[UK_Vstrom650]

You'll be fine with Marc sorting if it's the wrong one,  but as GW says 2013 for your year 

[SuzukiSte]

Yes if your log book says AL3 that will be OK my bike is a 2011 but its a AL2 so all my parts are for the AL2 model as Greywolf said.
Hope this helps.

[greywolf]

Your bike was built in 2011. Its model year is 2012. In order to deliver bikes in 2012, the manufacturers start building them in 2011. By and large, a new line may start getting built around September and may be built until the next July if demand warrants it. Off time is used to retool for the new model.

[moosey]

Thanks people. That's pretty much as I figured but it's nice to hear it confirmed.

That - http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php/topic,11834.msg125994.html#msg125994 - is exactly the definitive and unequivocal info I was looking for (but couldn't find).