looking for someone in the know that could fill me in on the exact differences between these two model years. trying to decide if there's any good reason to pick the newer model. i'm buying a new one regurdless. thanks

 

Well, for one, the color schemes are different.

As for what is different about them MECHANICALLY, about all I could see is that the 02 models start with the keyswitch like a car, wheras the 01 machines still used a 'start' button on the handlebar. There may be more changes that you cant see, but that is the only one I found.

 

Tires

 

Differences:

Start switch is in the key like a car in the 2002.....Has a start button on the 2001.

Graphics are different.

Green color is different (Olive - 2001 and Metalic green - 2002). (Red and yellow are the same).

DUSE and RSE models get more aggressive "Rawhide" tires on the 2002.

Everything else is identicle. I own a 2001 and my dad bought a 2002 (both are green).