On the base 09 I believe you also get heated seats and grips. The price between an 08 and 09 should be about $1k which reflects a price increase by honda. Also the 09 comes prewired with an IPod jack for playing through the audio system. I don't know if that is standard on the 08. I bought the 09, mainly because I wanted the newer model, but either bike is a good choice. I was not a XM/Sirus radio fan so it was not part of my thought process. Good luck on your pick and enjoy your new Wing. Ride safe and follow the road.