EC300 which year to buy?

[(F5)]

Ok so I’ve been very happy with my ‘02 EC200. Much prefer it to the EC250s I’ve ridden (Too aggressive for a muppet like me).

But I made the mistake of riding a mate’s EC300 (think 08 or 09 with ohlins & flywheel weight). That was easy to ride & didn’t feel like a big bike.

Ok so I’m saving money, I’m not going to afford new, here in New Zealand the new ones are a bit dear for my budget.

So my question is; which year is best bang for buck?

2006 = Blue & Ohlins shock.

Later models went Red & most with Sachs from erm 08?. When did the dual ign switch become std?

I’ve kind of been warned off the Six Days versions as being super aggressive on power & hard on suspension (from an older year 300 owner).

Are there any other changes or would a low mileage 06 be as good a bet as an 09? (which I just might stretch to).

Should I (can I?) swap my Ohlins over?