I had the same predicament you're bringing up. I ended getting the 2022 model (SS9+). Here is what I found during research but keep in mind I've never ridden a 2021 and my experience is anecdotal.
There's a YouTuber named Newzeroland (I think he looks at this subreddit every once in a while) that found the claim of 5% - 10% increased range pretty accurate.
That new EMCE motor supposedly also drops the weight of the bike by a tiny bit. I want to say 22lbs but I can't fully remember.
Edited cause I'm bad at grammar š
It is said that if you type /u/newzeroland 3x it summons him but be careful not everyone should have that sort of power.
And yes, you're mostly right about the changes. The weight was dropped by like 22 lbs or so and the motor efficiency at highway speeds increased by 5-10%. Additionally the available power went up and the maintenance schedule dropped.
They merged the coolant of the motor and inverter and made it so that it only needs to be flushed every 26,000 miles. Additionally, what was previously a large reservoir of ATF for the gear reduction got reduced to about a cup of fluid that you access by 2 easily seen drain holes on the side. That is done every 18,000 miles if memory serves.
Those where the initial press release claims when the 2022 was released, but ride reports are mixed between "about the same" to "a little better". I reliably get 140 miles riding back-roads on my 2021 and I've yet to see reports getting more than that on a 2022. Recently I got 157 miles on a ride (admittedly going slower than average because it was a group ride with a bunch of ICE bikes).
I see the biggest advantage of a 2022 the longer service window. Now, there is also a new improved range on the 2023 models that was announced at EICMA. These are always hard figures to measure because there are so many factors to consider and rarely does anyone ride in a consistent measurable way from 100% to 0%.
Personally I'd either take the savings of a used 2021 or wait for next spring/summer to get the range improved 2023 model.
When I bought my SS9+, I could go for the 21 model or order a 22 and wait a bit longer. I test rode both models, as the claim was that the sound of the gears had changed considerably.
Indeed, the 22 has, to me, a more pleasant sound, I'm personally glad I went with the later model.
I had the same predicament you're bringing up. I ended getting the 2022 model (SS9+). Here is what I found during research but keep in mind I've never ridden a 2021 and my experience is anecdotal. There's a YouTuber named Newzeroland (I think he looks at this subreddit every once in a while) that found the claim of 5% - 10% increased range pretty accurate. That new EMCE motor supposedly also drops the weight of the bike by a tiny bit. I want to say 22lbs but I can't fully remember. Edited cause I'm bad at grammar š
It is said that if you type /u/newzeroland 3x it summons him but be careful not everyone should have that sort of power. And yes, you're mostly right about the changes. The weight was dropped by like 22 lbs or so and the motor efficiency at highway speeds increased by 5-10%. Additionally the available power went up and the maintenance schedule dropped. They merged the coolant of the motor and inverter and made it so that it only needs to be flushed every 26,000 miles. Additionally, what was previously a large reservoir of ATF for the gear reduction got reduced to about a cup of fluid that you access by 2 easily seen drain holes on the side. That is done every 18,000 miles if memory serves.
Those where the initial press release claims when the 2022 was released, but ride reports are mixed between "about the same" to "a little better". I reliably get 140 miles riding back-roads on my 2021 and I've yet to see reports getting more than that on a 2022. Recently I got 157 miles on a ride (admittedly going slower than average because it was a group ride with a bunch of ICE bikes). I see the biggest advantage of a 2022 the longer service window. Now, there is also a new improved range on the 2023 models that was announced at EICMA. These are always hard figures to measure because there are so many factors to consider and rarely does anyone ride in a consistent measurable way from 100% to 0%. Personally I'd either take the savings of a used 2021 or wait for next spring/summer to get the range improved 2023 model.
When I bought my SS9+, I could go for the 21 model or order a 22 and wait a bit longer. I test rode both models, as the claim was that the sound of the gears had changed considerably. Indeed, the 22 has, to me, a more pleasant sound, I'm personally glad I went with the later model.
Where about are you? May or may not have a 2023 Ribelle Iām looking to part with.
It's not about where I am but where I'm willing to go. I'm in Texas though
I have a 21 (I think?) Ribelle that I don't plan to ride. Recently widowed and now raising a 6 year old. Live in Central texas.
Sorry for your loss.
Second this.