ICE seem to have a policy of continuous improvement. This seems to work well as the improvements are generally incremental and backwards-compatible so you're not stuck with a machine for which you can no longer get parts. However it does mean when ringing for replacement parts you need to know the year (Serial Number gives you the model year in the first two digits so that helps).
However I have to say that my rear suspension swing-arm looks prettier than the new arrangement, to my eyes.