The 17 EX we got in the U.S (and Canada I believe) is a real pretty red with a tiny gold flake in it. Color code R-342-C ... Candy Prominence Red.
there are so many changes to this bike besides the obvious tank shape we concentrate on and I will list the one's I know of and noticed starting at the front wheel
* Spoked wheels with tube type tires
* Different mounting for the discs
* different reflector
* New forks with dual bending valve technology
* new lower triple tree which bolts in the back
* new upper tree which bolts in the back
* new horns with chrome rings
* new chrome headlight bucket
* new chrome instrument cups
* LED headlight
* new faces on instruments
* new mounting position for turn signals in fork ears
* new turn signals
* new mounting position for handlebars
* master cylinders unpainted for brake and clutch
* new slipper clutch
* new fuel tank of seamless design
* new flush style gas cap
* new seat
* new air cleaner covers with chrome stripe
* new triangular brushed aluminum side covers that fit inside frame tubes like the 13's
* new solid looking passenger peg mounting bracket
* new smaller length and diameter mufflers
* new 2 tone paint on cyl head (silver) and cylinders (black)
* new grab rail
* new tail light assy
* new metal chain guard
* new mounting for rear caliper
if I find any other differences I will add then to this list. I think there are some internal motor differences. I will research that.