‘Base’ GSA1250; madness?

[Number 6]

Pretty much every recent GS or GSA you see on a Motorrad dealer’s forecourt is a full fat ‘TE’. This is a UK market only package that includes electronic suspension, quick shift, and a whole lot of other bells and whistles. The thing is, the things that might attract me to a new GSA are not on the TE list; mainly the smoother more powerful motor, and a decent screen, so I’ve been seriously considering a ‘base’ GSA and adding a couple of options - grips, tyre pressure. However the dealer I’ve been talking to is trying to dissuade me on the basis that resale would be difficult. I don’t really want to buy a new bike for the next owner; do we really think a base GSA would be unsellable in three years - at any price?

Also, best place to sell my current bike(2011 gsa, 30k, full history, ).

Thanks,

Charlie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I've has 4 new GSAs over the years and every one of them was the base model (plus heated grips). When it came to selling them I never had a problem, even when trading in. It's a myth that there is no market for base models. The dealers have a much greater profit margin on the full spec models which is why they don't keep stocks of standard bikes.

 

[slimpickings]

Shoestring
Tried to PM you

 

[Dmoffat]

Well im sure glad i bought my 2018 basic, never adjusted the rear shock and probably wont need to. Had the "we dont sell any basic models here" from York so went to louth and bought basic...their loss. I estimate it will have 12000 miles on it after 3 years and without the electrical complications i think it will sell easily.

 

[stick]

I went on boat once , it did not sink, went on a plane , it did not crash , went on a train it did not derail , ate at a road side café and did not get ill , sometimes if you worry to much about things you will make yourself ill.
Every one has a choice , do or don't , I do and have not as yet fallen. One wheels enough...….

 

[Nutty]

I went on boat once , it did not sink, went on a plane , it did not crash , went on a train it did not derail , ate at a road side café and did not get ill , sometimes if you worry to much about things you will make yourself ill.
Every one has a choice , do or don't , I do and have not as yet fallen. One wheels enough...….

Agreed. I’ve had 5 LC GS’s, and never had an issue with the ESA on any of them in over 70k miles.

 

[knutk]

I appreciate everyone's freedom of choice, but frankly, a basic bike with no extras? I don't get it.

To me, that would be like going to a whore house and ask for a girl without a pu….

 

[stick]

I appreciate everyone's freedom of choice, but frankly, a basic bike with no extras? I don't get it.

To me, that would be like going to a whore house and ask for a girl without a pu….

That has made me smile...

 

[roundincircles]

Tell the dealer Ducati, KTM & Triumph will take an order for a basic bike..... so is he telling to go there?

 

[the woodster]

I appreciate everyone's freedom of choice, but frankly, a basic bike with no extras? I don't get it.

To me, that would be like going to a whore house and ask for a girl without a pu….

Yeah, but imagine that the whore house sold it as a 'super pussy' but one day she didn't want to be bothered with all the faffing about with what that would entail, yet refused to revert to default 'standard' pussy.

 

[stick]

I tripped on the carpet today , I will never have that luxury again , back to draughty wooded boards from now on. Oh the thought of it , who was I kidding , bread and water as well as it does the same job as a all foods ,,,,only kidding its personal choice just like a dig lol.

 

[Neil W]

Wonder how many people who slag off Basics because of their lack of toys (especially ESA) have actually ridden a non ESA bike (as dealers do not have them as demos)
When main dealer techies comment that the Basics are more comfortable and nicer handling bikes they know what they are talking about.
Not one of the numerous ESA equipped LC model GS/GSA's (including 2018 models) have had decent suspension and handled anywhere near as well as my current Basic model never mind a non ESA bike with decent aftermarket shocks.
For those of you who have not ridden a basic GSA /GS LC and are passing comment on a non ESA bike you are talking out of your collective *rses

 

[jags]

Agreed. I’ve had 5 LC GS’s, and never had an issue with the ESA on any of them in over 70k miles.

you mean you only keep them for an average 14000mls each? hardly a test is it?

 

[stick]

Wonder how many people who slag off Basics because of their lack of toys (especially ESA) have actually ridden a non ESA bike (as dealers do not have them as demos)
When main dealer techies comment that the Basics are more comfortable and nicer handling bikes they know what they are talking about.
Not one of the numerous ESA equipped LC model GS/GSA's (including 2018 models) have had decent suspension and handled anywhere near as well as my current Basic model never mind a non ESA bike with decent aftermarket shocks.
For those of you who have not ridden a basic GSA /GS LC and are passing comment on a non ESA bike you are talking out of your collective *rses

I have and disagree with you , the non ESA demo I tried was average to be kind , it needed a wilburs / ohlins transplant . I have owned both , with the additions and still find the ESA better full stop.
The Wessa System on my TC was great , no issues at all.
The new system on the 1250 TE is even better, if ohlins or wilburs can manufacture a swap unit ( meaning not piggy backing off the BMW shock ) I would swap , but ESA only.
A basic with good suspension is a great bike to ride but add the ESA is just better , stop worryring about failures .

 

[Edmund Kean]

Wonder how many people who slag off Basics because of their lack of toys (especially ESA) have actually ridden a non ESA bike (as dealers do not have them as demos)
When main dealer techies comment that the Basics are more comfortable and nicer handling bikes they know what they are talking about.
Not one of the numerous ESA equipped LC model GS/GSA's (including 2018 models) have had decent suspension and handled anywhere near as well as my current Basic model never mind a non ESA bike with decent aftermarket shocks.
For those of you who have not ridden a basic GSA /GS LC and are passing comment on a non ESA bike you are talking out of your collective *rses

In terms of how mine felt (detailed earlier in this thread - 2017 GSA basic). I would place it’s equivalent at Sport mode on a 2016/17 ESA bike before semi active came in. Front end was hard and didn’t have any damping or preload adjustment. However my 2011 basic GSA did have front preload adjustment.

 

[knutk]

Yeah, but imagine that the whore house sold it as a 'super pussy' but one day she didn't want to be bothered with all the faffing about with what that would entail, yet refused to revert to default 'standard' pussy.

Then you are getting screwed

 

[fred_jb]

Then you are getting screwed

Or in the literal sense - not!

 

[Rushy]

If I was buying a used bike 3 years down the line, I'd prefer a basic one.

Each to his own, but that would be my choice.

And me

 

[LBJ GSA]

Pretty much every recent GS or GSA you see on a Motorrad dealer’s forecourt is a full fat ‘TE’. This is a UK market only package that includes electronic suspension, quick shift, and a whole lot of other bells and whistles. The thing is, the things that might attract me to a new GSA are not on the TE list; mainly the smoother more powerful motor, and a decent screen, so I’ve been seriously considering a ‘base’ GSA and adding a couple of options - grips, tyre pressure. However the dealer I’ve been talking to is trying to dissuade me on the basis that resale would be difficult. I don’t really want to buy a new bike for the next owner; do we really think a base GSA would be unsellable in three years - at any price?

Also, best place to sell my current bike(2011 gsa, 30k, full history, ).

Thanks,

Charlie


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Charlie

I had the same dealer conversations in 2017 when I bought a GSA. Ended up getting a very strong deal on a GSA TE, so went with it. This time, I shopped around a bit more and spoke to more dealers. The key for 'them' is that they don't want to be landed with a base spec bike if the buyer pulls out. One dealer asked me for £1000 deposit and a couple asked me for £500. Ordered it (a base GSA 1250 with heated grips, cruise control and fog lights) just before Christmas for delivery in the first week of March for new 19 registration. I think some dealers recognise and appreciate a straight forward transaction with someone who knows what they want. I have had no bad experiences with ESA previously (on either my previous new GSA or GS), but I prefer the idea of standard suspension if I keep the bike beyond the warranty - and generally, I think these bikes are getting too complex.......to the point where they are loosing their 'purity'. My original oil/air cooled GS had a sublime ride. I used to turn the rear shock wheel a few turns when taking a passenger but it handled beautifully! I love cruise control, heated grips and like the 'knob lights' for safety - but I don't want GPS 'preparation' as I have a nice Garmin Zumo and I don't want panniers, so I don't need the ugly scaffolding. Quick shifter is fun sometimes, but I don't need it and even though it gets better and better each year, it's still a bit clunky on the Boxers compared to the S series bikes, so I thought I would save myself £400 on that. (I slightly regret that decision to be honest, but I will be ok!) This should be a nice 'pure' GSA experience with the creature comforts I actually want. As someone said earlier here, the 2019 GSA is about £1000 more than the 2018 model and the extras I have added retail at about £1000 ironically too. However, the base bike is basically £3k cheaper than the TE. With a smidge of discount and a reasonable-ish part ex value, it all comes down to the 'cost to change'.........and I'm excited to me lining up for another new bike day in a few weeks time. On new models / model revisions, it's usually a bit harder to get a discount and of course, 'nearly new' bikes take a fair hit on depreciation, but we know what we are in for with these bikes. You have to put a bit of money in to feed the GS/GSA obsession! I say go for it dude! Get the base model and add the spec you want. Expect to see the bike in 2 months - well in time for Spring!

 

[knutk]

Or in the literal sense - not!

He he.
That would be the screwing you get for the screwing you got

 

[Shoestring]

It has been good to read the replies to my original post, and a relief to see I'm not the only one who thinks that complex electronic add-ons don't necessarily make a bike more satisfying to ride or own. I've even had a sniff from a potential buyer of my current DOHC GSA.

I've been playing with specs on the configurator, and apart from the 'Comfort Pack' (heated grips and tyre pressure sensors), I'll probably add what BMW call 'Riding Modes Pro' - not for the the choice of throttle maps but because it's the only way to get modern cornering ABS.

The dealer is quoting 8-10 weeks for a built-to-order bike, and wants a chunky £4k deposit, and I'll probably pull the trigger in the next week or so.

Meanwhile here's a gem from this week's MCN:

Charlie