2007 GSA or 2009 GSA

[Beemerman59]

I have a choice between buying new or secondhand. If I buy new the kids are eating bread and butter for a couple of months. If I buy secondhand I can keep my K1100RS plus buy a few farkles for the GSA. However, the secondhand bike only has heated grips, ABS and fogs. I like the idea of having the premium and Dynamic packs on the new GSA but can I justify them? Would I ever use them?

Plus, I have never had a Boxer engine before. If I buy new and find after 6 months I don't like it I will lose tons in depreciation. But the secondhand bike won't have a warranty but it's only done 6K miles and looks like new.

Is it a risk buying a nearly new 07 GSA without a warranty? I'm an average biker so know some of the basics to check but I wouldnt really know whats wrong (if anything) until I had bought it. I do my own work on the K11 so can do most mechanical things but the electronics side makes me wince.

Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated.

To confuse things more I have been offered a nearly new (2008) K1200GT for 500 pounds less than a new GSA. I do longer distance runs (300-400 miles) and want to start some serious camping trips of 2-3 days duration. Mostly UK but venturing into europe when I'm confident.

 

[Deleted Member I]

Asking people on here what's better a K12GT or a GSA is not going to get you an unbiased answer. Hint in the web address ukGSer.com

As for new or second hand .. having bought a new one I say NO FECKING WAY!! unless of course you don't mind flushing £3k down the loo each year in depreciation.

You can get nearly new 08 model GSA or a 06 model one. Check round for prices AND DON'T TRUST BMW DEALERS ON PRICES. THEY WILL ALL LIE TO YOU.

I am told ebay sold prices give one of the most accurate "market prices" for these bikes. Thanks to JB for that advice

 

[red1]

Nearly in the same situation a month or so ago.

Had a K1200GT SE with all the bells and whistles. Was going to buy a new '09 GSA but the economics of buying the spec I wanted (just ABS, grips and computer) made it a no go. Didn't want any of the ESA, tyre monitors, ESP etc as I'd had all that on the K12 and hardly ever used it.

So found a low miles '07 GSA with all the luggage and ABS, lights, computer and grips. Saved £3K and let one of the rich boys pay a big chunk of depreciation for me!

Used is the only way to go.

 

[Big Nick]

Why not have the best of both ideas and buy a mint low mileage 2008 GSA

You can save yourself around £2k, have the same spec as the 2009 model and have the majority of the warranty remaining

Colours are also unchanged between 2008 and 2009

 

[elefantmanshawn]

I always buy new,smother it in acf50 and hammer it from new,never ever bother running in,have the services done on time and then pass the off as soon as the niggles start to show,if you buy used you are usually buying someone's problems,people who only plan on keeping a bike short term never worry about engine wear 20k down the road,if you really have to buy used get one who's owner locked themselves in to a 5 year repayment deal.

 

[GSmonkey]

You can extend the BMW warranty for quite a modest amount now - much reduced from what it used to be. Makes buying second hand (from a dealer) probably more attractive.

I try and buy 'nearly new' whenever possible, getting the benefits of warranty, without paying new price. I did buy my current bike new as it was an outgoing '07 model that were being quite heavily discounted (for BMW).

 

[fuddy]

and want to start some serious camping trips of 2-3 days duration.





You cant be serious.

 

[Beemerman59]

and want to start some serious camping trips of 2-3 days duration.





You cant be serious.

Maybe you don't have kids or have wifey to take care of them for you

For me getting away for a weekend is serious but not in the same way as for some. Anyway I have bought an '08 GSA with all the trimmings and am lovin it.

 

[fuddy]

Maybe you don't have kids








I do but they can look after themselves now.
Good luck with your new bike,if you do get the chance get across the
channel the roads just get better & better.