2007 vs 2008 GSA

[younger06]

I'm in the process of replacing my 2007 GSA.

I'm looking at a couple of 2008 with ESA..... both of them have average mileage but have fairly heavy corrosion in the usual places. I have just come across a one owner from new 2007 with only 25k miles but it seems very clean and corrosion free.


What would you do??


Is the very slight power bump and ESA worth the hassle of having to put a lot of effort and cost into tidying up the 2008 models??

 

[patzx12]

Count the ESA as bling. Non ESA on an older bike make things simpler. Are they both ABS? if yes make sure the 07 is not servo and that the brake fluid was changed as per service schedule.

 

[twizzle]

Why would you replace a 2007 with a 2007 - just keep running yours? You know it?

 

[younger06]

Count the ESA as bling. Non ESA on an older bike make things simpler. Are they both ABS? if yes make sure the 07 is not servo and that the brake fluid was changed as per service schedule.

This is what I was thinking. I'm fairly sure that the ABS is the new type because it has had a recent refurb.

As discussed Pat, I might be over in Galway this evening........... you might be getting a call from a Naas lad.

Sent from a OnePlusX.

 

[younger06]

Why would you replace a 2007 with a 2007 - just keep running yours? You know it?

Mine has 113,000kms on it and this one has 38,000kms.

In my eyes, I'm buying back 2 or 3 years of use.

Sent from a OnePlusX.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Mine has 113,000kms on it and this one has 38,000kms.

In my eyes, I'm buying back 2 or 3 years of use.

Sent from a OnePlusX.

Have a serious think about what you are doing. My 06 plate GSA has 145,000 miles and goes like a train. It was one of the very first R1200GSA's and it has no servos or ABS.

I spend £1000 on the motor a couple of years ago as it was blowing a little bit of blue smoke on hot start up. We never really did find the reason but Mikeyboy changed the rings, inlet and exhaust valves because he heads were off but everything was good in there.

Bear in mind my old girl works harder than most as I do my big US trips on it. Every year I say I'm going to change it but she goes so well and is so well set up for me, I can't really see the point in spending loads of hard earned on something which won't do the job any better.

I'd be wary of ESA at that age as when the shocks give up the ghost, it will cost you a small fortune.

These motors will go on and on so if your bike is sorted to your own personal tastes, spend a bit of money on it, maybe an engine refresh and new shocks and you'll be good to go for many more miles/kms.

 

[Bendy toy]

The 08-09 had a facelift so it looks very similar to the twin cam. It's got the older single cam engine.
Issues with mine are weak paint. Early waterbased we are told. Final drive is stronger than <07 but Twin cam improved again.
Engine front cover paint is hard but crap. Check under alternator belt cover especially high up. Ditto engine top paint.
Frame paint is also questionable. I had mine powder coated.
Chassis bearings will be dry. Pack them all with moly grease.

 

[patzx12]

This is what I was thinking. I'm fairly sure that the ABS is the new type because it has had a recent refurb.

As discussed Pat, I might be over in Galway this evening........... you might be getting a call from a Naas lad.

Sent from a OnePlusX.

Anytime Keith. I would still be looking at twincams from the UK.

 

[Bendy toy]

The Twin cam sorted most issues and holds its value better.

 

[younger06]

The Twin cam sorted most issues and holds its value better.

I would love a TC but I only have my insurance payout to purchase my replacement and it won't stretch to a TC.

Mechanically, I was very happy with my '07 and the one I am going to look at has virtually no corrosion (and the ABS has just been refurbed)

Making the best of a bad situation.