2010 or 2008/9 ?

[Steve...]

Hi, I've just decided to buy a GS but am not sure which one is most suitable.

I was originally trying to replace my Hayabusa which is simply not big enough for me anymore, leg room is too tight and it's too heavy to push around twisty roads in comfort. I bought it when my girlfriend used to go pillion and for that it's brilliant but she uses her own bike now so I really need something else.

I was looking at a K1200S and the dealer managed to persuade me to try a 1200GS 2010 model . . . and it was brilliant ! I was expecting to hate it but it's just so easy to ride and very capable as well as spacious.

My dilemma is to either buy a brand new 1200GS with possibly premium and comfort packages for about £12500 or buy an older 2008 model for say £9k with fewer options .

The new model comes with vario panniers and top box and tank bag but the used model I'd need to buy those extra.

I guess I'm asking how much these things depreciate . . . is it necessary to have any particular options to make resale easier ?

ESA is available but now ESA II like on the Adventure model . . . is ESA II about to be added to the GS ?

Is the 2008 single cam model really any less powerful than the 2010 model ? What impressed me with the 2010 model was the smooth torque for B road overtaking, very creamy and like a Hayabusa, no hassle or fuss, just gets on with the job.

Anything else I ought to know about ?

Many thanks

Steve

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site Steve

I bought a previously loved 2009 1200 GS SE in May... with every box ticked on the list of extras, and a full set of vario panniers, 4200 miles .. for £9.625.. the previous owner took a hell of a hit , to my benefit... and I don't for one moment think a 2010 model would be worth 3K more

There's only 5 bhp in it as far as I'm aware.... depends whether you want to buy new or not ..... the difference in performance will be negligable

Got to work on mine straight the way.. sold the panniers and the top box for £625, paid £495 for a TT special set of panniers, got a TT rack extender, a pair of Fastway pegs and an Adventure screen... and I'm set up nicely

 

[Andy B]

Steve,

I have an 08 model that I've done 12,000 miles on. I tried a 2010 model a couple of months ago and was surprised by the difference. At 17 stone a few extra horsepower doesn't generally affect me, but IMHO the 2010 is significantly better. It's not about the power, it's how it is delivered.

My only advice would be definitely try an 08/09 model before making a decision. You've done it right way round! With a gap between riding a 2010 and then a 2009 you can objectively decide what you need as opposed to want you want. Ride them back to back and I suspect your wallet will be the worse off!!

 

[casperfelix]

Bought a 2008 GSA with all the bling this summer (early June). Once I got the warped front discs replaced under warranty, and 3k miles later, I've found it to be silky smooth - if you can call any 2 pot bike silky smooth.
Having not ridden a 2010 110bhp model I can't tell if it's greatly inferior to the new boy on the block or not. But the 2010 bike would have to be one hell of a bike if it was!
I'm happy - and about £4k better off.

 

[Stormtrooper]

You can pick up 2nd hand Vario panniers and top boxes on eBay but they still sell for a fair bit of money. Expect to pay approx £500 for a full set. So the £9000 for the 'old' model now turns out to be £9500 with luggage - which is a must on a GS.

If money is no object, try the 2008/09 bike, then try the 2010. You will go for the 2010! The extra power IS noticeable... especially mid range (where you use it!). The gearbox is better as well.

You'll be surprised at how affordable your dealer can make the GS with BMW Select Finance.

If you are restricted by money, DO NOT try the 2010 bike because you'll just want it!

Either way, you'll be buying a cracking bike and you'll have lots of fun!

2008/09 with luggage = £9500
2010 with premium and dynamic pack (with panniers, topbox and tankbag) = £12625

Is the 2010 bike worth £3000 more than a 2008/09 model? Maybe not just now... but the 2010 bike will be worth about £2000 more the 2008/09 model in 2 years time - that's how I justified it to my girlfriend!

Go for the new model!

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

old or new is up to you but you should get an 08 loaded for your 9K or a little more. I personally have an 09 with the reliability pack (nothing extra to break) and love it. Havent driven a 10 so cant comment if it is better or not but for me it would have to be a lot better for the extra money I would have to spend.

 

[Stretchamus]

It is a hell of a bike however, if the one Steve test rode is like a Hayabusa, then please tell me where it is so I can go and buy it


Steve I traded my Busa in for a 2010 G.S.A. every time I walked round a bikers gathering car park (at first) I would look at all the Bikes and think what I could of got for the money I spent on the GS.
Then I would climb abord my GS and ride out and instantly know why

Initialy I went to Southport Superbikes, I was looking for an older 2nd hand GS that way I could keep the Busa as well, didn't work out that way.

Would I change, Feck you mister, best move I ever made.

Good Luck and best regards Stretch

 

[Steve...]

Can I not read the for sale section on this forum ? It says I need to subscribe ?

Thanks for the comments, I think I'll try an 08/09 model asap and see how it feels.

 

[Stretchamus]

Is the 2010 bike worth £3000 more than a 2008/09 model? Maybe not just now... but the 2010 bike will be worth about £2000 more the 2008/09 model in 2 years time - that's how I justified it to my girlfriend!

Go for the new model!

Stormtrooper's comments:- +1

Absolutely spot on, then some.

Stretch.
PS when you start to sell an 09 model against a 2010 model in the future, if the 09 isn't cheap, the punter will always want to stretch to a 2010 (No pun intended)

 

[Bryn]

Can I not read the for sale section on this forum ? It says I need to subscribe ?

Thanks for the comments, I think I'll try an 08/09 model asap and see how it feels.

Steve, If you're after a bike then this place is by far the best bet to find a well sorted and loved new toy

The £12 it costs to subscribe will be the best few quid you've ever spent ( possibly)

I've bought all my GS's except the first one off here... and I've had a few


Subscribe

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Having gone from a 2009 SE to a 2010 GSA I can say the differences are small but noticable. The engine in the 10 is smoother and vibe free,it sounds fruitier ,but no more than my SE with Remus and Akro did.I got a good deal on my GSA ,but I'll be hanging on to it as they are bloody expensive fully specced and its the most I've ever spent on a bike.I like it a lot

 

[MorayGSer]

I had a 2008 model and I now have a 2010 model. The 10 is a significantly better bike imho. Its smoother, torquier, faster (Slightly) if thats your thing mind you're on the wrong bike. I really like my 10.

 

[Steve...]

The £12 it costs to subscribe will be the best few quid you've ever spent ( possibly)

. . or possibly not

Never found a forum which charges to view member sales and carries a load of adverts too

 

[GADGET]

Steve, The 2010 model GS does have ESA ll, if you specify it, mine has it, and wire wheels. If you do decide to go for the 2010 version, though I haven`t advertised it yet, I am thinking of selling mine ( and for not much more than you are considering paying for a 2009!) Though to contact me you will have to to subscribe, its worth it!

 

[Bryn]

. . or possibly not

Never found a forum which charges to view member sales and carries a load of adverts too

Steve, you could always find an alternative GS site that doesn't charge you .. may take a while though...

Its not just the FS&W access, or being able to buy a bike... I've shifted things as a VW golf , and cameras on here.... all within the £12...

It works out at around 3p per day.

Sold at least 6 bikes on here as well...in fact only advertised something elsewhere once since 2003.

How much would a £6.5k car cost to sell on autotrader?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Did 170 miles around the Peaks today and the 2010 Twincam 12 Adv motor is far better than the 2008 one I had

It is far better in terms of low-down grunt (Powervalve) and drive

If you can afford it - buy a 2010

The 12 GS/GSA has moved on significantly in 2010 and the engine is a peach

 

[Bryn]

Did 170 miles around the Peaks today and the 2010 Twincam 12 Adv motor is far better than the 2008 one I had

It is far better in terms of low-down grunt (Powervalve) and drive

If you can afford it - buy a 2010

The 12 GS/GSA has moved on significantly in 2010 and the engine is a peach

Did around 80 miles on a courtesy twin cam bike yesterday... must say I was impressed with the 'oomph' it had in comparison with my 09 bike

I was hoping I didn't notice any difference

 

[Hamstein]

I was in a similar dilemma when I bought mine - decided to save a few pennies and got the latest model I could afford - 09 gsa with full spec. I don't regret it at all, currently doing about 2000 miles a month on it ( which is loads for me! ) and enjoying every minute of it, I've tried out the offroad capability and am impressed, great fun! - although permanently scared of dropping it and incurring a huge repair bill.

 

[wilbjr21]

Did 170 miles around the Peaks today and the 2010 Twincam 12 Adv motor is far better than the 2008 one I had

It is far better in terms of low-down grunt (Powervalve) and drive

If you can afford it - buy a 2010

The 12 GS/GSA has moved on significantly in 2010 and the engine is a peach

I don't believe I'm reading this ......... but I completely agree, the bike has moved on significantly since you had yours.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I don't believe I'm reading this ......... but I completely agree, the bike has moved on significantly since you had yours.

Why ever not

I'm not a complete luddite

Having ridden both twincams.................I think I agree that the 12RT is maybe a tad better than a 12GSA

I did enjoy getting my 1150GSA back after its service though....................just for a touch of nostalgia