2013 lc dilemma

[Openside]

Are the 2013 models really that bad. I've got a max budget of £11.5 which unfortunately makes the 14' plate out of reach or just buy a brand new triumph explorer? Test ridden the explorer nice, comfy but heavy compared to my current bike kawa z1000sx. Only had chance to sit on the gs today in touratech, however the bike seems far lighter than the explorer and the ergonomics more suitable. Also I'm guessing the gs should be more powerful due to its weight.
By the way I understand that most people only join forums when they encounter problems. Just want confirmation that a second hand gs would be a better proposition than a brand new explorer.

Cheers

 

[GS_or_bust]

I was happy with my 2013 gs (before I traded it for a 2014 gsa). Extend the warranty and enjoy it.

 

[GS_or_bust]

Buying second hand means you get to test ride the one you buy, so take an extended test ride and only buy it if it feels right for you.

 

[tecman]

Are the 2013 models really that bad. I've got a max budget of £11.5 which unfortunately makes the 14' plate out of reach or just buy a brand new triumph explorer? Test ridden the explorer nice, comfy but heavy compared to my current bike kawa z1000sx. Only had chance to sit on the gs today in touratech, however the bike seems far lighter than the explorer and the ergonomics more suitable. Also I'm guessing the gs should be more powerful due to its weight.
By the way I understand that most people only join forums when they encounter problems. Just want confirmation that a second hand gs would be a better proposition than a brand new explorer.

Cheers

I would look for the one with reminder of warranty. If there is problem ( most likely clutch/gears), you can claim it. If you wanted to mod your 2013 GS with gear shift assist, you will be dissapointed as it is not available for early bike...other than that ...lots of joy! I've done 7.5k mls since Feb!

 

[Openside]

Hopefully they should still have approx years warranty remaining. How much is a creditable extended warranty. For peace of mind.

 

[Openside]

I would look for the one with reminder of warranty. If there is problem ( most likely clutch/gears), you can claim it. If you wanted to mod your 2013 GS with gear shift assist, you will be dissapointed as it is not available for early bike...other than that ...lots of joy! I've done 7.5k mls since Feb!

That's good mileage! I too will be clocking up the miles as it will be used for commuting 80 miles a day across the Brecon beacons, plus leisure of course. So reliability is of utmost importance.

 

[tecman]

That's good mileage! I too will be clocking up the miles as it will be used for commuting 80 miles a day across the Brecon beacons, plus leisure of course. So reliability is of utmost importance.

I did 2 trips this year....

a) France - Pyrenees - Picos de Europa - Gibraltar - Ceuta - Picos - Santander and ferry to UK - 3.5k mls
b) France - Switzerland - Italy and most known Alpine passes - 2k mls

All above within one month and my GS didn't fail me...only problem I've got is clutch which occsionally is grinding my gears...

Rest is just daily commute to work and ocassional ride out with my mates.

 

[Georgeeboi]

I've got a may 2013 bike from new 7k on it now no probs at all!!

 

[GS_or_bust]

Hopefully they should still have approx years warranty remaining. How much is a creditable extended warranty. For peace of mind.

You will get the balance of the 2 year warranty then BMW will extend it for about £300 iirc.

 

[Frequentflyer]

I've got a may 2013 bike from new 7k on it now no probs at all!!

Same here, 10,000 mls no problems

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

The explorer is shit compared to the gs wc imo, certainly if you want your adventure ride on the sporty side.

 

[Marquez]

I love my 2013 model and would encourage you to get one. With your budget you will find surely one still under warranty. Good luck.

 

[Openside]

The explorer is shit compared to the gs wc imo, certainly if you want your adventure ride on the sporty side.

Absolutely, my current steed is pretty nippy and I don't want to lose too much speed. I'm willing to sacrifice some speed for comfort, but not too much!

 

[tecman]

Absolutely, my current steed is pretty nippy and I don't want to lose too much speed. I'm willing to sacrifice some speed for comfort, but not too much!

I moved to GS from S1000RR...so speed was a huge sacrifice..but I don't regret it! GS is more versatile bike and you are less likely to lose your licence on 2nd gear than on RR! On my first trip I rode with mate ( Panigale 899) and up to 70mph he couldn't shake me off...

 

[Openside]

I love my 2013 model and would encourage you to get one. With your budget you will find surely one still under warranty. Good luck.

I've seen one for £10799 just over 1167 miles dynamic package and luggage or is the TE version the one to go for £11.5k top of my budget?

 

[tecman]

I've seen one for £10799 just over 1167 miles dynamic package and luggage or is the TE version the one to go for £11.5k top of my budget?

TE all the way! You can put luggage later...you can't put TE gadgets afterwards

 

[Openside]

I moved to GS from S1000RR...so speed was a huge sacrifice..but I don't regret it! GS is more versatile bike and you are less likely to lose your licence on 2nd gear than on RR! On my first trip I rode with mate ( Panigale 899) and up to 70mph he couldn't shake me off...

Hmmm that's reassuring. Real life riding I hardly go into 3 figure speeds...mostly A and B roads 80-90mph is quick enough

 

[Openside]

TE all the way! You can put luggage later...you can't put TE gadgets afterwards

Ok roger that. I was afraid you were going to say TE

 

[Marquez]

Personally I'd go for the TE. I have a TE and would really have regreted not having cruise control, LED lights, the riding modes etc

 

[Jumblemo]

Mines a May 2013 WC TE with 7000 reliable miles and an acceptably slick gear-box. Only warranty issues have been a loose mirror, a lost screen circlip and a lost satnav mount lock circlip.

Otherwise it's been a faultless bike.

However I do wonder if some of the early 2nd hand bikes found at dealers are the ones with suspect gearboxes that have been traded in? So check the bikes carefully.