A new member question.

[Cymru-Dave]

Hi all, sorry to join the forum and head straight into a question, I have introduced myself in the newbies area.

I'm having a dilemma at the moment as I look to buy an adventure, my dilemma is do I make a saving and go for a 2010ish model or do I spend a few pennies more and go for a 2014 water cooled version?

Then to add to is that I find the specs quite confusing, what should I look for on a second hand model in the way of extras?are there some must haves?

I've found a place called themotorcycleexchange and they have 3 lovely 2014 GSA's in blue and I'm itching to go for one but I find the prices misleading but I assume this comes down to the specs but since I'm a tad unfamiliar with the specs TE etc. then I'm unsure where the extra money is being spent.

As I said sorry for jumping straight in with a question but hopefully it'll set me on my way and I can enjoy a new adventure off the back of your advice.

Thanks in advance

Dave

 

[Mozz]

Definitly go for the TE ..........but not blue! Thats a shite colour. Get the pristine white, anyone with half a brain knows its the best/fastest colour

 

[Wreford Miles]

Hi Dave

Welcome to the mad house I had a deposit down on a new GS (blue) and considering the specs it just seems to make sense to go for the model with everything.

But having given in some more thought I came across a year old (June 13) 90year anniversary GSA, the last of the previous model - it's a proper GS a fantastic bike and great value.

Have a look in the Hexhead section

Have fun

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Hi Dave

You need to find a dealer and ride them back to back as only you can decide which bike is best for you

themotorcyclexhange on e-bay is BM Monty or Graham as he is also known on this site

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/402637-R-1200-GSA-LC-TE-For-Sale-Nice-Extras-Too!

He has a great selection of bikes at keen prices

 

[Yonkyo]

Hi Dave

Having owned/ridden every model of GS/GSA. i would recommend a nice late model (2013) Twin Cam (Hexhead) GSA. excellent value and and excellent bikes.

The new LC engined GS's are OK and have lots of electronic gizmos etc. but the gearboxes can be annoyingly clunky.

Try and get a nice long test ride on a TC and an LC, then make your choice.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

The GS WC is a great bike I have one (GSA LC) and if you decide on one go for the TE with as many other "bits" as you can. They are quicker and handle better than the the old TCs and are in nearly every way just better but .....

If i were in your position i would be seriously considering looking for a good low miles TC of the 90th Anniv variety as for some reason they are a more rewarding ownership experience. I can't put my finger on it exactly but they are more BMW than the WC and i believe in the longer term they will be more desirable and keep their value.

 

[oldnfat]

I has a 2014 GSA and went back to the previous version 2013 model which in so many ways should be worse than the later model but for me is much more enjoyable....and has none of the niggles I experienced. I have a pal who has a later 2014 GSA who has just completed a 3,500 mile round trip of Europe and swears it is the best bike ever.....you need to take both for an extended ride and make your decision.

In terms of the Motorcycle Exchange....I have had two excellent bikes from them over e years....Graham has a nack for finding really good quality, well speck'd and pampered bikes for reasonable prices....buy with confidence.

 

[Cymru-Dave]

thanks for your advice folks, I spoke to graham on the phone earlier, very nice and helpful chap, from trawling the internet his stuff does look top notch, my issue is being so far away but in a couple of week I will have to head on over to his business, he seems like a man in the know and its good to see his name mentioned a couple of times too, it seems if you buy from him you buy with confidence!

 

[Wreford Miles]

This is what you want

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/404902-90th-Edition-1200-GSA-01-09-13

 

[Cymru-Dave]

I cant see that link, think im too new a member!

 

[Wreford Miles]

I cant see that link, think im too new a member!

It's a for sale ad, you'll need to spend the best £12 you've ever spent to see it.

FYI it's a very nice 90 year GSA with lots of lovely extras, a smidgen to expensive but the one to buy. Just do a deal a few hundred less

 

[Nutty]

This is what you want

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/404902-90th-Edition-1200-GSA-01-09-13

HOW MUCH?

 

[RedRick Esq.]

HOW MUCH?

Welcome to Yorkshire !
To be fair its not too bad price wise considering all the bling that comes with it which must be at least a grands worth

 

[Nutty]

Welcome to Yorkshire !
To be fair its not too bad price wise considering all the bling that comes with it which must be at least a grands worth

Nah, bugger that. Folk on here reckon they're the better bike, and worth more, but come resale time guess which will be worth more.

The twin cam is a great bike, but it's not worth the same as a second hand LC.

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Nah, bugger that. Folk on here reckon they're the better bike, and worth more, but come resale time guess which will be worth more.

The twin cam is a great bike, but it's not worth the same as a second hand LC.

Whilst I agree that on paper ( and indeed in my garage) the WC is the better bike I still think that the values of the 90 Anniv TC will hold up better as can be seen by the prices of 2nd hand WCs. I still think the TC is more BMW GS like than the WC in its solidity in ride and feel. All of which will be irrelevant to me on friday I hope when the thoroughbred will be mine and the cart horse gone

Of course if you take your GSA WC and then throw upwards of a grand at it,not including panniers and top box, that one does not seem badly priced and a drop to 12K would make it good value for a new Tosser in comparison !

 

[Nutty]

Whilst I agree that on paper ( and indeed in my garage) the WC is the better bike I still think that the values of the 90 Anniv TC will hold up better as can be seen by the prices of 2nd hand WCs. I still think the TC is more BMW GS like than the WC in its solidity in ride and feel. All of which will be irrelevant to me on friday I hope when the thoroughbred will be mine and the cart horse gone

Of course if you take your GSA WC and then throw upwards of a grand at it,not including panniers and top box, that one does not seem badly priced and a drop to 12K would make it good value for a new Tosser in comparison !

On here, a few people seem to think the TC is better than the LC, and will hold its value more. And some people here would genuinely pay the same price for the older bike, if not more. But speak to any dealer (not just a BMW dealer), and the book price on the TC will be much lower than the LC. Back to the which bike is better question, I've had 3 of each, and IMO the LC is the better bike, for my style of riding, and what I want from a bike.

 

[Cymru-Dave]

I did start to look at the TC's but I just cant help thinking id be happier with an LC version.

Is the akrapovic end can worth getting?

 

[RedRick Esq.]

I did start to look at the TC's but I just cant help thinking id be happier with an LC version.

Is the akrapovic end can worth getting?

If you cant help thinking it then you are probably correct

end can is worth it as are decat headers and a re map but i had a Yoshimura as opposed to Akra as IMO nicer and cheaper to boot

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Is the akrapovic end can worth getting?

A good condition 2nd hand one would be

 

[Yonkyo]

Is the akrapovic end can worth getting?

They look and sound very nice, and are a few lbs lighter, and might unleash a couple of extra bhp.....but will an Arrow or Remus etc, at half the price..