That's some great advice. Thanks
I should at least have a look at alternative payment to see if there are better deals - I don't really want to be tied into a long finance package. I have a GTR1400 that could be used as part exchange if it means getting a better deal rather than sell privately.
Looking at those GSA's that are on the second hand market they seem to hold there price pretty good, at least at the moment. There is not as much depreciation as I would have expected. If we were talking £3k depreciation I might reconsider and buy used but a small depreciation is acceptable to me for the pleasure of owning from new.
I will no doubt farkle the hell out of it with tat, just like I have with my F800GS as I love to personalise my bike: some mods are functional though and some are more aesthetic but you're right, most are unnecessary. There are some BMW accessories and mods I'd like, especially if I can get them at a discount. Things like the Nav5, Akrapovic and luggage I would like but are very expensive (I wouldn't get the Akrapovic, for example, at the asking price). So it seems like the best deals and savings are more likely to be had on these accessories and first services rather than actual OTR price of the bike.
No hidden costs is good to hear because I recently heard someone (possibly an American) say something about assembly fees and such. Although they may have been referring to the itemised billing. I agree, buying well is an art and a skill. I remember Dom used to do a show called 'Wrong Car, Right Car' and I've always had that in mind if I ever bought new. Some dealers will throw in all sorts to get the deal. No harm in asking and then keeping schtum for them to answer.
I service my own F800GS (out of warranty), but when I have been to my local Motorrad for parts, test rides, service and they've been very good and I hear good things about them on the forum so I would like to buy from them if possible. But I am willing to travel to get the best deals. Sounds like the first thing I should do is get on the blower and get some prices from different dealers.
I'm not to worried about failures, I don't think there are that many from my cursory look over the forum and they're covered under warranty anyway so they'll get sorted by BMW.
A free first service is indeed a must and a £750 'special discount' and a good discount on luggage sounds sweet - that's a really substantial discount. I've been really happy with my F800GS, there's always been that nagging for a GSA, there's nothing else out there that really interests me, my GTR1400 despite being awesome doesn't quite fully hit the spot for me. I've ridden the old GSA and loved it but in the end went with the F800GS (it now has 63K miles on it and been half way round the world). I know the LC GSA will be awesome but I will of course test ride it to be 100% sure.
I'll have to look a bit more into these PCP deals.
If I go down the finance route and pay off ASAP won't I still incur the interest? Surely that won't be offset by any other discounts or savings? I'm not in a hurry so a couple more months wait is a good idea and I am flexible on colour. The 10% off accessories sounds like a minimum I should expect.
Thanks again for all the advice, definitely some food for thought here.
