Crustycrutch
Guest
Good morning, I am a new poster considering buying a GSA with the intention of setting off in 2009/10 overland for SE Asia and then possibly Oz. I have read these forums and others (the HUBB) and found the advice very interesting. I am test riding both the GS and the GSA next week. I currently ride a ST1100 Pan European.
I took a close look at the GSA at my local dealer and the thing that impressed me most (apart from the styling) was the build quality and the easy access for maintenance. After working on a Pan, one delights at the thought of not having to remove several acres of plastic.
I have two minor questions that I would appreciate answers to from experienced owners. Firstly, with regard to maintenance, are the bikes as easy to work on as they look to be? I am a stickler for frequent basic work like oil/filter changes etc so are these minor works straightforward? Also are there any additional regular maintenance issues over and above what would be required on any bike - specific to the GSA?
Secondly, what are the weaknesses of the bike in terms of potential failures? For example, I know that on my Pan, the handlebar clusters get inundated in heavy rain (I ride year round) so I have modified them to reduce the likelihood of failure. Are there any known weaknesses on a GSA that I would need to be aware of?
I am planning to make as many shakedown trips as possible around the UK and Europe before I head off to identify various issues but I would welcome any thoughts?
I took a close look at the GSA at my local dealer and the thing that impressed me most (apart from the styling) was the build quality and the easy access for maintenance. After working on a Pan, one delights at the thought of not having to remove several acres of plastic.
I have two minor questions that I would appreciate answers to from experienced owners. Firstly, with regard to maintenance, are the bikes as easy to work on as they look to be? I am a stickler for frequent basic work like oil/filter changes etc so are these minor works straightforward? Also are there any additional regular maintenance issues over and above what would be required on any bike - specific to the GSA?
Secondly, what are the weaknesses of the bike in terms of potential failures? For example, I know that on my Pan, the handlebar clusters get inundated in heavy rain (I ride year round) so I have modified them to reduce the likelihood of failure. Are there any known weaknesses on a GSA that I would need to be aware of?
I am planning to make as many shakedown trips as possible around the UK and Europe before I head off to identify various issues but I would welcome any thoughts?
You've chosen one of those user names that'll create a grin 
