Advice please buying a 59 plate

[exccfcsquaddy]

Hi,

Firstly thanks for reading the post any advice for a newbie would be very much appreciated.

I've had my eye on a GSA for last 5 or 6 years but with a 100 plus mile a day commute I didn't fancy service costs. Job change and now I can buy the bike !

I've test ridden a new one then discussed with wife who explained that I couldn't afford the bike and certain divorce that would follow.

Anyway I've test ridden and paid a deposit on a private sale of a 59 plate. Bike is really clean (no corrosion) with 16 k on clock, genuine seller used for couple of tours in Spain. However it's a basic model no abs sac esa etc, a couple of people have suggested I steer clear - advised you need abs. The only thing I noticed on test ride was front end seems to dip, more than I would expect, under braking and I thing gear changes !! When I asked seller if he'd softened suspension on front end (not sure if you can do this ?) he said not in his time

Apologies for the long winded post but any comments would be appreciated

Thanks

Taff

 

[bisbee]

Welcome and good luck with the divorce As for the bike just ride it you will get used to it

 

[RedRick Esq.]

When I bought my first GS I specced the bike with Heated grips and ABS only as i didn't want all the ESA traction control wizardry as i saw it as un needed.
In the 2 years i owned it the ABS liked in maybe twice so don't be put off by that alone.

I would say however that after a little while you may, as i did, notice that the standard non ESA suspension is poor. I could never get mine to where it was consistent, it was either too hard on straights or too wallow in corners. I solved this by adding Wilburs and at that point it became a very good bike indeed.

Now I own a GSA LC with all the bells and whistles My riding has adapted to take these into account and i love them as they make riding easier if that makes sense even if the traction control is a little on the sensitive and obtrusive side.

And all that said If circumstances were to change financial i would not hesitate to buy a bike as per the one you are looking at.

Buy a WC and I promise mates rates for the Divorce

 

[exccfcsquaddy]

Lads,

Thanks for prompt replies,appreciate the advice. Hope you don't mind me ignoring the marital advice though.

Cheers

 

[RedRick Esq.]

Lads,

Thanks for prompt replies,appreciate the advice. Hope you don't mind me ignoring the marital advice though.

Cheers

You won't be able to Ignore it for ever if you buy a GS

Just buy it ride it and enjoy it

 

[bisbee]

Just bear in mind it's easier to seek forgiveness than to get permission

 

[KMD]

Just bear in mind it's easier to seek forgiveness than to get permission

I like that !

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Just bear in mind it's easier to seek forgiveness than to get permission

Wise words

 

[exccfcsquaddy]

Well thanks for the advice deal done.

Went for a 59 plate with ESA non ABS and did 350 mile test ride after picking it up, mostly A roads in pissing down rain - I got home a v happy chappy