Hi folks,
I just traded my 2004 model 1200 with full vario luggage and Nav2 GPS in against a late low mileage 2008 model GSA with every extra available and full luggage. When I got my '04 GS it was ex-demo +1 owner and there was a long wait for a new one so I paid for a used one. The GSA wasn't available in 1200 form at the time and I didn't fancy buying the 1150GSA and being a LWR wannabe.
After years of ownership, some touring and many happy miles (plus all the faults and niggles the early models have fixed under warranty), I finally let her go with just under 40k on the clock. The out of warranty servicing was done by me and not the dealer but this had little or no effect on trade-in value, the basic cost of ownership to me was £3300 over almost 5 years (not factoring in fuel costs, insurance or farkles just the depreciation). Now thats gotta be cheap fun in anyones book, she is still a great bike and hopefully will go to a new home and be well loved.
As for my new GSA, its a totally different beast and will no doubt take a bit of getting used to compared to my GS.
If you are thinking of buying a GS/GSA but are put off by the apparently high price tag, be reassured that come trade in time the painful bit isn't as bad as you might think meaning the cost of ownership is probably lower than other marques.
P.S. Will be selling off my bling and farkles from the 2004 bike when I get some time to post in the FS&W section, including Wilbers shocks with remote preload on the rear unit, Touratech Zega metal luggage with frames powder coated recently, Touratech clip on windscreen spoiler, fastway footpegs etc etc.
I just traded my 2004 model 1200 with full vario luggage and Nav2 GPS in against a late low mileage 2008 model GSA with every extra available and full luggage. When I got my '04 GS it was ex-demo +1 owner and there was a long wait for a new one so I paid for a used one. The GSA wasn't available in 1200 form at the time and I didn't fancy buying the 1150GSA and being a LWR wannabe.
After years of ownership, some touring and many happy miles (plus all the faults and niggles the early models have fixed under warranty), I finally let her go with just under 40k on the clock. The out of warranty servicing was done by me and not the dealer but this had little or no effect on trade-in value, the basic cost of ownership to me was £3300 over almost 5 years (not factoring in fuel costs, insurance or farkles just the depreciation). Now thats gotta be cheap fun in anyones book, she is still a great bike and hopefully will go to a new home and be well loved.
As for my new GSA, its a totally different beast and will no doubt take a bit of getting used to compared to my GS.
If you are thinking of buying a GS/GSA but are put off by the apparently high price tag, be reassured that come trade in time the painful bit isn't as bad as you might think meaning the cost of ownership is probably lower than other marques.
P.S. Will be selling off my bling and farkles from the 2004 bike when I get some time to post in the FS&W section, including Wilbers shocks with remote preload on the rear unit, Touratech Zega metal luggage with frames powder coated recently, Touratech clip on windscreen spoiler, fastway footpegs etc etc.
