Buying a GS

[Paul S]

Yeah I think BMW will improve it over the years, as they have the ABS. Apparently the new 1000RR has a better system on it so they're already making progress.

As for the crudeness on the GS/GSA, well it's the first bike I've owned with it on so have nothing to compare it to All I know is that when I got careless and gave it too much throttle it sorted it out for me I don't hang around, but I don't ride on the edge either so therefore have never found it intrusive. I've not took mine off-road so don't know what it's like on gravel When I do I'll be turning off all the gizmos anyway

It's like all these things though, ABS, Traction control, ESA, some will like em, some won't

 

[Adamj79]

I've had my 09 GSA since April this year which I bought used from my local BMW dealer after test riding a few different models (GS, GSA, s/dohc). Its got all of the extra packs fitted including traction control, ABS, ESA and the like. This was my first experience of the GS brand but even though I've only had it for a few months I doubt I'd ride anything else again. I've been for a week around Europe on it and it never missed a beat, easily holding its own with far sportier bikes for company.

I find the ABS reassuring and like the fact I can adjust the suspension with the push of a button if the bike is loaded up or if swmbo comes out. Plus the extra features will undoubtedly help come trade in time.

If you follow the advice on here you won't go far wrong, try and test ride what is available and have think about what YOU would like on YOUR bike. I found that there were plenty of top spec used models around well under your 11k maximum budget too.

What ever you decide, enjoy and have fun!

 

[mrmoog]

Many thanks for all your replies, I think there are some very knowledgeable people on this forum. Thanks

 

[Jonnybiscuit]

With £11k to spend you can get almost anything. FYI I've just paid £11900 for a 4 month old (less than 1k miles) 1200GS Adventure (TU) with both Dynamic & Premium packages (from a BMW main dealer). The thing is, what do YOU want? You'll only know by test riding and now's the time of year to get a good deal.
BTW... for me (on a GSA) ABS, on board computer and heated grips are "must haves". The rest is "bells and whistles", but very nice nevertheless.
I've come from Triumph to GS and also can't see me ever going back (or sideways!!).
Good luck with your choice.

 

[Silas]

To give you an idea of what you might get, I just let my 2010 30 year anniversary model GSA go yesterday as a part exchange to a dealer for £9,700. It had everything on it, including alarm, and official pannier bags for the two side panniers. The only thing it didn't have was a top box.

Being the anniversary model it had a few upgrades to the bash plate and hand guards as well. It had done 11,000 miles but was in perfect condition having been ACF-50'd on two occasions and it had 6 months left on its warranty and breakdown cover.

I guess the dealer will advertise it for close to £11,000 after they extend the warranty to 12 months and probably give it its 12,000 mile service but I'd have sold it privately for £10,000 That would have given you a grand left to buy new kit or a top box if you wanted one.

 

[mrmoog]

To give you an idea of what you might get, I just let my 2010 30 year anniversary model GSA go yesterday as a part exchange to a dealer for £9,700. It had everything on it, including alarm, and official pannier bags for the two side panniers. The only thing it didn't have was a top box.

Being the anniversary model it had a few upgrades to the bash plate and hand guards as well. It had done 11,000 miles but was in perfect condition having been ACF-50'd on two occasions and it had 6 months left on its warranty and breakdown cover.

I guess the dealer will advertise it for close to £11,000 after they extend the warranty to 12 months and probably give it its 12,000 mile service but I'd have sold it privately for £10,000 That would have given you a grand left to buy new kit or a top box if you wanted one.

Now that is a shame, that's the kind of bike I'm after - If anyone else hears of a good deal could you let me know

 

[Silas]

Now that is a shame, that's the kind of bike I'm after - If anyone else hears of a good deal could you let me know

Sorry mate, £9,700 was pretty cheap, and would have been a good buy for someone. I saw lesser bikes advertised on MCN for over £11k. I may have put a quick advert on this forum but I'm not able to post in the for sale section as I'm not a subscriber.

 

[mark2jag]

[QUOTE=snerkler;

. MU and TU? Can't help you with that, don't know myself.


MU= model update

TU= technical update

so im told...

 

[jason sellars]

Selling GS

Hi

I have a R1200GS currently for sale, 56 plate with 22,000 dry miles only, all BMW standard kit ABS heated grips etc with a Vario Topbox.

I am asking £5500

Give me a bell 07866 508330 or email [email protected] I have a picture on facebook. search for Jason Sellars

I live in Warminster< Wiltshire about an hour and a half from you but willing to travel

Cheers

Jason

 

[snerkler]

Thanks

Any idea what TU's have been done on the Twin cam GSA's, if any?

 

[cookie]

Any idea what TU's have been done on the Twin cam GSA's, if any?

troublesome fuel strip changed for float at some point. late 2010?

 

[bumpy]

I think there are rules coming out of Europe that will make it compulsory to have ABS on bikes. If you choose not to add it, your bike could be disadvantaged when you want to sell it.

 

[cookie]

I think there are rules coming out of Europe that will make it compulsory to have ABS on bikes. If you choose not to add it, your bike could be disadvantaged when you want to sell it.

no mention of it being retrospective AFAIK.

 

[bumpy]

no mention of it being retrospective AFAIK.

I'm sure you're right, but if secondhand owners want ABS then you will find it more difficult to sell. Also we wait to see what insurance companies will do with non ABS bikes. I would guess at an additional premium.

 

[cookie]

I'm sure you're right, but if secondhand owners want ABS then you will find it more difficult to sell. Also we wait to see what insurance companies will do with non ABS bikes. I would guess at an additional premium.

i dare say any EU compulsion for ABS will scare up some of the public into believing it is an absolute necessity to their continued survival.

i don't believe it will make any difference to insurance premiums, just as now.

 

[BeamishTripleBlack]

Just my two penneth worth, ESA is a dream, just stiffen the bike up on command and hit the twisties, starts to rain and the road surface changes then soften up, all on the move. I like it a lot. Traction......not sure, I have had it kick in a lot, it prevents wheelies and is really quite brutal, I could probably live without it but it was comforting to know I had it last trip out in the snow and ice. Heated grips yes, ABS no reason not too. GS or GSA not sure would totally depend on intended use, the GS will do long distance and is easier to chuck about (just) but at least 60miles less between fill ups.
Whatever you choose enjoy.

 

[mrmoog]

Well today I only when and did it......I bought an Adventure, collect it in the new year, now all I need is an adventure

 

[phillh]

Congatulations. What colour did you go for and which packs?

 

[mrmoog]

Congatulations. What colour did you go for and which packs?

Went for a grey one (Boring I know) 2011, Dynamic and Premium packs

 

[CuzGS]

Lovely colour

Enjoy