Buying advice

[Storm99]

Hi, Apologies if this has been asked before !

I am looking to buy a GSA and I was advised to try get one no older than a 2008 but Im not sure if my Budget will allow me to get a 2008. I would probably be ok to stretch to a 2006/2007 but I am not sure what the main differences are between the 3 different years and if those differences would really have a huge impact ?

I recently hired a 2012 model and it was amazing, would a 2006/2007 be vastly different Or would I need to go 2008 or higher for a similar ride ?

I want a GSA over a standard GS as I drove both and I much preferred the GSA.

Thanks !!

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I'll try to answer this

08 was a model upgrade year so there are a few differences. The engine has (apparently) 5bhp more and the gearbox is supposed to be smoother. There are a few other cosmetic changes but that's about it really.

2010 on is when they really change as they introduced the Twin Cam motor

As the owner of an 06 GSA I'm interested to know why you were advised to look for one no older than an 08? I've had mine from new and apart from it blowing a couple of bulbs it's been perfect and being occassionally sprayed with FS365 has no corrosion

 

[Storm99]

Hi, I believe it was because of the change in gearbox, and the addition of ESA aswell as the moving away from Servo Brakes. Im not sure how much of an impact that all adds up to. I hired a 2011 model for a week and I was mad about it, I really want a GSA but my budget will only go as far 2007/2008 model and I don't know if I will be disappointed with an 07/08 after riding the 2011 or are the differences really very noticeable ?

Thanks for the info !!

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

They dropped servo assistance in 07 and 08 was the MU (Model Upgrade) year when BMW gave the GS a bit more power and a 'better' gearbox

To be honest the more miles they do the better they get. My own 06 doesn't have ESA or ABS and the gearbox is absolutely fine

 

[Wrinkly]

Hi Storm,
Don't discount the standard GS unless you have a very long inseam or a need to travel 300mls between fillups.
Going for the standard GS may allow you to get the MU (
model update)GS within your budget.
In my opinion the post 08 MU gs was a much nicer bike to ride better gearbox and the extra 5bhp did make a very noticeable difference.
There is no difference between the GS and the GSA apart from,the GSA is heavier and therfore doesn't handle quite so well,it's taller which makes it difficult to get your feet down if your short legged,the rake is slightly different which means it doesn't turn in quite so quickly (some describe it as planted ?) the only advantage is it has a bigger tank which takes you further,but can make it a beast when loaded with camping gear and a tank full of fuel.
Having said that the're both great bikes and it's down to personal choice,just a bit of food for thought.

Happy Hunting.

Steve

 

[Richie B]

Hi , my experience is thus , I decided I wanted a GS about 2 years ago, so I started looking around my budget wound'nt stretch to a new one so I started test riding after several rides on different age GSs . I decided on a 09 GS which In my humble opinion was a better ride than the 06 & 07 bikes . Since then I have ridden a couple of GSAs and to be honest if you dont need the bigger heavier bike then dont bother wasting your money on it. The GS is awesome fun and I totally love mine I bought mine with 4500 miles on the clock and it is now 26500 and it is a sweet as a nut . so just go out to your local dealer and ride the bikes and make your own mind up ! its the onlt way really good luck with your hunt . Rich