Choices, choices! HELP!!!

[Shells]

Posted a few times now in various forums in this parish and am still confused as the more i think about buying a bike the more options i find, and not all GS related! (Sorry) I'm returning to biking after a 4 year absence and cannot wait to get back in the saddle!

My Short List so far: (Budget £3500)
High milage, ave condition 1150 GSA
Yam XT660Z Tenere
Kwak Versys

The GSA is purely because it is the bike i have wanted for years, but don't want to buy a crap one and ruin the dream. I love the fact that it gives the option for touring and long distance and loads carrying.

The Ten is a cool quirky looking bike and i like the option of being able to pop onto SP over the weekend and ride a few trails and have a bit of dirty fun!

The Kwak is purely because i have a mate who has one and he says it is the best bike he has had, and he has had a few. Seems like a good every day bike!

I will be using the bike everyday and all throughout the winter for commuting (60 mile each way) as the wife has the car for the kids. The plan is to keep the bike for 18 months or though and then trade in for a newer model, either better nick, newer 1150 GSA, or a 1200GSA.

Advise, suggestions and/or opinions PLEASE.

 

[charlie brown]

cooo

Fella

You can get a lot of bike for your budget there.

GSA 1150 maybe stretching things a tad, I would go for a good standard 1150 as you intend to keep it for 18 months or-there-abouts.

I can not comment on the Z as I have zero knowledge of that model, but Japanese bike do have an amazing reputation for reliability. Every single one I have ever had has been good as boots although Japanese bikes can be (please do not take offence any one) built to a budget.

The Tenere though is well thought of and is as you suggest very versatile with a similar history to the GS IE very long standing technology and apparent reliability.
My primary concern in your position would be trade-in / resale value. In that case I would hazard that the BM is likely to be the best buy all round. Take each out for a long ride as your bottom and concentration span will tell you which is best for you.

Which ever you buy, buy it because you want it and you think it will sell well in your time scales. Be safe and enjoy.

 

[Udders]

As above...... a good 1150 GS would be right up your street!

 

[Shells]

Cheers Gents, been looking, liking the Blue and white GS's. should be able to get a good one for the money i have.

Please keep the advice and opinions coming!

 

[sanghelli]

Even if I wasn't on a GS my advice would be go for the GS. If your commuting over the winter and 120 miles round trip you would come up to the limits of the smaller bikes very soon and just be miserable. My tuppence worth.

What ever you get, enjoy and keep it rubber side down.

S

p.s. Show us some pics when you do decide.

 

[Shells]

Will do! I was thinking that about the smaller bikes, esp with the Ten being a single, and the vibes are meant to be bad on the old Versys.

Think heated grips will be a must!

Whats the consensus on ABS???

 

[bela]

What bike

I too would go for the GS. With you doing about 2400 miles a month. i dont think you would take a major money loss on the bike even after adding 43k to it in 18 months. i think you would on the other two options. Looks to me if the gs has 30 k or 58k there isnt much diff in the price. As for abs on my third gs now. I never had abs yet, so never missed it. :

Cheers
Martin