Coming back

[Fudpucker]

Hi all. Thinking of coming back to the mark after three years away on a large orange thing, well blue actually. Cracking bike but need something more pillion friendly. I'm considering buying a 1200GS ADV. I'm not a stranger to GS's, have owned two in the past and recently test rode a ADV. Problem is I'm not up to speed on all the new gizmo's and am unsure of there worth. Salesmen will try to convince us we can't live without these things so I thought I'd ask the people who know.
1) ESA :- Does it work and is it worth £645?
2) ASC :- £300 what does it actually do?
3) On board Computer :- How much more info do you get over standard?
4) Tyre pressure control :- I think this is a bit of a misnomer. I understand what it does and would rather not have it but unfortunately it comes in one of the packages.

I am on a budget but do not mind paying for extras that really work so any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance......F

 

[Gundog]

Hullo...

i got a gsa with all that stuff on, and i'm in warrington....
you can av a butchers at mine if you want...

then decide

 

[arrybash]

I was stingy when I gought my GSA. I only really wanted the heated handle bar grips as I have found these to be good. However the heated grips came with computer, LED indicators and chrome exhaust. Computer is OK but LED indicators and chrome exhaust I could live without.

I couldn't see the cost effectiveness of the rest of the gizmo's, although the salesman did say when the bikes are second hand they sell better with all the toys........ I am sure he is correct but I would expect the depreciation to be greater with all the toys on.

I guess its all down to do you really want/need the toys.


Chris

 

[iandavid]

I've the got a 2010 twin cam GS with all the Gizzmo's. I'm a bit of a sucker when it comes to buying a new bike!!

For me the best by far is 1. heated grips, 2. ESA. Heated grips is a no brainer but as I do 50/50 solo and 2 up it's an absolute doddle to adjust the suspension via the button rather than have to fiddle to do it manually. If all your riding is solo then I wouldn't bother. I had ESA on my previous RT for 5 years and wouldn't be without it. Many a time I've ridden off solo with the suspension set for 2 up, realised, pulled over and reset everything to solo and pulled away again.

ASC - hope I never get to use it.
Computer - nice to have but not necessary really
TPS - same as for computer.

 

[GS Bloke]

ASC = Traction control, stops the rear spinning and prevents wheelies.
3 settings: off, sport (some wheel spin allowed) & On (no wheel spin allowed)

 

[NLC]

The way that BMW do the pricing you get suckered into getting it all anyways! ESA is good but ABS and traction control a must especially for resale if not safety. As soon as you start picking and choosing price goes up and then your into the one of the three bundles.

 

[Toad]

I think ESA is one of the best things you can get if you travel with a pillion.

Works a treat.

You can pump the bike up to cope with all the weight, and then adjust again when you unload.

I think the three running setting are overkill, but I love it

 

[Giles]

Yep, if yer riding with luggage or a pillion regularly, then the ESA is excellent. I have all the gizmos on a new bike; I suppose resale value was part of my thinking behind that.
The one thing I'm not that impressed with is the tyre pressure gizmo. The actual valves are some sort of very light weight alloy that snap off in an airline in a jiffy, and TBH, I'd rather check them on a pressure guage myself.

 

[Toad]

Yep, if yer riding with luggage or a pillion regularly, then the ESA is excellent. I have all the gizmos on a new bike; I suppose resale value was part of my thinking behind that.
The one thing I'm not that impressed with is the tyre pressure gizmo. The actual valves are some sort of very light weight alloy that snap off in an airline in a jiffy, and TBH, I'd rather check them on a pressure guage myself.

Agreed with the exception that it provides assurance that you'll know about a loss of tyre pressure from the flashing lights on the clocks before it causes a potentially dangerous situation.....