First time buyer, your thought please.

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Been reading up on UKGSer forum since I got the http from a forum member. So much info and so many competent people, thats why I dare to ask a newbie question to you all.


My obvious choice would have been the BMW F650 GS Dakar... but...
Since the insurance is sky high here in Ireland (at least for a 27, Full A, Man) I have to settle with a 1990, or older, model bike for a while.

I'm looking currently looking at 1989 Africa Twins 650.
price approx. €3500 and 4 - 60'000km on the clock.

What should I think about?
Is the price to high for that kind of bike?`(looked around and seems to be around there..)
Anything particular with that year that I need to take an extra look at?
What questions do I need to ask to the seller?

Sorry that I couldnt ask these question for the BMW.. but I hope you wont kick me in the groin for looking at twins..

 

[Mick_rw]

Where is...

so many competent people

this web site.......

 

[Jason P]

How about a Funduro? Bloody cracking machine, and I think you'd get a good 'un for less. 2-3k euros should get you a minter and I'd have thought cost less in insurance, but I'm not an Eire resident so don't quote me. I think that 3k for a 650 Africa Twin is a bit steep, but a nice bike nonetheless. We got the 750 version here - check its not a Transalp. Nice nonetheless, but I'd expect a newer, mint model for that much.

JP

 

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JP:

Only problem for me is that it has to be a -90 or older. Reason is:
bike = 15 years old = classic insurance.

I could get myself a -04 BMW 1150GS in Sweden and the insurance would cost me €350 (comprehensive) per year.
(Honda CBR900rr is €800 a year)

But since I live and work inte Eire, dont think the swedish insurance company would be to happy about me having the bike here. A matter of fact is that they would kick my a*s if they new about it.

Soo... back to a 1990 it is.. at least for a year or two...

My main consern is if the 1989 model of the Twin has any known weaknesses. Bare in mind that I'm not going to abuse it on the trails.... at least not for the first 6 months.

 

[jonnyk]

Hi!
Just a quick mail regarding Insurance in Ireland. I am currently paying €1250ish for my 99 F650ST. Now, thats not too bad considering im 24, 2 years no claims and and a full licence. For interests sake, I got a quote for next years premium and it dropped to something between €700 and €900. So, for yourself at 27 should be a wee bit less than that! Get a quote from Carole Nash 1800 298550, they are pretty good to deal with, offer you the option of paying by installments and you get free breakdown cover!!

Good luck!!

Jonathan

 

[Davel]

My first bike was a s/h F650GS!

It was a great first bike and, after one lesson on a Suzuki 500, I bought the bike and did my DA on it.