Help Gs or Gs Adventure

[HR0]

Please help.
I am trying to find a way to get the most out of my limited funds.

1st get rid of my VFR800 V-tec, then put cash to it to get a Gs or Gs adv with as much equip as possible.

Blue Bell at Crewe is my local dealer and I just missed a '04 adventure with 6k miles, metal boxes, low seat,abs,heated grips, 30ltr tank, £8300.
had to ask the wife ( I know who the boss is in my house!!) if I could buy before the VFR was sold yes was the reply and you guessed it when I called back the bike was sold.

what can i expect to get, from where??

Is the Adventure premium worth it.
what is the real difference in models
(is a GS1200 out of the question?)

any help welcome

H

 

[skybluebird]

For £8300 you'd probably get a mint std GS with all the toys ready fitted Or a GSA with a bit less, but of course with the bigger tank/suspension/stainless steel brake hoses.

I couldn't wait the 4 months or so for a new GSA so opted for std GS + a summer's riding. But that was '03, now I wonder if it'd have been better to wait, 'cos I'd really like to have a GSA.

Try them both, if you don't find much of a difference, go for a std. bike with all the goodies

 

[DrAlf]

If I had over 8K to spend on a bike, I’d be looking at a used 1200, no questions. Simple as that really.

 

[trymside]

adv

Hi , I have no regrets in buying a adv i had a std gs before . Buy a faster black one though....enjoy

 

[half_empty1]

the adventure gets my vote

 

[Macp]

Please help.
I am trying to find a way to get the most out of my limited funds.

1st get rid of my VFR800 V-tec, then put cash to it to get a Gs or Gs adv with as much equip as possible.

Blue Bell at Crewe is my local dealer and I just missed a '04 adventure with 6k miles, metal boxes, low seat,abs,heated grips, 30ltr tank, £8300.
had to ask the wife ( I know who the boss is in my house!!) if I could buy before the VFR was sold yes was the reply and you guessed it when I called back the bike was sold.

what can i expect to get, from where??

Is the Adventure premium worth it.
what is the real difference in models
(is a GS1200 out of the question?)

any help welcome

H

I bought that bike HR0 and picked it up last Thursday. I remember a guy on a VFR on Wednesday the day before wearing a BMW carbon helmet. Was that you ?
I desperately wanted a Black ADV rather than a std GS although I guarantee the std GS will ride just as well as the ADV. I have seen another Blk 2004 GS ADV for sale at Astle Grimsby for £7999 but no luggage or engine bars. Alternatively Phil @ Blue Bell offered the brand new Blk Adventure in the showroom at a cracking price but it has no ABS.

I was in exactly the same predicament as you were but I went for the ADV because, A) it was for sale on my doorstep, B) I like the higher spec of the ADV and C) I love the way it looks and makes me feel when riding it. I was on a limited budget like you and could not push for that extra to get a 1200 but I dont regret it for one minute.

One dealer told me if you are ready to buy now you are in a brilliant position as the dealers need to move used stock for new stuff coming in. Hang on and go with what your head tells you and the right bike will come along. Best of luck to you and if you get one or want some advice etc your welcome to contact me or we can meet up, I live in Crewe.

 

[HR0]

MACP
I'm gutted, I am not expert on Gs's but it looks loke you got a good'un.
I was prepared to pay up and bridge the sale on the VFR.

I think I will try and hold out for an Adv with the ally boxes etc as that is what my gut feeling tells me.
if you know of any in your tavels let me know
H
Alsager

 

[Macp]

MACP
I'm gutted, I am not expert on Gs's but it looks loke you got a good'un.
I was prepared to pay up and bridge the sale on the VFR.

I think I will try and hold out for an Adv with the ally boxes etc as that is what my gut feeling tells me.
if you know of any in your tavels let me know
H
Alsager

H
Not meaning to rub salt in the wounds but yes it is mint.
You will get one but if you are anything like me, you want it now. You may even get one privately for the right money.Happy to keep an eye out for you but I cant PM you and no disrespect meant but prob not wise to give out my mobile No on any public forum. You can email me here:
petermacfarlane2*at*aol.com though and we can swop details if you like.

Cheers Pete.


Pete.....the email adress out in public is even worse.....they can get lifted automatically and added to spam lists...I've taken the liberty of changing yours slightly.

Bill

 

[HR0]

no worries I'll find one
email sent

off to the Egg run at britannia stadium now
for sale sign on the VFR!!!

H

 

[HR0]

well I've seen a black adv, 03 (53) white lenses, black engine (do they all have those) full engine bars, full ally luggage
test rode it and have done the deal.

it's bloody big on the centre stand though ,any tricks of the trade on getting it on and off welcome???

smooooooth and nimble on the road though

H

 

[Macp]

well I've seen a black adv, 03 (53) white lenses, black engine (do they all have those) full engine bars, full ally luggage
test rode it and have done the deal.

it's bloody big on the centre stand though ,any tricks of the trade on getting it on and off welcome???

smooooooth and nimble on the road though

H

H the Black engine is a no cost option.
You sorted that quick and a Black one as well, did you go for Black out of choice ?

I was also nervous the first and second time of the centre stand but once you have done it a few times it gets easier. Personally I lower the side stand then hold the left hand bar and the frame with my right and give it a good shove forward, then lower it onto the side stand.

They are just fantastic to ride I get a big grin on my face everytime I ride it, even to the dentist today

 

[bigbike2004]

neither bike..both crap

 

[sparkplug]

it's bloody big on the centre stand though ,any tricks of the trade on getting it on and off welcome???

This is my main complaint about the ADV. Fine if like me you are 6ft+ but on and off the stand, especially when fully loaded for a holiday is hard work.

There are bolt on handles like the K100s used to have so at least your right hand has something to grab for putting the bike on the stand.

Getting it off the stand - push hard and don't let go!

I have a standard 1150 and prefer it to the ADV (which I have also ridden extensively)

 

[Captain Beaky]

Same view here.

I'd love an adv - in fact I put a deposit on one of the first. But it's simply too tall - good guys in Bath Road returned deposit - brilliant people.

I'm 5'9, and 32" inside leg, so I'm tippy toe on my standard GS. The ADV would be way too tall - especially given the bigger fuel tank.

It does look fab, and the bigger tank would be very useful - as would the bigger screen.

I reckon that the standard GS seat is a bit more comfortable than the one piece adv for my bum.

The panniers look brilliant, but stick out a lot - the black placcy std don't look as adventurous, but are a bit more convenient in traffic.

The ADV engine bars are out of this world - I want a set on mine.

You pays your money - you takes your choice - If I could fit on an ADV, - I'd have bought one, but I don't so I didn't.

Still - you can't go wrong with the std 1150GS - it's still a fabulous bike.

It's strange - I had a go an a VFR800 a little while back - it felt really bland after the GS!!!!!!

But For £8500, a 1200 is on the cards, and This would be my choice - lighter and more powerful.

 

[Rollo]

Dear Captain Beaky,
Oh for a 32" inside leg !

With my 30.5 in inside leg I was on tip toes with an Adventure, so I bought one with a low seat and can almost flat foot it. Changed the seat for a Corbin which absorbs a bit more of the leg length, but in return provides great comfort.

I struggle to understand why a 32" inseam is not enough to ride the great bike. However, your fact is fact.

Raising the bike onto the main stand is no problem with the excellent Wunderlich (or Touratech) handle. Can easily do it ith fully loaded Jesse panniers and 40 lbs of camping gear on the back seat. Getting it off the stand with such loading causes a skip in the old heart beat.

It's a pity the side stand is not more functional as I am always conscious of the camber before letting the weight go on it. It's because of this that I use the main stand as nuch as I do. With my two Pan Europeans I very rarely used the centre stand and the Harley didn't have one.

 

[ceeby]

First thing would be to get rid of the wife, so that you wont miss out on the next opportunity.....

 

[dave b]

adv

YES the adventure is worth it !southport superbikes and williams bmw in manchester usually have a good selection of used gs's, hope this helps...Dave b

 

[Gilson]

If I had my choice again...

I'd go for an adventure purely for the 30L tank....80miles a day means filling up every 2 days 160 miles....

However the other differences are marginal for normal road use.

IMHO....

 

[BlackBetty]

it's bloody big on the centre stand though ,any tricks of the trade on getting it on and off welcome???

smooooooth and nimble on the road though

H

HRO,
Glad to hear you found your bike. To get it on the centre stand, you got to have faith.

Make sure both legs of the centre stand are touching the ground while the bike is upright. Left hand on left hand handle bar grip. Right hand on / under left hand pillion footpeg frame. Stand on the torque lever of the centre stand. STAND ON IT!, don't pussy foot with it. Now lift the bike with your right hand. IT'S EASY if you put your full weight on the torque bar, It WILL go over if you try to use brute strength instead of your weight.

We met up at the Broughton Heath earlier this month. If you up for a days ride sometime, give us a call
Bruce