Help!

[FastFred]

Hi
Have £500 deposit on a one yr old 1200gs with all top spec kit. Negotiated a discount on vario panniers so looking at £9850 all in. Bike mint with 2000 miles only. Issue is how much better is the new engine and should I just spend an extra £635 and get a std new one with comfort pack and alarm and avoid all the costly abs and active suspension that could go wrong?
Answers on a postcard please...
Never spent this money on a bike before and should be buying a new car instead but..

 

[bustupbiker]

Is the bike a Demo? if so it could have had the arse kicked out of it already.
For just 635 extra i would go NEW: 2 year warranty too

 

[contact23]

new model ,no brainer me thinks for 600 bucks

 

[h0wz3r]

Personally I'd go for the new one. In the grand scheme of things £600 is a drop in the ocean.

Not only that but the 2010 GS engine is a different beast to its predecessor.

 

[Bingham Dave]

IMO go for the new one but don't bother with the alarm. Insurance is very low on Gsers and alarms are only really good for waking your neighbours up in the middle of the night!! Go for a good chain instead...much cheaper.

 

[Martin]

Interesting comments.

I have just gone through the same thought process, and decided on the "nearly new" option.

Picked up my 1200GS last weekend, 3,000 miles, immaculate, premium pack, dynamic pack, vario panniers, chrome exhaust etc etc etc for 9K. The price of a 2010 model with the same options and extras was well over 12K.

Ok so I've only got a one year warranty not two, and "only" 105 bhp instead of 110. I see it that I've got a 12k bike for 9.

If you pay the extra £600 you will get the latest model, but none of the extras that you'll get on the nearly new one.

 

[bisbee]

Well I bought a demo bike with all the bells and whistles and am still glad I did

 

[FastFred]

You got a good deal there Martin. I am paying £9850 for the same. Tricky one this...Thinking of going new.

 

[demandcurve]

New with ABS.

Reckon the twin-cam will always resell for more than the 'old' model with comfort pack and the true cost is not purchase price but purchase price less selling price.

Tony

 

[GSmonkey]

How long are you thinking of owning it for? If you're going to chop it in after 2yrs you'll get much better trade in on the newer bike. You can also value 1yr warranty at £360.

That said, I bought one of the last 07 GSAs at big discount, albeit with full knowledge of the 08 upgrades. As it's a keeper I'm not concerned about short term trade in value.

Tricky decision - good luck!!

 

[FastFred]

Intend to keep it for a few years. Had a Commando for 11yrs when I raced a TZ350 and was quite happy cos the bike had torque and character. Had Jap and Italian since but want something with character again. Had a ride on one last weekend and was very impressed with handling in cold conditions. I love torque and the new engine does seem better lower down on paper; whether it is worth it or not who knows. Although I will keep it tip top it is a kind of landriover bike for me i.e. looks good dirty as well!

 

[FastFred]

Had 100 mile test ride on the '09 model today and decided to buy it despite I could have had a new one for £500 extra. Made decision on the basis that:

1. I'd keep my Aprilia Tuono if I was after speed
2. Beyond 3000rpm the new model is pretty much the same
3. I could buy a can that will make up the torque differnence or most of it if I ever need more power/torque
4. The ABS/traction and the toys on the dynamic package may add safety that I may need one day and as my wife has agreed to ride pillion again (I used to be an idiot and used to scare her to death) I will ride safety first when she is on board
5. If I really like the bike I can trade it in for a new one next year!

Can't wait to get the bike next week. It's like riding an armchair after the sports stuff with top notch handling.

Can see I am going to need some add-ons obviously to make it safer for the wife....
Cheers

 

[hazzy]

enjoy her mate

 

[FastFred]

Took half day off today to pick up my top spec 2009 1200GS. On the way there I was thinking why am I part-exing a mint Aprilai Tuono that handles like a GP bike and goes like a rocket. Then I remembered that last year I couldn't actually be bothered to jump on and ride it cos you have to look like Rossi with all the clobber b4 you start. Further every time I got on it I was tempted to break the speed limit; like getting it up to 100mph past Gatcome Park next to where I live, just for the hell of it...

Anyway, I signed the docs today, gave the dealer £6000 and rode the bike back in glorious sunshine. Yes I have made the right decision. Comfort, grunt and can actually cover some distance and take some kit. Cheers.

 

[Homer1968]

Nice one Fred, i converted from sportsbiking to a GS too. Albeit an 800 as my other half isnt into bikes. I loved my blade, but it was only a matter of time before i either 1. clocked Mr Gatso at 150+ or 2. over cooked that left hander and met eddie stobart coming the other way
So here i am with 2 trips into Europe planned for this year, and i cant wait too. Most of my mates are still sporstbikers and they dont see the attraction. But after a big off at Cadwell park ive put that demon to bed once and for all.

 

[iaing]

I've been thinking about a return to BMW after a short visit to Honda. The 'blade is a great bike but after taking it to work this morning I realise I need to do something.

The bike made me do it officer!

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

Get the new basic one as the gadgets will only screw up and cost you a fortune anyway.