Low suspension models Resale Values?

[BlackCat]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and to BMW bikes so I wonder if someone could please give me some advice/info?
I am trying to decide between buying a 2014/2015 used standard height GS TE or a new 2016 lowered suspension base GSA!
I appreciate the are a lot of for and against for either bike but was wondering specifically about resale value.
If I had to sell it, do you think a 2016 Base lowered suspension GSA would be harder to sell or not hold its price as well as a used low mile 2014 TE standard height?
Would people be put off by the fact it didn't have all the TE extras or/and it was lowered?

Best regards,
Dave.

P.s. In the unlikely event anyone needs help/advice or parts for an XS650 I know plenty about them

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

A nobody wants a base spec bike. In the second hand market all the bells are wanted or it better be cheap.
B lowered bikes are harder to sell, it's all about finding the right person as they aren't in demand so much.

If you do find the right person it might cancel out A as there aren't many bikes for them to choose from but it's a gamble. If you can live with the standard height bike buy that as the original owner has already lost money on that deal and taken the biggest hit. Where's you will take the big hit on a new base bike.

 

[BlackCat]

A nobody wants a base spec bike.

Yeah, I am only considering a base new GSA as there are no lowered used GSA's about! base or otherwise.

I only have 31" legs so 850mm is the max seat height i would be happy with 2up + luggage.

I think the low seat would drop the GSA seat Height to 840 to 860 but Iv'e heard they are not very cumfy and legs a bit more bent.

Maybe I need up my budget or try the low seat option if I want the GSA.

I am taking a low sus GSA for a test ride next week so hopefully I will feel a big enough difference from the GS to make my decision.

Thanks.

Best Regards,
Dave.

 

[batman1]

Me and 5 of of my mates have the low chassis GSA, they have been a great seller, and have put the GSA in reach of regular sized riders, but they are not small bikes, still about the same seat height as a standard GS, the low chassis GSA is a very nice bike indeed that can be enjoyed by Mr average, leaving the standard GSA still available for those really big boys (and girls).

I have absolutely no qualms about selling my bike when the day comes, however my bike is the TE and I have to agree with Marki when it comes to flogging a base level bike...now that might be a bit tricky, not many folk want a basic bike, I wouldn't want one.

When I purchased my low GSA late last summer, they were virtually impossible to get hold of, yet GS's were ten a penny and the dealers were awash with them.

Both great bikes though, but whether you choose the GS or GSA get the TE if you ride two-up. The ESA is so useful, when your pillion is not on the rear you just press a button and the suspension is reset to one-up in seconds, or if you ride two-up with full luggage into a gnarly gravelly car park that full of pot holes and you feel a bit compromised with the height, all you need to do is press the button and drop the bike from two-up down to one-up making the bike considerably lower, and you don't even need to dismount to do it.

 

[telbenj]

Yeah, I am only considering a base new GSA as there are no lowered used GSA's about! base or otherwise.

I only have 31" legs so 850mm is the max seat height i would be happy with 2up + luggage.

I think the low seat would drop the GSA seat Height to 840 to 860 but Iv'e heard they are not very cumfy and legs a bit more bent.

Maybe I need up my budget or try the low seat option if I want the GSA.

I am taking a low sus GSA for a test ride next week so hopefully I will feel a big enough difference from the GS to make my decision.

Thanks.

Best Regards,
Dave.

I have the full size version and have 31 inside leg I have the seat in the lowest position and have no problems. I've never considered the lower bike bike, but you have to buy what you are comfortable with.

Terry

 

[Neil W]

What I would say about the resale of a base spec bike is that the demand for them is from private buyers who want a model to keep long term , damned sight cheaper to put aftermarket shocks on a base spec non esa bike when it is a few years old or add your own HID headlights and led spotlights , plus a lot less elctronic gizmos to go tits up once out of warranty.

As for the ESA being quickly adjustable , yes it is when working correctly , however , a proper aftermarket non esa set up will still provide a much superior ride and be tailored for the individual rider (on my last r1200gsa tc with Maxton the only time it needed adjusting was when I was carrying luggage as well as a pillion and it literallly took 10 seconds using the remote adjuster................faster than the ESA works on my GSA WC).

Your problem may well be actually getting hold of a base model GSA especially a lowered one , when I looked into it in 2014 there was no problem getting the high spec te or a mid spec bike but BMW UK had no intention at that time of bringing in any base models for stock at dealers (I checked with 4 different dealers)

 

[Gargy]

With a 31" inside leg I'm surprised you want/need a lowered GSA.

I have a 2015 lowered GSA, which is spot on for me with a 29" inside leg. Both feet flat on the ground.

 

[Burbs]

I've just bought a 2013 R1200GS TE which had been lowered from new.....Perfect for my 28" inside leg!!
I don't feel you would have any issues reselling as there are a lot of us short arses about. Do go with the extras though!!
( I have an XS too - and an SR and XT....having issues with the SR at the moment!!)

 

[BlackCat]

Well it sounds like the market for a non TE model is smaller and excuse the pun, the market for a low suspension also down .
I guess you are correct a lot depends on how long I think I will keep the bike!
I hope I will have no reason to sell buy you never know what the future holds.
I come from simple bikes maintained myself.
The more I read about ESA the more I don't think I want it! I chose Bmw not least for its build quality and reliability.
For a premium product it seems some owners are selling or trading in bikes before the warranty runs out and possibly very expensive repair bills on what i would deam unneaded "bells and whistles".
My dealer has said he can supply a base GSA with lowered suspension at no extra cost.
I think I would add cruise control only and bang on some Oxford heated grips.
Needs and wants are different things.
I want to get a GS or GSA. I don't need either.
I guess most people who a GS want as may extras as they can afford irrespective of reliabilty, resale opportunity's or future costs weather that be extended warranty or repairs.
As for low suspension on a gsa, I can't understand why people would not get it. As what i consider to be average height 180cm, standard seat would then adjust from 840mm perfect for 2up flat foot security to 860mm on the high setting for increased leg room and still not overly high solo.

Best regards
Dave.

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

First up don't buy a BMW for its build quality or reliability. At best it's no better than some and worse than others. Seriously these things break, rust and fall apart the same as any other European bike and no longer deserve the name they rightly made for themselves in the past.

Second a GSA is that height for a reason which is ground clearance. This is the off road model and that part is important and gets lost when you lower it. That's perhaps why you are seeing people ask why you want to lower it. If you just want the look or the extended fuel range then there is no reason not to get a lower one if it suits you but as said it cuts the resale market.

 

[POL382]

I bought the lowered GSA because it was the best fit for me, I mainly ride it on road so the slightly lower ground clearance is not an issue.

The seat height on the lowered GSA is the same as the standard GS so when you come to sell it you open up the market to everyone that can fit a standard GS and not just those with longer legs.

I'm sure that I read somewhere that a large percentage of new GSA sales are the lowered version so I don't think you'll have any issues finding a buyer in the future.

You're the one paying thousands for your bike so get the right one for you!

 

[Matty589]

When I part ex'ed my lowered GSA it sold within a week. They only started offering the GSA lowered last year but they're already selling quite a number. As to Marki's point: it's not an off road version at all - it's 30KGs heavier, most of which makes it more top heavy, and most GSA riders do little or no off-road. The GS with spoked wheels is more agile and if we're talking proper off-road then a CRF Honda beats the rest hands down. More choice is better than less and not everyone is 6ft 3ins with a 34in inside leg. Lowered versions have no trouble selling - non-TE version is a different story.

 

[batman1]

When I part ex'ed my lowered GSA it sold within a week. They only started offering the GSA lowered last year but they're already selling quite a number. As to Marki's point: it's not an off road version at all - it's 30KGs heavier, most of which makes it more top heavy, and most GSA riders do little or no off-road. The GS with spoked wheels is more agile and if we're talking proper off-road then a CRF Honda beats the rest hands down. More choice is better than less and not everyone is 6ft 3ins with a 34in inside leg. Lowered versions have no trouble selling - non-TE version is a different story.

I'll second that..

 

[MIKE R]

I have a 32 inch inside leg and am considering a GSA IE.

I've ridden both the lowered and standard versions and I, personally, prefer the lower chassis. All IMHO of course, but the lower version lowers the centre of gravity and seems to make it handle better.

I'm going for another test ride tomorrow and then will decide whether to get the lower, standard or save a LOT of money and keep with my present (non BMW) steed

Mike

 

[cookie]

lowered GSAs just look wrong to me.

 

[stevie Allen]

Mine sat in Oceans plymouth for 3 months Nothing due to there greed , Then within pulling it out and advertising it myself it went in two days , and no i didnt lower the price.

 

[Eunuch]

lowered GSAs just look wrong to me.

Try kneeling

Joking aside, I'm curious if lowered suspension is detrimental to handling.

 

[J biker]

Consider getting the seat reshaped. Often makes more difference than height.

 

[cookie]

Try kneeling

Joking aside, I'm curious if lowered suspension is detrimental to handling.

probably beneficial in some ways.