New GSA or not......?

[Jon P]

What do I do? I left the UK in 2004 and sold my bikes including my 1100GS. When I got to the US I first bought an 04 1150 (rockster......much cheaper than a GS!) and then an 07 GSA - aahhh, that's better. Did 20,000 and never had a problem, except for a non-round front wheel that was replaced under warranty (three year warratny I might add!).

As we are expecting to return to the UK in 09 I sold the GSA in October (can't really ride here in the Winter due to the snow and temps). I was thinking about bringing it back to the UK but heard stories about lower values, SVA, new headlamps etc so I sold it.

Now, in the time I have been away it would appear that GSs are very popular in the UK now - are they really everywhere? One of the appeals for me was that they were a bit unusual ( I bought my first GS in '91 and have had an example of each since and would only rarely see another one - I liked that).

So, if I should buy another GSA a couple of questions........although I didn't suffer any troublems with mine (had trouble with gearboxes on R80 and R100GSs) it seems reading this forum that there have been some 'issues'.........final drives etc.......can I ask what the current verdict is - have they now sorted them out? Of course I realise that there is always a potential for some faliures.......I am just trying to get a broad understanding.

So, if I go ahead my thought is the following: 2009 / 2010 1200GSA with ABS but not sure about the ESA and traction control - are they worth the extra money, weight, complexity?

Also, can I put a cover on the starter motor?
Is the latest GSA screen bigger than my 07 GSA screen?
Is the screen tinted as standard?
What is availability like these days? There are loads available over here.
Does the CanBus allow more than 5A these days?
Price - I can't find any UK prices listed.....how much are the bikes, how much extra is the ESA etc?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Don't dither

At the moment a new GSA is priced in Germany at 14,000 euros; In the UK AT THIS MOMENT they are obtainable for £9,995. If you are seriously considering buying one in the UK i would do it NOW in 2008 !!!! I cannot see how they can possibly remain 25% cheaper for very much longer;

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Dealers

I should have mentioned that the 'useful links' above will lead you to a number of UK dealers and they adcertise the price.

 

[Jon P]

Well, I won't be back until later in 2009 so I'll have to buy at what ever the price is - as for going up due to exchange rates, we'll have to wait and see. In real terms new BMWs have never been cheaper - my first new GS in 1990 was 7 grand with panniers and heated grips. My last new GS (in the UK) was a '99 1100GS and that was about 11 grand with ABS, panniers etc. They have definately come down over the years.