New GSA questions

[Andy_E]

Hi,

After a bit of time away from biking I'm now looking to get myself a GSA in the near future, (early August probably). I've had a couple of sports bikes in the past but can't really seem myself on one of those, I've done some 4-wheel touring and off-roading but I think it's time to get back on 2 wheels again and a GSA is beckoning.

I'm looking to buy new or used less than a year old if I can find the 'right' spec. Before I go marching off to a dealer or two I've a few questions to put to the collective wisdom.

Do dealers carry much in the way of stock bikes or would I probably be looking at a factory order? If so any ideas on delivery times?

Discounting on new and used? What sort of realistic discount / freebies should I be able to obtain?

'Desireable' extras - heated grips and ABS spring to mind, anything else? Can some of this stuff be retrofitted?

Yorkshire dealers - any of them particularly outstanding in any way (or not)?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bryn]

Welcome to the site Andy

As I recall Rainbow in Rotherham have a good name

As far as stock is concerned every dealer will carry different amounts.. best to have a look around...

Discounts wise you may not get dosh of the bike, but you may be able to persuade a dealer to part with a few accesories, or discount them......

As you seem to be in the market for a bike soon, can I suggest you become a Subscriber

12 quid a year will give you full access to the For Sale and wanted section. You'll be able to view the ads at the moment, but unless you are a subscriber you'll not be able to answer the ads

Plenty of late bikes on there for sale

Cheers Bryn

 

[Navy Boy]

Andy

Dealers stock (As mentioned by Bryn) does seem to vary quite a bit. I've heard that Allan Jefferies in Bradford are good. They certainly seem to do well in the RIDERPOWER surveys each year.

Extras are a funny one as people seem to have differing opinions/thoughts about them. The new GSAs have 'Packages' that bundle some of the options together. I think they're called 'Dynamic' etc. It is worth looking at these packages to see just how much money they can save you.

Personally I'd say the following are good options to have:

1. Heated grips - very handy all year round.
2. Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) - Far more useful than you'd think
3. Hard luggage - BMW stuff seems to be large and well made

There are a number of other options such as Tyre Pressure Control, Traction control etc. How worthwhile you think these are depnds on you and the riding you have planned. See what others have to say about this.

Remember that you're in an enviable position so enjoy!

 

[dafly78]

Im in the same boat mate, also looking to buy a bew gsa. Knowing my luck i'll get one and then in march they will have a new verision out I know its unlikely but sods law. Considered a 2nd hand one but for the small difference in money i'd rather have a virgin, and I think we all would if we're honest with ourselves ??? Richard

After a bit of time away from biking I'm now looking to get myself a GSA in the near future, (early August probably). I've had a couple of sports bikes in the past but can't really seem myself on one of those, I've done some 4-wheel touring and off-roading but I think it's time to get back on 2 wheels again and a GSA is beckoning.

I'm looking to buy new or used less than a year old if I can find the 'right' spec. Before I go marching off to a dealer or two I've a few questions to put to the collective wisdom.

Do dealers carry much in the way of stock bikes or would I probably be looking at a factory order? If so any ideas on delivery times?

Discounting on new and used? What sort of realistic discount / freebies should I be able to obtain?

'Desireable' extras - heated grips and ABS spring to mind, anything else? Can some of this stuff be retrofitted?

Yorkshire dealers - any of them particularly outstanding in any way (or not)?

Thanks in advance![/QUOTE]

 

[dafly78]

Im in the same boat mate, also looking to buy a bew gsa. Knowing my luck i'll get one and then in march they will have a new verision out I know its unlikely but sods law. Considered a 2nd hand one but for the small difference in money i'd rather have a virgin, and I think we all would if we're honest with ourselves ??? Richard

 

[POG]

Hi,


I'm looking to buy new or used less than a year old if I can find the 'right' spec. Before I go marching off to a dealer or two I've a few questions to put to the collective wisdom.

Do dealers carry much in the way of stock bikes or would I probably be looking at a factory order? If so any ideas on delivery times?

Discounting on new and used? What sort of realistic discount / freebies should I be able to obtain?

'Desireable' extras - heated grips and ABS spring to mind, anything else? Can some of this stuff be retrofitted?

Yorkshire dealers - any of them particularly outstanding in any way (or not)?

Thanks in advance!

Welcome to the site, Andy

To try to help you a bit : Sometimes used bikes can be better as you don't have to wait for it to be delivered and someone else will have done the running in for you. Go down to your dealers and see what they have in. You can also tell them what you're looking for and they'll give you a call when one comes in. A new bike can take from a few weeks to several months to arrive and you'll have spent all that time kicking your heels. With second hand bikes, you will get a dealer warranty as well.

Another route (as Bryn mentioned above) is to subscribe to the site, and then you can contact other members who are selling their bikes. Some really nice, low mileage ones come up from time to time, so it's worth keeping your eye on the FS&W section.


From the dealer...they wont really go down in price that much as these bikes are sought after at the moment. It depends on your bargaining skills. I negotiated a full tank of fuel, 12 months road tax and a 6000 mile service on mine (which I bought second hand at 4,200 miles). The service turned up a chunk missing out of the tread on the back tyre, so that was replaced by the dealer - I got a brand new free tyre out of it

A lot of GSAs come with heated grips and they are essential - you'll wonder how you ever managed without them. There are two camps with regard ABS, I have it and am glad of it. There are loads of "essential" bolt on goodies that you can add later.

As for dealers, Bryn mentioned Rainbow, about whom I've read a lot of good things about. Myself, I bought my bike from Alan Jeffries in Shipley and have had very good service from them, and they have gone that extra bit gratis. I am very happy with their level of service to myself, although there have been others who have not been happy with them

At least if you have a look in the FS&W section, go to Rainbow and AJ, you'll get an idea of what's available second hand and then you can weigh that up against the wait and cost of a brand new bike.

Good luck in your search

 

[Andy_E]

Thanks for the replies guys, definitely some things to think about and I always think it's a good idea to get a sense of the market before approaching a dealer!

I've seen one or two nearly new used bikes that are about the right spec, and there are some good points to buying one that's already been run in!

I'll keep an eye on the used locator and phone round a couple of dealers when I get back home (on holiday and out of the country for a few more days which hopefully explains my delay in thanking you and possibly some odd posting times).