new or second hand?

[DNL]

GSA

Hey Matt

Welcome to the fold. I bought my GSA in May this year after moving up from an ST Sprint....best thing I ever did

I pretty much went through the same type of issues...I just thought that it would be unlikely I ever sold the bike so may as well go to the top of the line.

For what it is worth, at the end of the day it comes down to rider preference. Be it an 1150, 1200GS or GSA, they are all brilliant rides. When I park my bike, and there are 1200ST's or 1100R's next to it....the ADV is the one which commands the attention....and gets it!!

Great buy, good thread, enjoy.

Cheers
DNL

 

[Matt splat]

Update 1 week into ownership.

2000kms ridden

After so many years of riding jap 4's, mostly litre sportsbikes the bmw is a revelation, the handling (for its size and weight) is unbelievable.

I went with 2 knee scratchin mates down to luxemborg last weekend, while they were tying themselfs in knots over the road surface, i was sailing past the outside of them, with ease! Funny thing is i rode the same road a month ago on my Gix, with the same mates at a similar pace and it felt on the ragged edge!!

I feel like im going slow, im used to the scream of a four, but apparently im not slow at all say my 2 best buddies who are confused and impressed.

Ive had 4 days of rain, normaly im cautious (read nervous), but the GSA is so sure footed (or is it the touraces?), for the first time in my life enjoyed riding in the rain. I live on the border with Holland, the dutch cobbeled roads in the wet are normaly a source of trepidation for me, not anymore.

ABS in the rain, where have you been all my life!!!

My only real problem is the height, but im looking for something lower and abit more comfy.

The moaning ballast was happy for hours as well. At first she was complaining that i was driving like an old man, till she looked at the speedo. Its been a surprise to both of us. I bought this bike out of practicality, but its ticked more boxes than expected.

So far no problems, nothings leaked, dropped off, missed a beat.

Just riding is exorcising the naysayer demons planted from reading too much.

Its starting to speak to my soul this one

And dont tell too many people, but i think im starting to love my bike

(Had an R1 4 years and i still dont love it)

 

[mikepg]

Very nice report Matt - hope you keep on enjoying yourself!

 

[FBF]

i have to give you my honest view. dont bother with a GS buy something more comfortable to tour with. only get the GS if you plan to go off road on sections of your tour.

they are a pretty good bike but more than a few flaws and there are better bikes available..

i have my blind on, time to face the fireing squad.

 

[Johnny Dangerously]

i have to give you my honest view. dont bother with a GS buy something more comfortable to tour with. only get the GS if you plan to go off road on sections of your tour.

they are a pretty good bike but more than a few flaws and there are better bikes available..

i have my blind on, time to face the fireing squad.

Well I'd have thought so too. Before the wife and I were seriously contemplating the RT, Pan Euro, FJR instead of a GS. The problem we always found, is that none of them looked as damm good as the GS. (maybe the FJR was close) .Sure it hasn't got the best weather protection compared to other tourers, but its a far more versatile bike and is totaly capable at long distance touring two-up. Once you've got to your destination, you can always strip the luggage etc off, and your down to a bare bones lighter bike that can be serious fun on fast roads.

 

[Matt splat]

Well I'd have thought so too. Before the wife and I were seriously contemplating the RT, Pan Euro, FJR instead of a GS. The problem we always found, is that none of them looked as damm good as the GS. (maybe the FJR was close) .Sure it hasn't got the best weather protection compared to other tourers, but its a far more versatile bike and is totaly capable at long distance touring two-up. Once you've got to your destination, you can always strip the luggage etc off, and your down to a bare bones lighter bike that can be serious fun on fast roads.

Exactly!

I looked at all the other options, the FJR coming a close second, the GSA ticked more boxes for me.

The clincher was resale value (and the Long way round had a small part to play!!)

But the bonus is, i got more than i expected, so far in a good way!

 

[Hawk]

Interesting tale Matt Splat

I too was in the same situation as you, ie Gix1000. Years of arse in air, neck ache etc etc but sublime handling and performance.
I used to do the camping, weekends away and touring lark when I had a VFR750 in the early 90's and one day vowed to return to that as I missed it so much. I narrowed my search down to an FJR1300, a Tiger and the GS (if only Honda made a VFR1000 that would be in the list too). Rode the FJ and thought it was too big and clumsy. Rode the GS - loved it straight away. Cancelled the test ride on the Tiger. Deliberated over new/used and after weighing up all the 'cost to change' figures I was getting decided that a new one was such good value with the deals out there. Ordered it this morning and pick it up next week. I did consider keeping my Gix but like someone else wrote - I think the GS will make my other bike redundant. Can't wait for next week.

 

[TheWarlock]

Matt

Keep riding it and you wont have any problems with it. They like being used and don't like sitting in the garage all alone. They get bored and, like kids, start looking for something to break.

Ride it and it will go forever.

 

[Daithi]

Matt

Keep riding it and you wont have any problems with it. They like being used and don't like sitting in the garage all alone. They get bored and, like kids, start looking for something to break.

Ride it and it will go forever.

Very well put.

 

[Navy Boy]

Very well put about using it but then I've found that applies to all my bikes. I too used to have a 12GS, a cracking bike but I now have one of the last of the 1150RTs for doing the whole touring thing and I have to say that I find it more comfortable and more suited to touring. Having said that I can understand why someone would plump for a GS as they are better looking.

You pays your money I guess...

 

[mikepg]

Very well put about using it but then I've found that applies to all my bikes. I too used to have a 12GS, a cracking bike but I now have one of the last of the 1150RTs for doing the whole touring thing and I have to say that I find it more comfortable and more suited to touring. Having said that I can understand why someone would plump for a GS as they are better looking.

You pays your money I guess...

I used to have an 1150RT - it was the best thing since sliced bread but apart from it's weight I found it to be the perfect machine for everyday, every weather riding.

The 12GS is just about the same, practical in different ways - maybe not as comfortable - but that's no surprise!

 

[Markblox]

Well, my story is this: Had a late dakar which I quite liked but the thumper made my right hand numb and was looking forward to the day I could upgrade to a bigger GS. This was in the summer. In late July a van backed into be and believe it or not it was wriiten off. This was great news because it meant I could claim on the BMW shortfall insurance and get the original purchase price back, which was about 5150. As a loan bike they gave me a Honda VFR 800 which is the only sports or sports tourer I have ever ridden. Very impressed but not for all year round or anything, and I was going far too fast. So a GS it was to be, but which one? I had ridden a 1200 when I had the Dakar serviced and was impressed exept for the seat that was almost as bad as the Dakar and despite a twin with the counter balancing shaft that reduced vibration compared with the previous version, I still had a numb hand. I new I had to test ride the 1150 as well. Last week I took out an 1150 gs followed by an 1150 gsa and finally a 1200 gs. The 1200gsa was not an option because they cost too much. When I last rode the 1200 I was instantly impressed how well it went round town. What a contrast to the 1150 gs, it seemed well strange for the first five minutes, but I soon liked it and it felt so planted and stable on the motorway and b roads alike. I then took out the GSA and that is the bike that put the huge smile on my face. It was not what I expected. I could feel the vibration alright, but the frequency seemed lower and didn't affect my hand. The seat was good too, not as good as the1150 gs to be honest but not far short and so much better than the 1200. I remember talking to myself saying 'I must get one of these' and just loving it. The handling seemed incredibly neutral. I then took out the 1200 and a really chuckable bike it is, and faster but don't feel quality and doesn't track as well. On paper it's the winner but I'm just so glad I rode the two because it meant I wouldn't be making an expensive mistake. Today I picked up an incredibly clean, low mileage, june 2005 1150 GSA with heated grips, ABS, engine bars, touratech cylider protectors, extra power socket and full BMW pannier system included topbox and bagster tank cover and tank bag. It even came with a spare seat. I think they are both low ones though. I said it was low mileage - 4600. I'm not joking , it's like new and had an annual inspection just 80 miles ago. taxed til june. private sale at £7450. not cheap but flawless and a bike that I intend to keep for ten years by which time I will be 57. Oh, it's silver by the way (as if it matters).

 

[Markblox]

Theres more!

Just remembered, it also has the alarm imobiliser and stainless exhaust and something else.....theres something else... I'm sure there is...

 

[Brian ROSEN]

"......too many niggles......" mainly on this forum I suspect !!!!
No niggles about mine (1200GS) after three years and now nicely run in. They have just sold 100,000 of the 1200GS + GSA models.. If it was as bad as some make out the dealers repair shops would be overflowing! (Mine has the servo which I really appreciate.)