Newbie needs advice

[simplyexploring]

Hi all

I'm new here, as your about to find out

The wife has finaly agreed that I can get a GS. But I'm not sure wether to go for a new one and break the bank or go for one that is year old and try save some money.

Is there any pro's or cons to both choices and what would you do?

cheers

Haydn

 

[redcastle]

Ive had my GS for a couple of weeks now. I had the same dilemma as you. Basically I would have bought new but sensibly I would have had to wait until march 1st to get an 06 plate. Seemed to me if I was buying new an 06 plate would at least help when I came to sell. Bottom line is I didnt want to wait, I love my biking too much so went for an 05 ex-demonstrator with low mileage. Saved myself plenty of dosh over a new one, got the spec I wanted and still will get a bit of VAT back so happy boy.

just my two cents...........................

 

[daf45]

It depends what you want... and if you like the BRAND NEW bike thing...
When I was looking around part of the BMW sales pitch was about how little these bikes depreciate - so I guess a one year old one wont be a huge percentage saving. You could even end up paying more for a second hand bike with lots of kit than a very basic new one. Its the right time to buy, so shop around. You could also consider an ex-demo.

 

[Deadskin]

Hi
I bought mine brand new but i'd deffo go for a nearly new one next time,
losing a grand just riding off the forcourt is pretty painfull

shouldn't be too difficult to find the spec your after

 

[Vendome 41]

Never bought a new one and no intention to start leave teething problems to others

 

[Shurv]

As there are plenty for sale,it makes sense to opt for a used one and save a load of dosh,unles you really HAVE to have a new one.Especially if you are in a position to buy now before the "season" starts.

 

[mort77uk]

Have a look on Ebay - there are a couple on there at the moment - last week about four were for sale (one of which I bought!) - you can make quite a big saving. Ebay is a really good way of monitoring prices as opposed to 'for sale' ads - on Ebay you get to know the final price of the bike - not the price the seller thinks the bike is worth as in MCN/Biketrader/ForSale thread. As stated above, now seems to be a good time to buy.

 

[simplyexploring]

Thanks Guys for all your replys

It has given me a little more food for thought tho

I have been looking on ebay and have seen what to be real bargains on there. I have also noticed the price vary alot for the same age of bike with same spec in MCN.

I dont want to get ripped off and pay to much but then again I dont want to buy a bag of problems and pay less. Should I be worried about a lower price tag?

What sort of price is a good price to pay for a 1 year old bike with lets say 12,000 miles on it in good condition with the general toys on it?

Or am I worth waiting for the GS adventure. Anyone know what there on the road price going to be yet?

 

[Yoda]

Just remember if buying new that the dealers will always say "Not much depreciation on these guv".

Until you take it back to part-ex it two years later and you hear that sharp intake of breath ...........

 

[xbootie]

If you can find one, buy a newly new low mileage one, and the dosh you save you can spend on some extra's and other bits of kit for your new bike

 

[andy mac]

dont even think of buying an adventurer if your under 6ft
everywhone wants one, when they get one, they wished they hadnt bothered!!
also there are problems with the abs/servo brakes "to harsh"
i feel that a late 1150 gs without abs or servo, will have more residual value in the future and be more reliable while you have it

 

[mort77uk]

The lowest price i've seen them go for on Ebay is £6900. I got mine for £7200 - ABS/Heated Grips & just under 12k on the clock. I spoke to the dealer who supplied & serviced the bike prior to parting with the cash just to check it was legit and also did an MCN HPI check for £35. Don't forget that by 'winning' the bike on Ebay it doesn't mean you have to hand over the cash if the bike isn't exactly as described when you see it

 

[Mutley]

Cobblers

dont even think of buying an adventurer if your under 6ft
everywhone wants one, when they get one, they wished they hadnt bothered!!
also there are problems with the abs/servo brakes "to harsh"
i feel that a late 1150 gs without abs or servo, will have more residual value in the future and be more reliable while you have it

I'm 5'7'' and I have really short legs - I still ride a GSA. All it takes is a lower seat, forward planning and strong legs.

 

[Bateman]

I paid £6995 for a one and a half year old 1150GS with panniers and heated grips. That was possibly fairly high - I don't know - but I did get a good trade in price and i was from a dealer. It had 11000 miles on it.

 

[irishpan]

Hi,
I, too, bought an Adventure recently with a factory lowered seat. I am 5ft 8 ins tall with a 31 in. inside leg. The bike was fine once underway but at traffic lights, on a ferry deck, etc. itwas too tall for me to have complete confidence in controlling it. I quickly realised that I had made a mistake and have since changed it for a standard GS. What a difference 20 mms makes. Take time to consider carefully and don't rush in as I did.

 

[simplyexploring]

Thanks again guys

Lots to think about

Will start looking around and see if I can get myself a bargain