NON TE Spec GS (or GSA)

[GADGET]

Am I alone in thinking that these bikes are becoming just too overloaded with technology 'toys'

Okay I'm fine with ABS, but I don't really need to remotely adjust the suspension, I actually prefer a real key to keyless, unlikely to use a SOS button, don't ride in cold weather, or even rain if I can avoid it (got a car for that) and besides I've got good bike kit.

I'm considering buying the 'base' model GS and putting a pair of ohlins on it, I appreciate it might be more difficult to sell on at a later date, as it seems that virtually every GS/GSA sold in the UK is TE spec.

Has anyone bought a non TE spec GS?

 

[mrjim130]

I have a TE, bought second hand. I'd agree that there is stuff that isn't really used very often. But, for what you'll pay for the Ohlins you could have the TE.

 

[GADGET]

I have a TE, bought second hand. I'd agree that there is stuff that isn't really used very often. But, for what you'll pay for the Ohlins you could have the TE.

Should have said, have already got these

 

[sven]

My 2014 GS LC was a base model as I didn't want all the TE toys. I just ordered ESA, (useless) heated grips, low seat and panniers and saved a couple of grand In retrospect I wouldn't have ordered ESA as it was always temperamental and the rear shock failed at 16k miles.

My 2019 GS was a TE and the only additional feature I really liked was cruise control.

 

[GADGET]

Thanks for that insight Sven, it appears you cannot order the heated grips without Keyless, I prefer a key, already got a set of touratech panniers/top box

 

[bosnjo]

I also have base GS (2021). The only extra was the colour (Tripple Black). Then I added stuff I wanted: Top Box, Higher and lower crash bars, Hex EzCan, 2 pair of LED lights, horn, DIN connector on the dash, Brake light, gearshift pedal, toolbox, windshield, mudsling, handlebars levers, TPM, etc, etc.
Maybe I'm too much of old school and after 35 years of riding I just don't see myself getting into gadgets when it comes to motorcycle. Well, I love gadgets and use them but not on my ride. Riding is something that changed very little for me in last 35 years. Maybe just ABS and Traction Control, LED lights and not much more. I never listen to a music when I ride. The day when I wished to do so, I'll quit riding for good.
As you said, key start and key opening tank. If I needed heated grips I'd add them myself (no need for them here in south of Portugal).
Now, after a year of ownership, I sit back and relax reading posts about problems with keyless tank opening, keyfob battery dying, brake light inside rear indicators - indicating invisible when braking, ESA problems etc.

 

[Neil W]

Am I alone in thinking that these bikes are becoming just too overloaded with technology 'toys'

Okay I'm fine with ABS, but I don't really need to remotely adjust the suspension, I actually prefer a real key to keyless, unlikely to use a SOS button, don't ride in cold weather, or even rain if I can avoid it (got a car for that) and besides I've got good bike kit.

I'm considering buying the 'base' model GS and putting a pair of ohlins on it, I appreciate it might be more difficult to sell on at a later date, as it seems that virtually every GS/GSA sold in the UK is TE spec.

Has anyone bought a non TE spec GS?

I have bought two new base spec GSA's a 1200 and a 1250 which were special order but with the extras I actually want, my old 1200 was part exchanged at a main dealer and was sold by them in a matter of weeks so there is a market for them

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Thanks for that insight Sven, it appears you cannot order the heated grips without Keyless, I prefer a key, already got a set of touratech panniers/top box

I bet you could order a keyed (not keyless bike) from a dealer and then order BMW Heated grips as an accessory part, to be retro fitted at pdi

I am sure it could be done that way

 

[DevonAl]

My 06 GS had only the Servo/ABS & the crap fuel strip fitted, the servo unit has been ripped out and at least the fuel strip still counts down from half to when the low fuel light comes on.
We went for a test ride on a 1250R yesterday as I am struggling with the high up weight etc, when the guy was going through the TFT, rider modes, etc it was mind boggling, I told him I wasn’t going to touch or change anything, just wanted to ride the bike and make sure it was ok for both of us.
I cant justify paying new prices and will likely get a 1200R but all that I have seen seem to have every option going as well, is this because everybody is going top of the range on PCP every two years or so?

Al.

 

[alanbmwgs]

Hi John, I hope you didn’t take those of my R1200R Exclusive !!

Should have said, have already got these

 

[malcopopolo]

Should have said, have already got these

Just priced these pair up and cost 2k. Not bad when you consider BMW want 1800 for a rear esa shock.

I now own TDM 900 and 2016 R1200GS TE. I know which is the most reliable and it is not the TE.
At 12k miles on the TE and having had a rear shock fail at 16k on a previous TE - it is playing on my mind. Maybe I should sent to Denzo and have then refurbed just in case.

Or alternatively John you could sell me them ohlins for £500. I will not hold my breath

 

[r1happy]

Just priced these pair up and cost 2k. Not bad when you consider BMW want 1800 for a rear esa shock.

I now own TDM 900 and 2016 R1200GS TE. I know which is the most reliable and it is not the TE.
At 12k miles on the TE and having had a rear shock fail at 16k on a previous TE - it is playing on my mind. Maybe I should sent to Denzo and have then refurbed just in case.

Or alternatively John you could sell me them ohlins for £500. I will not hold my breath

I have the same TTX Ohlins that came off my basic 2019 1250 Rallye, which I have sold, that will be for sale shortly for £1200. Only done 5K.

 

[GADGET]

Hi John, I hope you didn’t take those of my R1200R Exclusive !!

Not compatible Alan No I bought then off of Stick on here a while back when he deserted BMW for Ducati!

 

[GADGET]

I have the same TTX Ohlins that came off my basic 2019 1250 Rallye, which I have sold, that will be for sale shortly for £1200. Only done 5K.

Were you pleased with them?

And where is your basic 1250 Rallye, I might be interested.

 

[GADGET]

My 06 GS had only the Servo/ABS & the crap fuel strip fitted, the servo unit has been ripped out and at least the fuel strip still counts down from half to when the low fuel light comes on.
We went for a test ride on a 1250R yesterday as I am struggling with the high up weight etc, when the guy was going through the TFT, rider modes, etc it was mind boggling, I told him I wasn’t going to touch or change anything, just wanted to ride the bike and make sure it was ok for both of us.
I cant justify paying new prices and will likely get a 1200R but all that I have seen seem to have every option going as well, is this because everybody is going top of the range on PCP every two years or so?

Al.

Must confess, I could do. without the TFT as well, but no choice now since 2018. Maybe its an age thing, well in my case anyway

 

[jefformston]

Thanks for that insight Sven, it appears you cannot order the heated grips without Keyless, I prefer a key, already got a set of touratech panniers/top box

That’s what made me go and test a KTM 1290SAS, didn’t like to be forced into buying stuff I didn’t want, heated grips and cruise control was all I wanted. Ended up buying the KTM which came with all the toys anyway, funny old world. Don’t suppose BMW are bothered about the lost sale.

 

[GADGET]

Just priced these pair up and cost 2k. Not bad when you consider BMW want 1800 for a rear esa shock.

I now own TDM 900 and 2016 R1200GS TE. I know which is the most reliable and it is not the TE.
At 12k miles on the TE and having had a rear shock fail at 16k on a previous TE - it is playing on my mind. Maybe I should sent to Denzo and have then refurbed just in case.

Or alternatively John you could sell me them ohlins for £500. I will not hold my breath

Malcolm, unless I change my mind and move away from BMW I'm unlikely to sell them, but I bought them off Ebay with low miles use and as you can see looking almost as new, I'll PM you what I paid for them

 

[DevonAl]

Must confess, I could do. without the TFT as well, but no choice now since 2018. Maybe its an age thing, well in my case anyway

I’m with you, definitely an age thing.

Al.

 

[r1happy]

Were you pleased with them?

And where is your basic 1250 Rallye, I might be interested.

The Ohlins were superb. Gave me the ability to fine tune the suspension to my preference, which I never could on my previous GS with ESA. My Rallye was sold back to my dealer and then sold on.

 

[GADGET]

The Ohlins were superb. Gave me the ability to fine tune the suspension to my preference, which I never could on my previous GS with ESA. My Rallye was sold back to my dealer and then sold on.

Pity, going to be difficult to find a used one