My new steed.

[Lonewolf]

Ok, so Pete (PRD) will come on here slagging this off saying it's shite, it'll break down, the build quality is crap, wait for all the problems you'll have with it, blah, blah    blah.


The fact is, I've had no bike for 18 months and then I bought this in early July from my local BMW dealership and I couldn't be happier with it or indeed the excellent customer service I have received from BMW. It's a used 14 plate GSA with all the toys on it and whilst it's not in the same category as a GTR, it suits my current needs and as I'm due to retire next year, I thought I'd treat myself. I'm looking forward to many trips up to Scotland on it in the very near future. 

[pross]

Very nice Mr Wolf 👌.
I should say that will be very able for Scotland trips and the photography shoots enjoy it and the retirement 

[Lonewolf]

Yes, it should be. I'd like to try and get at least an overnight stay in Scotland this year before it gets too cold and miserable and then next year, I'll do the usual five day trip up there revisiting the West coast etc. I'd like to do the NC500 on the GS, I did it on the K16 with Charlie but it'll be fun doing it on an adventure bike. Happy times are ahead.

[PRD]

It looks lovely. I'm sure you will be very happy together. What could possibly go wrong! BMW are renowned for their quality and customer service.  I feel really jealous!

[pross]

Yes, it should be. I'd like to try and get at least an overnight stay in Scotland this year before it gets too cold and miserable and then next year, I'll do the usual five day trip up there revisiting the West coast etc. I'd like to do the NC500 on the GS, I did it on the K16 with Charlie but it'll be fun doing it on an adventure bike. Happy times are ahead.

I always found I was a bit short in the leg when I tried in the show room.
What colour is your was unsure due to the picture filter 

[Lonewolf]

They are quite tall although you can lower the seat. Mine is alpine white.

[Rusty]

Thats a nice photo 

[Lonewolf]

Thats a nice photo 

Why thank you. 


What's your thoughts on the GSA, do you like them? 

[flatfour]

Steve, due to the need for a bike with lower pillion footrests (my wife couldn't easily manage the Versys following her hip operation) I have also recently bought a BMW. I have had one before of course and enjoyed riding that and, to some extent have found that it is like finding an old friend again, with the (rather quirky in some cases) features, seating position etc. After some 500 miles though I have really settled to it and look forward to next summer. I didn't start out to go the BMW route, however I quickly realised that bikes with low passenger footrests are few in number and choice was really quite limited.

My experience with the dealer mirrors yours, everything ready on time, full tank of fuel on collection and a free service included when I wanted it. In order to have my BMW Navigator fitted (this has been with me on three bikes now) I returned to the dealer two weeks on and asked for the next service to be performed before winter set in and, although I had to change my arrival time at short notice due to poor weather, when I did arrive work was started immediately and the Technician worked into his lunch break to ensure that I was able to leave promptly.

As an added bonus, the labour charge for my GPS installation was lower than when I sold my last BMW, some five years ago.

So far, very impressed!

[Lonewolf]

That's BMW all over, top notch service. Which model of BMW did you get?

[PRD]

Yes BMW service can't be faulted that is why I like them so much!! Wonder which one Colin got? They are all good though!

[stoketim]

good to see you keeping up to date with whatss happening or not on here Rusty

[flatfour]

I started with the thought that the R1200 RT would suit us best, however when we visited the dealership, neither of us were keen on the enormous fairing and general bulk of the bike. However, there was a red K1300 GT that that just been in part - exchange and was due to be sold under the BMW Premium Used Programme, with its two - year warranty etc. We both liked it after trying it for size, and I remembered that I had ridden one a few years ago when they first came out, so we agreed the deal with collection later that week.

[Lonewolf]

The GT is quite a big bike, how does it match up to the GTR?

[flatfour]

Steve, it's rather lighter and seems well balanced, I can ride feet up without the speedo reading. It certainly moves and, as with my last BMW, I like the linked brakes (via the handlebar lever) and cruise control.

Most of all though, I like the huge torque that means there is lots of power from 2000 rpm onward

I would have  bought a K1600GT, however that really is too heavy for me.

I would have happily kept the  Versys except for the footrest problem, however it does suit me to be back on a BMW.