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 :censored: 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. :clap:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FhwQB8p/0/37afae93/XL/i-FhwQB8p-XL.jpg) (https://www.ruffmuttpawtraits.com/Motorcycle-Photography/My-BMW-GSA/Woodland-Shot-in-Antique-/n-KsMQ7J/i-FhwQB8p/A)
Very nice Mr Wolf 👌.
I should say that will be very able for Scotland trips and the photography shoots enjoy it and the retirement :clap:
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.
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!
Quote from: Lonewolf on August 28, 2018, 10:40:13 AM
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 :popcorn:
They are quite tall although you can lower the seat. Mine is alpine white.
Thats a nice photo :laugh:
Quote from: Rusty on December 03, 2018, 05:54:13 PM
Thats a nice photo :laugh:
Why thank you. :clap:
What's your thoughts on the GSA, do you like them? :whistling:
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!
That's BMW all over, top notch service. Which model of BMW did you get?
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!
good to see you keeping up to date with whatss happening or not on here Rusty :whistling:
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.
The GT is quite a big bike, how does it match up to the GTR?
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.
BMW RT 1200 for me next!
Colin, I genuinely never thought I would gel with the GSA as I have. I thought it would be underpowered and I expected the wind protection to be non existent with such a small screen, it is neither. Obviously it's not as rapid as the GTR but it's a great bike.
I have a trip to Scotland booked for next year which I'm really looking forward to experiencing on the GSA, I'm doing the NC500 plus some other parts of the West coast. It should be epic.
Steve they certainly have their idiosyncrasies, from the start - up sequence of warning lights and the flashing "Brake Failure" until you move off, to the rather tortuous method of checking the oil level on the GT with its remote oil tank. The riding position is also unusual, described as "crouching jockey" in most road tests of the time.
All of this is, however familiar territory for me and strangely enjoyable for some inexplicable reason.
In all, I expect to hold onto this one for a good while!
Was there no method of lowering the Versys rear foot rests like the Gtr?
The GS doesn't have any bizarre traits such as you have just described. I just fire it up and off we go. :clap:
Quote from: PRD on December 07, 2018, 12:03:16 PM
Was there no method of lowering the Versys rear foot rests like the Gtr?
Pete, I'm just saying.....but don't you think it's ironic that on a Kawasaki site the only current topic activity is about BMW's and in a good light. :popcorn:
Strength to the brotherhood that is bmw. :whistling:
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 07, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Pete, I'm just saying.....but don't you think it's ironic that on a Kawasaki site the only current topic activity is about BMW's and in a good light. :popcorn:
That is true. But in the general scheme of things there does seem to be a lot of negativity to BM. Many reports on you tube and elsewhere about their problems. I hope that you and Colin do not experience any of the issues reported else where. As you know I like to be objective about these matters.
Strength to the brotherhood that is bmw. :whistling:
Pete, as I've mentioned many times before, I fear not if I experience problems with my GSA as despite it being used it comes with a two year warranty so I can rest assured that I will have at least two years trouble free riding and by then I'll be due a new bike which comes with a three year warranty. BMW love them or hate them, they certainly have excellent customer focus especially at my local dealer, Allan Jeffries at Baildon.
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 07, 2018, 08:47:47 PM
Pete, as I've mentioned many times before, I fear not if I experience problems with my GSA as despite it being used it comes with a two year warranty so I can rest assured that I will have at least two years trouble free riding and by then I'll be due a new bike which comes with a three year warranty. BMW love them or hate them, they certainly have excellent customer focus especially at my local dealer, Allan Jeffries at Baildon.
jolly good.
Pete, we found it possible to fit the same lowering kit to the Versys as I used for the rear footrests on the GTR. The problem with the Versys then becomes, however, that at only 5' tall, the reach to the footrests when on board is too great for comfort!
Quote from: flatfour on December 08, 2018, 02:52:42 PM
Pete, we found it possible to fit the same lowering kit to the Versys as I used for the rear footrests on the GTR. The problem with the Versys then becomes, however, that at only 5' tall, the reach to the footrests when on board is too great for comfort!
ah that explains that. I hope you both enjoy your new bike. Was it secondhand or new?
Quote from: PRD on December 08, 2018, 04:28:21 PM
ah that explains that. I hope you both enjoy your new bike. Was it secondhand or new?
Pete the clue is where Colin says the bike had just come in as a part exchange. :whistling:
Pete, far from new. It is though one of the last of its type (June 2010) before the K1600 replaced it and, in fact, it is slightly older than the GTR that I bought in 2011. It's a one owner bike that has a very full history (all work was carried out by the supplying dealer, and I even have the original P.D.I. Checklist and Handover Document, as well as every invoice for work whilst in the care of its previous owner) that back when it was new, weighed in with a price tag of just a shade under £15,000. It is also well equipped for its duties with me, having the BMW standard fit panniers, to which I have added a GIVI 47 litre top - box. All have liners for convenience. The previous owner has, I understand bought a new GS, so must, I presume, have been happy with the one that I now own?
I had originally intended to buy new, or very nearly new, when I started my search and would probably have done so if I could have. However, in reality, I use the "bigger" bike for two - up riding and holidays in the main, with just enough other miles each year to keep things running smoothly, so it should last me for quite a while yet (I hope). Most of the time, for more local trips, I ride one of the 1970's bikes that I have (and keep adding to the numbers of!).
I have a couple of pictures if you want to see them, however I cannot post to the site (technical incompetence) so will send on by e-mail if you let me have your address.
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 07, 2018, 03:17:54 PM
Pete, I'm just saying.....but don't you think it's ironic that on a Kawasaki site the only current topic activity is about BMW's and in a good light. :popcorn:
Strength to the brotherhood that is bmw. :whistling:
Not so ironic on GTR1400 site when Kawasaki has discontinued the GTR line.
Even I am starting to look at BMWs as Kawas ideas of SportTouring now seems to be sportsbikes with panniers :mfr_lol: :rip: :hang:
Quote from: Lonewolf on December 09, 2018, 12:58:43 AM
Pete the clue is where Colin says the bike had just come in as a part exchange. :whistling:
oh sorry must have missed that bit!
Quote from: Boomer on December 09, 2018, 01:41:54 PM
Not so ironic on GTR1400 site when Kawasaki has discontinued the GTR line.
Even I am starting to look at BMWs as Kawas ideas of SportTouring now seems to be sportsbikes with panniers :mfr_lol: :rip: :hang:
sad days!
Quote from: PRD on December 09, 2018, 02:48:01 PM
sad days!
The Versys1000 shouldn't be overlooked, it meets all the touring requirements, I have had 4 GTRs and loved every one of them, but the big Versys is outstanding. .....I have owned two..........and have just ordered my third which features aĺ the latest technology, an amazing bike....
Oh and before anyone starts whinging about chain drive being high maintenance, it isn't, it is easy to manage and neither messy or inconvenient. Modern chains are long lasting, quiet and very reliable :yes:
Quote from: O.C. on December 09, 2018, 07:46:23 PM
The Versys1000 shouldn't be overlooked, it meets all the touring requirements, I have had 4 GTRs and loved every one of them, but the big Versys is outstanding. .....I have owned two..........and have just ordered my third which features aĺ the latest technology, an amazing bike....
Oh and before anyone starts whinging about chain drive being high maintenance, it isn't, it is easy to manage and neither messy or inconvenient. Modern chains are long lasting, quiet and very reliable :yes:
:agree:
Quote from: Boomer on December 09, 2018, 01:41:54 PM
Not so ironic on GTR1400 site when Kawasaki has discontinued the GTR line.
Even I am starting to look at BMWs as Kawas ideas of SportTouring now seems to be sportsbikes with panniers :mfr_lol: :rip: :hang:
I'll be keeping the GTR for some time yet as it won't be used that much, a few odd weekends when the wife comes out on the back and European touring with the wife. I have my GSXS1000 for me when I go out with my mates. I can't see a real option available at the minute to replace the GTR. Yes there is the FJR but I tried one and couldn't get on with it, the K1600GT is just too big, in the same bracket as the Honda armchair thingy. I do like the H2SX but again it's more suited to one person. I may own the GTR for a lot of years to come. :cool:
Quote from: O.C. on December 09, 2018, 07:46:23 PM
The Versys1000 shouldn't be overlooked, it meets all the touring requirements, I have had 4 GTRs and loved every one of them, but the big Versys is outstanding. .....I have owned two..........and have just ordered my third which features aĺ the latest technology, an amazing bike....
Oh and before anyone starts whinging about chain drive being high maintenance, it isn't, it is easy to manage and neither messy or inconvenient. Modern chains are long lasting, quiet and very reliable :yes:
Yep got to agree i will be ordering a new Versys in the New year for March delivery sad to see the GTR go but i am ready for a change now. i will be PX the GTR nearer the time ( or sooner should a reasonable offer come my way ).
If I was thinking of changing I would be having a very serious look at the new Versys. It has all the bells and whistles you need which you would have to pay extra for on certain European makes.
I saw the new Versys 1000 at the NEC show, well as much as can be seen at that show.......however a visit to my local dealer this weekend gave me the opportunity to view the 'basic' model in great detail, and it is spectacular
I have ordered a top of the range SE Grand Tourer which will bd available in February /March 2019.... the specification is far too much to list....AMAZING ! I cant wait
Quote from: O.C. on December 10, 2018, 09:28:03 PM
I saw the new Versys 1000 at the NEC show, well as much as can be seen at that show.......however a visit to my local dealer this weekend gave me the opportunity to view the 'basic' model in great detail, and it is spectacular
I have ordered a top of the range SE Grand Tourer which will bd available in February /March 2019.... the specification is far too much to list....AMAZING ! I cant wait
:mfr_lol:
Rog.. glad to hear you have new bike on the way.. made some excellent improvements to the new model big V. not quite up to the spec of the GS but a lot easier on the wallet.. unless you plan on going of road then you have made a sensible choice. my mate as just ordered the 2019 Suzuki v strom1000xt adventure which also as some major improvements over the previous model. good luck and some pics when it arrives.
P.S the big GS is still the king LOL.....
If I didn't know better I'd say you are slightly biased Dave :mfr_lol:
Quote from: O.C. on January 21, 2019, 07:06:44 PM
If I didn't know better I'd say you are slightly biased Dave :mfr_lol:
Or maybe he's simply telling it how it is. :whistling: