Another new guy?

[banjo]

Hi all,

Just joined as I am a virtual new bmw owner, Took a 1200GS out for the morning Saturday and I'm smitten or is that bitten!

A few questions if I may ? Sorry if its been covered before.

The dealer is telling me that I should be going for the whole deal of ABS,ESA,etc, etc. on a new bike.

I am a bit short in the leg department ! not too bad, but I found the demo model a bit tall (mind it did have an Adventure seat on it)
I see that the base model can be lowered but not the ESA one!


He's also telling me the fully spec'ced model is much better for resale down the track. Sounds plausible.

Now is he just trying to squeeze another couple of grand out of me or is all the fruit really worth it?
I've just sold a Harley softail 2007 model so even the base model GS would be an upgrade compared to that!

Also my dilemma is I can get a fully spec'ced one in a week or so, in my colour of choice (white) or wait 3 months for a base model to arrive from europe!

I suppose what I'm really saying is all this electronic suspension and wizardry etc. really worth it or should I just wait for the basic one and save a bit of cash.
As it will still be a GS. And I can spend the difference on some extra's like engine bars, luggage etc.

I'm always a bit of a pessimist at heart and feel if I don't really need all the extra's then it is something less to go wrong down the track ?

Brian

[_Wilks]

Welcome Brian.

I expect you'll get all sorts of conflicting (maybe) replies but here's my opinion.

The 'traction pack' (I think that's what BMW calls it) of ABS, ASC, ESA & RDC is not critical to the enjoyment of riding of the 1200 but is a real sweet kit of options. Let me run thru them individually:
ABS - as always, a great safety device on-road. And we all ride these bikes on road don't we. Some people never/rarely go off-road so the dealers comment about better re-sale rings true to me as it'll appeal to those who mainly stick to the tar. ABS is a sinch to turn off when you head off-road so no worries/issues there. I'd get it.
ASC - take it or leave it. I only ever notice it kicking in whilst off road and although it isn't much of a bother I don't really need it. I've heard others rave on about it on road so maybe its a good thing there.
ESA - I love it. Up till owning my current GSA, I'd typically start out adjusting the suspension prior every ride but quickly end setting it somewhere in the middle and leaving it there (lazy). Since getting the ESA, I always adjust the suspension to suit the ride/trip/load and accordingly the off road handling difference is huge. There is pretty good range of adjustments/settings with the ESA so it is super-easy to get the right setup... just press the button! I such a big fan of ESA, that unless competitors like the Yamaha Super Tenere have something similar on offer my future bikes will continue to be the R1200.
RDC - this option has kinda snuck up on me appeal wise. Whenever tyre air pressure gets low, you get a dash warning light... sweet. On other bikes I've owned, there would be times when off road my imagination starts to tell me my trye is slowly deflating and I'd be up on the pegs and twisting my neck trying to see if the tyres are OK - sometimes to the point where I nearly drift off the track - but, as I said, it was imagined, not real. Nowadays, if I have doubts, I look at the dash... no light... carry on. I'd get RDC again.

Going back to the dealers 'easier to sell' comment, in 2008 I went from a stock GS with no options to a fully optioned GSA via a private sale. I wanted a GSA but all those options made me choose that particular bike. Later, when I wanted to update my bike, I had grown to like the options (surprise, surprise) and hence my 2009 GSA has got the full kit. And I got a great trade-in price on my 08 because it had all the fruit. Last year I was trying to find a GSA for my mate. I found one in SA much cheaper than others by approx $3000 - almost too cheap. I rang the seller. He said his bike didn't have ABS; that he'd had a heap of calls but every caller lost interest on learning it had no ABS. He said he'd wished he got ABS because he just couldn't sell the bike at a fair price and was going to lose proportionally more than option cost when new.

You can buy a 'low' seat from BMW. Not sure how much they cost. Heres a comparo pic.



Good luck with your decision. The 1200 is a great bike for sure. Mine is a keeper.

Shane

[jono]

Hello Brian

Welcome to the Forum. You will find opinion on the electronic pack varies, though the dealer is probably right to say it influences resale value they neglect to remind you that the resale benefit is paid up front on the purchase price. The club has members with full house and ABS only models, why dont you come along to a Sunday coffee morning at Catalano's and ask their opinion? you would be made welcome!

Have you been able to ride a lowered GS, I noted last month that Auto Classic had in their second hand stock a factory lowered 1200GS? Failing that you could ask them to swap the seat over for a lowered seat (there is such a thing) on lowest settings and then use that as an excuse for another test ride You can then make a more informed decision.

I have ABS on my R1200GSA and I am very happy with it. It only has to save you once to win youre appreciation, I just have to remember to turn it off when I am on dirt. If I was upgrading I would take the Suspension package its a lot easier than messing around with the tools. The adventure seat is a bit higher than the standard GS seat, and as mentioned above you can also get a lowered seat, I would have though Auto Classic could lay their hands on one for you to try.

Good luck in your deliberations once you have made your mind up that you want one, waiting is the hardest part!

Cheers
JonO

[bully1]

G'day my '08 GS came with all the fruit and the ABS is a must for a bike these days, the ESA is an absolute blessing and makes taking these bikes offroad so much easier, the ASC ,I wouldn't be without, I love it. To be able to dial up the amount of traction at the rear wheel makes for some great riding, generally on the road I leave it on, but as soon as I go off road I put it on the sports setting which allows wheelspin without going overboard, put it on the "off" setting and they become a wild child.

Grab the one with all the goodies, see if you can get a 30th Anniversary model for even more resale later .

[Intrepid Ken]

Ben has a friend that is selling his GSA 2009 or 10 not sure for $25000. I've seen the bike it's in great condition and has all the fruit!!! The bike has done 7 k, I believe that it cost him $32 k. My advice is buy it and order a lowered seat, you'll save a fortune. I think it even has a GPS.

If you would like me to chase up his contact details give me a call 0427081113

Other wise get a standard GS and get the bits you want once you've seen how everyone else has set these up. Some people don't go for the ABS however I'm a fan, I wouldn't bother with the other bling, but that's me.

Looking forward to catching up sometime

[banjo]

Hi All
Thanks for the replies so far, gives me food for thought.

Firstly I've never had ABS , ASC etc. on any bike so its all a new game to me. I am a "young" retiree (like to think so anyway!) so will not be doing the real " dirt bashing" a crook back would see to that !

I can see the benefits of all these gadgets, and to be really honest I do like gadgets! but getting the full benefit and longevity from them is my main concern as I hope this bike will be a "keeper" for me.

Also the non ESA version can be lowered, but not the other. Then again I could probably get away with the lowered seat.

I can see the ABS being a safety factor for my type of riding, mainly blacktop solo, or two up for the Sunday arvo coffee run.

Thanks Ben for the lead on the second hand one, but I'm really looking at a new one. Auto Classic has offered me a pretty good deal on the fully featured model, as I have no trade in etc.

As someone else said, thinking about it and trying to figure the best way to go is the hardest bit.

I'm sure once I've made the decision it will be great.

Safe travels.
Brian

[old betsy]

Hi Brian

Welcome to the joys of looking for the right bike.

I purchased a second hand bike with 7000km on the clock with all the gadgets. It really is/was a brand new bike. So I wouldn't think you would be disappointed if you look at a second hand GSA. The saving was well worth it.

When you make your choice I'm sure you will be happy with what ever way you go, as they are a great bike.

Regards
Old Betsy

[banjo]

Hi Again.
Well I did it !
Order placed for a new base model so now have to just wait it out till end of Sept.

Now the second fun bit starts of deciding what gear to add, luggage etc.

I will probably start with a top box, so at least I can store my helmet and put a bit of shopping in there.

Thanks for all the help and advice.
Regards.
Brian

[toni]

Brian, If the bike isn't arriving until end September, why don't you come out by car to the Camp cook-off at Wyening Dam. It'll be a good time to check out everybody with their bikes well loaded. If you play your cards right, you might score a job as a judge - lots of food to taste (no guarantees on how good it'll be)! See related posting about the cook-off in "rides & events" section of the forum.

Failing that, hope you can make it for coffee Sunday mornings at Catalano's - bright & early!

[banjo]

Thanks for the invite Toni, will bear it in mind.

Well my order for new bike went from end of September to early December ! bugger! but, they may be able to get me an R1200ES (suspension only) in black by the end of next week so fingers crossed on that one.

Will update when I know more.

Regards
Brian

[banjo]

Well the new "beast" arrived in Perth yesterday, and yes excuse my seniors moment in previous post, it is a R1200GS !
Went to see it, in its crate and drooled a little.
Hopefully will be with me on Friday, fingers crossed!

Brian

[rachely476]

Hi, I am a new member of forum. Would a newcomer be warmly welcome here? Good day you guys!!!

[Cookie]

Welcome Rachel? every body is welcome here and Sundays' for breakfast.
regards
Cookie