Would you GSA if you could ??

**robopie** · #1 7 Jul 2011

I crashed my Vstrom DL1000. The accident was not my fault and I received a large settlement. I really liked my DL on road, but off was a rattling beast. I've done a trip to C.A. My next one in my sights is to Alaska.

I love big, powerful adv. bikes from my time spent on my DL.

If you had all the money to p/u a low mileage used GSA would you do it?

I have my eye on a '04 R1150 GSA,18k mi. with all the up grades seat, Ohlin, guards, GPS, carbon fenders and so on for 12k.

Thanks, Rob

**T.REX63** · #2 7 Jul 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by robopie

...
If you had all the money to p/u a low mileage used GSA would you do it?
...

IMO, 100% YES! Especially if you want to do Alaska/Canada. I've don 3 Alaska trips. I am on my second GSA. Of course, off-road the GS/A is every bit of a beast as the Wee.

**Lee @ Interpreter Live** · #3 8 Jul 2011

Personally I am a fan of smaller 650 singles however for your kind of trip I would have to concede that the 1150 GSA would be an entirely sensible choice and you are unliley to come up with a better option. It is surprisingly capable off-road as well - I have seen one doing very well in the Sahara so have seen first hand what it is capable of.

**motorbaker** · #4 8 Jul 2011

Bought a GSA in 2007 and have done 36k miles on it. Love it and would recommend to anyone as long as (a) your legs are long enough (I'm 32" leg and it's fine) and (b) you make sure it's had the recall work done on it. (For the 07 model this includes EWS ring and Fuel pump controller.)

I know they look big and heavy but they handle brilliantly even when loaded right to max.

**markharf** · #5 8 Jul 2011

I could have and I didn't. Two KLR's and a V-Strom instead.

**T.REX63** · #6 8 Jul 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by markharf

I could have and I didn't. Two KLR's and a V-Strom instead.

It's not for everybody...

**10-95** · #7 10 Jul 2011

I'd buy another DL and pocket the extra money. You can buy 2 lightly used DL1Ks for what you could buy that GS and still have money left over. Plus (and I'll prob PO some folks with this) you'll spend WAY less money and time maintaining the Zuk.

**bclarke** · #8 10 Jul 2011

IMHO I'd rather buy a 650 and put the savings towards travel expenses of a longer road trip...
just MHO.

**lozza** · #9 13 Jul 2011

if you fancy it go for it,the right bike is the one that floats YOUR boat

loz

**Hemuli** · #10 14 Jul 2011

How about F800GS?
Lighter than GSA and engine is really nice.
I have -05 1200GS and still love it. Have done over 160 000km with it.

***Touring Ted*** · #11 14 Jul 2011

Buy it, try it !!!

You won't lose any money on it. Although it will probably need a $1000 service every 6 months if you stick to BMW guidelines and no interest from them if it breaks.

No one can tell you if you will like a bike, you just have to give it a go..

**T.REX63** · #12 14 Jul 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

Buy it, try it !!!

... Although it will probably need a $1000 service every 6 months if you stick to BMW guidelines ...

Hey Ted, where did you pay that kind of money for service every 6 month???

**bclarke** · #13 15 Jul 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by T.REX63

Hey Ted, where did you pay that kind of money for service every 6 month???

That's the local BMW stealership's discount price...

***Touring Ted*** · #14 15 Jul 2011

I've never owned a BMW....

However, I've seen plenty of service books and invoices for services that have made my eyes water.

It reminds me of my friend who owns a Evo 10. He takes it to the Mitsubishi dealer for 'genuine parts' screen wash. SCREEN WASH ! It cost 3 times more than the local car shop.

**Wannatravel** · #15 18 Jul 2011

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

I've never owned a BMW....

However, I've seen plenty of service books and invoices for services that have made my eyes water.

It reminds me of my friend who owns a Evo 10. He takes it to the Mitsubishi dealer for 'genuine parts' screen wash. SCREEN WASH ! It cost 3 times more than the local car shop.

I own 2 beemers, and have never been to a dealer since I've owned them. (though mine are older, '97&'96 models) $1000 service? Certainly possible. But what do they do for that kind of money? Oil and fluid change, valve adj.? (Recalls should be free?) Might cost all of $30 if diy. Easy to do as well, IMHO. Even changing out big $$ items like final drive bearing and seals, is realitively simple and not expensive, (did mine @ 85000 miles as preventive main., and cost me all of $110, and a couple of hrs) I keep reading about how 'expensive beemers are' but I personally have yet to see it. I also own a Kawi, and many parts are just as much, or more. Just sayin'.
Disclaimer: IMHO