Adventure Bike Rider Forum

How did the test ride go and what did you think of the bike ?

Ken Shabby wrote:

waynecoluk wrote:OK, so I'm booked for a test ride on the GSA at 12 today. The question is if I like it do you go for the TE model with the electrics etc or the base model one with a couple of little optional extras like cruise and heated grips?
I'll let you know this afternoon what its like..

So what you were saying when you said 'talk me out of buying a GSA was...DON'T talk me out of buying a new GSA, 'cos I'm going to do it anyway. Ergo - I only want to hear reasons why I should do it, not ones why I shouldn't.

Given that - what was the point of the thread?

PS you'll just change the GSA in a year or so anyway for something shinier and newer - when you get the 'wants' again from reading all the nice glossy ads.

Thank goodness some of us are influenced by the glossy ads. and frequently buy new bikes on a whim meaning that there are plenty of secondhand bikes for those of us less well heeled (thumbs)

Ken Shabby wrote:

waynecoluk wrote:OK, so I'm booked for a test ride on the GSA at 12 today. The question is if I like it do you go for the TE model with the electrics etc or the base model one with a couple of little optional extras like cruise and heated grips?
I'll let you know this afternoon what its like..

So what you were saying when you said 'talk me out of buying a GSA was...DON'T talk me out of buying a new GSA, 'cos I'm going to do it anyway. Ergo - I only want to hear reasons why I should do it, not ones why I shouldn't.

Given that - what was the point of the thread?

PS you'll just change the GSA in a year or so anyway for something shinier and newer - when you get the 'wants' again from reading all the nice glossy ads.

Wrong side of the bed this morning?

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Absolutely loved it. I really didn't want to and didn't think it would be that much better than the Versys, but it is. In pretty much every department it was superior and the quality of the thing was immense(comparing it to the V).
The only problem I now have is trying to get the one I want. I told him I wanted the basic version with heated grips and cruise control and that's it. But apparently to try and get one of them is difficult. Obviously he is trying to steer me down the path of the ones he has in stock and is telling me the "offer" may not be on for when they order the one I want.
I said surely if I sign the agreement and put down the deposit then it doesn't matter when the bike arrives? Apparently not and BMW finance wont do it. Basically if I don't physically have the bike by the end of October the offer will have ended so its in his court now. Failing that I can try somewhere less local.

And regarding the glossy mags etc....you're right I could very well change my mind in a years time. So what? You only live once etc etc....

I don't know if Wayne has the same view as me but I'd always sooner use a local dealer even if they're not the cheapest but if they can't supply the model I want then I have to look somewhere else.

I'd be tempted to just contact BMW UK directly and ask where in the country there was a bike with the spec I want and see what they come back with. Dealers do play games sometimes and BMW will look at a bigger picture to make sure they get the sale rather than a different manufacturer.

Is it just a pound notes reason for just wanting the basic version?
Time's running out, maybe it would be best to get the closest spec you can within your budget. Is this possible ??

It's a fair bit more £ than the Versys so should be better TBF.

If you think the dealer is screwing you around phone somewhere else. You know exactly what you want and an are buying brand new, it's not like you need to see the bike you just need to place the order. Give it half a day you could phone every dealer in the country see where has the best deal, they will deliver.

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I did over 100 miles around Dartmoor and South Hams yesterday on a loan 1200GS while my own bike was in for a service and I thought it was brilliant.
I've made a point of trying out the other available adventure style bikes, the Vstroms, the versys's (versi?) the Tigers, Teneres and the F800 and G650GS and until now my favourite was the Tiger 800 but the 1200GS pips it by quite a margin.
Regarding the 'herd' comments I think those who buy something simply because it's the thing to have are in need of psychiatric help but anyone who buys an inferior product in order to be different must be in the same category.
I've not had a chance to sample the Ducati, the Guzzi or the Aprilia.
There is a KTM dealer within range but I don't like them, there's something about the whole marque that puts me off, maybe it's the 'ready to race' thing.
That is an entirely irrational response, hmm, anyone know the number of a good shrink?

After I test rode the Explorer, my first comment was "I can't understand why anyone would want a GS after riding one of these".

It just goes to show one man's meat is another man's poison. In the end, I came very, very close to buying an Explorer. If I ever fall out of love with my Moto Guzzi, the first port of call will be my Triumph dealer.

Probably :whistle:

Jon