Oilburner and I never purchase something with our eye on value retention or resale. We purchase what is good and plan on keeping it until it is worn out. After all, I drive a truck that is 18 years old with 230,000 miles (370,000 km) on it. And yes, we bought it new. It has been paid off for over a decade and hasn't required much work beyond normal maintenance. The engine should be good until 400,000 miles (645,000 km) at least.
So mileage doesn't mean too much to us. But I know it is important to some people. A friend was looking at used GT's and RT's that had 50,000 miles and 75,000 miles (80,500 km and 120,700 km). He was seriously concerned over longevity. We told him that shouldn't be the only limiting factor. But to him it was a deal breaker.
Of course, mileage really depends on your expectations. It might be a different story if you want a daily or long distance rider. Higher mileage may be less appealing. A collectors item that will be ridden less frequently might not be a problem.
Now, I did forget to add the winking smiley to the end of the last post. I have no qualms about keeping my R1200R in my garage. Truthfully, it would be next to impossible to ask me to get rid of it. (Sometimes I get really attached. Just ask Oilburner. He's been trying to bribe me for 17 years to get my truck.)
There are a couple people out there wanting to get their fingers on my R1200R. But I ain't listing to them. So yes, the beautiful R1200GS with the DOHC engine is appealing. After all, I have been drooling over GS' for years. It has always been a bike that was unattainable to me, a dream: too tall, too heavy, I don't need that kind of power. My eye sparkles and delights looking at the GS, but never at the expense of my "R". I just can't give up the bike I love for one that I don't know.
Rest assured. The R1200R is remaining in my garage.
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But that doesn't mean I don't have enough love to share...
So that "number" is now TWO. hehehe. I'm catching up to you Brady. :) And rIePe...have you ever been accused of being a prophet? ;)
Whoa! What? I mean WHAT? You got to be kidding me. Honestly, I would have never expected a GS. I thought you might have planned to acquire the twin sister of Oilburner's bike. But a GS? What's next?
ReplyDeleteCongrats to the newest member of the family.
That's wonderful. Congratulation!
ReplyDeleteThe only problem now is you'll need Oilburner to get another job for all the "extra essential bits".
Is it no longer too tall and too heavy?
Richard
Congrats on the new addition. Looking good!!
ReplyDeleteSteel Cupcake:
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you now have a spare bike, for guests . . . plus an airport pick up service.
I'm really loving that photo, it is stunning . . . and the bike isn't bad looking either.
congrats on your new addition
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteWell done Lori and congratulations, that's a fine-looking bike - one of my riding partners has one and it boogies with the more sporting bike on the tar seal.
Out of curiosity, what are your annual vehicle licensing costs in the USA? In NZ, bikes over 601cc are NZ$591 (~US$470). They recently took a big hike as part of that total pays for accident costs on a no-fault basis. It adds up when you've got a couple of autos and a bike!
Hi SonjaM
ReplyDeleteI haven't forgotten about your gift. Sitting in front of me on the desk right now. I promise I will get that in the mail this week! :)
And yes, it was a difficult decision going between a Vespa and the GS. Oilburner saw the GS with more use in our future. He wants to do the Trans Labrador Highway (and I do too), but I refused to take the "R" on it. So...here goes! :)
Now if I can pull off the cost of the BMW off-road course. hehe
Hi RichardM
ReplyDeleteThank You! And I'm counting on Oilburner getting a raise... ;)
Yes, I still wonder if it is too tall in gravel. But I don't think it will be too heavy.
And Oilburner is also hoping he'll get some use out of it too.
Maybe... ;)
Hi Trobairitz
ReplyDeleteI loved your clarification on "high mileage is in the eye of the beholder". You said so succinctly what I couldn't figure out how to write. :)
Thank You!
Hi Bobskoot
ReplyDeleteIf you can swing your leg over that GS...the "R" is mine. hehehe
But you are gonna have to pack light for airport pickup. I wonder if you are allowed to wear your helmet on the airplane?
And I thought you were talking about the bike. ;)
Hi Geoff
ReplyDeleteI was strangely wowed by the GS. That bike responded to me instantly. She leaned into the curves and stayed at the angle I put her. We were sympatico. Oilburner didn't feel quite the connection I did, but he is already dreaming about taking her on some rough roads we've only taken the Jeep on...more like a mountain goat path now with disuse. I've put my foot down on that one, for now. :) I don't think she will have a problem keeping up, like your riding partner. :)
As to your inquiry, I think your costs have to do with national health insurance too, right? Bobskoot has been telling me about the finer intricacies of insurance in Canada and the larger CC bikes commanding much more money.
Licensing decreases each year on vehicles. My R12R tags cost me a little over $100 USD ($121 NZ). This bike cost me a little over $200 USD ($243 NZ). Here in Georgia annual licensing is based upon Ad Valorem tax. (Vehicle's value and the financial needs of levying authorities in my county.)
Insurance on these things is a completely different matter. Though, I am glad to say, are nothing like Canada.
Do you pay separate license and insurance in New Zealand?
Lori - thanks for that. Yep, we're not comparing apples with apples at all.
ReplyDeleteThe annual license fee I mentioned also contributes to meeting accident costs (called ACC)so if you have a motorcycle accident and require a lengthy stay in hospital, you don't have to meet any of the costs, irrespective of fault.
Annual insurance can be 3rd party only or fully comprehensive, which is what I have. The total cost is a function of vehicle value, your age, number of claims, driving convictions and so on. At 64 years of age, a blameless life (well, not being caught anyway)and a 2 year old bike worth maybe US$10,000; I pay somewhere in the region of $US380. It would be a lot less if it was 3rd party only insurance but I'd have to pay for any damage in a smash.
Awesome!! She's beautiful :)
ReplyDeleteNew additions are good!
She lovely, but then you know that! Well done on the new bike, you relly are my big sister now, cause I only got the little one.
ReplyDeleteLori
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and let the farkelisation commence!
N (now down to 2 BMWs and crocs(tm))
Maybe I need to get out more, but I've not seen many red GS' I think it is gorgeous, as is the rider! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteI add my well wishes to the choir. I think bikes are like tools and your tool kit just got more vast. And, having a spare bike . . . wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe red is stunning. I like red.
Great looking bike. Congratulations.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the mileage and resale value thing. I just want something I enjoy riding and will take me where I want to go with as little fuss as possible.
Take care and happy riding!
Congrats on your new bike. Probably like you, I smile when I look at the high mileage reading on my bike. Maybe it is some sort of badge of honour, or is it all the great memories that it brings back, or maybe both. I wish you many tens of thousands of miles on your new ride.
ReplyDelete