Need Help buying a GS1200,,,

[Retics]

Hey guys I am selling my RSV4 Aprilia to buy a GS1200 so I can get more touring oriented bike. Something I can take to work everyday and travel through Alberta , BC. More to visit my father who lives on the alaska highway up by the yukon. So a sports bike isn't really meant for those long roads or long rides.
What I really need to know is what to look for on this bike when purchasing second hand? What years are best? Problems to watch out for ext. Because in the bikes that I usually ride,, sport bike ,Italian makes Ducati ext. 30-50k on the odometer is quite high and would be considered time for a rebuild. What constitutes low milage on these bikes? I have seen ppl post 70,000 km an say just breaking in . and still want $14000 for a 2005. And well,, I want the best, something that will last me a long time. I have been going through kijiji for some time and haven't found a whole lot for sale. Or when they do they seem to sell fast. I know what to look for when buying a race bike, but this is a whole new monster to me. Help would be appreciated . Cheers.
Gary.

[marc]

People who want $14K for an '05 are dreaming. The "best" year is the newest bike you can afford. There are general differences:

Location/style of center stand changed in late '06
ABS system changed in '07, prior to that brakes were power assist.
Engine, tranny, FD, and body work changed in '08
Big engine change (overhead cam) in '10
Water cooling in '13 ???

'05 may have splined flange issues. '07 hopefully has had the EWS antenna replaced. Some years have had problems with the fuel pump controller. None of those issues are a reason not to buy a bike.

How long a bike will last depends upon how ridden and maintained. The bike may be trashed at 50K miles or may have lots of life left at 150K miles. A pretty bike is not necessarily a well maintained bike.

[Retics]

Originally Posted by marc

People who want $14K for an '05 are dreaming. The "best" year is the newest bike you can afford. There are general differences:

Location/style of center stand changed in late '06
ABS system changed in '07, prior to that brakes were power assist.
Engine, tranny, FD, and body work changed in '08
Big engine change (overhead cam) in '10
Water cooling in '13 ???

'05 may have splined flange issues. '07 hopefully has had the EWS antenna replaced. Some years have had problems with the fuel pump controller. None of those issues are a reason not to buy a bike.

How long a bike will last depends upon how ridden and maintained. The bike may be trashed at 50K miles or may have lots of life left at 150K miles. A pretty bike is not necessarily a well maintained bike.

Hey thanks, I'm still searching for as much information as I can at the moment. I figured here I would get the insiders info here from the guys that own them.