thinking about buying 2017 GSA, California bike for sale at Wisconsin used dealer

[markfreebie]

Long story short, I'm looking for a 4-5 year-old GSA or possibly GS, to replace or supplement my 122,000 mile-old K1200GT.

I've always wanted one and this year I plan on taking 8-weeks off from work to ride to Alaska and back from Milwaukee. I plan on doing the Dalton Highway to Prudhoe Bay as well. Part of the time I'll be a regular tourist visiting relatives.

My long-time dealer (Mischler's HD/BMW, Beaven Dam, Wis) went out of business last year when Harley made life difficult for them.

I found a 2017 loaded GSA for sale at Road Track & Trail, outside Milwaukee and they bill themselves as "the world's largest pre-owned powersports dealer." They are huge. They're asking $15,999. A small chip in the front fender and a small barely noticeable crack on the snout. Brand new Avon TrailRider tires.

The bike came from California. I spoke with my dealer's former service manager, who started started their own service place across the road from the former dealer. His experience with them is their bikes have been pretty good despite buying stuff from auctions.

It's 2 degrees here right now, but when we were looking for the bike the detailer was riding it from one building to their showroom.

If it was from my former dealer I would purchase it in a heartbeat. Thoughts?

One specific question, the attached photo is of the sight glass. It looks like a ring is missing. Am I right? Big deal?

Thanks in advance.

 

[exgman]

I looked at what I think is the right "Rider Manual" for the bike. Here's the illustration from p.127 of the 2016+ GSA manual:



If the bike does not come with a manual, you can find it here: https://www.bmw-motorrad.com/en/service/manuals/rider-manual.html

You can DL it, print the PDF etc.

 

[lee]

One specific question, the attached photo is of the sight glass. It looks like a ring is missing. Am I right? Big deal?

I don't see anything missing.
Looks like the bare aluminum is corroded.