I'm gonna do it !

[Beezaboy]

So, I'm about to retire my 1981 BMW R65 and from now on only use it for local trips. From everything I've read I'm pretty sure the bike for me is a VS 1000 and I'm on the point of ordering a one from my local dealer.
I've deen quoted a price of £5600 (on the road) including six months road licence. However, I have a few questions for you guys.

1. Currently there isn't a VS in my local dealer or any of the other dealers anywhere near where I live. They are just not popular around here. Most people seem to go for R1150GS, Varederos, TDMs and Tigers. Mine will be the first one in the area. I've asked for an 04 model, when it arrives I going to want to check which year it is. How do I tell ?

2. Am I mad to buy one without a test ride, even though I'n absolutely convinced it's the bike for me. ( I did once sit on a second hand one last year and yes my feet did touch the ground).

3. I'm going to use the bike for touring and high milage day trips, should I order the Suzuki luggage or Givi or something else.

4. Did Suzuki sort out the clutch basket problem before launching the 04 model.

5. Is £5600 a good price for this model

Thanks

[Pauljo]

The easiest way to tell is that the windscreen is adjustable for height on the '04 models. In the USA it also states the year of the vehicle on the Vehicle ID plate affixed to the bike - not sure about the UK.

Luggage is personal preference. I have the factory luggage - it is OK. Givi luggage costs a bit more here, and is slightly better quality. There are also other alternatives like Hepco Becker - nice, but pricey. You'll need to shop around and compare features and prices. Since you'll be using it a lot, I'd recommend going with what you prefer - but sometimes the wallet dictates.