She's purdy alright.
I picked up a 2005 R1200 GSA and while they are different models I suspect the general arrangement is similar. If I am correct in that leap of assumption, I agree with the buy the manual recommendation. From your post I take it you are not independently wealthy. That being the case, if you are blessed with any children at all you only have one first born, so dealership work is out of the question. Ask them what it cost to install a new clutch, or a new ABS. (both of which I suspect may very well be in your future). Then buy the manual and start to learn the bike. You'll find valve adjustments are easy as is most of the basic maintenance. The ABS and clutch replacement are not that difficult but are not quick. The dry clutch is destroyed by a drop of oil and the only thing between the clutch plate and oil is the shaft seal that will fail. To replace the clutch you will remove every bolt and screw and wire from the cylinder head back. ( No, I don't think that's an exaggeration.) When you replace the clutch my suggestion is to get the aftermarket German made Siebenrock oil resistant plate. When the ABS goes out it will cost an unreasonable amount of money for them to replace it (more than you paid for the bike) and the new parts will coast as much as you paid for the bike. However, even though the ABS is not indtended to be repaired you can repair it pretty easily and there are a ton youtube guides to get you through if your bike is of the correct vintage ( mine was not). As a fall back you can get a rebuilt module from Module Master for around $750.
Now that I've been a real buzz kill I will add this: I love my GS, it is just sweet. I am sure you will love the model you have. I know I want to ride it.
