1200 GS or GSA best for on road use?

[bmmonty]

Always a dilema for GS riders which is best for someone who doesnt want to go off road.

A GS or a GSA.

I have a GS fully loaded which I must admit I love and seems to be the bollocks on road. But hanker after a GSA.

Anyone got any views on this or has done the switch?

I have riden the GSA a few times but got to say the GS on road seems to be pretty good.

Thanks

 

[Wapping]

I have riden the GSA a few times but got to say the GS on road seems to be pretty good.

Wherein lies the answer to your own question, perhaps?

Me? I have had both. Vannilla 1200 - 18,000 in a year. GSA 44,000 in four.

I like the GSA on the road.

Why?

I don't ride much in the UK.

I only really do longish rides (not worth getting out of London for less than 200 miles) when I do ride the damned thing.

I like the increased tank range, filling up once to every two of my companions' stops.

I like the slightly higher ride height.

Perfect with Ohlins.

I like the luggage.

Not sure what you will have learned from that, as it's simply horses for courses.

Why swap if you are happy or cannot be sure?

 

[Bryn]

I've had a standard 1200, and a couple of 1150 ADV's to mention some of the GS's ...


I've recently changed from a 1150 ADV to a 1200 SE...

Personally I think the SE ticks all the boxes for me... I don't need the tank range, or the extra height... but I like the black rims and spokes The ESA etc is useful as well.....

I tend to stop every 150 miles or so when on a jaunt abroad, so a 400 mile tank range is wasted

 

[Jeremy]

I had a 1200GS when I test rode a 1200GSA. I'm now on my second GSA.

Personally I found the superior weather protection, distance ability and screen (admittedly this can be retro fitted to the GS) a winning combination. I'd also add the the GSA felt considerably more planted on motorways. Despite being heavier, I've never found the weight differential an issue and it hasn't stopped me riding the Nurburgring or daily into central London on it.

The GSA does it all.

 

[Pukmeister]

Had both types.

Currently riding the latest 2010 model GS with DOHC engine on loan at the moment whilst Bahnstormer sort my 2008 GSA. I have to say it feels like a toy in comparison to my usual bike.

Can't wait to get my GSA back.

 

[GSmonkey]

I've had a 12GS and 12GSA. My GSA is really for touring, but I do some summer commuting on it as well. I'd say that the GS probably has better road manners for fast riding and is easier around town. But the GSA is so much better when it comes to distance and all day riding. The weather protection is great and the tank distance is unparalleled. Stopping every 150miles for a piss and a brew is one thing, but having to find a petrol station is a pain in the arse.

My 2p'th

 

[APE]

Always a dilema for GS riders which is best for someone who doesnt want to go off road.

A GS or a GSA.

I have a GS fully loaded which I must admit I love and seems to be the bollocks on road. But hanker after a GSA.

Anyone got any views on this or has done the switch?

I have riden the GSA a few times but got to say the GS on road seems to be pretty good.

Thanks

If you want a long distance tourer go for the GSA. If you want a sportier ride go for the GS. The GSA has the better weather protection and range. The GS has the weight advantage, lower centre of gravity and lighter wheels. Sounds like you prefer the looks/ image of the GSA (?) which is fair enough - but doesn't make it a better road bike.

 

[Hexme]

Had both, enjoyed them both but love the tank range and luggage on the GSA. Ive had my GSA for a year now and I'm as happy now as when I got the bike, as for handling the GSA handles as well for me as the GS but then again I'm no superbike rider I just enjoy the ride.

 

[VFRman]

Had both and went from GSA to GS, Why? Weight, if you fill the boxes, put the wife on the back and fill the tank and top box it is HEAVY but once you get over that I think the GSA had the better ride but you need long legs.

 

[LBL]

Had both, enjoyed them both but love the tank range and luggage on the GSA. Ive had my GSA for a year now and I'm as happy now as when I got the bike, as for handling the GSA handles as well for me as the GS but then again I'm no superbike rider I just enjoy the ride.

As above, ive had an 08GS an and now own an 09GSA, also had the new 10GS as a loan bike and i wouldnt swap my GSA, love it.

 

[nedflanders]

I have an '06 GS and my mate has a'09 GSA. He's been nagging me for ages to have a go on his GSA and finally I did thinking that it was going to end up costing me money as I would HAVE to have one. I needn't have worried, although I liked the look of it, like a fit bird it looks a better ride that it actually is. Now it might have been his suspension set up but it felt like I'd set sail, really awful handling, too soft for such a 'fat' bike, and the brakes seemed pretty crap after my mine,(mine has the dreaded servo'd ABS) far too soft at the lever. I'm sure though the extra inch of suspension is handy and I think I may just be able to find a petrol station within 400miles this side of the Road of Bones so I'll stick with my GS. If I was going to change I would go for the GS SE, stick ally panniers and a GSA screen and that would be the perfect bike, TBH the rest is unnecessary.
I apologise to all the GSA riders, its purely my opinion so means the sum total of bugger all

 

[boarder]

it felt like I'd set sail, really awful handling, too soft for such a 'fat' bike, and the brakes seemed pretty crap

+1

I found the GSA very soft and bouncey and dare i say a bit dull in comparison.

 

[Toad]

I've had both, and I'd buy both again.

I prefer my GSA as the better protection is perfect for me.

However.....

If I ride a standard 1200 now I'm amazed at just how sporty and flickable they are........

 

[VFRman]

I found the GSA very soft and bouncey and dare i say a bit dull in comparison.

The bouncey bit I dialed out with more rebound (I think or the other one) on the rear spring and I must agree my 06 GSA was super dull compared to my 2010 GS

 

[GrinningGSer]

Already you can see a favourite here but it is a small sample so far.
I've had both GS and GSA. GS handles better and is much nimbler and faster
GS is horrible at speed and on a motorway, although improved in later versions with wings. GSA has far more wind and elements protection. The shape of the massive 33 litre tank acts just like a full fairing as well as giving a 330mile+ range. GSA is my favourite as well.

 

[midnitemo]

Love my GS/A

I've just commited a major sin in the eyes of most Gser's....i've put pure road tyres on my adventure and what a fantastic feeling it is...more grip,better braking,more confidence...the tourance's were good but these conti road attack's are better , my Gs/a is just a big comfy tourer that now really scratches too! i'd say there's nowt in it now between my bike and a stock gs handling wise.

 

[Dellis]

I've had two 1150's a 1200GS on which I covered 48,000 miles in just under three years and I now have a 1200GSA and I've done 18,000 on this in the last twelve months. I generally ride two up and usually with luggage, all our holidays are taken on the bike and we try and get away every other weekend camping or B&Bing. I only use the bike for pleasure and like to cram the miles in.

I had GSA panniers and rack on my standard 1200 as I do on my GSA. The GSA rack is much better than the GS as are the panniers particularly as they top load.

The standard GS is lighter with stiffer suspension and has more cornering clearance than the GSA even though the GSA starts off with more clearance, this is due to the softer nature of the GSA suspension. I ground away bits of my GS but no where near as much as I do on the GSA the difference in clearance isn't much but it's there. However, the GSA still handles almost as well as the GS and is more comfortable due to the softer suspension which is correctly damped so it isn't like riding a boat. I don't ride off-road other than gravel tracks and there's no perceivable difference on this type of road to me.

Weather/wind protection is much better on the GSA and as such it's a better bet for any lengthy motorway trips. The tank range is great on the GSA and means I can hit Dover in one go or get north of Glasgow in one hit from my home in Cheshire neither of which you could do on a standard GS. The GSA uses more fuel around 43mpg against around 45mpg on the GS (about 4.5% worse than a standard GS).

Comfort is an issue on the GSA for the pillion, the GSA passenger seat slopes forwards and Sandra was uncomfortable after less than 100 miles which for us is neither use nor ornament. This was resolved by buying a pair of standard GS saddles, £270 new for the pair. The GSA riders saddle is again not as comfy as the standard GS saddle but not by much. The £270 was reduced by flogging the GSA items on eBay. As an aside the GS seat in the high position is the same height as the GSA seat in the low position.

Which is best? For me probably the GSA but if I did less miles probably the GS but the key word is probably and I'd be happy with either they're both great bikes.

These are only my opinions but I hope they are of some help.

Dave

 

[Tricky]

I've had two vanilla 12's and now have a GSA. The GSA is better for long distance touring in Europe and also better two up.

The GSA is a fantastic mile muncher and for touring (especially two up) it takes some beating.

The standard bike feels lighter and is a more enjoyable ride (particularly one up). To be honest though there is not much in it

It's a personal choice as both bikes are fantastic machines.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

I've had 2 GSA 1200's and am now on a GS SE ,which I love .The SE has some of the character of the GSA without the bulk especially at stand still,or when paddling around. The SE is in height, between a GS and GSA.Its a very usable bike. The GSA has great protection from the elements and is better on motorways,but you do seem to visit the petrol station more on the SE.I don't do lots of touring in this country or Europe as all my motorcycle touring is done with Globalenduro in the Himalayas or Cambodia,but if I did I'd get another GSA .In fact I'm looking at the new 30 year anniversary GSA this weekend.Try both then buy one

 

[GSband]

I'm on my 2nd R12GS, have ridden >120000km on both.

Con GS : the downside on long hauls is the wind protection, and that's easily mended with aftermarket screens (or GSA screen if you like the looks). For fun stretches, I ride with a small screen. Don't need the extra range, because when the tank's empty I usually want to stretch my legs or have a coffee anyway. And when I'm riding in a group the GS's range is better than the range on my mates' bikes.
Pro GS : the GS is soooo nimble, sporty, flickable, it's really worth mentioning.
It'll outrun a GSA easy-peasy (assuming riders have same talents).
It burns less fuel.
It ticks all the boxes when it comes to travelling.

Con GSA : I've ridden the GSA on multiple occasions (when my GS is in for maintenance) and I simply don't like the ride. Don't like the looks. Wired wheels are a pain to clean. A fatty in Brussels' city traffic.
Pro GSA : in my book, as you will have guessed : none.

Actually, I don't 'get' the GSA : the whole industry is trying to fight off the weight, and I'd have to spend money to make a very nice bike heavier and harder to manoeuvre ? Duh. I'd pay for a lighter GS. The same reason I won't consider the Yamaha Super Tenere.

GS vs GSA is a bit like comparing a BMW 3-series with a BMW X3, both same traction, both same engine.
But ultimately it's very much A Personal Thing. Fortunately.