1200 GS or GSA best for on road use?

[Stretchamus]

I've had Jack, but as another manufacturer used to say back in the eighties about their products:-

"Anything else is less"

Its the GSA for me

All this talk of fast, are we talking GS's

Best regards Stretch

 

[motoreiter]

I've got a 2005 GS and a 2007 GSA. As others have said, I like the GS for around town (lower, lighter) and the GSA for travel. Also, I've fitted many GSA parts (screen, heated grips, rear rack, seat, etc.) onto the GS.

 

[tommygun]

I'm not sure what the case is these days but when my mate was in the market for a GS, the dealer said the GSA was only an extra £900. With that you got the extra fuel load, spots, heated grips, spoke wheels - so it was a no-brainer at the time.

Perhaps I'm compensating for something but I do like the imposing size of my GSA and the presence it gives on the road. Go the GSA way - else you'll just be regretting it everytime you pull up next to one

 

[elefantman]

Get the GSA unless your only a little short arse or a chick then you'll have to make do with the basic entry level GS

 

[bmmonty]

GSA bought to late now!

Well done the deal and bought a nice GSA.

So will have to sell the 58 plate fully loaded 1200 GS now.

Thanks

 

[bmmonty]

1200 GS now for sale on site with new pictures

Up for grabs now with 5 pics to see.

Thanks

 

[snerkler]

To me it sounds like you wanted a GSA regardless, which is no bad thing, I love mine. If you wanted a big bike that's best on the road you'd have gone for the Multistrada
As for the soft suspension, I found that on the 06 model which is why I didn't buy it, but I have to say that the new models don't suffer this problem. Although I have the ESA and perhaps that makes a difference

 

[sven]

To me it sounds like you wanted a GSA regardless, which is no bad thing, I love mine. If you wanted a big bike that's best on the road you'd have gone for the Multistrada
As for the soft suspension, I found that on the 06 model which is why I didn't buy it, but I have to say that the new models don't suffer this problem. Although I have the ESA and perhaps that makes a difference

I test rode a standard non-ESA GS before buying one with GS and it's so much better than the standard bike - much stiffer and better damped as standard, but can be quickly softened on bumpy bckroads in "comfort" mode

A Givi Aeroflow screen gave me the protection of a GSA for £130. The only feature I'd like is the tank range. I find the 160-180 mile tankrange frustrating, especially since passing my car test and driving a Mondeo with a 550-700 mile range.

 

[rdover]

I'm on my 2nd GSA and add:

weight: once moving you don't notice it
height: can be a bit of a pest on cambers, slippy surfaces when stopping but that's why there are crash bars and chiropractors
fun: get below 100miles tank range and go nuts with the wheelies, 200miles+ and it's superbly balanced, full tank doesn't last long enough for me to pass judgement
looks: yep, GS is a tad too metrosexual for my taste (I must be compensating )
weather protection: Oh yes. Mega
tank range: try 450 miles touring with luggage around Norway last month! compared with 180 for the fazer!
luggage: excellent
ESA: magic
traction control: hmmm not sure. full on it's okay but intrudes into hooligan mode. does not stop you leaving darkies on the hairpins in 1st heading out of Geiranger but has an 'off' option so that's okay.

add a sports exhaust, K&N and techlusion box for mega fun.

 

[snerkler]

but that's why there are crash bars and chiropractors
.

That'd be me then

 

[Deleted account AWRT]

Had both and believe the GSA is superior to the GS, so much so I think we should have our own page and not be in amongst the inferior GS things!!

 

[bmwbikeruk]

Well, I find my GSA tank range useful and for extra peace of mind. Once I hurried at a rate of a thirsty 36mpg on a late evening trip of 165 miles non-stop with my pillion passenger and luggage to arrive at a bike rally in order to erect a tent before it became too dark and succeeded whereas I would not on a GS with only 20 litre tank! I had the luxury of worrying about filling up next day with about 90 miles remaining on range! Also several 200 miles or more non-stop done in comfort and stress-free from fill-up stop anxiety! Quicker from A to B without any enforced fill-up stops! GSA better for two-up riding and luggage capacity (220 litres or more).

 

[Wrinkly]

After owning an 1150gsa se I deliberated long and hard over which 1200, gs or gsa.
In the end I went for the gs with dynamic and premium pack,adventure luggage and winglets.
Day to day the gs is an easier bike to live with and in my opinion a nicer bike to ride.(I've ridden many 1200gsa's)
On the long haul it carries the same weight as the gsa and doesn't ground so easily.
Yes the larger fuel tank would be nice on long trips but I don't find it to prohibitive.
As for all the scaffolding around the tank,well for me it can only be described as UGLY.
I also prefer the look of the gs the gsa always reminds me of a really fat bird with skinny legs,it just doesn't look balanced.
Having said that there both great bikes, it's just that one will always float somebodies boat more than the other.

Steve

 

[tommygun]

After owning an 1150gsa se I deliberated long and hard over which 1200, gs or gsa.
In the end I went for the gs with dynamic and premium pack,adventure luggage and winglets.
Day to day the gs is an easier bike to live with and in my opinion a nicer bike to ride.(I've ridden many 1200gsa's)
On the long haul it carries the same weight as the gsa and doesn't ground so easily.
Yes the larger fuel tank would be nice on long trips but I don't find it to prohibitive.
As for all the scaffolding around the tank,well for me it can only be described as UGLY.
I also prefer the look of the gs the gsa always reminds me of a really fat bird with skinny legs,it just doesn't look balanced.
Having said that there both great bikes, it's just that one will always float somebodies boat more than the other.

Steve

I prefer the term...'skinny legs with masssive t*ts'. But that's just me...

 

[GSband]

... As for all the scaffolding around the tank,well for me it can only be described as UGLY.
I also prefer the look of the gs the gsa always reminds me of a really fat bird with skinny legs,it just doesn't look balanced. ...Steve

+1 ... my thoughts exactly ...

...
Having said that there both great bikes, it's just that one will always float somebodies boat more than the other.

Steve

Congratulations, that's the best way to put it !

 

[Canuck]

I have both... enjoy both... glad to have both... use them each as much as the other.

I'd want to just get out there and try both for a few hours... back to back... then again... get a feel for them both then choose... or buy one of each!

 

[snerkler]

Having said that there both great bikes, it's just that one will always float somebodies boat more than the other.

Steve

Exactly. I find the GS a little small for me in height and width, but then I'm a big bloke. The GSA is definately a me sized bike