1200 GS vs 1200 GSA

[BLUEJAY]

To You proud Owners

what main differences would you list between the two bikes ?

...and what really makes the difference ?

Are there many of You who swapped from one to the other ?


Thanks for your time.

Cheers


Bluejay

 

[bumpy]

For me it was a height thing. The GSA was just too tall and I couldn't touch the ground properly

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

GSA Has more Road Presence Cars move out of your way especially with lights on BLIND ,Good if yer a big Bugger like me Handles well weight disapears on the move,but cumbersome in town . I prefer the handling to the 1150 which always felt vague tippingg into corners .The GS seems very small and compact after the GSA but I guess the GS is an easier bike to use as an only bike . I have a KTM 950SM and a T Max so can choose the bike I need for the particular Days riding I want to do horse fer courses etc

 

[EggChaser]

Riders who have done back to back tests says the GSA feels more comfortable, however for me it was the height thing too GS is lower and I feel better when stopping.

There is the fuel range factor where the GSA wins.

And you could argue till the cows come home on whether the GSA looks better than the GS especially when you add in the 1150 range or the pre '08 designs.

 

[deaninkl]

GS is way more road focussed, if you are considering the Long way Down or going off to South America then the GSA may be better for you. If you mainly stay on roads with occasional grean lane excursions then you are probably better off with a GS.

GS handle better, is lighter, and faster. GSA will probably carry more, offers better wind protection and is definately a presence on the road, but the GS is pretty bif and tall also.

Go sit on each of them, it you are hight chalenged (I'm 5'9") it maybe that you don't have a choice.

All in all both great bike, just slightly different focus.

 

[ANTS]

I swapped from an 05 GS to an 07 GSA. I thought the height thing was going to be an issue (I'm a dwarfish 5'8") but with the low seat option it's not too bad (I still fear side slopes though!).

Traded mine up to a GSA mainly because of the fuel tank range.

GS was definitely faster (130mph vs max 120mph seen on GSA (all on the outobahn, of course)). This is due to slightly lower gearing & smaller screen.

GS turns in more predictably - GSA often feels like it is falling into corners with full tank.

I think it depends on your use really - if you tend to use it for longer distances/touring (like me) go for the GSA, round town the standard GS is probably a better choice.

 

[tunturisport]

To me the most important issue is the far better wind protection in GSA. It is a real long distance runner, comfortable in all weather, which I greatly appreciate here in cold Finland. I also like the side guards. I have tipped my GSA once, driwing slowly on a gravel road. The only damage was some very slight scratches in the guard.

 

[Jon P]

I swapped from an 05 GS to an 07 GSA. I thought the height thing was going to be an issue (I'm a dwarfish 5'8") but with the low seat option it's not too bad (I still fear side slopes though!).

Traded mine up to a GSA mainly because of the fuel tank range.

GS was definitely faster (130mph vs max 120mph seen on GSA (all on the outobahn, of course)). This is due to slightly lower gearing & smaller screen.

GS turns in more predictably - GSA often feels like it is falling into corners with full tank.

I think it depends on your use really - if you tend to use it for longer distances/touring (like me) go for the GSA, round town the standard GS is probably a better choice.

Just for the record the gearing on the 2004 - 2007 GS and GSA is exaclty the same.

 

[cocokid]

gs v gsa

Having recently been t-boned riding my 1150gs I took the plunge and bought an 07 1200gsa, hoping that the massive road presence will help the blind buggers out there ,now have done 1500 miles on the gsa since purchase,and I love it,I have little legs so bought a low seat,off to Italy in september,the fuel range will be very useful,and of course the luggage capacity,for me the 1200gsa is the best value,regards,Dave in not so sunny southsea.

 

[GS TRV]

I'd go for the GSA as that's what they had in LWD

 

[ANTS]

Jon P

That's very interesting - I thought the final drive was slightly lower on the GSA. Must just be the bigger frontal area knocking all that speed off

 

[garfield]

I bought the 12GSA on the basis of a long test ride on a 12GS (the shop didn't have any 12GSA demonstrators in - thought the 12GS was a great bike in itself)

what sold it for me was the fact that it was a physically bigger bike and looked how I wanted a bike to look (all rufty-tufty....), apart from that in my mind nothing really separates them, my 12GSA however, can spank any bike/12GS on the twisties and that's all that matters.....:cool

 

[Shep]

Jon P

That's very interesting - I thought the final drive was slightly lower on the GSA. Must just be the bigger frontal area knocking all that speed off

I reckon it was just one of those things, I can get 120+ (& its still accelerating) easily from my GSA, in outright top speed there is little difference between my GSA and my two previous budget 1200's.

Accelleration is where the GS really wins over the GSA espcially if the the GSA is tanked up with fuel.

Shep