2 weeks of ownership and I already love this bike more than any other.

[Hann]

I might look into that once the warranty’s expired

I swapped mine when it was only four months and 1500 miles old!
I then had to take it in for it`s 6k service and driveshaft check - i told them about the final drive swap and they didn`t seem too concerned.
It did have the shaft replaced though (at 4.5K), i think this may have been more to do with their test equipment not being set up for the different gearing ratio rather than the shaft itself being faulty. They said the equipment could not even turn the wheel so the test resulted in a `fail`..

So long as the engine power and the clutch can cope with the slightly taller gearing when pulling away then why not. If you only ride on tarmac and don’t need a super low first gear it makes sense.

It`s exactly the same as an RT now - all engines, gearboxes and drivelines are exactly the same throughout the R-series 1250`s the only difference is in the final drive ratios for each model: 2.75 for the RT, 2.82 for the RS and 2.91 for the GS.
No offroading for me, and it pulls away/copes with being loaded up (with pillion for example) perfectly. After all, RT owners are also known to pile on the luggage and strap a wife to the back and go off on tour.

I'd rather have more rapid acceleration. How would I change the gearing to achieve that?

As above, all the gearbox ratios are the same throughout the R-series 1250`s so there is no easy way of swapping cogs with another model to achieve what you desire and you already have the lowest gearing of all the models (assuming you are talking about a GS).
You could possibly look into wheel and tyre sizes to see if you could get a lower aspect ratio/smaller circumference tyre on there but that would only make a marginal difference i would think.

 

[GSMarky]

I'd rather have more rapid acceleration. How would I change the gearing to achieve that?

Map it and put a full Akrapovic/Remus system on if you don't mind the noise!

Grip puppies to enlarge the throttle tube diameter too..

 

[Pukmeister]

A good point for grip puppies improving the rate of throttle roll on, I’ve used them for years due to having hands like the vicar on Kenny Everett and it helps a little when giving it the beans.

 

[Max-GS12]

Likewise I have a 1300 loaner today whilst my GSA is having its big service. Sure it’s a fine enough machine, but it’s not for me. Gimme back my big old bus.

To each their own.

Oh my, that really looks more like one of the new breed Chinese wannabes than they do themselves!?

 

[Bigcats]

A good point for grip puppies improving the rate of throttle roll on, I’ve used them for years due to having hands like the vicar on Kenny Everett and it helps a little when giving it the beans.

I got some of these today and fitted them...why have I never heard of them before absolutely brilliant

 

[GSMarky]

I got some of these today and fitted them...why have I never heard of them before absolutely brilliant

I definitely prefer them & have them on my Lambretta too in an attempt to cut down some of the vibes..

 

[snerkler]

I definitely prefer them & have them on my Lambretta too in an attempt to cut down some of the vibes..

I bought some but didn't get on with them, each to their own and all that

 

[GSMarky]

I bought some but didn't get on with them, each to their own and all that

Absolutely!

 

[Bigcats]

I definitely prefer them & have them on my Lambretta too in an attempt to cut down some of the vibes..

Funnily enough my Vespa PX has grips on that are thicker than my GSA

 

[Max-GS12]

No fan of thicker or foamy grips but I fitted and love these things - soft feel heat shrink that gives a great feel and freshens up the look: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....order_list.order_list_main.20.4f2f1802eArgxF

 

[snerkler]

No fan of thicker or foamy grips but I fitted and love these things - soft feel heat shrink that gives a great feel and freshens up the look: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100....order_list.order_list_main.20.4f2f1802eArgxF

They look good, not as thick as grip puppies? How long do they last before they start looking grubby/worn? Also, when it says heat shrink how exactly do you do that, is something like a hair dryer suitable or does it need to be much hotter?

 

[Max-GS12]

No, really thin like regular heatshrink maybe 0.5mm. You need a heat gun but a really hot and close hair drier *might* work.

They will last really well I think but so silly cheap just get a few!

 

[snerkler]

No, really thin like regular heatshrink maybe 0.5mm. You need a heat gun but a really hot and close hair drier *might* work.

They will last really well I think but so silly cheap just get a few!

It’s the heat gun that I don’t have, plus I assume you have to do it in situ and I’d be worried I’d damage the original grips

 

[Hartley]

First trip away on the GSA two up with luggage. Misses very impressed,
Had a good chat about the GSA over a few beers and an excellent pizza last night.
The verdict is it’s a winner. Feels really spacious, pillion seat is far superior to the GS, she liked the seat heating too.
Bit sore at end of 8 hr day but hardly surprising.
Positive vibes for Tuscany in September

 

[Victor c]

My current 2024 GSA (had 4 previous ones), is by far the best of the bunch. It is so much quieter and smoother than the others and rides so much better.
Directly after the 600 miles running in service, it was on a 2500 Euro tour to the French Alp and with the exception of the annoying SoS system failure, didn’t miss a beat.

I’m so glad now that I didn’t hold out for the 1300 GSA. I’m sure it will be a cracking bike, and the looks may grow on me, but I can see this being my last GSA and may eventually venture down the 1300 RT route.

 

[Ash700]

There are a lot of us here, in the same boat. I’m on my 4th GSA and joined the clan with one of the first LCs in 2014 after I got bored (ticked all the boxes) with 35 years of riding nothing but sports bikes. My current bike is one of the very last (this year) GSAs. It’s an incredible package and is far more capable that it actually looks and has revitalised my interest in motorcycling, literally from a new perspective… I now actually get to see the scenery instead of it being just a blur! The freedom to take on long distance tours whilst being comfortable, carrying the things I need (easily) and enjoying the ride is brilliant. I’ve just completed a 2000 mile tour to Antibes and back via some amazing roads and am already itching for another trip on the GSA.

As I don’t really take it off road, this last time, I did look at the option of an RS, an RT, or a K1600. As good as they’d be at meeting my touring needs, I ultimately didn’t think that they’d be as much fun. The GSA is definitely quirky and I think it’s a more of a multipurpose machine.

I knew that the 1300GSA was coming out when I bought the 1250 but figured that I’d enjoy one of the last of the iteration and keep a watch on the way the 1300 develops and unfolds. First glimpse was… what the??? But now… I’m not hating it. I’ll test riding one when I feel the need and take it from there.

To all fellow GSA owners…. Enjoy

 

[snerkler]

There are a lot of us here, in the same boat. I’m on my 4th GSA and joined the clan with one of the first LCs in 2014 after I got bored (ticked all the boxes) with 35 years of riding nothing but sports bikes. My current bike is one of the very last (this year) GSAs. It’s an incredible package and is far more capable that it actually looks and has revitalised my interest in motorcycling, literally from a new perspective… I now actually get to see the scenery instead of it being just a blur! The freedom to take on long distance tours whilst being comfortable, carrying the things I need (easily) and enjoying the ride is brilliant. I’ve just completed a 2000 mile tour to Antibes and back via some amazing roads and am already itching for another trip on the GSA.

As I don’t really take it off road, this last time, I did look at the option of an RS, an RT, or a K1600. As good as they’d be at meeting my touring needs, I ultimately didn’t think that they’d be as much fun. The GSA is definitely quirky and I think it’s a more of a multipurpose machine.

I knew that the 1300GSA was coming out when I bought the 1250 but figured that I’d enjoy one of the last of the iteration and keep a watch on the way the 1300 develops and unfolds. First glimpse was… what the??? But now… I’m not hating it. I’ll test riding one when I feel the need and take it from there.

To all fellow GSA owners…. Enjoy

I knew the 1300 was coming out when I bought mine but I couldn't refuse the offer on the GSA. Plus I'm wasn't fan of the 1300GS so thought I'd not like the 1300GSA and now it's been released I was right in my thinking, although I don't think it looks quite as hideous now as when I first saw it

 

[the woodster]

Just been given a new 1300GS loaner whilst my GSA is in for its big service. Sadly I’m not a fan, even though I’ve only ridden it 30 miles:

It’s small and nimble, feels more like a “girls bike”. Quick shifter seems improved over my 1250. Engine seems no different.

It’s Fugly, it feels bland, it clatters even worse than my 1250. It also has transmission whine that my 1250 doesn’t. I don’t like the lack of wind protection, sitting on rather than in it.

Will be glad to get my GSA back.

It's strange isn't it? A good biking pal of mine went to orange for a year or so but went to Bahnstormers in June to re-familiarise himself with the GSA, as he's only had a series of 1200GSAs. He test rode the 1250 and went to put his money down then got an opportunity to ride the 1300 back to back. Needless to say, he is now the proud owner of a 1300 Trophy and rode it on a recent euro trip. I have never seen someone so happy with a bike. We finish a run and his face shines with pleasure. He acknowledges everything you say above. He doesn't care.

 

[snerkler]

It's strange isn't it? A good biking pal of mine went to orange for a year or so but went to Bahnstormers in June to re-familiarise himself with the GSA, as he's only had a series of 1200GSAs. He test rode the 1250 and went to put his money down then got an opportunity to ride the 1300 back to back. Needless to say, he is now the proud owner of a 1300 Trophy and rode it on a recent euro trip. I have never seen someone so happy with a bike. We finish a run and his face shines with pleasure. He acknowledges everything you say above. He doesn't care.

We're all different and like different things. I'm sure the 1300 is a great bike to ride but for me looks are also important. There's nothing worse than opening the garage door and seeing a bike you don't love in there, as great as the ride may be you just never fall in love with it from my experience. YMMV.

 

[the woodster]

We're all different and like different things. I'm sure the 1300 is a great bike to ride but for me looks are also important. There's nothing worse than opening the garage door and seeing a bike you don't love in there, as great as the ride may be you just never fall in love with it from my experience. YMMV.

I used to have a girlfriend like that.