2008 GSA to 2012 GSA or K1600GTSE? Testing both next week.

[stevekdavis]

This may be a bad move but while my 2008 GSA is in for its rear shock replacement I've booked a couple of test rides to pass the time, a new GSA and a K1600GT SE.

I'm pretty sure I'll know the results before I start. At 6' 8" I'm going to find the K1600 too low but will love everything else about it and can't see I'm going to find anything to justify a move to a new GSA.

Apart from the twin cam engine I don't think there's much new. Is there?

Anyone else moved from a 2008 GSA to a later version? I already have remus de-cat headers so get the fruity sound and smooth delivery already.

Any tall riders on a K1600?

 

[Nick dj]

Took the GT1600 for a test ride while they changed some parts over from my 08 GS to my new 11 GS.

It was so heavy and I didn`t like the whine of the engine. It was also very windy on the day and made the GT frightening when the wind caught it.

It did make the new twin cam seem light and a dream to ride, even sporty.

Enjoy, but don`t drop it £1000 exess on test ride bikes.

 

[itspilsbury]

Had an RT for 7 years got a CAMHEAD GSA last year and whilst it was at the dealers due to a very minor warranty issue took the 1600GT out. Wanted one since before it was available but a bit too much money. Well, 2 negatives, first if I opened and shut the throttle there was a lot of backlash somewhere? Possibly transmission or shaft???? Also if I rested my fingers on the clutch lever as I did this it moved almost 1/2 by itself in and out??? I rode it hard on the lanes and the sound was nice but not as nice as I expected. Everything else about the bike was fabulous. When I got back on my GSA I instantly thought "no this is better". I am glad I have ridden the GT finally as I can now put it out of my mind as a big want. If I had any desire to change, which I havnt then a new RT would be the choice. I think for the sort of money I would spend on a GT I would be better with a wing. But nope, I'm on my 5th Beemer in 15 yrs and I have no intention of changing the GSA.
Itspilsbury

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

I Have a 2012 1200 Adventure , my 6th Adventure since 2003 and its the best of the lot , can't put my finger on why but Its a peach .The 1600's look fab but my they are big . Nice position to be in though , a lot of the fun with bikes is looking out for your next one

 

[phillh]

I was going to buy an older GS but when I test rode a twin cam GS, a single cam GSA and a twin cam GSA, I went for the latter (bought new) and have really been pleased with it. There is a big difference between the single and twin cams but you have to decide whether its worth the cost to change.

Also bear in mind there is a new w/c model next year, allegedly.

Have never ridden the 1600, doesnt really appeal to me.

 

[alistairl]

I'm 6'5" and love the GSA, guy I know who is taller than me really likes his K1200LT.

But as you know it is all down to leg to torso ratio and whether it is leg angle vs weather protection.

A.

 

[Big Red]

I'm 6' 4'' and I found the K1600gt too low but it all depends on your dimensions, (leg, back, arms etc) but at 6' 8'' I doubt you have an inside leg of 28''.

Try the bike calculater: http://cycle-ergo.com/

You'll get the twin cam

 

[Sam555]

Hi, I have a 2008 GSA and have test ridden most of the BMW fleet recently including the K1600GT looking to change from the GSA in similar circumstances. The K1600GT is without doubt a very powerful and comfortable bike, ideal for long motorway runs but that isn't what I do (and I think too expensive fully kitted out). At the end of the day whilst the R1200RT and K1600GT are fab bikes the GSA always left me with the biggest smile and I wouldn't move to anything else for all its faults. If you do choose to stay with the GS/GSA I would wait for the new water cooled version next year. Also rode the new Triumph Explorer, Honda Cross Tourer and Ducati Mulitstrada but in my opinion the GSA remains the best though it could do with the engine power and response of the Triumph along with electronic cruise control. Funny enough when I park up with other bikes its always the GSA that attracts the attention of passers by!

 

[Roymondo]

Funny enough when I park up with other bikes its always the GSA that attracts the attention of passers by!

I found that my old F800ST always seemed to attract more attention/interest than my GSA does, especially from the older generation.

 

[Wudee]

Tested k16 gt today when the gsa dohc was getting a service. I am 6ft3 and found the k16 too low, tried to adjust the buddy but couldn't figure it out. They showed me when returning the bike how to do it. Static sitting on the bike did make it feel the angle of the knees a lot better. Did not like the throttle fly by wire as there is a clear delay in response. Engine smoothness is great. Just pulls and pulls. As it was raining all morning did not have opportunity to chuck it about too kuch, but front feels heavy compared to gsa. Screen too low for me, getting windblast. Love cruise control, hopefully will make it to the new gs. K16 sounded great with standard zorsts. Struggle on pricing of some of the extras. Topbox 800 quid!! Extea auxiliary lights 700. Was happy to get back on the gsa, felt nimble and better equipped for filtering through london traffic.

 

[Paul Wakefield]

Anyone else moved from a 2008 GSA to a later version?/QUOTE]

Went from 2008 GSA to 2011 TC GSA. The new engine is a corker; I wasn't so impressed on a test ride but the more I live with it, the more I like it. Takes a lot of running in and initially the mpg was ghastly. Pulls well and, for instance, is very happy in 4th at 30mph and pulls cleanly from there which my old single cam would never have done.

Otherwise the GSA is much the same as the previous one but feels better - can't put my finger on it.

I have found the ESA disappointing compared with the 2008 - reading other posts, there seems to be a lot of variation in the ESA. I think it must have wide manufacturing tolerances.

Went for the Triple Black not because I like the paint scheme (I actually prefer the others) but it seemed to have a better finish - time will tell.