ASA

[karlp]

I was looking at the ASA system on the 1300 and thinking about how fragile this could be.

To start the bike you are required to hold in the front brake and then to select 1st gear repeat the process.

So the whole bike is dependent upon a small micro switch.

If this fails then you cannot even move the bike

Is this correct?

 

[Martin GSA UK]

I have the manual. That also has micro-switches on the sidestand. Can't remember, maybe also on clutch lever (must do, for when it's in gear and starting).

They're everywhere on everything nowadays!

 

[karlp]

I have the manual. That also has micro-switches on the sidestand. Can't remember, maybe also on clutch lever (must do, for when it's in gear and starting).

They're everywhere on everything nowadays!

Yes

but at least with the manual you can move the bike

with the ASA you cannot move the bike unless you start the engine - hence my question

 

[jetjock]

Yes

but at least with the manual you can move the bike

with the ASA you cannot move the bike unless you start the engine - hence my question

Not being able to move the bike has huge advantages

 

[Coopes]

Yes

but at least with the manual you can move the bike

with the ASA you cannot move the bike unless you start the engine - hence my question

you can if it was in neutral before the engine was turned off, only locks the transmission if in gear when engine is turned off

 

[karlp]

Not being able to move the bike has huge advantages

I agree from a theft viewpoint.

 

[daesimps]

Yes

but at least with the manual you can move the bike

with the ASA you cannot move the bike unless you start the engine - hence my question

You don’t have to start the bike, only turn on the ignition. You can also use the rear brake.

I do this every time I get our 2 ASA GSs out of the garage.

 

[karlp]

You don’t have to start the bike, only turn on the ignition. You can also use the rear brake.

I do this every time I get our 2 ASA GSs out of the garage.

Thanks for that

 

[grantmac]

The gear lever on the GSA / GS 1300 is made of stern plastic and is not a true gear lever but a switch.....a bit risky in my mind if the plastic were flimsy as you still use it as you would a normal ''clutched'' one.
There are so many micro switches on many bikes these days that anything could cause a problem. If the micro switch on the side stand went you would also not be able to start the bike....

 

[Markyboy]

I leave mine in Park but to get to neutral I pull in the front brake whilst at the same time hold the button, on the left hand handle bar which selects Manual or Auto mode, down for a few seconds and it pops into Neutral. Then I can move the bike about. I'm really getting used to the ASA now and it's great but only time will tell whether its reliable.

 

[Martin GSA UK]

I've watched a number of YouTube videos and everyone who tests the ASA is impressed. I have an aversion to it. Probably irrational. Trying to put my finger on it:
- a step too far to de-skilling us, after ABS and traction control
- suspicion we're being manipulated, softened up to get ready for electric bikes
- I enjoy feathering the clutch when it's necessary
- I get pleasure from making my own smooth gear changes (sad?).
At the moment it's in the electric can opener / air fryer category. Clever, but I don't personally, feel the need. But I have no problem with others enjoying it. Just hope the factory doesn't just listen to ASA owners and keeps building manuals.

 

[Hann]

I've watched a number of YouTube videos and everyone who tests the ASA is impressed.
- a step too far to de-skilling us, after ABS and traction control
- suspicion we're being manipulated, softened up to get ready for electric bikes
- I enjoy feathering the clutch when it's necessary
- I get pleasure from making my own smooth gear changes (sad?).

I tested two recently and lets just say i was not impressed.
Perhaps i was expecting too much...

I agree with all your points above and i could probably add a few more to the list which would be more of a functional/operational point of view.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I was in at a bmw dealer yesterday and they said this year that they were selling 3:1 ASA to Manual GS/GSA and RT this year

Nobody seems interested in manual bikes anymore

As we age we want auto cars and bikes

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I tested two recently and lets just say i was not impressed.
Perhaps i was expecting too much...

I agree with all your points above and i could probably add a few more to the list which would be more of a functional/operational point of view.

Try the KTM 1390 SAS Evo auto

It’s supposed to be a step on from BMW offering

 

[Wrinkly]

Try the KTM 1390 SAS Evo auto

It’s supposed to be a step on from BMW offering

It can drink fuel better than the GS, and not in a good way.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

It can drink fuel better than the GS, and not in a good way.

The fun of 175 bhp is worth it though

 

[jefformston]

It can drink fuel better than the GS, and not in a good way.

They say that about the 1290 but my 1290SAS is better loaded up than my mates 1250GSA and the same when unloaded on the back roads. It’s only thirsty when the revs get high, which isn’t needed when riding with someone on a GSA.

 

[Wrinkly]

The fun of 175 bhp is worth it though

Interesting JB. I took the 1390 EVO from Thirsk to Hawes and back, a road I know pretty well. When you really wind it up it is quicker than the GS 1300. But I didn't feel it was that much quicker mid range. The BMW has 149 nm torque @ 6500 rpm ,the 1390 145 @ 8000. The 1390 EVO was a beast of a bike and as is there MO it really wanted you to keep it singing. Getting back on the BM it felt much more akin to my style of riding. I felt as much fun was to be had from the BMW than the KTM.
The KTM gearbox was very slick although I couldn't make down change by shutting the throttle. In sport mode the box was rather choppy, but so is the BM. In manual mode using the gear lever the BM is super slick and much nicer than the KTM.
If I'd bought a KTM there is no way I would be disappointed with it. But for me the BM has the edge, that may have been a different conclusion 30 years ago.
As I've said before, even if due to physical limitations I didn't need an auto clutch, knowing what I know now I would definitely be going auto. It's like garlic bread.... 'It's the future'

 

[Rasher]

Hoping with the auto-gearboxes being very popular might mean used values on 3 year old bikes coming off PCP will be much lower for the manuals "nobody wants", as if I upgrade my pre-historic KTM 1290 SAS I would prefer the version with the fewest microswitches, solonoids, wiring and sensors to go wrong, and not worry about a cheap electronic component failure requiring an engine strip to replace it....

...especially as when these things go wrong the dealers tend to have no idea how to fix then and just randomly swap parts at your expense until they work again.

 

[Martin GSA UK]

Sorry to rain on your parade, but IF that were to happen, which I doubt, then the manuals would be the ones to have.

Just like used Ferraris. Manual = ££ +50%.

I expect the ASA will be reliable. No sign they won't be.