snerkler
Registered user
The only options you need are what YOU want. The bike will lose value whether it's basic or fully loaded so just enjoy it while you have it
Basic GSA
- Thread starter Georgeeboi
- Start date
The only options you need are what YOU want. The bike will lose value whether it's basic or fully loaded so just enjoy it while you have it
I have had bikes with every option possible and some with a lot less.
Here is my opinion.
Heated grips - if possible I would get them.
Trip computer - yes - it is good to at least have access to that info.
ABS - me yes but I know many people that would not bother. - I have never had to use it but reassuring just incase.
ASC - waste of money.
TPS - useful
ESA - if you are continually changing from solo to pillion then yes, otherwise get a set of Wilbers/Ohlins.
Enduro box - never really noticed the difference - even up Stelvio fully loaded. If it is available then may as well if you have to wait three months then your choice.
My current bike is a 30yr GSA with everything - however the ESA shocks have been changed to Wilbers and lowered by 50 mm.
I have never used the ABS
Never change the ASC
Rarely change the ESA
Occasionally use the heated grips
Always flicking through the computer
Just my thoughts.
Here is my opinion.
Heated grips - if possible I would get them.
Trip computer - yes - it is good to at least have access to that info.
ABS - me yes but I know many people that would not bother. - I have never had to use it but reassuring just incase.
ASC - waste of money.
TPS - useful
ESA - if you are continually changing from solo to pillion then yes, otherwise get a set of Wilbers/Ohlins.
Enduro box - never really noticed the difference - even up Stelvio fully loaded. If it is available then may as well if you have to wait three months then your choice.
My current bike is a 30yr GSA with everything - however the ESA shocks have been changed to Wilbers and lowered by 50 mm.
I have never used the ABS
Never change the ASC
Rarely change the ESA
Occasionally use the heated grips
Always flicking through the computer
Just my thoughts.
sven
Registered user
If I only rode solo, then ESA may not be a requirement for me IF I could set up the standard suspension to suit my requirements i.e. firm and well damped.
The standard GS suspension seemed very soggy to me and, upon Schtum's advice (who is a very quick road rider), I tried the ESA equipped bike and it was much, much better IMHO.
I bought mine pre-registered when the Twincam model was announced, so it was fully loaded with the Dynamic and Premium packs + panniers for only £9995 anyway, which was less than RRP for the base model. I'll probably do the same at the end of this year and buy a cheap Twincam GS when the 1250 Wasserboxer is officially released
dd1150A
Registered user
Heated grips - if possible I would get them.
Trip computer - yes - it is good to at least have access to that info.
ABS - me yes but I know many people that would not bother. - I have never had to use it but reassuring just incase.
ASC - waste of money.
TPS - useful
ESA - if you are continually changing from solo to pillion then yes, otherwise get a set of Wilbers/Ohlins.
Enduro box - never really noticed the difference - even up Stelvio fully loaded. If it is available then may as well if you have to wait three months then your choice.
+1
If you're used to sports bikes I'd recommend you put the saving towards a set of ohlins/ wilbers as they will transform the handling of the bike.
I've only had ABS on my most recent GS and don't regret it having been 'anti' for many years. Heated grips and computer also worth having - the rest is bling.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Thanks for your valued opinions, I have decided not to go for a basic bike, I had a test ride this morning on a gs triple black with dynamic and premium package and loved it, I decided to go the gs route instead of GSA because coming from sports bikes I really didn't need the fuel range of the gsa as the majority of my mates still stop every 150 miles anyway plus the extra weight of the GSA, might need to do something with the gs screen got a bit of buffeting, also got a reasonable px price on my duke 1198 plus the BMW offer of £1000 contribution and two free services so I'm mulling it over for a couple of days.
snerkler
Registered user
One thing I will say is that the GS grows and grows on you. It may not be a bike that you instantly fall in love with, but after a few weeks it really gets under your skin. It's the only bike other than the K6 Gixxer Thou that I've not got bored of within 6 months. I had the GSA for nearly 2 years now and love it more and more.
I think your choice of the GS over the GSA makes a lot of sense if you're coming from sports bikes but would question whether the 'bells and whistles' are worth the extra cost. Could you spec it with ABS and heated grips and then spend the saving on Ohlins / Wilbers and pocket the saving ? Think you would end up with a better ride with less to go wrong.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Good point APE, something else to think about thanks.
snerkler
Registered user
It is a personal thing, I have all the bells and whistles and would do the same again if I had my time over. I like the security of ABS and ASC, and like the ease and effect of the ESA
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Can someone explain asc I've heard from people on this parish that it is a waste of money also the tyre pressure monitor is that worth the extra, sorry for asking so many questions trying work out the right spec for me.
snerkler
Registered user
ASC is basically traction control. To be honest it is a pretty basic and crude system on the GS, and some find it too intrusive. I obviously am not a hard rider as the only time I've had the ASC active is when accelerating hard and went over a pothole. As I ride in all weathers, and commute I like the reassurance
Must admit the tpc is useful but not convinced its worth paying extra for. Asc is a pain in the ass as it's too sensitive if you like to give it some. I recommend the comfort package (heated grips, computer and led indicators) and ABS only. Maybe also the chrome headers as the regular ones go brown which is a shame on a nearly new bike. Worth less on resale but you pat less upfront. BTW the ABS is excellent on the current model and well worth having even if you've never used it before.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Looks like premium pack and abs!
Deleted account 251212001
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As a former 1098s owner, trust me dynamic and premium, im quicker on the gsa the suspension is top notch and havent seen traction kick in yet and i dont hang around.
Georgeeboi
Registered user
Trouble is I didn't really give it some on the test ride just trying to get used to the boxer engine, dealer said I could have another ride before I commit which I think I will do.
The question of ESA or not is always coming up and always will while it's an option. I like the ESA option and it's my money so I will have what I want. Then there's the complexity of ESAWilburs and ESAOhlins versus the stock ESA shocks. I know that for me it would be a sheer waste of time and money putting a set of Wilburs or Ohlins on my bike. It may make it look a bit more blinged up, but in terms of how my bike performs with me riding it, they would make no difference, make no sense and therefore a total waste of money. I know this, because my stock ESA setup has no weaknesses - for me. On my bike and with my riding style. And I do know the difference between crap suspension and good suspension - I have just forked out a load of dosh to improve the handling of my K1100RS because it was handling like a bloated whale. But on the GSA, the stock suspension just so happens to be perfect - for me. I cannot fault it in any way whatsoever. Now, the trackday and riding gods will have different views, but that's irrelevant for me as I know I won't notice any difference.
What would make me think about changing is if the shocks actually break, but I will cross that bridge if I get to it.
What would make me think about changing is if the shocks actually break, but I will cross that bridge if I get to it.
dd1150A
Registered user
does the traction control prevent wheelies ?
Yes, the ESA will retard the ignition if it detects a wheelie. However, with one push on the 'mode button' you can switch to a less intrusive setting which will allow you a 5 second minger. Then with a further press of the button the ESA can be switched off completely. So you can 'stunt' to your hearts content.
it can affect the positioning of your tax disc and whether you leave the panniers on all the time or not.
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