Choosing between the GS and the GSA ? Any advice please

  • Thread starter Thread starter Reggie P
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Reggie P

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I think I'm just about to order one to replace a much loved 2014 F800GS ( seems little difference between new and used prices for 1200's , so a new purchase makes sense)

I'm struggling to choose between the two bikes.( R1200GS and R1200GSA)

I recently did the ORS at BMW in South Wales. We all wanted to ride the "Adventure " versions that the instructors were mounted on.
It seems they "look better" and there are so many R1200GS around they are kinda common!

However ;
I don't need the big tank ! The R1200 is ( £1200 cheaper TE spec) than the R1200GSA, has nice vario panniers, and I don't ride (my own bike) off road ... so what would you guys say I should think about when purchasing? Clearly its a "big" purchase and I don't want to get it wrong !
 
Buy with your heart and not your head. Which one do you love the most?

There are lots of differences, of which I am sure you are well aware. I personally love my GSA and don't like the look of the GS. so it was for me an easy choice :thumb2

:D
 
I test road both back to back, two hours on each over the same route. I prefered the GSA.

I then did the BMW ORS on the standard GS and decided that if I could handle the standard one off road then the GSA on road would be a doddle.

I had read write ups from magazines saying that they would miss their long term loaner GSA's and if they bought a standard GS they would regret not having bought the GSA.

I would have added a lot of the standard GSA stuff to a GS so that would have brought the prices closer, I also prefer the top loading panniers to the side loaders.

So I bit the bullet and bought a 2015 GSA with lowered suspension, I live 1km away from the nearest surfaced road so I opted for the TKC 80's.

The only options that I didn't go for where the Keyless and Shift Assist Pro.

So far no regrets!

DavesBMsmall_zps62fafddd.jpg
 
POL 382, wow what fabulous place to live ! Everyone ... thanks for the replies.
 
I'm waiting with trepidation for the first person who mentions the "increased presence on the road" that the Adventure has............ :blast
 
Blackal said:
I'm waiting with trepidation for the first person who mentions the "increased presence on the road" that the Adventure has............ :blast
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not forgetting how much more "planted" they are.
 
I've just bought a 2006 GSA to replace my 800GS.

I love the large tank on the GSA, and I can now commute and only have to refill every week and a half. I believe the screen is bigger on the GSA and that will benefit you on the road - I find that I keep surprisingly warm on the GSA compared to my 800 - on that I had to wear electric vest during winter months.

The only downside I have found is the seat height (I'm 5 11), but I am getting used to it..
 
yes, I've noticed that, presumably the extra weight? well, perhaps it is - but then I'm comparing it to the 800.
 
There is some good advice here. However the standard GS is lighter ( obviously more so with a full tank ) and much more agile on road so if you intend to ride tarmac save some dosh and get the standard GS.

There is a well known global adventure rider who recommends the GS over the GSA for 90% of riders because it is easier to handle..........my guess is that GSA riders need the BIGGER bike because they feel it is a 'proper' bike........hand grenades this way.
 
Standard GS is lighter, better looking and better handling - if you want sleek looks and performance go for the GS - if the rufty tufty, twat suited faux adventurer appeals more then you must get the GSA.
 
Rubbish. The Adventure is much the better looking bike and an extra 10-15Kg over the front wheel makes the front end a bit less flighty especially with luggage. I've noticed not difference in agility other than the slightest (and I mean slightest) indication of heavier steering when flipping left to right. I don't notice any extra weight pushing it around nor paddling it backwards when seated. Once you add a tall screen, LED's, crash bars and spoked wheels to the regular GS the prices are nearly identical. By your reckoning if you're too poor to afford £15.5K get the cheaper model ;)
 
My 2pence worth !

When i bought my GSA it was based on the following thinking :

Yes it is more money for the GSA but when you look what you get standard on the GSA TE in comparrison, crash bars fog/spot light thingys it brings the price difference much closer.

At the time of my purchase the flywheel on the GSA was of the heavier type which IMO made the bike much more GS TC like and again IMO better for it than the GS. I believe that has now changed But at the time....

The GSA has the bigger tank therefore more range which means less fuel stops or less planning on fuel stops ( i stop for a fag every hour or so any way but none the less.....)

IMO it is a comfier bike to ride, the seat is better and the ride nicer due to longer suspension

It will Hustle along at a more than reasonable pace and handles very very well once you get the idea of that big fuel tank

The GSA jut looks right IMO never mind prexence etc it looks as it should and again IMO that was important to me

I just preferred it over the standard GS both are good but the GSA wins for me so go and buy one and love it as i do mine
 
Oh....and the wire wheels look a right mess after a couple of rides as the anodized finish gets a permanent tarnish......doesn't bother me but does irritate that BMW got this wrong.
 
roundincircles said:
There is some good advice here. However the standard GS is lighter ( obviously more so with a full tank ) and much more agile on road so if you intend to ride tarmac save some dosh and get the standard GS.

There is a well known global adventure rider who recommends the GS over the GSA for 90% of riders because it is easier to handle..........my guess is that GSA riders need the BIGGER bike because they feel it is a 'proper' bike........hand grenades this way.
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Agreed the GSA is really just lardier version than the sporty GS - if your are a large bodied 6'5" person then the GSA makes sense because it's a bit taller and you won't overwhelm the bike; with all that weight to carry and fling about it wont be very spritely anyway. However one is normal sized then get the cooler, sleeker, faster GS - but make sure it is a red one :)
 
roundincircles said:
However the standard GS is lighter ( obviously more so with a full tank ) and much more agile on road so if you intend to ride tarmac save some dosh and get the standard GS.
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I've had two GS TE's and am now on a GSA TE, and haven't noticed any difference in handling. The GSA can be pushed as hard as a GS down proper roads.

roundincircles said:
Oh....and the wire wheels look a right mess after a couple of rides as the anodized finish gets a permanent tarnish......doesn't bother me but does irritate that BMW got this wrong.
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Wrong!:rob:D

I hadn't washed my bike for 6 weeks, until today, ridden in salty roads, and the wheels were filthy. They now look as good as new.:beerjug:
 
for my 2ps worth ….its what suits you , what works for you and what you actually want . You defo need to ride back to back on the same day to see the difference.

I rode the GS last summer, great bikes , I could keep with sports bikes in the tight twisties , I could tour on it , I could nip to Tesco on it , then i got a GSA.( the bike i should have got in the first place) and I could do all the same things . Its slightly heavier ,but I'm a big lad.

9 times out of 10 the GS rider specs his bike up to look like a GSA anyway !!!
 
The Nutty GSER said:
I've had two GS TE's and am now on a GSA TE, and haven't noticed any difference in handling. The GSA can be pushed as hard as a GS down proper roads.



Wrong!:rob:D

I hadn't washed my bike for 6 weeks, until today, ridden in salty roads, and the wheels were filthy. They now look as good as new.:beerjug:
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Nutty, have you lost weight since you downgraded to a GSA? This probably explains the handling.......wot no, you have been eating pies, the GSA can carry higher loads!

Your wheels are just a few washes from looking like they need anodising......trust me my front wheel has done 20,000 miles and is just as bad as the rear after 5000 miles......explanation!!!
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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