Comments sought from 'those in the know'

[RILLOM]

I'm looking to to trade up from my current 05 1200GS to a more recent model - possibly an 08 or 09 GS / GSA

So thought I would seek comments (useful ones please) from the 'font of knowledge' forum as to the advantages / disadvantages of GS / GSA & whether there has been any problems (apart from the 'usual') with GS/GSA models manufactured in the 2008 - 2009 period.

 

[Pukmeister]

I traded from a 2004GS to a 2008 GSA. Apparently the newer bike has slightly more power, personally I can't tell. The gearbox on the newer bike is smoother shifting and more precise in its action.

Now I'm used to the GSA, riding a GS seems like a toy in comparison (had a GS loaner during servicing). The GSA has much better road presence, she's a big old lump but no more difficult to handle than a GS in my opinion.

Advantages are a much longer tank range when touring, and longer suspension when off-roading (personally I don't, I have a KTM Enduro for that).

The newer bike has ESA suspension which is easier for altering at the press of a button, plus ASC (traction control) and the better non-servo ABS brakes.

Altogether, it's an improvement on my older bike.

EDIT: Forgot to say, the 2010 loan bike I rode with the new twincam engine was very smooth and definitely had more power/torque, if money was no object thats the GSA I would have.

 

[ianp5uk]

I think it depends how you're planning to use it. From one who doesn't know much, the main difference I can see is the size of the tank on the GSA. I know it's got a little more suspension travel and is a bit higher but I seriouly doubt that's needed for 99.99% of us. I mean who's going to be taking a big old bus down the sort of single track at the speed where you need it? I think the GSA has the protection bars as standard which are useful if you're going to be riding unmade roads. The wire wheels should be less likely to fail completely if you hit a rock at speed. If I was going to be travelling in some out of the way place I think the big tank would be very worthwhile but if I expected to be doing lots of off road at speed I don't think I'd choose a 1200GS at all. Maybe one of the older ones but more likely something smaller and lighter. So for me general use and civilised touring I'd be happy with the standard GS but the GSA is a nice to have.

 

[RILLOM]

Thanks for the comments - you've both really confirm my feelings.

The other thing is the matter of night riding & lights etc - do you know if there has been any improvements on lights on the later GS (08-09) as compared to the earlier models (04-05). Just thinking is it worth paying the extra for a longer range tank plus spots etc - or just kit out a GS with HID?

 

[Stretchamus]

If your looking at a GSA now and you buy a GS, you'll probably still be looking at a GSA in the future, unless you test ride the GSA and don't like it thereby getting it out of your system.

Buy the biggest and best you can afford, works for me

Best regards Stretch

 

[slimpickings]

If your looking at a GSA now and you buy a GS, you'll probably still be looking at a GSA in the future, unless you test ride the GSA and don't like it thereby getting it out of your system.

Buy the biggest and best you can afford, works for me

Best regards Stretch

same as he said
I have just swapped from GS to GSA

its worth it for the wind protection alone

i reckon that big tank helps with the protection

I have wanted one ever since I got my GS
If you only ride solo , dont worry if it aint got ESA

get a yellow one

 

[snerkler]

same as he said
I have just swapped from GS to GSA

its worth it for the wind protection alone

i reckon that big tank helps with the protection

I have wanted one ever since I got my GS
If you only ride solo , dont worry if it aint got ESA

get a yellow one

I'm with some of the others on here, if you're considering a GSA I don't think the GS will do. IMO the GS is for those who are not tall enough, or strong enough to cope with the extra size and weight, or want a shade extra agility on the road and so have never contemplated the GSA. If you're one of those that have considered a GSA I don't think you'll be happy with a GS. But that's just my opinion. I'm sure they'll be some who come along and tell me I'm talking out of my arse. I was one of those people in 2006. I was contemplating the GS and GSA, and bought the GS as the GSA's suspension at that time wasn't great. But all the time I had the GS, I still wanted a GSA, and now they've got the suspension sorted I've bought one. The GSA suits me better size wise, the GS was a touch too small for me Since I've had the GSA I've never wanted a GS.
As others have said, if your budget allows go for the DOHC GS/GSA, they're a marked improvement over the 08/09
I disagree with slimpickings though, the ESA is a feature I use a lot, and I only ever ride solo

 

[Bikerjim]

had a 56 plate which i did 20000 miles on

Just upgraded to the newer 09 plate with ESA

Its my main transport to work etc , The newer one seems smaller and more like my old 850 rockstar rather than a GS

Generaly very good ESA

if you need the GSA ask yourself
1, do i need a 33 litre tank
2, do i need long travel suspention
3, I am i going round the world
4, Do i need to spend an extra £1500 for things which i wont use?

If you answered no to the questions by a GS and spend £1500 on farkles

Jim

 

[Deleted account 190920001]

+ for GSA Longer fuel range though unless you change the seat you will never use it. Far better weather protection and if you don't go out in bad weather there is still a lot less wind in the face and buffeting. On a subjective side it just looks far batter than the GS. Personally I prefer the older GS with the black panels because I really don't like the aluminium ones.

- for the GSA Its a little taller so if your on the shorter side the extra hight might just tip the balance for you.

Neutral is the extra weight but unless you drop it you dont notice it. I am not particularly strong and had no problem lifting it back on its wheels when some twat knocked it off the stand.

 

[Pukmeister]

The GSA with fog lights has decent lighting, not sure without the fogs.

I made my own light bar and fitted a set of Hella MicroDE fogs on my previous GS, excellent on country roads for giving a wide spread of light to illuminate the edges of the road.

I may go for HID lighting on my GSA in the future as many owners rate it over the standard filament based lights. I believe Les Wassall is the man to ask for all things HID on a GS/GSA.

 

[Stretchamus]

get a yellow one

+1 Defo a Blond one She is German after all

I disagree with slimpickings though, the ESA is a feature I use a lot, and I only ever ride solo

+1 Snerk's, I ride solo a lot and use the ESA all the time, when I'm coming into a built up area I put it in Confort because I'm short in the leg and the softer suspension of comfort mode helps me get my feet down easier and dab if the road has a slight drop of etc (also good on motorway for being slightly lower) as I come out of town its into Normal mode and when me mate on his ricer starts to play its into Sport mode, I would want ESA again

Best regards Stretch

 

[snerkler]

had a 56 plate which i did 20000 miles on

Just upgraded to the newer 09 plate with ESA

Its my main transport to work etc , The newer one seems smaller and more like my old 850 rockstar rather than a GS

Generaly very good ESA

if you need the GSA ask yourself
1, do i need a 33 litre tank
2, do i need long travel suspention
3, I am i going round the world
4, Do i need to spend an extra £1500 for things which i wont use?

If you answered no to the questions by a GS and spend £1500 on farkles

Jim

I answered no to all 4 and still have the GSA. What you also forgot to add was the looks and presence, as well as weather protection.
I prefer the more planted feel of the GSA, and also the fact it takes a little more man handling. The GS always feels like the GSA's baby brother, and I can throw it around like a rag doll so to speak. I feel the GSA was bespoke made for me

 

[snerkler]

+ On a subjective side it just looks far batter than the GS. Personally I prefer the older GS with the black panels because I really don't like the aluminium ones.

-

+1 on both accounts. I've never been fond of the aluminium panels on the later GS's

 

[Engineer]

If you can stretch to a 2010 model you will appreciate the improved engine - the low speed running is noticeably better than the earlier models.

 

[snerkler]

If you can stretch to a 2010 model you will appreciate the improved engine - the low speed running is noticeably better than the earlier models.

And it has extra poke

 

[Les Wassall]

2010 model GSA and you can't go wrong, I had a 55 GS and this is well better, just HiD lights required

 

[[email protected]]

went from an 54 gs

to an 08 GSA all the extras, had it 5 months wouldnt go back, nearly as fast better road presence, better wind protection, ESA is ace, do take a pillion quite a lot, plus it does 330 to a tankful and freaks the petrol pump people when you fill it up, so comfy 200-300 miles no problems and you can ride it like a t..t or like your on your advanced test it will do either equally as well do the swap you will love it

 

[sven]

Having ridden a 2010 GSA back-to-back with my 2009 GS (both ESA equipped), I much prefer the handling of mine due to the lower centre of gravity and stiffer, better damped, shorter travel suspension - it offers much better feedback, especially when flicking from left to right etc. in the twisties If you don't like "making progress" you may not appreciate the difference

The GSA screen is better, but not as good as a £130 Givi Airflow And a standard 2008/2009 GS does 200 miles to a tank, so the extra range of the GSA is nice but not essential.

I've ridden all three engines (2004, 2008MU and 2010 twin cam) and feel each upgrade was a noticeable improvement in terms of power and smoothness and would buy a twin cam if budget permitted.

 

[Stretchamus]

I much prefer the handling of mine, stiffer, better damped, shorter travel suspension - it offers much better feedback, especially when flicking from left to right etc. in the twisties If you don't like "making progress" you may not appreciate the difference

Yes, but some of us like a challenge

Best regards Stretch

 

[RILLOM]

Made the decision - eventually

Well I've done it !!!

Firstly, many thanks for your all comments. I decided to go for the GS ...........

I Know .. I Know !!!!!! you're going to say should have been the GSA !!!

I won't be going off-road with the GSA or GS - I don't need the fuel range (the bum wouldn't stand 300+ miles non-stop anyway) and finally I'm big enough to give a large presence on the road.

Anyways thanks again for your comments