GS 1200 TE Test Ride Verdict

[Nutty]

When KTM actually match the spec of the GSA, I'll have a go on one. I could get used to a chain if I have to, but the lack of a quickshifter, LED headlights, AND having to crawl around on my hands and knees lubing a chain every other night on a trip knocks the KTM out, for me.

The KTM is overpriced, and will lose a lot more money than the GSA in 2 years. Try calling a few different dealers (BMW, KTM, Ducati, Triumph and Yamaha), and work out a trade in deal on a fictitious BMW or KTM, and you'll see which holds its value better. If residuals are important to you, of course.

 

[Norfolk Tiger]

When KTM actually match the spec of the GSA, I'll have a go on one. I could get used to a chain if I have to, but the lack of a quickshifter, LED headlights, AND having to crawl around on my hands and knees lubing a chain every other night on a trip knocks the KTM out, for me.

The KTM is overpriced, and will lose a lot more money than the GSA in 2 years. Try calling a few different dealers (BMW, KTM, Ducati, Triumph and Yamaha), and work out a trade in deal on a fictitious BMW or KTM, and you'll see which holds its value better. If residuals are important to you, of course.

This sounds likes Giles baiting to me

 

[jolly green giant]

I thought I read somewhere that the SA's full tank range is 300 miles compared to the GSA's 435 miles. Given that both bikes have a 30 ltr tank it says a lot about the SA's fuel consumption. Imagine how much more you would have to fork out on fuel expenses on a 3000 mile trip this summer on an SA.

 

[DING-DONG]

I thought I read somewhere that the SA's full tank range is 300 miles compared to the GSA's 435 miles. Given that both bikes have a 30 ltr tank it says a lot about the SA's fuel consumption. SA.

One of the things I never look at (mpg) i buy for enjoyment/fun factor so how many miles it does on a tank is irrelevant to myself, I did read it's 4mpg down on the gsa but returns better mpg on the motorway due to the 6th gear that feels like overdrive .

 

[Fluffmeister]

One of the things I never look at (mpg) i buy for enjoyment/fun factor so how many miles it does on a tank is irrelevant to myself, I did read it's 4mpg down on the gsa but returns better mpg on the motorway due to the 6th gear that feels like overdrive .

Spot on I brought the GS to work in the Highlands and am getting at best 10 MPG Less than I do when using my Diesel Superb, My superb would have been nowhere near as much fun around the back lanes of Drumnadrochit last night

I wonder what range people are getting on a GSA WC? I know on my Hilltop'ed GSA TC I could get around 300 miles to a tank. I get about 190 miles if I'm behaving on my LC TE with a 20L tank capacity so can't see how with an extra 10 litres you would get more than double my GS Tank range on a heavier bike.

What's the hang up on chains though, they are nowhere near as bad as Nutty's portrayal, not maintenance free like a shaft drive (but is that truly maint free with FD Oil changes) and with a Scottoiler or similar, they are no trouble at all. My last Triumph Tiger did over 20K miles on it's original chain and sprockets (With Scottoiler). If you have the mechanical skills of a 3 toed sloth and you feck up your adjustment then you'd have problems for sure.

Ultimately, they are both fantastic bikes.

 

[DC]

so back to the OP…..all the things negative you state most of them are Personal , Seat , Screen etc ….you are wasting your time talking one for a dry ride as you will only look for more faults.

No Bike is Perfect for everyone, but the GSA comes very very close for me .so i bought one . I think reading your remarks you would buy one on looks , and then be disappointed in a few months and start slagging it off.

My 2015 model is superb, its not let me down once and does exactly what it says on the tin

 

[Flipfly]

No issues with corner chatter

I'll look out for ya at the next round of BSB (or are you in WSB?)

 

[grin factor]

so back to the OP…..all the things negative you state most of them are Personal , Seat , Screen etc ….you are wasting your time talking one for a dry ride as you will only look for more faults.

No Bike is Perfect for everyone, but the GSA comes very very close for me .so i bought one . I think reading your remarks you would buy one on looks , and then be disappointed in a few months and start slagging it off.

My 2015 model is superb, its not let me down once and does exactly what it says on the tin

Doubt he'll bother with another test ride now as he has a KTM

 

[dongleplonk]

I thought I read somewhere that the SA's full tank range is 300 miles compared to the GSA's 435 miles. Given that both bikes have a 30 ltr tank it says a lot about the SA's fuel consumption. Imagine how much more you would have to fork out on fuel expenses on a 3000 mile trip this summer on an SA.

Well , I have first hand experience on that one!

GSA (2011 model) I used to get 53mpg consistently. Hardly varied. The SA gets an average of 55mpg which involves the same journey. 65mpg on the motorway and 45mpg around town.

In terms of miles per tank, I get 430 miles. My GSA would give me 380 miles.

 

[dongleplonk]

so back to the OP…..all the things negative you state most of them are Personal , Seat , Screen etc ….you are wasting your time talking one for a dry ride as you will only look for more faults.

No Bike is Perfect for everyone, but the GSA comes very very close for me .so i bought one . I think reading your remarks you would buy one on looks , and then be disappointed in a few months and start slagging it off.

My 2015 model is superb, its not let me down once and does exactly what it says on the tin

No question. Believe me when I say (above) that I have a real soft spot for the GSA. It's probably the best bike for general touring and if I had the cash, I'd have one of each (GSA and an SA). All matters are down to personal preference and to be honest, I couldn't really give a shit about which bike is besy - I'm far too busy thinking about my two tours this year to Corsica and to CZ.

 

[dongleplonk]

No issues with corner chatter

I'll look out for ya at the next round of BSB (or are you in WSB?)

Nah - don't do that no more
I'm sure you've never slipped on corners either.

 

[dongleplonk]

When KTM actually match the spec of the GSA, I'll have a go on one. I could get used to a chain if I have to, but the lack of a quickshifter, LED headlights, AND having to crawl around on my hands and knees lubing a chain every other night on a trip knocks the KTM out, for me.

The KTM is overpriced, and will lose a lot more money than the GSA in 2 years. Try calling a few different dealers (BMW, KTM, Ducati, Triumph and Yamaha), and work out a trade in deal on a fictitious BMW or KTM, and you'll see which holds its value better. If residuals are important to you, of course.

Yawn.

 

[Flipfly]

Well , I have first hand experience on that one!

GSA (2011 model) I used to get 53mpg consistently. Hardly varied. The SA gets an average of 55mpg which involves the same journey. 65mpg on the motorway and 45mpg around town.

In terms of miles per tank, I get 430 miles. My GSA would give me 380 miles.

380 miles to 30ltrs of fuel = 57.58mpg
430 miles to 30ltrs of fuel = 65.16mpg

(Based on a uk gallon being 4.546ltrs)

That's pretty impressive at the pace you must be riding

 

[dongleplonk]

380 miles to 30ltrs of fuel = 57.58mpg
430 miles to 30ltrs of fuel = 65.16mpg

(Based on a uk gallon being 4.546ltrs)

That's pretty impressive at the pace you must be riding

Thanks for working that out. Looks like I was getting more than I thought out of the GSA. Much of my miles are motorway and I don't ride at pace typically. So that probably sways the SA mpg. i.e. I get more than you'd normally get (motorways).

But one thing to remember, I don't run the tank down so either or both bikes could be lying about their remaining fuel available.

 

[dongleplonk]

....Mmmm. Hasn't the GSA got a 33 litre tank?

 

[cookie]

unless you've actually measured the amount of fuel used, mpg figures are little more than wild guesswork.

 

[dongleplonk]

Yes, you're right. One thing about the SA which annoys me - the 'analogue' fuel gauge shows empty when there is 100 miles of fuel left in the tank in terms of stated Range.

 

[Fluffmeister]

....Mmmm. Hasn't the GSA got a 33 litre tank?

The TC had, but the WC is 30 Litres IIRC

 

[dongleplonk]

The TC had, but the WC is 30 Litres IIRC

Ah, mine was a 2011 GSA. This was the comparitor

 

[dongleplonk]

380 miles to 30ltrs of fuel = 57.58mpg
430 miles to 30ltrs of fuel = 65.16mpg

(Based on a uk gallon being 4.546ltrs)

That's pretty impressive at the pace you must be riding

So I was comparing my 2011 GSA with the SA. So the GSA was thus giving me 52.4 mpg at 33 litre tank. But hey - who's counting!