GS/GSA are the main differences

kevingambrell

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HI
I have a 2006 R1200GS, after test riding a 2016 GSA at the weekend im trying to work out if I would be
better off traiding up to the GSA.
The one big advantage I can see is the tank size, the electronics im not so worried about.
I would at some point like to go off road with the GS I have at the moment. But I dont know if just a change of
tyres would do the job or would I be looking at changing the suspension and front wheel size.

Cheers
 
If you commute and/or do solo distance touring then the large tank is useful. If you ride in a group, then you stop when the smallest tank dictates it and you might as well fill up at the same time. The regular sporty GS is lighter and lower giving a sweeter ride. And yes, I have had both.
 
I have not had both but unless you need that big tank the GS is probably the sweeter bike to ride. Its also less likely to have been over cosseted as a holidays only tool resulting in a tight (slow) engine.
 
I have had both and the main difference is the tank size, screen protection and suspension. The GSA also sits considerably higher which is a consideration if like me you are vertically challenged. Both have their attributes and both can go off road although if you intend doing that regularly then maybe consider a cheap green laner.
 
The GSA screen caused wind turbulence that I could not live with. The Givi AF-330 screen pretty much solved the problem and it fits the GS just as well. You can also fit the GSA winglet deflectors to the GS.

If you are serious about going offroad any bike above 500cc is likely to be too heavy and offer more power than you can use. If you want to tour offroad get a tag along trailer like the Bob Yak. Scaled up of course for motorbike needs.
 
For me there are considerable differences. But the main one is that the GSA is a bike you get very fond of in a way you do not for the GS or RT.
I'm a short arse and do not find the new GSA a problem.

Lovely bike.
 
The new WC GSA is more "short arse" friendly than the last model. I was pleasantly surprised when I could get the balls of my feet down in the showroom on a standard chassis/standard seat GSA. I have a 29" inside leg.
 
Thank youo for the replies. Im very much happy with the 06 GS I have at the moment.
A topic on here over the last few days got me thinking about the range of the tank on mine.
I plan to do a reasonably long ride later in the year to Chernobyl. But I cant get past the fact that
fuel stations are not going to be that much of a problem as long as I fuel up at around the 100 mile mark .
I am tempted to do something with the stock shocks on the GS if I do nothing else. The ones on the bike seem
to be a bit limited in adjustment and the front shock looks like its off a 1980's dirt bike.

I think in truth my ideas of off road are a bit pie in the sky given im 50 unfit and alergic to falling off,
and I do have the F650 if I want to get wet and covered in mud.

Once again thank you for your thoughts on this.
 
Hi do you mind me asking why Chernobyl ?
Oh and I'm over 50 overweight and unfit
I prefer the GS to the GSA
Unless you need the extra tank range I think the GS is more "sporty"
 
lawvar said:
Hi do you mind me asking why Chernobyl ?
Oh and I'm over 50 overweight and unfit
I prefer the GS to the GSA
Unless you need the extra tank range I think the GS is more "sporty"
Click to expand...

I have a friend that does research into how much fuel rod is laying around the area and fancy going to help for a few days.
I can also remember sitting on a hill a few days after the reactor went tits up thinking I wonder whats landing on me my girlfriend
and my bike.
 
kevingambrell said:
Thank youo for the replies. Im very much happy with the 06 GS I have at the moment.
A topic on here over the last few days got me thinking about the range of the tank on mine.
I plan to do a reasonably long ride later in the year to Chernobyl. But I cant get past the fact that
fuel stations are not going to be that much of a problem as long as I fuel up at around the 100 mile mark .
I am tempted to do something with the stock shocks on the GS if I do nothing else. The ones on the bike seem
to be a bit limited in adjustment and the front shock looks like its off a 1980's dirt bike.

I think in truth my ideas of off road are a bit pie in the sky given im 50 unfit and alergic to falling off,
and I do have the F650 if I want to get wet and covered in mud.

Once again thank you for your thoughts on this.
Click to expand...

If you like your 06 bike - buy some Ohlins for it, you'll be amazed
 
Wreford Miles said:
If you like your 06 bike - buy some Ohlins for it, you'll be amazed
Click to expand...

I did, and I were.
I went from original shocks with 68.000 km, to brand new Öhlins. After ~500 km they became extremely sweet, and felt like had they been 50 mm longer. They still are, 20.000 km later.
 
My experience too. I think the standard springs are too soft for the average tosser. Buying new shocks set up for your weight makes a big difference as well as having better damping.
 
New suspension will transform your bike and if you need a bit more tank range, use a rotopak or something similar.
 
Sounds like a perfect excuse to get some Wilbers shocks. Also get it Hilltopped so you can use the uber handling abilities.

A Givi AF-330 its MUCH better than a GSA or GS screen. Winglets are £20 on eBay and tougher than OEM winglets.

For petrol capacity get a couple of RotoPax fuel carriers or a fuel bladder that you can flop across the petrol tank. Not cheap but £loads less than a new bike.

For road presence get some latest spec headlight LED bulbs and some spotlights to mirror the GSA lighting setup.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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