gs, or gsa

[Beemerman59]

Yes, me too, but the big tank lets me take a rest where I can get a coffee and read the paper for half an hour, or watch the scenery, or the wilflife, or stop and take some photos.

I don't want to take my riding breaks sitting a the concrete floor watching other people pour petrol into their cars.

+1. I bought a GSA for this and a few other reasons. I like to choose when and where I stop without having to take my hard earned break in a petrol station so the big fuel tank is great for that. Even riding with mates on other bikes I prefer to fill up just once in the morning and then not have to think about it again. I also wanted the extra seat height which suits my 6'3" frame very well and having test ridden both I preferred the GSA's more planted feel than the slightly more livlier feeling the GS has. Also prefer the looks of the GSA.

Both are great, test ride both and go for the one that floats your boat.

 

[APE]

$2,000 will pay for a lot of trips to Asda though

 

[scoobert]

$2,000 will pay for a lot of trips to Asda though

just say walmart. we all are infected by those.

 

[wknight]

I have a GS because I can't ride a GSA as its too tall.

Now I do take my GS on real adventures like crossing the Arctic Circle and the GS is fantastic. I have added the beak and some wunderluct spots and I carry a fuel can when I think it may be in short supply and I saved a ton of cash.

Next year I plan to start a big tour of North America. Will I do it on my 1200GS, actually no! I plan to use a 650GS because I rode one down through South America this year and that bike will do all that you ever need off-road. It handles really we, is light and has great fuel economy and range. So son't underestimate the potential of the 650 twin.

Enjoy your trips

 

[scoobert]

I have a GS because I can't ride a GSA as its too tall.

Now I do take my GS on real adventures like crossing the Arctic Circle and the GS is fantastic. I have added the beak and some wunderluct spots and I carry a fuel can when I think it may be in short supply and I saved a ton of cash.

Next year I plan to start a big tour of North America. Will I do it on my 1200GS, actually no! I plan to use a 650GS because I rode one down through South America this year and that bike will do all that you ever need off-road. It handles really we, is light and has great fuel economy and range. So son't underestimate the potential of the 650 twin.

Enjoy your trips

i need to feal my hands after 200 miles. the bars vibrate too much.
seat is too narrow.

 

[scoobert]

not to mention, i cant get it over 125mph.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

aside from the tank, where does the extra weight come in?
i do like the alloys over the spoke wheels.
not sure how far between pumps it will be on the way to Alaska.

The GS tank range will be plenty. The only difficult place will be from Coldfoot to Prudhoe Bay where there is 240 miles between gas stations Strap a gallon can onto the rack and you are done

 

[tanneman]

GSA all the time. It's the one you want and to me, more practical. If you worry about the weight in the twisties then don't fill up the tank all the way, same with the offroad stuff. The standard TT/BMW panniers on the GSA makes more sense and you get a more powerful alternator for all the farkles you'll add one day. It's got the range, the presence and the kick ass looks. Wind protection is better and you only notice the weight when you have to pick it up. I should mention after I had a go on the twin cam GS is that the twin cam is as close to a sportsbike a GS can be. Just a shame the ground clearance is not the best as the foot pegs touch down too early . The vibrations is part of the package, you don't buy a vibrator and not put the batteries in? Just make sure the throttle bodies is synchronised or try Grip puppies. Enjoy it.

 

[Neil W]

I looked at both the GS and GSA, to be honest if BM did the standard GS with the option of the larger tank (like the spoked wheel option) I would have bought that, alternately I would have preferred the GSA with the lower GS suspension.

The tank size was the clincher for me , it means 500 miles plus in a day are easily achievable with only one stop (48 mpg at Autobahn speeds - 90 ish mph) , whereas with the smaller tank on my 1150GS it meant stops every 170 miles which don't half knock down average speeds.

I would say that having ridden both non ESA GS and GSA's the suspension on the standard GS seemed better , less choppy and more stable (solved on my GSA with Maxton suspension).

I solved the seat height problem by fitting a standard height GS seat recovered to match the back one.

 

[scoobert]

i want to know why the bike is 3000usd cheaper in the uk?

 

[cookie]

i want to know why the bike is 3000usd cheaper in the uk?

everythingfuckingelse we buy is $3000 more expensive. this one item must have slipped through the net.

 

[trainman]

i want to know why the bike is 3000usd cheaper in the uk?

left hand drives are cheaper!

 

[GrinningGSer]

GS fabulous bike, nimble. lighter. GSA fabulous bike, nearly as nimble when tank not full, not much heavier, fabulously better in wind at speed, especially on a motorway, which we all hate.
I tried all sorts of things with screens with my GS (I am 6ft 2) but never happy. I am really happy with the GSA and I love the presence, which you don't get on the GS... IMHO

 

[snerkler]

Best thing you can do is ride both and make your own mind up, as everyone has their own opinion. In the meantime here's my experience on the DOHC GS and GSA.
I bought the 2010 GSA as the size of the bike suits me much better, I prefer the looks, and I like the idea that I don't have to fill up so much. I've had a GS in the past but always hankered after the big brother, the GSA. The GSA is by far the best alround bike I've ever owned. It's not the fastest and not the most agile I've ever owned but it puts the biggest smile on my face.

When I took the GSA in to have the AUX light switch replaced I took the DOHC GS out for a spin. I was seriously impressed with this bike. I wasn't expecting so much difference between the 2 bikes, the GS is so much quicker and so much more agile. The main downside was the wind noise. I wear a full face helmet and ear plugs and the noise was unbearable at over 60mph. I could only maintain speeds over 60mph for 2 mins before I had to slow right down before I went deaf. Also I found the GS too small for me.

Now although on the face of it the GS is a better road bike, when I got back on my GSA even though it felt slow, heavy and squidgy, I preferred it

 

[stevebell]

GSA
Tried a 2010 GS with all the goodies. Ended Up buying an 07 GSA and I bloody love it.
Each to their own etc

 

[solidstate100]

Ive owned a GS, which was brilliant then traded it for an 800GS which was more brillianter and then I traded that for a GSA which is even more brillianterer still - wish I had bought that in the first place and saved about 10k in the process....

So GSA is the one you want, no buts........

 

[RJT_Berlin]

Have been through a similar process.... Ktm 990 adventure ( awesome, maybe shouldnt have sold) moto morini granpasso, triumoh sprint st - those two costing me looooooaaaads, and now the gsa!!! Should have either kept the the ktm or gone to my fave the bmw a long time ago!!! Saved time and a looot of money for sure!!!! Price to buy shocked, but in the long run i would have saved!!!!

 

[scoobert]

another issue i am having here is for 18,000-20,000 we are talking mini cooper S money here. i am having an issue with that, there is a part of me wanting to keep the 650 and buy a mini race car.