GS or GSA

[UKGSrUS]

Hi,
Having just sold my beloved FJR and a not so beloved FLSTN I am close to placing deposit on a new GS. Won’t be my first BMW having had a R75/6 as a youngster and a R1150RT. The bike will be used as most, i.e. 75% commuting, 20% touring with the balance being the odd green lane explore.

Looking at the models the Adventure stands out for its increased suspension travel and off road pretences, but I don’t care for the additional 30 Kilos in dry weight. The GS Rallye has caught my eye as it has the enduro ESA and wire wheels but not all the gubbins of the GSA.

2 questions I need the experience of the board to help me with.

Is it possible to increase the suspension travel on a enduro ESA equipped GS to match the taller Adventure?

Does the standard Fuel tank provide enough real world range (i.e. 250 miles between pee/fuel/ coffee breaks) or does the bike really need the additional 11 ltrs of the Adventure?

Thanks for your support.

 

[Paul S]

Firstly welcome

Ref suspension - not sure as I always avoid the complexity of ESA and prefer to spend the money saved on decent after market suspension

Tank range - standard GS will do 180 to 200 miles in normal conditions. Never realy got more than about 300 out of a GSA. Plenty of fuel stations in most parts of the world so do you really need a 300 mile range?

Also wire wheels is an option on all 1200GS's.

I have had 2 GS's and 2 GSA's all great bikes - test ride both and see which one you prefer

 

[mb4807]

Been there

Just been through all this myself. Was certain a GSA would be 'too much' and too heavy. Rode a GS and was amazed how agile it was and easy to ride and so decided if the GS was that easy, the GSA must hide it's weight similarly well, which I think it does. So I went for a GSA just cos I fancied it more than the regular one and so far have no regrets at all.

 

[Nutty]

I guess it depends where you are commuting to, as the GSA is obviously bigger and will need bigger specs to weave in and out. The GS is a more sporty ride, so it depends what kind of riding you do as well.

 

[Georgeeboi]

I went for a GS as I came off sports bikes and didn't want the extra weight of the GSA, never do more than 200 miles without a break anyway, got a triple black because I liked the spoked wheels.

 

[cookie]

tank range is a bit of a red herring. when touring, i'd rarely do 300 miles between fill ups due to being with GSs with smaller tanks.

you do get better weather protection with the bigger tank though, and the screen is miles better.
i've ridden several GSs and the ride is definitely more sporty to the extent that i always think getting back on my GSA will seem a bit flat. it never does though

the GSA seems somehow much more roomy, and the ride quality is better (must be all that weight), so for touring, the GSA definitely wins out in my book.

it's no wider than the GS and can do traffic just as well IMO. obviously, the GSA looks much better too

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

GSA = no regrets

 

[Bobster]

Had both GSA wins hands down. Feels more planted, better protection, Looks better, large fuel tank can be a real bonus when fuel is sometimes hard to find (France).

 

[Deleted account Cooperman]

Tank range for me is a real plus.

I acknowledge if you are touring with other bikes of lower range you may have to stop with them.

Or the laws of nature will not out-run your tank range

But do you really want to make every stop on tour a petrol forecourt

Fill up either first or last thing and then just enjoy a worry free days riding stopping where you want to, good view/good cafe/good town etc etc

 

[UKGSrUS]

Thanks for the replies. Going to the dealer today to arrange test on both.

 

[Batfink]

GSA for me, does everything the GS can and go further. Never a problem filtering either.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

tank range is a bit of a red herring. when touring, i'd rarely do 300 miles between fill ups due to being with GSs with smaller tanks.

you do get better weather protection with the bigger tank though, and the screen is miles better.
i've ridden several GSs and the ride is definitely more sporty to the extent that i always think getting back on my GSA will seem a bit flat. it never does though

the GSA seems somehow much more roomy, and the ride quality is better (must be all that weight), so for touring, the GSA definitely wins out in my book.

it's no wider than the GS and can do traffic just as well IMO. obviously, the GSA looks much better too

What he says - covered the points well

 

[Beemerman59]

From one ride I had on a twin cam GS, it was a lot "flightier" than my '08 GSA and I felt I was sitting on top of the bike rather than in it which I do on the GSA. It did seem to have the more sporty pretentions but I don't think I ride my GSA any slower, it just seems that way. The GSA to me seems very well balanced and I prefer the more planted feel to the handling. Tank range is great - I tend to do 200-300 mile days so after a fill up in the morning I can decide where I want to stop for a break rather than having to make it a garage forecourt. At 6'3" the extra height does make a difference to leg room. I feel a part of the GSA whereas on the GS I felt a little isolated from it. Hard to say from just the one ride though. I'm really happy with my GSA.

 

[sven]

Had both GSA wins hands down. Feels more planted, better protection, Looks better, large fuel tank can be a real bonus when fuel is sometimes hard to find (France).

I found the GSA less planted as the longer travel, more softly damped suspension reduced feedback and made the handling comparitively vague. That was riding my old 2009 GS against a 2010 GSA, both with ESA.

The GS screen is easily cured by fitting a Givi Airflow for £130, which is better than a GSA screen, though not very attractive.

The extra range is useful though as I now have a 2012 RT and the extra range means only having to fill up once a day on tour.

 

[thor1340]

Will you fit extras?

If you are going to end up fitting crash bars, extra lights and a taller screen as some do, then the GSA is the way to go. The difference in money is not that much when you add up the extra spec on the GSA. I'm on my second and love it! But try both and see what fits your needs.

 

[Wrinkly]

Though I can manage the GSA,been a shorta**e 29" isl, it is a bit to tall for me for everyday use.
Having said that if my legs were 2" longer it would still be the GS for me.
It's lighter,quicker, nimbler, and so much more versatile than the GSA.

I have a GSA screen and GSA luggage,so when I'm going on a trip I put them on,it does everything the GSA does apart from go 300mls between fill ups which to be honest doesn't bother me.
For normal day to day use I take off the panniers and use the standard screen.

I've never understood when people say the GSA feels more planted,it just feels slightly heavier and does not turn in quite so quickly.

There both great bikes,but for me the GS just has the edge.

Steve

 

[UKGSrUS]

Havingused the search, I can see the camp is clearly split on this one.

Anyone had a GS And GSA off road? Did the extra suspension travel of the GSA help, or did the nimbleness of the GS win out.

If its a GS I do plan on crash bars and extreme bash plates. Still researching luggage but don't want to open that debate again!

 

[BeamishTripleBlack]

Bought a GS in october last year, did 3000 miles but have just swapped to a GSA, the rider protection is noticably better, the obvious advantage of being able to go 300 between fill ups and as for agility.......a GSA to me feels very stable and the seat is definately better for my arse, also its only after a tank fill do you really notice the extra weight. If you can stretch to a GSA go for it. Just my opinion though

 

[casperfelix]

I have asked before and I'll ask again; "Where is the extra 30 kilos difference between the GS and GSA?".
If the tank is full that's the answer. But if we're talking dry weight, about the only difference is the crash bars, sump guard and pannier mounts - and they don't come to 30 kilos or anywhere near. And if it is the fuel - then don't fill it right up!
PS I love my GSA.

 

[UKGSrUS]

Dry weight difference is 20 Kilos. As standard adventure does not come with panniers or racks. So difference has to be
Engine and fuel tank bar, screen, screen brace, winglets, auxiliary lights, taller seat, tail rack beefier pegs....

Engine bar, fuel tank bar and tail rack could easily be 12-15 kilos alone..... Other items easy 5 kilos...