Don't forget the extra weight of a bigger tank.
GS or GSA
- Thread starter UKGSrUS
- Start date
Don't forget the extra weight of a bigger tank.
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.
the crash bars and rack weigh a bloody ton. pick up any of their constituent parts, you'll be amazed.
well, i was.
There's a good reason for that
Firstly the GSA is better than a GS but then again the GS is better than a GSA. It just depends on what you want from either bike
Think of a straight line - at one end you have a Goldwing and at the other you have a supermoto. Both excellent bikes at what they do.
Now the 1200GS/GSA are somewhere in the middle of this straight line with the GS a tiny bit closer to the Supermoto and the GSA a tiny bit closer to the Goldwing
At the moment loving the sharper handling of my 1200GS TB with Wilbers supsension
Buy the one you prefer after a test ride and after you've drunk a coffee staring at the two bikes sitting next to each other.
FWIW I bought a GSA because;
1) I prefer the look of the GSA
2) I would have added a GSA screen to a GS anyway
3) I wanted the wider tank for better wind protection
4) I can fill up after four and a half journeys to work, instead of three.
5) I would have always coveted a GSA if I'd bought a GS
6) I prefer the ali panniers over the varios
FWIW I bought a GSA because;
1) I prefer the look of the GSA
2) I would have added a GSA screen to a GS anyway
3) I wanted the wider tank for better wind protection
4) I can fill up after four and a half journeys to work, instead of three.
5) I would have always coveted a GSA if I'd bought a GS
6) I prefer the ali panniers over the varios
BeamishTripleBlack
Registered user
Oh yeh good point about the panniers, the varios are good but tend to jam around the extend retract mechanism, the alloy versions are simpler and top loading making them an all round better product.
For what it's worth Givi airflow screen beter than both the standard GS and GSA screens and ali panniers fit very nicely onto a standard GS
For what it's worth Givi airflow screen beter than both the standard GS and GSA screens and ali panniers fit very nicely onto a standard GS
that bikes a disgrace, dont show ur face around here again until some serious, and i mean serious farkling completed
sven
Registered user
Never had any problems with my Vario's and they're narrow when unexpanded, so better for day to day use. Loading wasn't an issue with inner bags
Ali panniers and expanded Vario's are about as aerodynamic as a brick and seriously hindered high speed performance in my experience, so I wouldn't want such large panniers except for extended tours.
johnmh01
Registered user
For what it's worth Givi airflow screen beter than both the standard GS and GSA screens and ali panniers fit very nicely onto a standard GS
You need some hid aux lights on that now.
UKGSrUS
Registered user
Ive just done a price run down and there is very little in it between the two.
To spec out a ADV with the same options as the Rallye and the additional options I want , ABS, alarm and ASC would make the ADV £745 more OTR at retail.
But then add aftermarket crashbars, tail rack, Better screen and footpegs to the Rallye would make it £125 more than the ADV, and I would have a bike in the colour combination I like, The weight may still be slightly less but it would not have the Longer Range Tank and the option of Enduro Gearbox (lower first).
Sooooooo, It comes down to IMO
For the rallye modified to my desire: Better looks, Slimmer, Slightly lighter(3-4K) Nipier steering(less rake, shorter Wheelbase), Individuality(?)
For the ADV modified simular spec: Better wind protection, Longer range, 20MM(1") more travel, slightly more stable, better first gear...
Chaps thanks for letting me work through this with you......Decision and deposit being made tomorrow!
To spec out a ADV with the same options as the Rallye and the additional options I want , ABS, alarm and ASC would make the ADV £745 more OTR at retail.
But then add aftermarket crashbars, tail rack, Better screen and footpegs to the Rallye would make it £125 more than the ADV, and I would have a bike in the colour combination I like, The weight may still be slightly less but it would not have the Longer Range Tank and the option of Enduro Gearbox (lower first).
Sooooooo, It comes down to IMO
For the rallye modified to my desire: Better looks, Slimmer, Slightly lighter(3-4K) Nipier steering(less rake, shorter Wheelbase), Individuality(?)
For the ADV modified simular spec: Better wind protection, Longer range, 20MM(1") more travel, slightly more stable, better first gear...
Chaps thanks for letting me work through this with you......Decision and deposit being made tomorrow!
Deleted account Cooperman
Registered user
Chaps thanks for letting me work through this with you......Decision and deposit being made tomorrow!
Tease
According to your summary, the decision is obvious - GSA it is then.
Can't say I like the Rallye colours anyway.
Can't say I like the Rallye colours anyway.
that bikes a disgrace, dont show ur face around here again until some serious, and i mean serious farkling completed
Ah but less is more
You need some hid aux lights on that now.
Well have since fitted Motobozzo spots lights
UKGSrUS
Registered user
Hey Paul,
Great looking bike, did you get the panniers and tail rack through BMW or Touratech?
Is the Givi screen really better than the GSA Screen?
Great looking bike, did you get the panniers and tail rack through BMW or Touratech?
Is the Givi screen really better than the GSA Screen?
BeamishTripleBlack
Registered user
Some great comments, it really is a close decision and there is no right and wrong it's definitely a 'what's best for you'. You will be happy with whatever you go for.............unless you are like me and have to go for the GSA 6 months later because you realise that it was the better choice ( for me anyway) good luck, get those piccies up once you get it.
BeamishTripleBlack
Registered user
Wasn't for me, in fact I put the STD screen back on the gs before I sold it and the STD screen was actually better for me as there was less turbulence. Screens are very hit and miss, the GSA STD ( modified to allow full height adjustment ) is spot on for me.
Panniers etc are all BMW - originally fitted to my 06 GSA, then swapped over to my 08 GSA and now on my 2011 GS.
IMO the Givi screen is better than the standard GSA screen and I use to run my GSA's with a tourech spoiler as well.
Nothing is perfect in this world but a Givi screen in combination with winglets is as good as it gets for a GS
BeamishTripleBlack
Registered user
Panniers etc are all BMW - originally fitted to my 06 GSA, then swapped over to my 08 GSA and now on my 2011 GS.
IMO the Givi screen is better than the standard GSA screen and I use to run my GSA's with a tourech spoiler as well.
Nothing is perfect in this world but a Givi screen in combination with winglets is as good as it gets for a GS
Although BMW sell the panniers with the bike mine are manufactured by Touratech (2012 bike not sure about prvious models, its printed on the inside of the panniers)
UKGSrUS
Registered user
Ok, I decided last night after watching some offload videos of GS, and GSA that the Enduro gearbox is the deciding factor for me. Went into the dealers and they told me I could special order a standard GS! Result, I thought until after numerous calls to BMW Motorrad Germany it turns out you could do this back in march but they have removed the option as a) nobody took up the option b) because of the first reason it did not make economic sense to change production sequence. 
.
So after much negotiating and discussion, I am now the proud owner of a 2012 R1200 GSA in white sandrover with all the bells including enduro gearbox!
Bike is in country at distribution just waiting for confirmation of pick up dates! now to come up with a suitable large chested German name for her!
Thanks for the help.
. So after much negotiating and discussion, I am now the proud owner of a 2012 R1200 GSA in white sandrover with all the bells including enduro gearbox!
Bike is in country at distribution just waiting for confirmation of pick up dates! now to come up with a suitable large chested German name for her!
Thanks for the help.
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