GS or GSA

[ts2]

OK, I'm thinking more positively about GSs, and will probably go for it (if I can get a loan). The thing is I quite like the look of the white 2006-7 GSA (white tank, red stripe on the seats). Apart from the obvious (fog lights, taller bike, bigger tank etc) are there any fundamental differences between owning the GSA vs the GS?

I don't plan on riding off-road, so would getting a GSA be a bit like buying a Chelsea Tractor?

Thanks for all the input with my last question. It was good to hear your views on adapting to the GS riding style.

TobyS

 

[Paul S]

Personaly - I would say it is down to how tall you are.

If you are vertically challenged then go for the straight GS. If you are tall'ish then go the the GSA.

I am 6' 3" and love the GSA

I am, however, continually amazed at how many people buy GSA's and then end up buying ever lower seats/suspension because it is too tall for them and would have been better off with a standard 1200gs in the first place

Apart from that the standard GS is a little more sporty and the GSA a bit better tourer.

 

[Thunder]

OK, I'm thinking more positively about GSs, and will probably go for it (if I can get a loan). The thing is I quite like the look of the white 2006-7 GSA (white tank, red stripe on the seats). Apart from the obvious (fog lights, taller bike, bigger tank etc) are there any fundamental differences between owning the GSA vs the GS?

I don't plan on riding off-road, so would getting a GSA be a bit like buying a Chelsea Tractor?

Thanks for all the input with my last question. It was good to hear your views on adapting to the GS riding style.

TobyS

Can't wait to read some of the replies to this one, but while I'm here I'll mention the weight difference as a factor which would (and has) influenced my decision between the two versions.

Looking at the price difference of about £900 between the two bikes the GSA has items which would cost far more to add to a GS afterwards (crash bars, head guards, larger tank, winglets, bigger screen to name a few) so you got to really work out which bike appeals to you more.

Easier I'd say if you have previous experience.

I'd recommend taking both bikes out for a decent test run and start working from there.

 

[Frankers]

I'd have a proper look at both and test ride them.

The rear suspension is softer on the GSA, so perhaps the GS is best for the road. I had a look at both, but was so taken by the GSA (a mate could not speak high enough about the GSA and over the GS) that I only test rode the Adventure. I was lucky enough to get hold of a low mileage 07 White GSA and very pleased I got it over the GS. There does not seem to be many GSAs available at the moment, but there might well be more as some people trade in for the 08 model.

I get the impression that the GSA has a better residual value as there are less of them. Is that fair to say?

I've nothing negative to say about the GS model, but rate the GSA and feel very comfortable on it.

 

[loueye]

Personaly - I would say it is down to how tall you are.

If you are vertically challenged then go for the straight GS. If you are tall'ish then go the the GSA.

I am 6' 3" and love the GSA

I am, however, continually amazed at how many people buy GSA's and then end up buying ever lower seats/suspension because it is too tall for them and would have been better off with a standard 1200gs in the first place

Apart from that the standard GS is a little more sporty and the GSA a bit better tourer.

I would agree with paul on this one, i'm also 6'3" and the gsa suits me better than the gs.
I would never use my bike offroad either, so it is a bit of a chelsea tractor, but is is a lot more comfy for me to tour than the standard gs because of my sheer height and 19.5 stone.

 

[ts2]

How Hi is an Adventurer?

I'm 6'1", and TBH I found the GS I test rode pretty high. I could get both feet down flat, but couldn't really waddle backwards. I guess I'm used to little Sports bikes, where you're practically sitting on the floor in comparison.

So of the tall GSA riders, are you able to get both feet flat on the floor, or am I expecting too much from such a tall bike? Because I've always been tall for my bike I've never really learned to push a bike backwards. I just sit on it and waddle. Oh well I'll see when I take a GSA for a test.

TobyS

 

[loueye]

I'm 6'1", and TBH I found the GS I test rode pretty high. I could get both feet down flat, but couldn't really waddle backwards. I guess I'm used to little Sports bikes, where you're practically sitting on the floor in comparison.

So of the tall GSA riders, are you able to get both feet flat on the floor, or am I expecting too much from such a tall bike? Because I've always been tall for my bike I've never really learned to push a bike backwards. I just sit on it and waddle. Oh well I'll see when I take a GSA for a test.

TobyS

you should manage ok, you just have to make sure when pulling up to junctions there's no road camber or your knackered. Now and again i do struggle with the gs while parking, but you get to live with it, it adds to the excitement

 

[earthmover]

To give the opposite end of the argument, I'm a short arsed 5ft7 (on a good day) lightweight, so the GSA wasn't really an option for me. The standard GS is not at a disadvantage should you want to take it off-road, the tank range is obviously less, and some shiny bits are missing. Otherwise it does pretty much everything the GSA does (steps away from the PC, and runs for cover )
The choice, as they say, is yours. Either way, enjoy.
HTH
Mark

 

[Clive]

Buy one of each - end of problem

 

[Paul S]

I'm 6'1", and TBH I found the GS I test rode pretty high. I could get both feet down flat, but couldn't really waddle backwards. I guess I'm used to little Sports bikes, where you're practically sitting on the floor in comparison.

So of the tall GSA riders, are you able to get both feet flat on the floor, or am I expecting too much from such a tall bike? Because I've always been tall for my bike I've never really learned to push a bike backwards. I just sit on it and waddle. Oh well I'll see when I take a GSA for a test.

TobyS

With the standard seat in the high position - yes I can get both feet down flat and so long as the ground is level I can push it back whilst still sat on it (inside leg 33"). Takes a little practise but not that difficult.

With the GSA you can still put the seat into a slightly lower position (20MM less) so should not be a problem for you.

Try it and see.

 

[ts2]

Buy one of each - end of problem

I'd struggle unless you mean two of these?

 

[GSmonkey]

I'm 5'11" and have no problem with the GSA. Benefits of GSA are really:

-Bigger Tank Range
-Better looks (IMHO)
-Better weather protection (screen and legs)

Disadvantages:

-Heavier
-Slower Steering

You've really got to take both on a back-to-back test ride and make your own mind up.

 

[Westy]

OK, I'm thinking more positively about GSs, and will probably go for it (if I can get a loan). The thing is I quite like the look of the white 2006-7 GSA (white tank, red stripe on the seats). Apart from the obvious (fog lights, taller bike, bigger tank etc) are there any fundamental differences between owning the GSA vs the GS?

I don't plan on riding off-road, so would getting a GSA be a bit like buying a Chelsea Tractor?

Thanks for all the input with my last question. It was good to hear your views on adapting to the GS riding style.

TobyS

I ran the standard 1150 for 4 years, and when the 1200GS came out it didn't do anthing for me. But still I took for a test ride and yes it had more poke, but it just didn't 'look right' Then when the 12GSA came it, I ordered one the day I saw it in the dealers. I had a 6month wait to get it, which worked out fine as I got the one without the servo's, but 18months later it still gives me a buzz everytime I ride it. Ive been 2 up with luggage to the sahara on it and through eastern europe, and its never missed a beat ! And its white, the best colour in my opinion. One reason I wouldn't buy a 08 model is the colour schemes look shite.

So, in short go for the 12GSA, you won't regret it

 

[Brian ROSEN]

If you are sensible and you don't want/need a larger, screen and a larger tank the GS will save you £900 - but I have to say that although I am a very satisfied GS owner ( the GSA didn't exist when i bought mine) I thought that the Adventure model looked fantastic and I would have bought that - for no logical reason!