GS vs GSA (12)

[coolrider]

It is a simple question and maybe someone already answered to it in this forum.
I ordered a new GSA after little less than two years with my 12GS, this due to the fact that I wanted a bike specially for travels without switching to a different "filosophy". Even if I am constantly reading around I did not find an article where I could understand the real driving differences, written I mean, by somebody who had both.....
If any one has this kind of mistical experience, I am eager to listen and learn.
Bike is expected early december....cant wait!
Cheers

 

[Eastriding2002]

If you've ordered it already, does it matter what differences there are if any? So long as it suits you, who cares?

 

[Yellow Peril]

They are different but it is hard to say why. I much prefer my adv to the basic bike but can not honestly say why.

 

[heathy]

i tried a 12 adv this we for a couple of hours having spent the last 2.5 yrs aboard the standard 12.
In that limited time i concluded the following:
its too tall for me - it will almost certainly get dropped
adv looks a lot better
adv still surpisingly nimble - similar feel to standard, but the extra bulk can be felt
very soft suspension compared to standard bike - not quite the direct feeling with the road that i like.
on hard acceleration, it felt like lifting its front much more readiliy than std bike, dont understand why but may be due to softer rear suspension and tendancy for bike to sit back. as a result it felt less composed when really pushed.
not quite as much fun as standard but the seat did feel comfy so prob a little better at long distance but the std version great anyway
felt less of a stretch to bars when standing on pegs and possibly a slightly different (less?) reach to the bars when seated.

thats about it, didnt go for it which was a shame really cos i prefer the looks - makes the std bike look puny. at the end of the day it's the ride that's important and for me and it didnt quite live up to mine. For others though i suspect the softer ride will appeal.

Hope you enjoy yours!

 

[Wizard]

The Adventure isn't just quite as nimble, primarily due to the additional height. But it's still damn agile.

It's a bit better planted due to the weight.

Don't forget your 12 has the shocks well bedded in at this stage, so the Adv will feel a bit flighty until the same happens with it (unless you fit Ohlins, which totally transforms the ride)

HTH

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Differences

As far as I was concerned I felt that I could not really buy a bike that looks as purposeful as the Adventure unless I was really going somewhere ! So I have mounted an Adventure screen on my standard GS - and that is a real improvement.

 

[Denis Milne]

I had a "basic" 1200 for 2 years and 41,500 miles - it was superb.

I have now done about 5,500 miles on the 1200 ADV - it is better.
Why?

It feels much more secure and "planted". It is not blown about on the road in windy conditions and I am not buffeted around by the air-flow over/around the screen - both were big problems on the standard 1200.

It pulls like a train from lower down the rev range then the previous bike, especially when the old bike was new, but even compared to the old bike just prior to swapping.

I feel it can "swoop" through corners in a way the other bike could not - although this is related to riding style - if you get on top of the old bike and hustle it, then it really goes. If you sit back and try to get smooth and quick then I reckon the ADV does it better,

The riding position is slightly higher and therefore visibility is slightly better. It is much easier to get on and off of the centre stand, despite the extra weight; although the newer "basic" 1200 may also be easier with the changed centre stand design.

I like the extra tank range as it means I don't have to fuel up so often in day-to-day circumstances. On a long run or touring it makes little difference as I would normally fuel in synch' with my travelling companions.

I think it looks better - and that matters to me.

The suspension is not good!
I thought the suspension was harsh on the original 1200 when I first got it, but either it improved or I became accustomed to it.
The ADV (mine) is different and worse. In the dealer settings I was regularly bounced out of the seat and the front felt very "choppy". I have now made adjustments to the front; and it is still harsh and unpleasant, and to the back which is much improved.

In summary. For me the ADV is much better despite the suspension problems. However I would not question someone who opted for the standard bike.

Both are superb, the ADV just happens to suit me better.

 

[LiquidLAN]

They are different but it is hard to say why. I much prefer my adv to the basic bike but can not honestly say why.

I'll second that! I only test rode the standard 12GS a couple of times, but there was something about the 12GSA that just left me grinning ear to ear and still does.

I love me 12GSA, I just need to find a good alternative to the 80TKCs as they aren't great in the wet... trouble is IMO she just wouldnt look right in road shoes.

 

[whitegloss]

I had a "basic" 1200 for 2 years and 41,500 miles - it was superb.

,

The riding position is slightly higher and therefore visibility is slightly better. It is much easier to get on and off of the centre stand, despite the extra weight; although the newer "basic" 1200 may also be easier with the changed centre stand design.




Theres nowt "BASiC" about a bike that costs over 10 grand

 

[its all poo]

please delete this ? I pushed the wrong button cheers.

 

[coolrider]

Grazie mille!
Well about the grin on your face.. my actual bike, now that I was getting accustomed to it and even feeling cozy when riding, already makes me smile like an idiot, so with the new babe I will probably have problems with my face muscles.....
About the look, I agree, I wanted a more tough looking bike, here in Italy the standard 12GS has becomed some sort of "cool boy" bike, this is starting to drive me insane, thats not the kind of idea I have.
I ordered the bike with standard tires because I almost always drive on road, the dirty roads I go on are easy to handle with those tires.
I made some small changes to the suspensions to make them sligtly harder to have a better curve control. I will see on the next one. By the way I broke the central stand on my 12gs (Guarantee replacing), it is good to know that it has been upgraded.
Waiting is hard and all this is helping.
Thank you all and excuse my english mistakes....I wish I could get all of the slang you some time use in messages.
CHEERS

 

[whitegloss]

the GSA looks lardy to me, like an overweight GS-hasnt been to the gym, eating all the pies, sitting in front of the TV like a big fat sissy boy watching sky tv twenty four seven.

Doesnt look like it could kick sand in the face of a GS without the GS getting a hold of it and kicking the sh!t out of it good and proper.

The GSA looks all pose and no go-the things going to have a nose bleed at its so bloody tall and will be lying on its side within the first week when their is a fraction of camber when it is being prepared for parking.

ALL YOU GSA's BOW BEFORE THE MIGHT OF THE GS

 

[cookie]

the GSA looks lardy to me, like an overweight GS-hasnt been to the gym, eating all the pies, sitting in front of the TV like a big fat sissy boy watching sky tv twenty four seven.

Doesnt look like it could kick sand in the face of a GS without the GS getting a hold of it and kicking the sh!t out of it good and proper.

The GSA looks all pose and no go-the things going to have a nose bleed at its so bloody tall and will be lying on its side within the first week when their is a fraction of camber when it is being prepared for parking.

ALL YOU GSA's BOW BEFORE THE MIGHT OF THE GS

crikey!

 

[MATKAT]

Deranged

the GSA looks lardy to me, like an overweight GS-hasnt been to the gym, eating all the pies, sitting in front of the TV like a big fat sissy boy watching sky tv twenty four seven.

Doesnt look like it could kick sand in the face of a GS without the GS getting a hold of it and kicking the sh!t out of it good and proper.

The GSA looks all pose and no go-the things going to have a nose bleed at its so bloody tall and will be lying on its side within the first week when their is a fraction of camber when it is being prepared for parking.

ALL YOU GSA's BOW BEFORE THE MIGHT OF THE GS

Crikey, what are you on never heard such rantings on our extremely sensible site
Obviously the 'Whitegloss' has gone over your eyes and to much paint whiffing up your nostrils....or of course you could be very very small and have a major complex

 

[whitegloss]

Yes i am very very small with a major complex-Blast i didnt think anyone could spot it i wonder what gave it away hazar