GSA - First Impressions

[PhilBolton]

Picked up my new GSA yesterday, chopped in my '07 GS with 33000mls for it.

I got one with everything on it, figuring that as I got my bus-pass last month, then I might be too old soon.

Went out today and did Wrynose and Hardknot (twice), then Kirkstone, Alston, Middleton-in Teesdale, Brough and home via Devils Bridge.
I got to Asda in Morecambe for fuel about 3miles past zero on the countdown.
So that's 325 miles on the fuel that the dealer put in.

I got 34.92 litres in, according to Asda's pump. Does that sound about right?

The seat! I seem to have a sore arse. The seat is different to the GS, that much is obvious looking at it, but I could ride my GS forever without discomfort.
The GSA seat seems harder, more firm -----
so, do I just need to allow time for my posterior to recalibrate to the GSA?

The engine? --- I know there's been some changes since '07, and even though I'm running it in and taking it easy, the engine seems a lot more eager.
I remember that my GS got better with miles on it, when the engine loosened up, so I can only think that this one will be even better still!

I committed to buying this GSA without riding one, (and those of you out there who think that's stupid -- shut up!) but I've always fancied one, and as I said - Tempus Fugit.
Anyway, I would have thought that all that fuel would make itself felt in the twisty bits, but it doesn't - it is bloody good in the twisty bits. It's a hoot!

I like this bike already!

I got the BM ally side boxes with it, and I can already tell that black fingers and black clothes are going to be a problem when touring, because of the untreated ally - are inner bags the ONLY solution? Is there no treatment, short of painting or powder coating them?
I thought about lining the inside of them with some form of adhesive sheeting (vinyl, rubber?)

I kept the Vario topbox from my GS and want to put it on the GSA.
I've got a Hattech rack which I used on the GS, but that won't fit with the GSA rack. so I'm looking for a way to fit the Vario mounting plate to a GSA rack.
This has probably been done many times (there is a photo in GSMods but I can't see the detail) So if you've done this, please let me know how you did it.

I've got it booked for it's 600 service on 6 April --- I think I'm going to struggle to do 600 before then, Maybe I'll have to let the tyres down, eh!

TTFN Phil

 

[strod]

I got the BM ally side boxes with it, and I can already tell that black fingers and black clothes are going to be a problem when touring, because of the untreated ally - are inner bags the ONLY solution? Is there no treatment, short of painting or powder coating them?
I thought about lining the inside of them with some form of adhesive sheeting (vinyl, rubber?)

When I purchased my GSA, the BMW dealer advised me that the alloy luggage is not guaranteed to be waterproof, hence need for inner bags if you want to ensure your payload is not potentially sodden. That said, I've not noticed mine leak, but I have also resorted to large Eurohike waterproof rucksack liners from Millets to put clothes in....

 

[AdamA]

The seat! I seem to have a sore arse. The seat is different to the GS, that much is obvious looking at it, but I could ride my GS forever without discomfort.
The GSA seat seems harder, more firm -----
so, do I just need to allow time for my posterior to recalibrate to the GSA?

It will mould itself with the miles, but it isn't the most comfortable thing in the world. I'm happy for a couple of hours solid on mine, then my arse needs a breather before further two hour sessions. But is that really a problem? :dunno:

Many seem to think it is and pay out daft amounts of money for aftermarket seats so they can stay in the saddle for longer periods.

I got the BM ally side boxes with it, and I can already tell that black fingers and black clothes are going to be a problem when touring, because of the untreated ally - are inner bags the ONLY solution? Is there no treatment, short of painting or powder coating them?
I thought about lining the inside of them with some form of adhesive sheeting (vinyl, rubber?)

Bags are better IMO, as you can tip up somewhere and simply take a bag into a B&B with you, rather than a dirty box, or bin bag covered rags from within.
There are cheaper options than the all singing all dancing BMW ones tho:
http://www.chainspeed.co.uk/kathys/

 

[Dainese Brave]

When I purchased my GSA, the BMW dealer advised me that the alloy luggage is not guaranteed to be waterproof, hence need for inner bags if you want to ensure your payload is not potentially sodden. That said, I've not noticed mine leak, but I have also resorted to large Eurohike waterproof rucksack liners from Millets to put clothes in....

Mine are 100% waterproof...just a little condensation sometimes....and sometimes they get so air-tight you can't get the bloody lids off!

The inner bags are well worth the money though....make packing/unpacking so much easier, and also stop all your contents getting marked on the bare aluminium.

I must admit I find the top box inner bag totally useless....I've never used it once!....I can get so much more in it without the bag.

Overall.......Bags and panniers a 100% .......apart from keeping the panniers clean...but that's a whole new thread in itself!!

 

[GSmonkey]

Glad you like the bike. I too didn't get on with the GSA seat. Changed back to the standard GS seat and it's all-day comfortable again. I got the BMW inner bags for the panniers, but they don't leak a drop. All I can say is that the BMW inner bags are nice bits of kit - well worth the money and with great resale value.

 

[Paul Wakefield]

The seat! I seem to have a sore arse. The seat is different to the GS, that much is obvious looking at it, but I could ride my GS forever without discomfort.
The GSA seat seems harder, more firm -----
so, do I just need to allow time for my posterior to recalibrate to the GSA?

Yes - give it time. I found all my previous BMs took about 1k miles for me/seat to adjust to each other. GSA was agony at first and took at least 3k to settle in but it's OK now.

 

[The Bede]

... You've obviously sussed the extensive running in period if you just chopped in a 33,000 miler.

... My '08 GSA recently had it's 12,000 mile service and is just now absolutely on song. At only a couple of thou' a year too many people never get enough miles on the clock to experience a fully 'opened-up' GS ... Enjoy

 

[VAL. H.]

The GSA seat seems harder, more firm -----
so, do I just need to allow time for my posterior to recalibrate to the GSA?


I got the BM ally side boxes with it, and I can already tell that black fingers and black clothes are going to be a problem when touring, because of the untreated ally - are inner bags the ONLY solution? Is there no treatment, short of painting or powder coating them?
I thought about lining the inside of them with some form of adhesive sheeting (vinyl, rubber?)


I kept the Vario top box from my GS and want to put it on the GSA.


TTFN Phil

Hey Phil,

If you don't get on with the standard seat in the long term, you could use a seat from the standard 1200GS as they have the same fittings, so just clip on.

With the panniers you mentioned lining them with clear plastic or vinyl. That sounds like a good idea, because whether you have pannier bags or not the venal will still offer protection from the Alli putting pay to embarrassing black marks left by your holdall on B&B's white bedspreads.


Fitting the Vario Top box to the ADV rack has been done by several members of this board. You might be able to find one of the threads by doing a search. Failing that PM Clive and ask him how he fitted his.

HTH

Val.

 

[WindyChuffer]

When I purchased my GSA, the BMW dealer advised me that the alloy luggage is not guaranteed to be waterproof...

That's complete bollox. The alloy luggage for the 12GSA is marketed as being waterproof by BMW, and says so in the small print. I've had 3 complete sets (panniers & top box) under warranty to get a set that were waterproof, and this 3rd set is perfect and have had them for nearly a year now. No issues with warranty claims for letting water in either, (once I showed the dealer where it said they were waterproof).

Heres the blurb that says they are waterproof:

"These robust, all-new panniers with plain aluminium surfaces have
a capacity of 44 litres on the right-hand side and 38 litres on the left.
Waterproof and securely lockable, they can carry up to 10 kilograms of
luggage, and feature stainless steel lashing eyelets, so that extra items
can easily be attached to the outside. The top box offers an additional
32 litres (5 kilograms) of carrying capacity."

Source:

Click here and then select P24 of the BMW accessory catalogue

Also, P32 for the "waterpoof" top box...

As there are various waterproofing ratings (IPx3, 4, 7 etc), IMHO, BMW are being rather naieve by claiming that a product is waterproof without specifying to what degree....