GSA owners - Would you ever downgrade to GS?

[deaninkl]

really two different bikes so its not up or down. They do different things, 80%of riders don't use the GS for all the things it can do and I'd guess 95% of GSA riders don't go off road let alone around the world. So why doe we buy them? why do we buy anything else we don't need.... its fun, and a statement of maybe what we drean of rather than what we are.

 

[nazdravanul]

Never . I would consider downgrading only to a HP2 or 12RT .

 

[Loiq]

We had a GS at the office and I managed to trade it into a GSA both bikes are fine, it don't matter much most people will think your a "tosser" on yet another BM blurdy W.

Hogging the road, parking spaces, generally causing a disturbance and polluting the planet with an underpowered out dated engine as well as charging around foot paths on it scaring the horses.

Sports bike riders will say you can't filter and/or have a tiny knob, while they're wearing an adult sized Baby Grow.

 

[SPL]

the weight issue is just an excuse for those who cant afford the extra for the gsa. Once rolling you dont feel the weight

I guess that's designed to get people to rise?

£s as an absolute are not a deciding factor I buy a bike, but value is something I think about (not keen to pay a huge wedge for something I don't think is worth it just because everyone else will).

I tried both before buying, and had intended to go for the GSA on paper.
But after test rides I decided that the GSA would be more of a fashion statement than anything else (not that I'm adverse to this).

I though the GS was a better bike being slightly lighter and (IMHO) better handling.

I have since had a GSA again for an afternoon, and felt it was significantly slower than my bike (although this might be down to my full Remus system as much as the GSA's extra weight).

The one thing that seems much better on the GSA is the screen - which is why I have bought a kit and will fit it over the winter.

To my mind get the lighter and better handling GS, add the Adventure screen (and winglets if you want), then spend the change on some other nice goodies to make it your own (such as Wilbers suspension or a comfy seat).

Standard GS - not so much a downgrade, more an independent thinking GSer's steed of choice

 

[hibee]

I guess that's designed to get people to rise?

£s as an absolute are not a deciding factor I buy a bike, but value is something I think about (not keen to pay a huge wedge for something I don't think is worth it just because everyone else will).

I tried both before buying, and had intended to go for the GSA on paper.
But after test rides I decided that the GSA would be more of a fashion statement than anything else (not that I'm adverse to this).

I though the GS was a better bike being slightly lighter and (IMHO) better handling.

I have since had a GSA again for an afternoon, and felt it was significantly slower than my bike (although this might be down to my full Remus system as much as the GSA's extra weight).

The one thing that seems much better on the GSA is the screen - which is why I have bought a kit and will fit it over the winter.

To my mind get the lighter and better handling GS, add the Adventure screen (and winglets if you want), then spend the change on some other nice goodies to make it your own (such as Wilbers suspension or a comfy seat).

Standard GS - not so much a downgrade, more an independent thinking GSer's steed of choice

.......words o wisdom there mate............! If truth be told I would have loved the Adventure........however I would have become one of the wee fat guys that you regularly see really struggling to get out of the Green Welly car park with their arse completely off the seat and one toenail managing to touch down!

David

 

[bingbong]

I've gone from a 12GSA to an 800GS.
Why?
Cos it was there of course I absolutely loved the GSA but only did one big trip on it for the 2 years I had it. Due to my working life style at the moment my riding has changed, so the answer is. Just buy what suits you the best at that time. I picked the GSA over the GS purely on weather protection and mostly the presence and smug feeling I had. Smug in a happy way not in an arrogant way. But I got bored and felt a bit restrained with the whole "image". The 800 has given me my biking mojo back.
I feel a bit like I did when I had my first 1100 GS, going a different way is fun sometimes.
Now where did I put that Moto Morini brochure...

 

[sandyB]

Thats the wonderful thing about biking, we all like different bikes for different reasons. there is no such thing as GS being a lesser bike than the GSA or vice versa.
Personnally I thought for years that at 5'7" there was no way I could fit on either until I tried a GS, but at the moment I don't think it would be a good idea to go GSA due to the extra weight and size of the bike.

What I am getting at there is no bike better that the other, just one that suits your needs better.

 

[always 100]

I actually went into buy the GS I had tried it and loved it and never really gave the GSA a thought until I saw one and had a go. I'm a big fella and it's the first bike I've sat "in" rather than on as an adult, I love it I love the size and how when standing I know I have a bike under me, and how it makes me grin when hooting aboot. I don't think I would swop it for a GS cos I feel mine is a GS, I tell people I have a GS rather than a GSA, and none bikers get told I have the big ugly BMW from LWD/LWA.

I wouldn't swap it for a HP either but if you know anyone who needs one looking after, I'll make some time to keep it ticking over, short runs that sort a thing, then I'm your man.

Loving my GS (A)

 

[blackbird]

Put it like this I would love to upgrade back to a Honda from my GS (which is my secound after BMW changed it for me after a nightmare with faults with my first 05 55 GS) Problem is its been on MCN, biketrader local rag etc but I cant give the heap of shit away

 

[Gipsy]

" It's not what you ride, but how you ride it " After reading through all the preceding posts, I'm more convinced than ever of the truth in that short sentence. Buy a feckin' bike and ride it!! ( By the way it's not original, but off an Ogri Tshirt.)

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I was going to buy a KTM950 before I saw and fell in love with the GSA. I'm not keen on the standard GS and wouldn't have one

 

[casperfelix]

I'm stilling saving and trying to make my mind up GS or GSA. So in the meantime I would be interested to know if any who own a GSA would you ever trade down for a GS? If so why? Ever done it and regretted it or glad they did?

Cheers
Paul.

Did a trip abroad in summer with other BM riders. Some had 1200GSAs - all had newer machines than my 2003 1150GS. However I didn't get blasted away on the twisty bits - quite the reverse actually; I didn't breakdown; I didn't have to stop for petrol more often (guess that's because we stopped for lunch or coffee or whatever at least every 100/150 miles which was often used as a fuel stop to) and with an after sales touring screen in front of me I didn't have any discomfort cruising on motorways at around the 100 mark.
Most importantly I felt safe and very comfortable on my little machine - though wish I had taken full length boots rather than summer 'short' boots. 'Cause when it rains hard your feet get seriously wet. Though I guess that would have happened on a 1200GSA as well!
During the rest of the year my little BM does 30 mile work trips mainly where she's very easy to handle and just works.
Guess the bottom line is all about what works for you (in which case do the maths and think what you are going to use it for) or whether having the latest all dancing all singing bit of kit to show off to others is important.

 

[patzx12]

I have both and alternate. I am riding my 04 R1200GS with an open full BOS system most of the time and abslutly love it, stonking bike fast as F and loud in a nice way.
I really can not fault it. I still love the R1200GSA but if I sold it and just had the GS I would be more than happy.
This is a fellow tosser who rode it from Dublin for me,

 

[herrdirektor]

That would be like trading in your hummer for a jimny. Nah !

 

[Voyager61]

Hi Paul

Well, I have to ask, have you ridden both bikes? I test rode the R1150GS (non-adventure), then the R1200GS when that hit the showrooms ... finally an R1200GS Adventure in August 07 ... I bought my '07 the following November.

I found the R1200GS a bit light, flightly and lacking in what I would call 'presence' when compared to the R1150GS. The Adventure addressed those impressions, and on test riding I discovered that it is, in my opinion, the superior motorcycle.

But ... you simply have to draw your own conclusions and buy the bike that is right for you.

 

[gsbiker]

Hi Paul

Well, I have to ask, have you ridden both bikes? I test rode the R1150GS (non-adventure), then the R1200GS when that hit the showrooms ... finally an R1200GS Adventure in August 07 ... I bought my '07 the following November.

I found the R1200GS a bit light, flightly and lacking in what I would call 'presence' when compared to the R1150GS. The Adventure addressed those impressions, and on test riding I discovered that it is, in my opinion, the superior motorcycle.

But ... you simply have to draw your own conclusions and buy the bike that is right for you.

Hi Voyager61, this post has been around for a while now and since posting I bought a 1200GSA. Now running her in! Since adding 400miles to the bike I've noticed my hands ache alot. The heated grips in the cold on full through winter gloves is ok but could be hotter! I'm very nervous about riding the bike on wet or even damp roads especially when cornering as it feels like the front end could slip away - hate that feeling! I need to read how, if possible, to lower the bike? Seat at it's lowest point already and I'm on tiptoes. Not a problem when riding but sometimes a bit shaky when stopping - I'm 5'10. I like the bike so far but getting use to it through the winter is hard. I'm trying to get used to the indicators, horn & indicator cancel buttons as well as getting use to the strong engine braking and smooth clutch changes going down the gearbox - at times alittle jerky changing down.

I have to say that although I'm glad I bought this bike if the truth be known I wish I could aford to buy a Buell as well as I loved the engine on that bike and the sound was Greeeeeat!!! But if I only bought the Buell I would have wanted the GSA. Now I have the GSA I want a Buell - I want too much!!

Many thanks to everyone with their points of view!

 

[Deleted Member I]

Hi Voyager61, this post has been around for a while now and since posting I bought a 1200GSA. Now running her in! Since adding 400miles to the bike I've noticed my hands ache alot. The heated grips in the cold on full through winter gloves is ok but could be hotter! I'm very nervous about riding the bike on wet or even damp roads especially when cornering as it feels like the front end could slip away - hate that feeling! I need to read how, if possible, to lower the bike? Seat at it's lowest point already and I'm on tiptoes. Not a problem when riding but sometimes a bit shaky when stopping - I'm 5'10. I like the bike so far but getting use to it through the winter is hard. I'm trying to get used to the indicators, horn & indicator cancel buttons as well as getting use to the strong engine braking and smooth clutch changes going down the gearbox - at times alittle jerky changing down.

I have to say that although I'm glad I bought this bike if the truth be known I wish I could aford to buy a Buell as well as I loved the engine on that bike and the sound was Greeeeeat!!! But if I only bought the Buell I would have wanted the GSA. Now I have the GSA I want a Buell - I want too much!!

Many thanks to everyone with their points of view!

I am much shorter than you ..

Get an aftermarket seat like the Sargent low or Kahedo/Touratech do an EXTRA low.

It's all in the mind. That's what Nick @ Touratech taught me, and it is 100% true.

 

[Voyager61]

Hi Voyager61, this post has been around for a while now and since posting I bought a 1200GSA. Now running her in!

Cool!

Since adding 400miles to the bike I've noticed my hands ache alot. The heated grips in the cold on full through winter gloves is ok but could be hotter!

I wear summer weight gloves (Nankai NR-somethings) and feel the benefit of the grips ... sometimes I wear silk under-gloves too. But I'm inclined to think that the grips could be hotter ... something I mean to discuss with my dealer - to see if the thermostat can be set differently.

I'm very nervous about riding the bike on wet or even damp roads especially when cornering as it feels like the front end could slip away - hate that feeling!

I ran mine in this time of year and remember feeling the same. Just try and ride in a relaxed way ... your confidence will build as the miles accumulate. It took me 800 miles or so before any such worries deserted me. Mainly I was terrified that I might drop her ... but so far (13k +) so good ...

I need to read how, if possible, to lower the bike? Seat at it's lowest point already and I'm on tiptoes. Not a problem when riding but sometimes a bit shaky when stopping - I'm 5'10.

Just make sure you plan ahead for any time you will have to bring the bike to a halt. I'm on the balls of my feet too ... but with one foot down and one on or covering the rear brake you should find you get a good balance ...

I like the bike so far but getting use to it through the winter is hard. I'm trying to get used to the indicators, horn & indicator cancel buttons as well as getting use to the strong engine braking and smooth clutch changes going down the gearbox - at times alittle jerky changing down.

It will all come in time ... I had the same experience.

I have to say that although I'm glad I bought this bike if the truth be known I wish I could aford to buy a Buell as well as I loved the engine on that bike and the sound was Greeeeeat!!! But if I only bought the Buell I would have wanted the GSA. Now I have the GSA I want a Buell - I want too much!!

Wait until you have 800 miles or so under your belt ... you won't be thinking of another bike by then!

The Adventure will do everything you ask of it and some ... I have never felt so secure on a motorcycle (do you have ASC?) or had quite so much fun on one on a daily basis ... I have to say that doing the BMW off-road skills course (Level 1) made a big difference to my confidence on wet and less than perfect road surfaces ... helps with the planning ahead thing too ...

Good luck.

 

[gsbiker]

Thanks Voyager61, What did it cost to do the level one off road and how long was it for & where etc?

 

[Andy_E]

BMW Level 1 is £449, held in South Wales and lasts for 2 days. Their website: http://www.worldofbmw.co.uk/

Very highly recommended