GSA Test Ride

[Dainese Brave]

If the standard 1200wc was not good enough to temp you then don't waste your time taking out the gsa,although a nice bike which rides and handles well it's not as rewarding to ride as the standard wc.

Steve

I don't agree with that...I'd change my GSA for the new one, but I'd never change my GSA for the LC GS. The new GSA is a better balance of the increased power, yet still retaining more of the Adventure feel. The GS is a very good road bike, and certainly deserving of all the praise..but it just wasn't a bike that suits my needs, yet the new GSA does.

 

[Dainese Brave]

The WC engine isn't lacking for power or torque, and I've never heard anyone who's actually ridden one say otherwise. Sounds more like you are trying to justify sticking with your current bike. If it's good enough for you surely that sufficient reason rather than coming out with spurious nonsense.

I don't think there is any doubt the new GSA has got more power, and quicker acceleration. It's also a lot lighter, and nimbler.

Maybe it seems like there's less torque (on a quick test ride), because the engine is less laboured..it accelerates out of corners very well. Where as on the older bike you can feel it pull out of the corners..if that makes sense?

I've got to say I really like the new GSA, it is a great bike, I'm sure anyone who buys one will not be disappointed...the same with the new Gs...but the old GSA is still a great bike too, but you can see the improvement and evolution of the GSA in the new bike.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

Mine on its way

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

The new GSA.

It's also a lot lighter

It's not lighter, it's 3 kg heavier than your bike and 7 kgs heavier than the 1150GSA, based on kerb weights

 

[2 wheel humvee]

If the standard 1200wc was not good enough to temp you then don't waste your time taking out the gsa,although a nice bike which rides and handles well it's not as rewarding to ride as the standard wc.

Steve

Have you ridden the GSA LC ?

Mine on its way

Good choice

It's not lighter, it's 3 kg heavier than your bike and 7 kgs heavier than the 1150GSA, based on kerb weights

As I said to you yesterday it feels easier to push around in the garage and also feels lighter at low speed manouvering, it hides it's weight well.

 

[Engineer]

It's not lighter, it's 3 kg heavier than your bike and 7 kgs heavier than the 1150GSA, based on kerb weights

I agree that it is a backward step as far as the weight goes, which is an error by BMW - this is the main reason why I will stick with the GS WC instead of the GSA WC it is 22kg lighter and it does make a difference.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I agree that it is a backward step as far as the weight goes, which is an error by BMW - this is the main reason why I will stick with the GS WC instead of the GSA WC it is 22kg lighter and it does make a difference.

If I was buying today.............i'd choose a normal 12GS WC, looks far better to me and I can't see why BMW keep adding weight as the models progress, makes no sense

@ Steve, BMW have done a good job then, i'll see what I think when I have a ride on one

 

[Dainese Brave]

It's not lighter, it's 3 kg heavier than your bike and 7 kgs heavier than the 1150GSA, based on kerb weights

If it's heavier then it really hides it well. It feels a lot lighter when riding it, with less of the feeling of bulk that you get with the old GSA. And I also found it easier to push around too.

 

[Arsey]

Time to change your sig line then

Done.

 

[APE]

The WC engine isn't lacking for power or torque, and I've never heard anyone who's actually ridden one say otherwise. Sounds more like you are trying to justify sticking with your current bike. If it's good enough for you surely that sufficient reason rather than coming out with spurious nonsense.

Erm... re torque observations please read posts 7 and 16 - have you even read this thread ?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

If it's heavier then it really hides it well. It feels a lot lighter when riding it, with less of the feeling of bulk that you get with the old GSA. And I also found it easier to push around too.

Keep on pushing

It's the future

 

[sijohnston]

Couldn't agree more. I enjoyed the KTM and on paper had decided on it, until I rode the two back to back over a day, and the GS won out. Still, the 1190R is a great bike, but didn't need to own an off-road moded 800GS and the KTM, so thought the GSA would make a better 2-up European tourer. Arrives next week.

Had a few hours spare today so took out a K1600GT for an hour followed by by a GSA12.

I was very impressed by the K16-it felt as quick as my old K13S and that motor is such a turbine !!! But then I took it back and jumped on the GSA WC.
I was half expecting to be under-whelmed.I never rode the standard GS WC as I hate the looks .But the GSA looks much better and I must admit to being taken aback to just how bloody good it was.
It's been 5 years since I sold my GSA12 but this new one seems SO much better.The only slight complaint was a 'hunting' of the engine between 2-2500 revs,especially in 4th for some reason.

Other than that-faultless.I was even starting to think of selling my SE950 etc etc,until I got back on it and realised it's still a keeper.But If I could afford it,I think I would have the GSA over the KTM 1190R,and that's quite an admission !!!!

 

[mediamark]

I had a test ride this morning.

Enjoyed the bike, plenty of poke but didn't particularly make me want to trade my F800GS in.

 

[jtb]

I know, they're not having to work too hard selling them....it'd still look striking in black

I thought about painting mine black, but when I looked at it in detail, I thought that black against the plastics wouldn't work so well. I went for dark grey instead.

 

[RideTheWind]

Test Ride

I test rode the new GSA on Tuesday. I had the 2009 GSA so to me it was so advanced. Quicker, handles like a dream and so many choices and electronics to play with while cruise control engaged. Even came with a coffee maker too After 10 mins of hooning around in the wet I went into spoilt brat mode and called the missus to inform her the holiday was off. I traded my 2011 ZZR1400 but also didnt get a great deal for it, but then Jap bikes dont make a lot even with low miles. Seems the wait is quite long though. Initially I was told June Thats far too long to wait. Fingers crossed it will come forward. Will be nice to be back on a GS. 17K is a big ouch though who cares, bikes are life with fat women thrown in for good measure

 

[rjsmith26]

I test drove this morning also - my 10pence worth - most already observed I think. (Been rising a 2008 GSA with Prem & Dyna Packs since 2009).

1) Horrible day - wet roads, wet, slippery, bit of rain not not fully raining (which i would prefer - cleaner roads).

2) Did whole test drive in Rain mode - I am not a wet road lover - but after a 2 hour ride on everything from motorway to lanes - I loved the bike - really confidence inspiring on slippery roads.

3) Heated grips - poor - on way to dealer on my 08 GSA on 1 with a bit of 2, then too hot and back to 1. 2014 GSA always on 2 all time hands just about warm enough. (outside temp average 6 degrees) - observed grips not as hot, but also smaller brake lever guards mean your hands out in draft a bit more. I know people will say stop being a softie - I like riding in summer gloves and on a bike costing this much the friggin grips should work - they did/do on an 08 model so BMW why are you going backwards?

4) All control systems - (I did flick while riding between modes all seem sensible and straight forward to use), back to traditional indicators control (used to ride VFRs) found switch had little movement so not always sure you have moved/pressed to cancel - am sure it will come but would prefer more movement rather than the micro switch feel. I also found the job wheel felt at times like it was in the way of getting to indicators (maybe I have short thumbs) but am sure like getting used to BMW indicators on each side of handle bars - its something you will just get used to.

5) My 08 GSA has a mudsling on it and a top box all the time - I do not get dirty above the feet normally when out riding even on a day like today - riding the new bike the whole back of my jacket is covered in dirt, as is right down back of pants and boots - seriously filthy. Have seen plate behind number plate people have already fitted, and am aware the 14GSA has the BMW version of a Mudsling - but personally if I go for one I will be looking at ways to try and stay a bit cleaner.

6) New engine, clutch, gearbox, fly by wire throttle - were all great considering I only spent 2 hours on bike - am sure once you are fully used to each of them (and riding in more pleasant conditions) the bike will be friggin amazing .

7) Had a bit of play with cruise control on motorway buy did not work as I expected, fine getting it on and set but the resume did not really work for me and as it was horrible weather and lots of traffic I gave up on testing it.

8) Overall - really liked the bike, thinking hard on if I should do the deal - have not ridden a twincam GSA so my comparison is between an 08GSA and the 14WC and I have to say its pretty well impressive.

The performance of the new bike is very noticeable and it does feel a lot lighter to handle and ride - I think if I had test ridden on a dry day I would have probably thought this is a stunning bike but is gonna be a real handful in the wet (with the extra speed/torque). However even though today was not ideal in that it was a wet horrible day to test drive it may actually have been a blessing in that the confidence and control and performance the bike delivers in the wet makes me want to buy one, because if its that good in the wet in Rain mode it is going to be even better in Road/dynamic mode.

Off to have a good think (there may be a 2008 GSA appearing in the For Sale section soon).

 

[Big Nick]

Some great feedback there

I've had time to reflect on the test ride and given it some thought since

I don't think I'll be changing my 2009 as it meets my needs and as other hobbies come along into my life I find myself using it less and less anyway. Also it would cost me the thick end of 10k to change which is too big a chunk of change to me which I would rather spend elsewhere at this point in my life.

Happy riding to all those that get the new bike anyway !!

 

[Dainese Brave]

Some great feedback there

I've had time to reflect on the test ride and given it some thought since

I don't think I'll be changing my 2009 as it meets my needs and as other hobbies come along into my life I find myself using it less and less anyway. Also it would cost me the thick end of 10k to change which is too big a chunk of change to me which I would rather spend elsewhere at this point in my life.

Happy riding to all those that get the new bike anyway !!

My views completely

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

I picked my new GSA up yesterday , its a lovely thing , loads of switches and a complex Dash compared to the twin cam I had . A different riding position , bars need to come down a bit , easily sorted .Beautifully built even compared to the TC. I'm happy with it , gearchange is good clutch fine and it sounds great to me . Looking forward to using it It feels about the same size as the old GSA but is wider as its a squeeze getting it past my car and wall !! Easy to get on and off the stands . I opted for the XE which has all I need . In Blue it looks very nice . I'd origonally wanted White , but got a great deal on this with a top box thrown in and Satnav 4 fitted from the old bike . The unit needs a home upgrade to talk to the Bar wheel , but thats fine . In all Chuffed and a nice Birthday present to myself , its tough turning 54

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

I picked my new GSA up yesterday , its a lovely thing , loads of switches and a complex Dash compared to the twin cam I had . A different riding position , bars need to come down a bit , easily sorted .Beautifully built even compared to the TC. I'm happy with it , gearchange is good clutch fine and it sounds great to me . Looking forward to using it It feels about the same size as the old GSA but is wider as its a squeeze getting it past my car and wall !! Easy to get on and off the stands . I opted for the XE which has all I need . In Blue it looks very nice . I'd origonally wanted White , but got a great deal on this with a top box thrown in and Satnav 4 fitted from the old bike . The unit needs a home upgrade to talk to the Bar wheel , but thats fine . In all Chuffed and a nice Birthday present to myself , its tough turning 54

i saw a blue one in the dealers the other day, a sort of electric blue in bright light, looked stunning particularly from the front.

Congrats on the new bike you sound well smitten and rightly so.