GSA To K1600GT to GSA LC??

[UK Jon]

Afternoon All,
As the thread title implies I was a previous GSA pilot x2. I had a 09 GSA which was great one up, but found the performance lacking particularly with regard to snappy overtaking when riding around Europe two up with 2 weeks worth of luggage. I then traded up to the TC in the search for better performance, but to be honest was a tad disappointed as (a) did not notice any real improvement on the road and (b) was still way short of the then HP2. A K1600GT then fell at my feet and snappy overtakjng is now a given. However, residuals have now entered the equation - so am thinking about possibly trading it in for a GSA LC. So has anyone stepped from astride a K1600GT to a LC GSA? My schoolboy maths says th GT has a power to weight ratio: 0.227. The GSA: 0.218 (GS: 0.238). On paper there may not seem a lot in it, but two up hauling luggage for a couple of weeks on the road is lot different.

Thanks very much
Regards

 

[WindyChuffer]

If you are thinking about performance in the way that you are then a GS is the wrong bike for you.

 

[UK Jon]

If you are thinking about performance in the way that you are then a GS is the wrong bike for you.

To be fair engine performance is not everything (but if we are going to overtake, then lets overtake and not fanny about so to speak) a more nimble chassis and carry all ability for a return to camping is also important.

 

[tony23]

You need to look at the torque figures as well, power delivery is as, if not more, important than power to weight figures.

As you already know the K16 comes out pretty well in the torque stakes so overtaking is effortless in any gear. The misus loves ours and I found it perfect for 2 weeks in the Dolomites this summer fully loaded up. Perhaps a new RT may suit ,only you know your full requirements. As WindyChuffer says the GS may be the wrong bike entirely, maybe the KTM or Multisrada will suit better.

 

[sven]

As someone who went from K1200S (very fast!) > R1200GS MU (too slow fully loaded two-up) > R1200RT TC (much better loaded up) > R1200GS LC, I can confirm that the LC is much, much quicker fully loaded than the old 1200. Not only does it overtake much easier, it also holds higher speeds with little effort

Performance wise, it's in a different league It's not as fast as my K, but it's plenty fast enough for the road.

 

[batman1]

The answer is quite simple, book a days test ride, if possible on a bike with panniers as well as top box, load up some gear (picnic) put the misses on the back and go riding....test rides are free apart from the gas!

If when you get back you are still not sure book another ride the following week and do it all again!

Road testing bikes can be fun, I can't understand why more riders don't do it.....even for an afternoons recreation...it's the only way to find out if a bike is for you, you can read all of the journo blurb but it's the seat of your pants that will give you the answer...Oh and maybe your pillion, a person definitely never to be overlooked!

When you have done it, please write us a short report so we can read about something interesting.

 

[UK Jon]

You need to look at the torque figures as well, power delivery is as, if not more, important than power to weight figures.

As you already know the K16 comes out pretty well in the torque stakes so overtaking is effortless in any gear. The misus loves ours and I found it perfect for 2 weeks in the Dolomites this summer fully loaded up. Perhaps a new RT may suit ,only you know your full requirements. As WindyChuffer says the GS may be the wrong bike entirely, maybe the KTM or Multisrada will suit better.

Thanks WindyChuffer & Tony23. I consider myself lucky in that my employer lets me ride an RT daily. So do not want to be reminded of work when touring Europe on holiday - as it will fly by and will be back at work in no time

I like the look of the new BMW S1000XR and new KTM 1290 Super Adventure - but would not go back to chain drive. So my next bike wont be a Multistrada, S1000XR or a KTM.

As I originally said, am only possibly thinking of changing due to residuals and that really leaves my choices to another GT or GSA. I really like the GT, but to get another in the same spec as mine your talking nearly £22,000 (!!) and the only thing that has really changed are the colours. So that's not going to happen and as good as the GT is - in my opinion it is not a £22,000 bike. For that kind of outlay I would expect an HP6........

So that leaves the possibility of defecting to a GSA LC or swallowing some depreciation and remaining faithfully to my GT.

Regards

 

[Gargy]

I came from a K16 to rhe LC GS............ Not the GSA.

I'm far happier on the GS............. Lighter, more agile, and yes, less power, but only above 90mph does the GS lose it's umph compared to the K16.

Like others have said................ The test ride is a must.

Good luck.

 

[Tricky]

I kept my fully loaded 11 plate GT which I bought in July 13 and got a good deal on a new GS TE.



Loads of vanilla LCs about with deals to be had but less so on the Adv.