Had the Twin Cam 1200GS as a courtesy bike today and.......

[CuzGS]

I just sold my GS and bought a GSA and went straight to Corsica and alps for 2 weeks, my thoughts,

GSA has more presence for sure and thus makes you feel more substantial on the road, ESP with the "get the fuck out of my way" lights on

Wind protection and rain protection defo better, the fuel tank certainly keeps your legs drier

And finally, and let's be honest, I recon it looks bigger, tougher and more adventurous, a factor that surely we all like but care not to admit

 

[Nutty]

Your helmet does make a big difference imo, but for me the wind noise on the GS was truly unbearable, and that was using my Shoei XR1100, the same helmet I use on the GSA. Obviously size and build of the rider plays a large part as well as it depends where in the air stream you are sat. Unfortunately for my, 6'4" isn't ideal in terms of wind noise and buffeting when riding.

I ride a 2010 1200 non adventure and wear an Arai Chaser, and have had absolutely no problem with wind noise. I'm 5'10 mind, so not as big as others

 

[snerkler]

And finally, and let's be honest, I recon it looks bigger, tougher and more adventurous, a factor that surely we all like but care not to admit

Oh, I'm quite happy to admit this, after all we have to like the look of our machines. Purely on looks the GSA wins hands down imo

 

[CuzGS]

Oh I was through yours the other day en route to 13 bends showing a mate who bought my old bike the local roads

 

[casperfelix]

The 06 GSA is about 40+kg heavier and 15 bhp down on the DOHC GS, so its no wonder the new GS feels more lively.

But my 08 GSA (with full system etc..) is faster everywhere, than my mates standard DOHC GSA.

I would say, that my GSA is the best bike i've ever owned, er, ever.

My 2011 GSA has decidely more grunt low down and revs more freely than my 2008 (MkII) GSA: And so it should have.