Hong Kong: GS or GSA

[ahmorris]

I live in Hong Kong - I have a sedate company car which I use for work days (suit wearer!) so am looking for something to lavish my mid-life crisis time on (excluding the wife naturally) – I’m looking for a a bike for weekends, occasional weekdays, very occasional adventure trips and to put a smile on my face which the boringly smooth company car does not I’m 6’6” tall, 105 kgs and therefore in these parts considered very tall. I haven’t ridden for a long time (15 yrs+) so recently I bought a 2nd hand (2007) Kawasaki Versys to get back into it (I am). I’m not in a hurry to go anywhere so I don’t need something to nip between traffic and I’m not interested in a sports bike because of my height / size.

I’m always loved BMW bikes and love the GS / GSA. I nipped into the local dealer the other week and he has both versions in the 30th Anniversary colours (gorgeous I’d add) so I want one. I sat on both and both are perfect for my size, leg length (36” inseam) – both felt great, but the GSA felt very much bigger / wider than the GS (but obviously no wider than the cylinder heads!)

Finance is not such an issue, but I’m wondering what people think about between the 30th Anniversary GS and GSA for HK / my uses. HK is a small place (think the size of Anglesey) and I can’t take the bike out (eg. across the border into China) without a lot of paperwork / shipping crates to adventure playgrounds. The local BMW Motorrad club has occasionally done trips outside HK, eg. the Silk Road in the PRC, so this is something I’d like to get into if / when the opportunity arises, though I doubt this will be often (perhaps once every few years). So the question is should I go for the 30th Anniversary GA or GSA? I know the GSA will be all I ever need in an adventure bike (ie. no need to upgrade to a bigger bike in years to come), but I wonder if this will be the equivalent of driving a 4x4 with knobbly tires, roo bars and a snorkel intake at roof level to go down the road to Sainsburys, ie. overkill for 99% of the time.

I like the Versys but it doesn’t have much torque low down – I like V6 or V8 cars for the low down power (not for top end speed) – it’s also a little on the small size for me to the tune of say 50 to 75mm seat height. It’s OK, but the vibration (slightly numb fingers & bum) is beginning to grate on me…

The local BMW dealer has a 2009 demo silver GS (5,000km mileage, full 2 yr warranty etc) for 85% of the new 30th Anniversary GS price. Prices in HK incur 35% import duty so the price is a lot higher than in the UK – cost of the 30th Anniversary GS and GSA is equivalent to £17,700 and £20,400 respectively (Yes I know…ouch!!). The 30th Anniversary GS comes with heated grips, fog lights, hand guards, stainless steel luggage rack / pannier fasteners, ABS, ESA, tank/engine/valve cover protector etc) so it has some farkles built into the price over standard configuration I beleive. Option of bringing a bike in from the UK exists, but a lot of paperwork, customs payable etc, so too much hassle.

So…apologies for the ramblings, but I’d appreciate your thoughts on purchasing the 2009 demo GS, or the 30th Anniversary GS or GSA?

Cheers

Alan

Ps. New to this site, but glad I found it – looks like all I’ll need as a prospective GS-owner

 

[John RTW]

Decisions ?

If moneys no object I'd go for the GSA, once you have it theirs nothing to upgrade too. Having read and watched some of the cracking videos on here I'm sure when ever you do get to go on and adventure it will be everything you want and shouldn't let you down.

Only bad news is I'm only going by what I've read as my poor old 1150 GSA is waiting to be sent out to me, where I'll RV with it in Thailand. But I have no doubt's it will get me around the world.

In HK at the moment enjoying the sunshine, although it gets a little to hot.

John

http://www.justimagesonline.com/Blog_2010/Welcome.html

 

[ahmorris]

Thanks John - cracking trip you've had to date from the photos - there's a book in there somewhere!

You shoul dhave a chat with my mate in Sai Kung - he was importing Chinese (or Russian?) made bikes with side cars - they wouldn't break any speed records but bullet proof I hear.

HK: count yourself lucky - we're in the wet season (including hot and typhoons) - the weather over the last few weeks is cracking compared to normal.

Cheers

Alan

 

[John RTW]

Thanks Allan, yep been here a little while now. Had to take some time out from HK due to the weather a while back and went to Taiwan. Great place, not been hit by tourism yet so (apart from those teaching English) we had a great few weeks plodding around the island. Should be heading into Northern China next then Russia, Mongolia, will have to do these on the bike on my second lap of the world.

John

 

[deaninkl]

Hi Alan,

I spent some years in Hong Kong and lived on Lantau, actually a great place for Adventure biking, lots of open land and nice roads, The slow boat to Silvermine bay from central use to take motorbikes, so worth checking into.

Both GSA and GS would be OK for you in Hong Kong, actually their are some pretty good roads up in the NT's near the border, and some great coastal roads as well, I think you will find plento of places to keep you busy.

I have a GS and find it more than up to my needs, I would not want the extra wieght of a GSA, even at 95kg myself, for me lean is better (the bike not me...).

Let us know how you get on.

Dean in KL

 

[Bryn]

Got an 09 GS SE ... only thing the bike doesn't have that the GSA does is a bit more weather protection ( from the tank.. I've put a GSA screen and winglets on it) and the greater range.... now I know that 350 miles on a tank is good when you have it... but usually I'm ready for a break after 130-150 miles anyway when on a trip

The GSA will be a bit taller also... I'm 5'9" so don't need it.... you may benefit from it

 

[bmwrover]

If money is no object, then its down to personal preference and taste.
I am similar in size and weight as you and ride a 2007 1200 GSA. I would not want a regular GS because I like the GSA look better. Its on sticky tyres and it rides very nice and its not as bulky as it first seems. On the other hand, every kg counts and if you want to filter through HK`s traffic, a more nimble GS might be better suited.

 

[Intruderwithin]

Hi, I recently traded in my sports for the GSA 2010 model and I'm very happy with her. I'm 6.2 and 107kgs and the bike fits me great

 

[ahmorris]

If money is no object, then its down to personal preference and taste.
I am similar in size and weight as you and ride a 2007 1200 GSA. I would not want a regular GS because I like the GSA look better. Its on sticky tyres and it rides very nice and its not as bulky as it first seems. On the other hand, every kg counts and if you want to filter through HK`s traffic, a more nimble GS might be better suited.

Thanks - I had another lust at both GS and GSA and am arranging a test ride of the GA (no GSA demo) available, but I am thinking along your lines - the GSA looks better IMHO and I think you are right it's not as bulky as when I 1st saw it. I'll be bimbling along and not in a hurry (weekend / evening rider) so zipping in / out of traffic not in my criteria (not that one could on a GSA or a GS I think in HK)

Cheers

Alan

 

[ahmorris]

Got an 09 GS SE ... only thing the bike doesn't have that the GSA does is a bit more weather protection ( from the tank.. I've put a GSA screen and winglets on it) and the greater range.... now I know that 350 miles on a tank is good when you have it... but usually I'm ready for a break after 130-150 miles anyway when on a trip

The GSA will be a bit taller also... I'm 5'9" so don't need it.... you may benefit from it

One of my thoughts was: if I bought the GS then decided I wanted to ad farkles on it to get it to a GSA-type spec at a later date what would I be paying. I'm guessing not far off what the GSA comes with now (the dealer model seems to have a few more additions than a normal UK deal). I think I will also suffer from continual coveting if I bought the GS then rode with a GSA for a long distance...I think I'll be thinking "why didn't I go straight for the top"

Thanks for your feedback

Alan

 

[deaninkl]

Hi Alan,

I get the impression you are thinking that the GSA is a GS with extras, my opinion is that they are two quite different bikes.

I'll get bashed by GSA riders for this..but 90% of GSA riders probably never use the potential of thier bikes. The GSA is a more serious "round the world" bike, build for eating miles and handling shite roads. Most owners dabble in off road and go on holiday with it. Frankly you would probably use a lot more of the GS's potential in HK that the GSA. The GS is better on the road than a GSA, it handles superbly, and with a taller screen give excelent weather protection.

The GSA weighs about 40kg heavier than the GS, you dont need the extra fuel range, most of the added wieght is for things that make it better on rough roads...you hardly need that?

What I'm pointing out is that the GS is not a cheaper GSA without extras, and the GSA is not GSA a GS with shiney bits, they actually have a fair degree of individual advantages, you need to consider what you are getting the bike for, IMHO.

To be honest as you are effectively locked into HK and NT's you don't need a bike with touring potential....the HP2 would be perfect for HK and your 6'5" frame...... jsut to throw in another juicy piece of mid life ice cream....

 

[Kritou]

I did 20+ years on a bike in HK and would have to agree that a "lighter" weight bike able to confidently step between the tram lines,diesel spills and other minefields would be the way to go - trying to squeeze a nice new GSA into the bike park in Ice House Street or Sai Kung market would be a pain. Or imagine trying to pick up unaided a heavy bike in the rain/heat/humidity ..........

The HP2, if the dealer carries them, sounds a good bet to me

 

[ahmorris]

I did 20+ years on a bike in HK and would have to agree that a "lighter" weight bike able to confidently step between the tram lines,diesel spills and other minefields would be the way to go - trying to squeeze a nice new GSA into the bike park in Ice House Street or Sai Kung market would be a pain. Or imagine trying to pick up unaided a heavy bike in the rain/heat/humidity ..........

The HP2, if the dealer carries them, sounds a good bet to me

Hi. If I were commuting and a bike was my only option I'd agree with you that thinner / nimbler is the way to go re HK traffic. I'm not planning on using the new bike for commuting - I work in the New Territories and live near Sai Kung so Saturday mornings to work via Sai Kung, Ma On Shan, Tolo Harbour Highway down Kam Tin Valley and home via Route Twisk look pretty good stable routes.

I think parking a GS or a GSA in a bike park anywhere in HK will be tricky - Star Ferry paid car park will be probably lookign a good option me thinks!

20 years biking in HK: and you lived to tell the tell...*impressed*

 

[ahmorris]

I get the impression you are thinking that the GSA is a GS with extras, my opinion is that they are two quite different bikes.

Hi Dean: yes you are right to quite a degree.

...but 90% of GSA riders probably never use the potential of thier bikes

Yes agreed (though no idea of the percentage). When I lived in Australia (Sydney) every 4x4 had roo bars, a snorkel exhaust at roof level and a spade for digging out the tyres. Fact is 99% od 4x4 users in Sydney use them to go shopping. I agree one can look a bit of a twat in such circumstances.

It's interesting to say the GS is a more useful road bike. 99% of the time I will use the bike it for normal good quality metalled roads. Once a year or two I'd like to go off out of HK and the local club organises trips in China, Malaysia etc, so I'd like the capability to go readily if I can.

So, given you have ridden in HK do you think it's more wise to go the GS route for 99% of the time and add on bits for the 1% I go off piste, or go the GSA route and take the touring bits off the the 99% of the time I don't need them on HK roads?

I'm likely to be in HK for many years so it's not necessary to make a choice GS / GSA re potential relocation.

...the HP2 would be perfect for HK and your 6'5" frame...... jsut to throw in another juicy piece of mid life ice cream....

HP2: yes nice...and not seenone in HK - either way I am more of a bimbler than a sports bike person so heart is set on a GS of some description'

Cheers

Alan

 

[bmwrover]

Alan, get the ADV, leave the ali panniers off and stick an Ortlieb waterproof bag on the pannier frame for the Saturday commute.

The higher seating position of the ADV suits your frame and its easier to look over traffic.
Then for the long trips with the club put the panniers on and tour in style.

 

[ahmorris]

Alan, get the ADV, leave the ali panniers off and stick an Ortlieb waterproof bag on the pannier frame for the Saturday commute.

Thanks - I was thinking of something similar and had been surfing websites for a good looking bag if I needed to carty something (not often) - thanks for the pics - the Ortlieb bags look great.

Cheers

Alan

 

[fatnfast]

Hi. If I were commuting and a bike was my only option I'd agree with you that thinner / nimbler is the way to go re HK traffic. I'm not planning on using the new bike for commuting - I work in the New Territories and live near Sai Kung so Saturday mornings to work via Sai Kung, Ma On Shan, Tolo Harbour Highway down Kam Tin Valley and home via Route Twisk look pretty good stable routes.

I think parking a GS or a GSA in a bike park anywhere in HK will be tricky - Star Ferry paid car park will be probably lookign a good option me thinks!

20 years biking in HK: and you lived to tell the tell...*impressed*

Ahhh, route twist, does the 51 Bus still use that route (mad drivers)? I used to go up and down that road on my Kwak ZXR750, its superb. There are also some fun roads/tracks around Sek Kong, I seem to remember one that goes up to a reservoir?
Choice of bike, well thats easy, 1150gs!

 

[ahmorris]

Ahhh, route twist, does the 51 Bus still use that route (mad drivers)? I used to go up and down that road on my Kwak ZXR750, its superb. There are also some fun roads/tracks around Sek Kong, I seem to remember one that goes up to a reservoir? Choice of bike, well thats easy, 1150gs!

Route Twisk: yup great road but been responsible for quite a few accidents - some of the bends are tighter than people think and large drop off. My sources tel lme the 51 bus still plies that route - were you in the army / air base in Shek Kong or living in Tsuen Wan?

For non-Hong Kongers Twisk comes from a misprint of Tsuen Wan / Shek Kong - it was a big Brisish army / air field in Shek Kong - now held by the PLA. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Route_Twisk A motorway was built between northern New Territories and Kowloon a few years back Route Twisk is now relatively quiet

From my place (Fei Ngo Shan) through Sai Kung, Tolo Harbour; Kam Tin Valley to office (Kam TIn) and back over Route Twisk is about 80km so not a bad route and all A / B road standard.

Thje only reservoir I can think near Shek Kong is Ho Pui Reservoir which is quite small - there's much bigger ones on Tai Po Road (Kowloon Rservoir, Upper & Shing Mun Resevoirs - there's some good B-roads up to these too.

Google maps (http://maps.google.com) has the street view now for HK - see if you recognise any old haunts

Cheers

Alan

 

[alimey4u2]

I went to school there when it was just a sleepy village... My how it's changed...

Went to Victoria school at the base of the peak tram station, stations moved further down now. My brother went to St Georges in Kowloon, took the Star Ferry every day...
Eff all to do with motorcycles but hey ho...

 

[ahmorris]

Eff all to do with motorcycles but hey ho...

Hey ho indeed...my wife was born in HK and went to Victoria Road too. She's early 40-something so perhaps you guys were int he sand pit together (OK...that's enough - no need to go into details about the bike sheds)