I thought I wanted a GSA, not sure now??

[neil27]

Hi,

I passed my bike test a few years ago, when it was the old 2 part test, (a few years ago now) way before we had intercomms, mobiles and the good old internet! I'm 43 years old with not very good knees, a dodgy back so no more sports bikes unfortunately. Built for comfort not speed etc.

I currently have a G650 xmoto, that I bought on a whim last year, got a great deal on it and I thought it's good for a short blast (which it is, real hooligan tool)....
Anyway the bike bug has bitten again slightly deeper and I'm looking for something that will take me further afield, a bit more comfort, a bit more power, and slightly less manic (must be my age)!

Looking around as I currently own a BM, it is very easy for me to think the GS/GSA would be a good replacement, comfort, more power, reliable...., (it is frightening what you read on these forums) and of course it will allow me to go for longer rides. However there are now some very good alternatives and I would welcome opinions and other possibilities that I hadn't considered.

I've got a list that seems to be worthy of consideration:
BMW GS/GSA - tried and tested, quite heavy, built like a tank, not to sporty!
Triumph Tiger SE - a bit more road biased, great engine, UK built.
KTM 990 SMT - great reviews, more sporty focused, crap luggage
1200 Multistrada - a technical marvel, untested, quite pricey in s or touring mode.

I do want to tour, possibly with the better half, mainly UK based. Looking at the continent with some friends in 2011 - Italy, Croatia etc.
I know I can road test nearly all these bikes and I have tried the GSA, a friend had one (2008 vintage and it felt pretty good to be honest, a lot lighter than i assumed it would).
Would appreciate any thoughts on my possible shortlist.

Sorry for the long winded post. I have been sniffing around the for sale section and realise there are a few nice GSA's on there and also a 2007 triumph tiger up for grabs.
Thanks for reading.
Neil.

 

[Davel]

The only real way to find out which bike is for you is to have a decent test ride on all of them.

I prefer the GS and have had a few other bikes in between, Multistrada, Night Rod Special, Fatbob and a K1200GT.

All great bikes, in their own way, but I always end up back on a GS and usually after having wasted quite a bit of money.

Try them all and see what you personally prefer - and also which dealer you have more confidence in.

Try them on all all the usual road types too - and enjoy making your choice!

Oh- just to add, five of us tour Scotland each year and we started off with me on a GS, a guy on an FJR, one on a Kawasaki, one on a Suzuki and another on a TDM. We do about 2,500 miles each trip.

Two of them have now switched to GSs and a third is considering it too.

 

[BBB61]

As suggested give them a try first. But be careful of Triumph. My experience is the build quality since 2003/4 has declined and the warranty department at the factory will blame the customer for any issues relating to paintwork/corrosion.

 

[Giles]

Morning Neil,

There is only one true answer here! And that is, only you can decide! And without a shadow of a doubt, you MUST test ride all your favourite contenders. Do you plan on going off road? I was twixt and tween GSA and Multistrada, the Multistrada looks an awesome road bike, but I want to go off road, and whilst its billed as being up for the job, that lush paint job and lack of crash bars just looks like it would break yer heart when (!) you drop it. For that reason I discounted it. Not going off road? I'd not consider the adventure, i'd whittle my choices down to the standard GS, Duke, KTM .....etc.
KTM is a cracking bike for solo work, couple of mates at work have them and they absolutely love them. Again for me, I do a lot of two up stuff and for that reason went with the BM over the KTM.
If you're serious about buying, its nearly spring, bike dealerships are itching to get their tills full and they will welcome you with open arms for test rides galore. Try and book yourself in with your three favourites (for me it would be BM, Ducati and KTM) and get out on all three over a weekend. Good luck!

 

[Dazzle]

I have seen the Multistrada in the flesh it is a thing of beauty, being a Ducati fan it seems a wonderful allrounder, personally I would test ride one
But most Ducati dealers are taking deposits so it might be hard to get a demo until July.
So the availability may sway your decision
mind you when I saw the multi thought I had found my next bike till I rode home on my 1150 which is staying for a while yet

 

[GSmonkey]

You really have to try them out - they're all good bikes albeit Ducati untested.

Assuming you've got the budget and want to focus on longe runs, the GSA has to be top of that list. The weight is only a concern at standstill. Looking at the recent adventure bikes to come to Market ie Yamaha and you can imagine what the VFR based Honda will be, the GS is beginning to look light weight.

 

[MIKE R]

As has been said, all very good bikes.

I currently own a GSA and a 1050 Tiger. I've only just picked up the 12GSA (although I've had GSes in various forms for the last 13 years) so I'll leave comments about that to others on this forum. Have you found Tiger1050.com?

As for the Tiger, she is a great bike and a LOT cheaper than the GSA. I personally think that Triumph's build quality is at least equal to that of BMW. The engine is a peach, but the chassis is basic. It's good enough but not outstanding. The Triumph is a lot lighter than the BM (even the standard GS) but has about the same overall power (but not torque) as the new twin cam engine. I don't know if you are looking at new or S/H, but Triumph have recently introduced the £800 of 'free' accessories (does not apply to the SE). I personally wouldn't go with Triumph luggage. It looks good but has low carrying capacity if you are touring for more than a couple of days. There is some very good aftermarket stuff out there.

End of the day, it your money and your choice. Have fun test riding.

Mike

 

[Mutley]

If you have no intention of off roading why would you buy a GS?

There are loads of far more accomplished road bikes than a GS and plenty better at touring. A GS has poor weather protection and is less well equiped for touring than an RT / LT.

If you aren't off roading then the KTM Adventure is a complete non-starter. The front wheel makes cornering vague and the suspension has way too much travel for entirely road use.

I'd have a word with some independant Ducati specialists about the cost of running and owning the Multistrada before you buy it. Don't take the costs of servicing at the main dealer as a guide, there are loads of 'extras' you'll need like belts and lifting cams

If you must have and enduro style bike but just for road use I'd take a look at the Tiger or a Guzzi

 

[sven]

I've got a list that seems to be worthy of consideration:
BMW GS/GSA - tried and tested, quite heavy, built like a tank, not to sporty!
Triumph Tiger SE - a bit more road biased, great engine, UK built.
KTM 990 SMT - great reviews, more sporty focused, crap luggage
1200 Multistrada - a technical marvel, untested, quite pricey in s or touring mode.

If you're planning on touring two-up, the Tiger has a very exposed pillion position and the exhaust heatshield dug into SWMBO's ankle. The quality of the design and engineering was poor too. Nice engine though.

We sat on the KTM and it was physically too small for us. The panniers are very small too.

The GS was a much better bike than the Tiger - better build quality, nice solid feel, light (standard model) compared to my K1200S and very comfy for both rider and pillion. Sure an R1200RT would be a better two-up bike, but the GS has a bit more street cred The ESA is essential though for two-up work IMHO

Multistrada I'm trying to figure out how to afford one in a couple of years...

 

[sven]

If you have no intention of off roading why would you buy a GS?

If you intend to ride offroad, why not just buy an enduro bike?

I like the commanding riding position, comfort (particularly two-up) and looks of my GS. Doesn't go round corners like my VFR or K1200S did, but you can still make good progress. It's great fun on the bumpy backroads of the Dales

 

[neil27]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
A bit more information about my requirements.
I have absolutely no intention of going off road, tarmac only I'm afraid. Does that mean I should discount the GSA then? I do like the 'purposefulness' of the big adventure, would it be so terible to never off road on one, or is there a unwritten rule on the forum that you must off road if you have a GSA....

I'm also 6'1", about 16 stone and have an inside leg of 32. I have ridden an 08 GSA and really liked it, quite cumbersome at slow speeds but once on the move its weight disappeared very quickly. Engine seemed a bit breathless, but quite torquey. But I loved the riding position, very comfortable and commanding view of the road.

I also like the Duke, but as I'm road use only, I'm not worried about dropping it off road etc.
My only reservation with the Multistrada is its ace card, all the electronics that are unheard of on a bike (let alone Ducati), could make life very easy and provide a very rewarding ride or could turn into a warranty claim nightmare if they have got it wrong, hope not!

The KTM has had some great reviews and seems the 'simpler' solution of the other suggestions. No ABS, traction control, auto electronic suspension gizmos, so a lot less to go wrong.
One of the lighter bikes, more road focused than the others (which isn't a problem) just concerned about the seat (comfort) and pillion comfort.

Anyway, aside from road testing each one, I can't comment further, but I will book some road tests over the next few weeks, weather and time permitting. I'll keep everyone posted on my experiences and once again, thanks for the suggestions and comments, this really is a great place for information and banter....

Thanks,
Neil.

 

[Big Nick]

I wouldn't bother with the Ducati as you'll pay a lot for it, its so far unproven and it will be expensive to service and get parts for should you have an off. However if you're looking for sports bike speed it may fit the bill

The Triumph is the budget choice and is a good bike, there's also some good deals available. If moneys an issue this would be the best bike IMHO for your needs.

The GS is tried, tested and proven all around the world but is more expensive than the Triumph but you get what you pay for i.e. a better bike. Most GSA's won't see anything else but Tarmac so don't think just because you won't be going off road you shouldn't get one. I'm a similar size to you and test rode the GS and the GSA and found the Adv to be more 'planted' on the road and I prefered how it rode to the standard model. Being over 6' means the extra height and weight won't be an issue either.

The KTM sits in between the Triump and the GS and no doubt will be more exclusive than both. I haven't ridden or researched it much so can't really add much else!

As stated ride them all and weigh up the deals/prices available. The GS is one of the least depreciating bikes so at least if you buy one first and don't like it you won't lose as much on it!!

 

[Giles]

.....I have absolutely no intention of going off road, tarmac only I'm afraid. Does that mean I should discount the GSA then? I do like the 'purposefulness' of the big adventure, would it be so terible to never off road on one, or is there a unwritten rule on the forum that you must off road if you have a GSA....eyes.......:

A purely personal view, probably not shared by others, but if you're not going off road, but why buy the heavier, slightly slower, slightly more cumbersome adventure? Apart from a bigger fuel range I don't see the advantage. The standard GS is lighter, slightly quicker and will be a darn site more flickable. It will be a better road bike.

 

[AberdeenAngus]

Thanks for the replies guys, much appreciated.
A bit more information about my requirements.
I have absolutely no intention of going off road, tarmac only I'm afraid. Does that mean I should discount the GSA then? I do like the 'purposefulness' of the big adventure, would it be so terible to never off road on one, or is there a unwritten rule on the forum that you must off road if you have a GSA....

I'm also 6'1", about 16 stone and have an inside leg of 32. I have ridden an 08 GSA and really liked it, quite cumbersome at slow speeds but once on the move its weight disappeared very quickly. Engine seemed a bit breathless, but quite torquey. But I loved the riding position, very comfortable and commanding view of the road.

I also like the Duke, but as I'm road use only, I'm not worried about dropping it off road etc.
My only reservation with the Multistrada is its ace card, all the electronics that are unheard of on a bike (let alone Ducati), could make life very easy and provide a very rewarding ride or could turn into a warranty claim nightmare if they have got it wrong, hope not!

The KTM has had some great reviews and seems the 'simpler' solution of the other suggestions. No ABS, traction control, auto electronic suspension gizmos, so a lot less to go wrong.
One of the lighter bikes, more road focused than the others (which isn't a problem) just concerned about the seat (comfort) and pillion comfort.

Anyway, aside from road testing each one, I can't comment further, but I will book some road tests over the next few weeks, weather and time permitting. I'll keep everyone posted on my experiences and once again, thanks for the suggestions and comments, this really is a great place for information and banter....

Thanks,
Neil.

I'm similar height & weight as yourself and find the GSA perfect.
Plenty of folk have GSA's & never off-road them.
Doesn't mean you can't be still be adventurous. You can get all the way down to Dakar on the tar now.
If you like the bike, go for it.

 

[cherokee]

off road

I wouldnt worry yourself that your not going off road,some might say anyone taking these adventure bikes through the dirt are a little mad.All of the bikes on your list would do the job,although i suspect the smt would be a little small for your touring need,the standard luggage would need to be changed also.The gsa or gs would be a good choice,and maybe you should look at the KTM990 i find mine great two up with a couple of mods.No experience of the triumph although checking one over in the dealer it looks a little dated and build quality doesnt look great.All of the bikes you mention are great bikes just different in the way they make their power and handle,just for the record totaly disagree with mutley on the 990adv handling mine scratches with the best sport bike riders and the WP suspenders soak up the shite uk roads with ease just ride em all and make your choice on your requirements.

 

[Davel]

A purely personal view, probably not shared by others, but if you're not going off road, but why buy the heavier, slightly slower, slightly more cumbersome adventure? Apart from a bigger fuel range I don't see the advantage. The standard GS is lighter, slightly quicker and will be a darn site more flickable. It will be a better road bike.

Wot he says?

Try both. If you're not going off road or touring where there are few filling stations, try the GS!

 

[Mike Bell]

Go for the GSA, you wont regret it. As for sports bikes, Ha.. You'll sneak up on them through the bends no problem, and in the real world the Bm is much quicker than them all.

 

[sven]

The Triumph is a lot lighter than the BM (even the standard GS)

228kg wet vs. 229kg - couldn't tell the difference myself

Main thing is to test ride them two-up - the Triumph is a good solo bike, but poor two-up IMHO unless you're a lot taller than your better half in order to shelter her from the windblast

 

[Dougie Danger]

I also have a back problem. The GSA with ESA suspension is the only bike that I have tried that does not aggrevate my back regardless of time in the saddle. Recently had GSA out on loan that had std suspension [no ESA] and the next day my back was not good.

Doug.

 

[Mutley]

If you intend to ride offroad, why not just buy an enduro bike?

Because an enduro bike isn't too clever on the road, especially over any distance

If anybody bothered to read past the first line of my post you'll see that my point is that the GS is far from the best road orientated touring bike there is. If you don't want the off road capabilities then why put up with the shortcomings

I was just trying to avoid the tedium of yet another 1200 rider complaining about the buffeting when he's bought the wrong bike