in a dilema!

[Stevo]

Hi Tossers

Here's my problem. I hope you can help.

I'm 6ft4" with an ever increasing waistline.
I live at the end of a bridleway - lots of potholes
I'm looking at touring down to the dordogne - family home awaits, and into the pyranese.

I'm in the market for a 12GS, however i would like to get spokes (due to the bridleway) and crash bars

Should I bite the bullet and go straight for the 12GSA, as this has the extras that I want plus more?

Is the extra money worth it? Will the extra ride height benifit my stature?
I've heard of better torque, power in the GSA is this a myth? is the addititional weight a hinderance on the GSA?

I know that a lot of this has been covered in other threads but ultimately i'd like to hear from other tossers that have been errrring and ummming over either a GS or GSA.

What did you pick and why? Have you had any regrets?
Did any of you feel the need to upgrade as the 12 GS wasn't up to it?
Do GSA owners get the most out of their bikes or would a GS have done the job equally as well.

I'd really apreciate the feedback as the money for the bike is nearly through - only 3 weeks to go!

ATB

Stevo

 

[John Armstrong]

Went for the GSA as it had the some of the extras I was going to fit. The price was then not that much more than a lightweight GS, and it had the big tank as a free bonus

No extra power / torque AFAIK, but the front end seems less flighty than the GS

The off road capability of a GS / GSA won't be that much different IMHO, both big heavy beasts to lift up, mostly will depend on the riders capability.

 

[Stevo]

Thanks John

Do you find that the large tank, when filled, affects the handling/performance or is the difference marginal - apart from the planted feel?

Cheers
Stevo

 

[Redbreast]

House in France

Hi cant really help you on the bike, im sure you will get some sound advise here though,but im interested re house in the Dordonge
We are off down there in 3 weeks. We have a house near Marmande near to Duras Im thinking of taking my R1200gs down. Get in touch.
Steve

 

[John Armstrong]

33 litres of fuel = approx 28kgs, which in the greater scheme of things isn't that great a change on a 250 kg bike (full of fuel etc). I guess if I had to lift it up off the floor I'd notice, otherwise I'm not that good

Should be great in France on a Sunday though

 

[sycomoto]

simple answer

i'm 6"2 and 16stone, the gsa is perfect, its awsome off road and can be hurled around in a maner that shouldn't be possible. i've had mine 9 months and done 10500miles, the tank range is 360 at a steady 80 average which is handy.
all in all as a big lad its as perfect as it can get.

 

[Aussie]

I'm 6' 4" and about 19 st. Love my GSA, I fitted fastway pegs to ease my knees they are about 1"1/4 lower than std. Ohlins help alot as does the Bill Mayer seat about 3" higher than std. I am on my 3rd one since 2002.

 

[letshuntsomeorc]

i'm 6"2 and 16stone, the gsa is perfect, its awsome off road and can be hurled around in a maner that shouldn't be possible. i've had mine 9 months and done 10500miles, the tank range is 360 at a steady 80 average which is handy.
all in all as a big lad its as perfect as it can get.

Ditto everything the other tosser said.
Had mine for 6 weeks and have loved it, get the adventure you won't regret it. Sounds like you are a big lad, so it should be no problem handling the beast.
Cheers, Neil.