I must admit that before buying each of my 4 GS’s I tried a GSA and not once did I think I needed one over a GS.
Is the GSA the best bike?
- Thread starter GSMarky
- Start date
Leasky I'm not new to UK GSer been on for years but I can't reply to your advert for Sargent seats? Don't know why. I'm in Aberdeen. Interested in the SArgent set do you ahve the part number are they low, high or what? also interested in the two tone grey GSA set too as i have 2021 GS with 'comfort' saddle. Drove my mates 2015 gSA adn saddle was fine. Just did 2750 miles to France and my OEM 'comfort' saddle wasn't too good for my **se cheers Carl. don't know how to contact you.After a “spirited” run to Ullapool and back at the weekend; the bottom corner of my soft pannier can testify that they take right hand bends very well.
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Go into your account, then look in upgrades ………I think
I’m the same as @stever1 - I have had several GS’s and have ridden the GSA to compare before making each purchase.
I personally cannot see the point of the GSA. Same engine etc as the standard GS but heavier and slower. I guess it must be the mobile phone cubby hole that swings it!?!
I’m getting ready to change my bike and I’m moving away from BMW for the first time in over 12 years. This makes me a little sad but I am disenfranchised. The 1300 leaves me completely cold. Looks awful and having ridden it several times, it’s no improvement over the 1250 and the ride is miles too firm.
I have decided for the first time in my life, to go for a Ducati. A Multistrada V4S to be precise. I will miss the adventure panniers from BMW but not much else.
I’m going to sell my car, van and my bike then get an old runabout estate like a Passat and a v4s in Arctic white. They have the least red paint of them and I will get the bit that is there on the frame tubes, resprayed in either black or white!
I personally cannot see the point of the GSA. Same engine etc as the standard GS but heavier and slower. I guess it must be the mobile phone cubby hole that swings it!?!
I’m getting ready to change my bike and I’m moving away from BMW for the first time in over 12 years. This makes me a little sad but I am disenfranchised. The 1300 leaves me completely cold. Looks awful and having ridden it several times, it’s no improvement over the 1250 and the ride is miles too firm.
I have decided for the first time in my life, to go for a Ducati. A Multistrada V4S to be precise. I will miss the adventure panniers from BMW but not much else.
I’m going to sell my car, van and my bike then get an old runabout estate like a Passat and a v4s in Arctic white. They have the least red paint of them and I will get the bit that is there on the frame tubes, resprayed in either black or white!
That's the benefit of personal preference - I bought a 1250 GS TE Rallye in March, sold it in May for a 1250 GSA TE.
I wouldn't say the GSA is slower (not really it's party peace) but the Mrs is adamant there's more space on the back seat for her and I much prefer the bigger look of the GSA.
That V4S is a lovely bike, enjoy it mate
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Hello Carl.
I don’t want to post my mobile number or address on here but please drop me a message if you do decide to become a subscriber.
The set of (standard) seats have sold this morning but I do still have the rear Sargent seat available if you are interested. Please be aware that I did not have a set of Sargent seats for sale.
Regards,
Colin.
The MS V4S is a lovely, lovely motorcycle for sure - enjoy.
I fist had a GSA in 2013, decided that was too big when eventually I bought a GS 1250 in 2020, then in Nov 23 bought the GSA as I missed the size and range of it. I've ridden the MS V4S and M 1000 XR as alternatives & will try a Hayabusa shortly (just because...) and the Suzuki thou motored tourers seeing as my local most dealer is Suzuki and a class act at being good motorcycle engineers (Check out St Neots Motorcycles GP bikes....). Nowt as queer as folk!!
One of the great things about biking is the depth and variety of preference and opinion.
For me, I love touring and riding quickly. I’ve had sports bikes but they are just too temptingly fast for the road. And I ride most days too. Plus my 1250 has done 26k miles and is out of warranty so a change feels imminent.
With that in mind, I think the V4S is a good fit for me.
To come full circle and return to the original question, I’d love another GS but I think the 1300 is awful and I cannot see me ever owning one. I saw a red GSA in Castleton on Sunday and was genuinely shocked at how it looked.
But to some, I guess it must be a thing of beauty and their perfect bike! Each to their own.
For me, I love touring and riding quickly. I’ve had sports bikes but they are just too temptingly fast for the road. And I ride most days too. Plus my 1250 has done 26k miles and is out of warranty so a change feels imminent.
With that in mind, I think the V4S is a good fit for me.
To come full circle and return to the original question, I’d love another GS but I think the 1300 is awful and I cannot see me ever owning one. I saw a red GSA in Castleton on Sunday and was genuinely shocked at how it looked.
But to some, I guess it must be a thing of beauty and their perfect bike!
Each to their own.
Just had a weekend doing the Northumberland 250 ( well 266 it ended up)
The weekend had motorways, fast a roads, ridiculously tight hair pins and any other kind of road you can think of. 750 miles over 2 1/2 days and the GSA was brilliant. I’m no Rossi but my mates commented on how much I seem to be able to throw it around.
I’ve said before that I find it a bit big but once it’s moving it’s superb. That said, my GS was too.
I’m hoping an upcoming two up trip to Norway reinforces the strengths of the “A”
Just to add, the Northumberland 250 route we took Saturday was one of the best days riding I’ve ever had, it was superb from start to finish, it’s a bloody long day but well worth it.
The weekend had motorways, fast a roads, ridiculously tight hair pins and any other kind of road you can think of. 750 miles over 2 1/2 days and the GSA was brilliant. I’m no Rossi but my mates commented on how much I seem to be able to throw it around.
I’ve said before that I find it a bit big but once it’s moving it’s superb. That said, my GS was too.
I’m hoping an upcoming two up trip to Norway reinforces the strengths of the “A”
Just to add, the Northumberland 250 route we took Saturday was one of the best days riding I’ve ever had, it was superb from start to finish, it’s a bloody long day but well worth it.
I chose my 1250 GSA over the new 1300 GS as the 1300 GSA wasn't out at the time. I'll try the 1300 GSA for sure too.One of the great things about biking is the depth and variety of preference and opinion.
For me, I love touring and riding quickly. I’ve had sports bikes but they are just too temptingly fast for the road. And I ride most days too. Plus my 1250 has done 26k miles and is out of warranty so a change feels imminent.
With that in mind, I think the V4S is a good fit for me.
To come full circle and return to the original question, I’d love another GS but I think the 1300 is awful and I cannot see me ever owning one. I saw a red GSA in Castleton on Sunday and was genuinely shocked at how it looked.
But to some, I guess it must be a thing of beauty and their perfect bike!
Our bikes are hard to beat Hartley. What's this route then? I like Northumberland.
Victor c
Registered user
I’ve just been to the Alps and back for the second time on my 2024 R1250GSA and it was the 8th time across all the GSA’s I’ve had since 2017. It is just so competent and easy going in all riding situations. However, as I’m getting older, I’m not finding the seat as comfortable, especially in the heat, so have just ordered a cool cover for it.
I used a Wind Rider cover for my last Scottish trip and it was a definite improvement..
Hi Victor,
I too sometimes suffer from numb bum syndrome if too long in the saddle, so my solution like many from decades ago was too fit either a real sheepskin rug or Faux fur as on my rug, much cheaper cost £17.98 delivered by Amazon. Large enough to cover both seats if needed.
I could have glued on comfy memory foam to the underside, but didn't need it. Great if you also wish to increase the seat height, for your long legs. Fits easier with space against tank, if up at front, down at rear on the rider seat.
Fitting it to the seat, I used stretch fabric with braces clips, like you get for holding on ironing board covers, also from Amazon £13.98 for 2 packs of 8, but I managed with 3 per side, 6 used in total. Or pinch them from the wife's ironing board, when shes not using it, attach string instead.
Removed the white stretch fabric and used black tie raps, and tied them to bikes side frame rather than under the seat, saves removing the seat. I like that much better as you do not see it so easily. Again unclip and remove rug to shake or when you need to get too battery compartment.
Oh and if it rains, I adorn my waterproofs before a soaking, and after suns back out simply undo the clips on fur cover and give it a brisk shake to dispel all the water on it. Its that easy.
As for looks, I don't care what others think, my butt likes it. Good enough for me. No pillions, hence rider seat only.
Pic below:-
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Victor c
Registered user
I’ve seen loads of people using sheepskin covers, but never tried one. If the Cool Cover doesn’t do it for me, that will be my next step.
Generally the seat doesn’t bother me, as I wear flat seamed, bamboo under crackers with my Covec riding jeans, but the heat on this tour was particularly savage at times and it looks like it could be the norm in future.
For cooler riding, the air cushion system in my Rukka pants is hard to beat. Even on my Speed Twin, which has a seat like an instrument of torture after an hour or so, is bearable with them for a few hours
.
Tip for sheepskin seat covers on bikes must have come from those with a Rolls Royce, or Bentley, standard for them to have them over their huge full leather seats, added comfort and less slide when braking. They don't shrink in wash either, seldom see shrunken sheep anywhere.
Yawn.
I think as we age we need many more breaks in the journey, for me, any excuse for a cuppa.
Yawn.I think as we age we need many more breaks in the journey, for me, any excuse for a cuppa.
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This is the Wind Rider. You get the pair if needed for the pillion too.
It’s definitely more comfy and the air gets through too. Water runs through.
You will notice sitting just a bit higher too. I’m on tallest seat position and just tip toes on the ground with it. Also put my screen up a notch or two to suit raised seating position.
You still feel connected to the bike unlike say the Air Hawk things which I didn’t like one bit. Never tried a sheepskin mind.
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