A few weeks ago, I put a deposit down on a new GSA TE, but haven't been able to ride for a few weeks, so it was all dependant on another test ride.
Fast forward to today, and my bike was in for its 6k service, so I had a few hours on the GSA to make my mind up. And I'm pleased with my decision.
At 5'10, with the seat in the low/ low position, I could flat foot both sides, with no problem. I then put the seat in the high front/ low back position, to relieve my back, and can still flat foot.
The bike doesn't spin up quite as fast as my GS, but the difference isn't as noticeable as you'd think. This bike had the Akra, but no GSA Pro, but it felt livelier than the GSA I rode a few months ago. Fully fuelled, the bike is 22 kilos heavier, so running the same amount of fuel as a GS, and taking into account the weight of the engine bars, I'll bet there's hardly anything in it (how much does 10 litres of petrol weigh, btw?). It was smoother at low speeds, not one dodgy gear change, and it seems they've eliminated the flappy screen, as it was solid at 100mph (on my friends race track
). Handling is a little lazier than the GS, but still brilliant, and if I'm being honest, I'll chicken out long before the bike gives up in the bends.
When I took one out a couple of months ago, it was during a work day, and I had things on my mind so couldn't concentrate on the bike as much, but taking it out for a few hours on a Saturday, confirmed that I have done the right thing.
Roll on September,
Fast forward to today, and my bike was in for its 6k service, so I had a few hours on the GSA to make my mind up. And I'm pleased with my decision.
At 5'10, with the seat in the low/ low position, I could flat foot both sides, with no problem. I then put the seat in the high front/ low back position, to relieve my back, and can still flat foot.
The bike doesn't spin up quite as fast as my GS, but the difference isn't as noticeable as you'd think. This bike had the Akra, but no GSA Pro, but it felt livelier than the GSA I rode a few months ago. Fully fuelled, the bike is 22 kilos heavier, so running the same amount of fuel as a GS, and taking into account the weight of the engine bars, I'll bet there's hardly anything in it (how much does 10 litres of petrol weigh, btw?). It was smoother at low speeds, not one dodgy gear change, and it seems they've eliminated the flappy screen, as it was solid at 100mph (on my friends race track
). Handling is a little lazier than the GS, but still brilliant, and if I'm being honest, I'll chicken out long before the bike gives up in the bends.When I took one out a couple of months ago, it was during a work day, and I had things on my mind so couldn't concentrate on the bike as much, but taking it out for a few hours on a Saturday, confirmed that I have done the right thing.
Roll on September,
; however, a go on the S1000R could be in order.....
