K1200 LT to GSA?

[talaris]

Hi

I havehad a K1200 Lt from new for 3 years now. Love it although it is a big haevy beast. Done nearly 15000 miles on it too mainly abroad. This yaer in the Alps the LT was a "handful" doing Stelvio etc.

I love the look of the GSA, in white of course, and really fancy changing to one.

I know this is a bit subjective but if I change to a 1200 GSA will I be disappointed? Will I miss the comfort, cruise etc.

Arranging a demo next week so any help before hand is appreciated.

 

[Blackal]

Hi,

I was used to touring on my BoxerCup Replika, but bought a (white) 1200 GSA in preparation for perhaps touring Iceland next year

It was fitted with knobbly tyres when I got it, which I found really strange (although they handled bendy tarmac fine). I changed to Tourance tyres soon after getting the bike, and set off for a 1000 mile weekend trip with topbox and tailpack only fitted.

Once you get used to the wide bars (that have you turning too early, and by too much ) - you discover how well it handles.

I have a feeling that it doesn't ultimately handle better than my BCR (albeit - soaks up bumps in the road better) but the upright riding position gives you more confidence in the bendy bits.

The field of vision that accompanies the riding position is brilliant - you can twist your head almost 360deg :spin - which makes lifesavers a doddle compared to the :cockeye on a sportsbike.

The screen allows me to ride for the most part with my visor up if I want, and there is next to no buffeting around the upper body and head.

I bought the GS Vario system panniers and topbox, so luggage capacity is brilliant, especially if you go for some of the 3rd party vendors. There are corrosion issues with the standard BMW Adventure luggage, so I would be tempted to go for Metal Mule luggage for serious load carrying (my choice from an engineer's point of view )

You can site a GPS in a number of places, the most logical being above the instruments - tons of space

Tank range - a whopping 360miles on average

Now the downside:

Seat height and size of the bike make it a bit of a handfull (for me, at least - 5'11") at standstill.

Servo Brakes take a bit of getting used to.

Your legs/feet get wetter and dirtier than on any other bike I've experienced

Other than that - it's a great touring machine

So - have a decent test-ride (hopefully not on knobblies) and give yourself time to get to know its attributes.

Al

 

[Bigtwin]

Get a 1200 and you will get a lot more out of your touring.

All that time at the side of the road admiring the views whilst waiting for International Rescue...

 

[Blackal]

What--------- this mob

 

[Deadskin]

As an ex owner of a LT i think you'll be suprised at the level of comfort
and protection of the screen /tank of the Adv,
100mph + cruising is far too easy,
the only dissapointment might be how much the LT has depreciated
if your thinking of doing a deal

 

[Blackal]

As an ex owner of a LT i think you'll be suprised at the level of comfort
and protection of the screen /tank of the Adv,
100mph + cruising is far too easy,
the only dissapointment might be how much the LT has depreciated
if your thinking of doing a deal

Ahh-yes, forgot that bit.......... because you are higher up - you don't think you're going fast................ until you check the clocks, or check your mirrors

Al

 

[talaris]

Thanks for all that.

You are right, the depreciation is a nightmare

So selling privately instead of going to the stealership and getting a GSA as soon as the LT has gone.