making my mind up

[roger smith]

Going out today, to have another look at the gs & gsa, my head says gs but i do prefer the looks of the gsa even though after reading comments on the forum it seems a bit slower, doesn't handle as good and is heavier than the standard gs. I am trying to reduce my bike collection so I am thinking about trading a KTM Superduke 07 and a Harley Streetglide 07 against either the gs or gsa, having to take a hit on the two trade ins GULP,

Anyone bought a gsa and regreted it honestly!! and wished they had the standard gs,

Decisions Decisions

Ride Safe and Often

 

[TheStig]

I test rode the 08 GS & GSA back to back.. I felt the GS was definitely easier to manoeuvre at slow speeds but still preferred the GSA as it felt more substantial and definately looks better. And I personally found the screen on the GSA miles better ! ( But I guess you could always add a GSA screen ). Also I am 6ft 2 so the GSA height issues wasn't one that bothered me.

SO I ordered the GSA I know if you get either bike you'll be extremely please d but I reckon if you get the GS you will always hanker for the GSA.

So good luck deciding !

Steve

 

[GSmonkey]

I've now owned both and test rode both back to back. There really is not a lot in it. The GSA has a bit of extra height, so you notice that when you're paddling it around.

The steering is slightly slower and the extra weight makes it slightly slower on acceleration, but not a lot.

What you get with the GSA is better tank range and better weather protection if you need that get the GSA, if you don't, get the GS.

Oh - the GSA looks like a Tonka Toy

 

[r12gsman]

I've now owned both and test rode both back to back. There really is not a lot in it. The GSA has a bit of extra height, so you notice that when you're paddling it around.

The steering is slightly slower and the extra weight makes it slightly slower on acceleration, but not a lot.

What you get with the GSA is better tank range and better weather protection if you need that get the GSA, if you don't, get the GS.

Oh - the GSA looks like a Tonka Toy

I would second the weather protection but regarding the tank range, who the heck wants to ride 340 miles non stop? After 200 miles or so my pillion and I certainly want a short break to stretch the legs etc so a fuel stop is ideal.

I dont plan on crossing the dessert where the fuel stations are few and far between so I definitely do not want all that extra weight and bulk. The GSA ifeels like a monster truck compared to th GS and I dont regret my GS one bit

 

[GSmonkey]

... who the heck wants to ride 340 miles non stop?

I don't, but its nice to have the flexibility re. finding fuel stops. There's nowt more annoying than the fuel light coming on when you're on a nice ride out. I'd never retrofit such a large tank, but its nice to have

 

[r12gsman]

I don't, but its nice to have the flexibility re. finding fuel stops. There's nowt more annoying than the fuel light coming on when you're on a nice ride out. I'd never retrofit such a large tank, but its nice to have

You are right the extra reserve can be handy but at what cost? I personally do not want that extra bulk and weight.

My take on this is a bit of anything extra could always be handy but there needs to be a cut off point. For example in my early days of traveling I would take extra everything just in case I might need it. As you can imagine my cases were full and so heavy it became a nightmare, so I learned to compromise. The bike handled so much better and my fuel mileage improved.

To my way of thinking I want to keep weight and bulk to a sensible minimum and in all my thousands of miles touring I have never needed 30 odd liters of fuel. Had a few tense moments mind you but that was down to me leaving fueling up too late.

Having come out with all this guff, there are plenty of riders out there that don't mind the extra bulk and love there GSA's . Same goes I guess for Goldwing and similar owners, to me they are like caravans on two wheels but loads of people love em just ain't for me.

 

[John Armstrong]

who the heck wants to ride 340 miles non stop? After 200 miles or so my pillion and I certainly want a short break to stretch the legs etc so a fuel stop is ideal.

In the north west coast of Scotland it's very usefull having that range possibility on a Sunday. Plus it means refuelling every other stop and not having to faff with the tankbag

Plus you don't have to put 33 litres in if you're worried about the weight

 

[GSmonkey]

I personally do not want that extra bulk and weight..

The thing I notice most about the tank is the fact that it keeps the wind off your legs, I really don't notice the weight. I happily brim it and ride through heavy traffic in London.

Anyway, I fitted a light Titanium Remus to counteract the additional weight of the tank

 

[adie]

i have a gsa its big its heavy bit i love it ,,,,ps cars keep out of your path

 

[Colban]

I am trying to reduce my bike collection so I am thinking about trading a KTM Superduke 07 and a Harley Streetglide 07 against either the gs or gsa, having to take a hit on the two trade ins GULP,

Welcome feller,decisions eh.
Why not become a subscriber for £12 and offer those 2 bikes up on the forum for sale or exchange.
This place seems to have a large number of closet KTM and HD fans hiding out there.

 

[Frankers]

I went for the GSA and very pleased with it. I ride in to Central London every weekday and have the seat on the highest setting and the tank full up and it's not too big or heavy. I find my filtering depends on my mood and I suspect it's different for individual riders. Go with what you like, both have lots of fans.

 

[r12gsman]

Anyway, I fitted a light Titanium Remus to counteract the additional weight of the tank

I like your thinking

 

[ravanelli]

Had 06 gs and now 07 gsa........
Prefer the gsa.........I'm not exactly tall ( about 5'9") but have managed so far with the standard seat.
Planning on touring so have got BM alu panniers/top box which i use to carry kit for work around all day.

Wind protection IMHO is far superior on the GSA.

Large fuel tank is real benefit as I dont have to fill up twice in working week. I less stop at gararge........

 

[Judda]

I test rode a GS and a GSA and ended up going for the GSA. To be honest they are both superb bikes, very little between them, personally I love the road presence of the GSA, and agree that the best feature of the larger tank is the wind reduction !

Either way you will not be disappointed, I think it is all a matter of style. If you've test ridden them both and still can't decide, just do it again, the dealer shouldn't mind !

So are the HArley and KTM the extent of your "bike collection" ?!

Cheers
Mike

 

[Navy Boy]

I found my GS to have sufficient tank range (150 miles before having to worry about filling up). Having said that I also find the 25 litre tank on my 1150RT quite reasuring.

Therefore if you like the looks and can afford I'd say go for the GSA.

Incidentally what do you think of the Streetglide?

 

[Voyager61]

The GS Adventure is way more stable in high winds too ... almost immovable!

Overall I felt it was the better of the two bikes (so I bought one). Previously I had really liked the look of the 1150. The R1200GS Adventure has a bit more of the 1150 in the way it looks. More road presence, more weight, more planted feeling. You just need to learn how to plan you arrival at a halt ... you know, camber, that sort of thing.

Whatever else it is, it's a blinding road bike.

 

[rick]

I have an 05 standard GS. When I test rode the GSA I found it heavier and felt it didn't handle as well. Overall for me I felt the standard GS to be the better bike for me.

There have been times when a larger tank would have been nice, but I think the extra weight too much of a penalty for me to pay. I have also found that the seat range is not as good as the tank's, so I usually end up stopping before I need fuel.

Don't know how far you've got with doing the deal, but it might be worth having a word with CWs in Dorchester. They have a sister dealer, which sells KTMs so you might get a better trade in from them.

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

If you are a true Tosser in size ie 16-20 stone and 6- 6 and a half foot tall get the GSA cos the standard GS will look like a Moped under you

 

[Westy]

Going out today, to have another look at the gs & gsa, my head says gs but i do prefer the looks of the gsa even though after reading comments on the forum it seems a bit slower, doesn't handle as good and is heavier than the standard gs. I am trying to reduce my bike collection so I am thinking about trading a KTM Superduke 07 and a Harley Streetglide 07 against either the gs or gsa, having to take a hit on the two trade ins GULP,

Anyone bought a gsa and regreted it honestly!! and wished they had the standard gs,

Decisions Decisions

Ride Safe and Often

Adventure everytime, you'll never notice the difference handling wise or acceleration, that is unless your a bike journo ! Also it looks a thousand times better than the standard one with the bonus of added wind protection and range. Ok you may not want to do 300 + mls in a one er, but while all your mates are filling up, you can have a stretch or a cuppa while their all queuing up. Ever thought when your on a autobahn or french motorway and said to yerself 'I'll fill up next stop' only to find the next stop is 60mls away ! I have, and then its down to 60mph to make it.