My GSA replacement.

[phillh]

Its now just over a month since I traded in my trusty old 2011 GSA Twin Cam. I had owned it for 4 years, I loved the bike but was finding it was getting too heavy and bulky for me.

I looked at several options for replacing it and in the end it came down to either the new water cooled GS or KTM 1190 Adventure. After several test rides and a lot of research, I went for the KTM. The BMW w/c is a lovely bike but I just found the KTM so much more exciting to ride and much preferred the instrumentation and switchgear.

One month in, I am very pleased with the 1190 and believe I made the right decision. It is great to ride, light and nimble and very quick, but I think the handling and brakes on my old GSA were superior - probably due to the front telelever suspension. Other very minor niggles are the fuel range (around 230 miles down from 300+) and the centre stand which hides itself under the rear footrest and is difficult to locate in boots.

I took the KTM in for its first service Friday and was sad to see my old GSA sitting there in the showroom, I hope it finds a good home soon.

Sargent seat and Power Commander 5 have just gone on ebay if anyone is interested.

 

[Bendy toy]

A good time to buy less good for selling.

 

[Jimmy5bellies]

Would the pc be suitable for a 2008 gsa ?

 

[phillh]

Jimmy,

I have looked on the Dynojet website and they quote different part numbers for 08 and 11 bikes
so I don't think so, probably different plugs or something.

PH

 

[Greenman14]

The KTM doesn't look that much smaller than the GSA, when I saw the header I thought maybe you had gone for the Tracer, or for the KTM 1050, or even an ordinary GS. Is the 1190 really that much easier to handle?

 

[phillh]

Greenman,

The short answer is yes. On paper there is not a great deal of difference, the GSA being something like 20kg heavier when fuelled up
but the KTM is much slimmer with narrower bars and lower centre of gravity. I find it much easier to move around and much easier
to park on a sloping surface. Btw, the 1050 is essentially the same as the 1190 with a smaller motor and cheaper suspension, and
no centre stand.

 

[gsbiker]

I'm in a similar boat. I own a 2008 GSA single cam but with performance parts and PC. Test riden new GSA, new GS, KTM 1290 Superduke, 1190 Adventurer and 1290 Super adventurer.

My Conclussions
New GSA - my preferred looking bike but felt it lacks consistent torque from 4K, feels like it flattens off. Up to 4K it's fast but slows down after 4K and seems lacklustre thereafter.
New GS - interesting, same engine charactistics, felt lacking as I'm used to a bigger GSA
KTM 1290 Superduke - WOW WOW WOW! Fun all day if you keep your licence that long. Wants to go faster all the time. A lot of fun but lacks touring comfort and suitable luggage.
KTM 1190 Adventurer - Very impressive. Very agile and exciting. Plenty of power, Fun all day but lacks the toys of the 1290 Super adventurer. Good all rounder. not so good looking, chain!
KTM 1290 Super Adventurer - Engine was very impressive, not as aggressive as the surperduke, A bit lacklustre, can't put my finger on it, don't like white - needs colour. Don't like chains.

Despite the obvious attractions to owning a new bike I would find it hard to get rid of my GSA 2008 air cooled. It's slower, heavier but I like it. Not saying I wont change but it's not an easy decision - cost vs do I need?