new to me Gsa 1300

[sand380]

I've been a long term Gsa owner. firstly 2006 which had full akro and maxton suspension; then I moved onto a 2012 TC which was also absolutely mega.

the Tc was starting to feel her age and my eyes started to wander.

unfortunately for my bank balance there's a local bmw dealership nearby.

I remember walking in, seeing a GSA in trophy colours and thinking WOW that's so ugly it's almost good looking in a bizarre way.

I then sat on a normal Gs which I almost bought there and then but kept glancing across to the GSA.

After a few weeks deliberation I've gone for a used GSA in trophy colours.

firstly.... its quiet. I've read many places the motors are really loud. there's definitely a different pitch to the engine noise but this one's quiet. I haven't heard any other 1300's to compare as yet.

I'm new to the wonder wheel system. initially it seemed quite daunting compared to a ducati system for example but within 2 rides Its second nature

riding was a revelation. I've only used it in dynamic mode. the handling, brakes aren't just a step up from my old 1200; but compared to majority of modern bikes (I have quite a few) its wonderful to ride. power wheelies off the torque in the first 3 gears and gets a bit lively in 4th. for such a sensible bike it can be pretty wild.
the only thing I didn't like is it wants to stand up mid corner whilst dragging the brakes but we'll work on that.

gearbox is miles better but its no pannigale. it does have a lovely reassuring clunk. reminds me of my dirtbike tbh. I only use quickshifters whilst the engines spinning 5k+. when used like this it works great.

there's a few things I will miss from the old GSA. the sound. my old 1200 had a lovely bark. like 2 crf450s .

it has a typical soft initial throttle that all modern bikes have, which i really dont like. a remap will sort that.

also keyless ignition is a pointless invention.

I was really nervous about making the jump after some rather negative reviews, but then I remember how people reacted when the first water cooled bikes came out!
I think BMW have done a great job. its still a Gs but better everywhere.

 

[Slipperyeel]

Nice little review (my eyes are also wandering). Interested you think keyless is pointless. I had the benefit of using it late last year and I thought that alone was a little revolution!
But also like you, I'd be coming from a TC, so bit of a leap.
My only concern about these bikes is all the electronics. Maybe they're more reliable than I give them credit? The TC has enough, at least I thought, once upon a time

 

[sand380]

I know what you mean. a TC with riding modes seemed amazing back in the day!

regarding the key, it doesn't seem to be happy in the storage box. it shows a low signal message. so I moved it to my top pocket which I routinely double/triple check I've zipped it up! I don't want a lanyard either.

there's so many things to go wrong on these bikes, but the odds are good it'll stay trouble free.
people post issues which are a tiny percentage of the amount of bikes sold.

 

[Lupo]

Welcome.

I too, own a GSA and don’t like the initial (lack of) throttle response…..so will be interested to know if you get a fix for that?

 

[TaskMule]

"it has a typical soft initial throttle that all modern bikes have"

Take it out of Rain mode

 

[Udders]

the only thing I didn't like is it wants to stand up mid corner whilst dragging the brakes but we'll work on that.

Well if you were a riding god, like wot I am, you’d be starting get on the throttle mid corner not the brakes!
Your approach speed isn’t correct.

 

[sand380]

interesting...... so to answer some questions and maybe add some context.
I ride pannigale's, 748 ducati, tz250 gp bikes, plus some normal modern bikes.

a normal bike allows you to trail the brakes deep into a corner. the problem lie's with the linked brake system. scrubbing speed with a rear brake into a corner is applying too much front brake pressure causing the bike to sit upright.

to test the theory (although I could feel the front being applied so I'm sure that's the problem) I'll try it in enduro Pro mode. this can disable the rear brake from the front.

it just requires a more old school riding style. get all your braking out the way before chucking her in

keeping me entertained on twisty roads treating it like a big supermoto most probably wasn't in BMW's design brief. my TC didn't do this. it's a observation from old-new bikes

yes it's in dynamic mode. it's the only mode I've tried tbh. almost everything 2015 onwards suffers the same soft initial throttle.
on the ducatis there's a throttle housing modification to sharpen them up but doubt there's anything like that for the Gs. ultimately most people want them pretty docile majority of the time and off road.
I think a remap but just for dynamic mode is the only fix if you feel you have a problem with it , then you can keep it's soft nature in the other modes.

 

[Arsey]

I've been a long term Gsa owner. firstly 2006 which had full akro and maxton suspension; then I moved onto a 2012 TC which was also absolutely mega.

the Tc was starting to feel her age and my eyes started to wander.

unfortunately for my bank balance there's a local bmw dealership nearby.

I remember walking in, seeing a GSA in trophy colours and thinking WOW that's so ugly it's almost good looking in a bizarre way.

I then sat on a normal Gs which I almost bought there and then but kept glancing across to the GSA.

After a few weeks deliberation I've gone for a used GSA in trophy colours.

firstly.... its quiet. I've read many places the motors are really loud. there's definitely a different pitch to the engine noise but this one's quiet. I haven't heard any other 1300's to compare as yet.

I'm new to the wonder wheel system. initially it seemed quite daunting compared to a ducati system for example but within 2 rides Its second nature

riding was a revelation. I've only used it in dynamic mode. the handling, brakes aren't just a step up from my old 1200; but compared to majority of modern bikes (I have quite a few) its wonderful to ride. power wheelies off the torque in the first 3 gears and gets a bit lively in 4th. for such a sensible bike it can be pretty wild.
the only thing I didn't like is it wants to stand up mid corner whilst dragging the brakes but we'll work on that.

gearbox is miles better but its no pannigale. it does have a lovely reassuring clunk. reminds me of my dirtbike tbh. I only use quickshifters whilst the engines spinning 5k+. when used like this it works great.

there's a few things I will miss from the old GSA. the sound. my old 1200 had a lovely bark. like 2 crf450s .

it has a typical soft initial throttle that all modern bikes have, which i really dont like. a remap will sort that.

also keyless ignition is a pointless invention.

I was really nervous about making the jump after some rather negative reviews, but then I remember how people reacted when the first water cooled bikes came out!
I think BMW have done a great job. its still a Gs but better everywhere.

Good for you . Hope you enjoy it .

With regards to gear changes , I prefer a reassuring snick to a clunk . I’ve yet to ride a BMW with a smooth box , though from memory my K1300S was pretty good apart from N to 1

 

[sand380]

I think your right regarding a k1300s gearbox. it's a surprisingly good overall package.
I've not rode a recent s1000rr. the earlier boxes weren't amazing but certainly livable.
I'd wondered if bmw had kept the slightly clunky gearbox as 'character ' on the Gs

 

[Arsey]

I think your right regarding a k1300s gearbox. it's a surprisingly good overall package.
I've not rode a recent s1000rr. the earlier boxes weren't amazing but certainly livable.
I'd wondered if bmw had kept the slightly clunky gearbox as 'character ' on the Gs

I doubt it .
I’ve just done 500 miles around Gran Canaria on a new shape F900GS .
Loved the bike but the GSAP was shite .
BMW just don’t seem to know how to make a gear box . Try a Yamaha or Suzuki quick shifter is night and day to the crude BMW GSAP.
Seems they’ve carried the trait over to the ASA bikes too .

 

[tomtom1200]

I really like the keyless ride however it is sensitive to where it's kept. I think the bikes transponder is under the seat. The best place I have found for the key is permanently in my riding trousers pockets on the opposite side to my body from my phone. If it's near the phone the signal gets blocked.

 

[botus]

you need to check were the battery-less emergency receiver is - my K16 wouldn't respond to the main key - I knew were the battery less bit was but couldn't get the battery free one to behave - in the end had to walk to buy a battery before I could use my own bike - its insecure, irritating and far worse than pointless -

just wait till riding down the road after lifting the seat - and you start to wonder where the key is... 70 mph on the motorway and you twig I hope its still in the seat lock mechanism !!!!

usually leave it beside the tank when doing maint - then you see it resting there as you're riding down the road !!!

never had such insanity in the good old days - we have to have it so they get more stolen its that simple

 

[TaskMule]

you need to check were the battery-less emergency receiver is - my K16 wouldn't respond to the main key - I knew were the battery less bit was but couldn't get the battery free one to behave - in the end had to walk to buy a battery before I could use my own bike - its insecure, irritating and far worse than pointless -

just wait till riding down the road after lifting the seat - and you start to wonder where the key is... 70 mph on the motorway and you twig I hope its still in the seat lock mechanism !!!!

usually leave it beside the tank when doing maint - then you see it resting there as you're riding down the road !!!

never had such insanity in the good old days - we have to have it so they get more stolen its that simple

I forgot my key in the seat lock! Stupid BMW

 

[slimpickings]

I forgot my key in the seat lock! Stupid BMW

The bike starts without the key … is his point …… Stupid Task Mule

 

[TaskMule]

The bike starts without the key … is his point …… Stupid Task Mule

Haha I see that one went well over your head

 

[Asturcon]

I quite like the KEYLESS ride, but you do need to cut a spare blank. I too have left the key in the seat, others in the top-box. Can be an expensive mistake. You can get 2032s in LITHIUM which last twice as long.

At 280kgs this bike is HEAVY! and I do struggle a little with its weight. I have only done 500 miles in mine so far, so I'm still getting to grips with it. I came from a 2018 1200 GS which also had linked brakes. I don't use my brakes very often even when riding at pace; I tend to enter corners in very low gear and very high revs and feather the throttle. The brakes are back-up in case I under/overcook it. It's the beauty of big twins and why I don't like tetras. Those huge flowerpots sticking out of the side provide excellent engine braking. Feathering the throttle has the same effect as trailing the rear brake in a corner, but I'm sure I'm teaching everyone to suck eggs, there. I find it gives me far better direct control of the bike in a fast corner than using the rear brake.

I also miss the "bark" and the pop on the overun of my 1200 which, having only done running-in miles on this, I have not managed to reproduce yet. I have a feeling that it doesn't do it.

This gearbox is slightly smoother than past iterations. I think people get caught up in the desire for a smooth "snick". It's nice to have but not necessarily better mechanically. Being agricultural, the GS has a much stronger box. Beyond the 2013 GS I've never heard of a GS gearbox having reliability issues. Suzuki and Yamaha, nice and slick as they are, have far more issues than GSs; they don't stay "snicky" for long with spirited use. The QS can be used at any revs 3rd to 6th, but I admit it's useless in 1st & 2nd on the upshift (especially), except under hard acceleration; downshifting (I find) isn't a problem in any gear. OK, maybe down to first is clunky.

Compared to the 1200 & 1250 this bike is much better screwed together with better materials. Thumbs up for the return to an aluminium tank instead of the plastic rubbish on the previous ones. I haven't had mine apart completely yet, but the bits I have removed are so much better quality than the previous models had; plastic is not screwed to plastic with Dzus fasteners, for example and there's about 50% less plastic on a new GSA, than there was on the previous GS!

I should really have gone for the normal GS, but, although in the flesh it looks better, I looked at a picture of one (several actually) and it reminded me of two bikes: A beefed up version of the Scarver (BMW 650), and the Suzuki V-Strom. In the case of the V-Strom I found that at a distance It was difficult to tell them apart. My main reason for going for the GSA, though, wasn't one of aesthetics, it is because increasingly on my tours I have noticed more and more derelict petrol stations. Even moreso on the backroads I like to travel on.