Newbie - GS or GSA?

[Ceri JC]

I think you nullified your comment with your opening statement.

By extension, I suppose you must consider the opinion of everyone in this thread who hasn't owned both bikes is unqualified too?

I would point out that I have ridden both of the bikes concerned, although I'd hope that was already strongly implied by my previous post.

 

[AJSmith110]

I chose GSA following three Pans,purely for size and presence - cars definitely get out of the way.
Took it for service recently to Southport Superbikes ( excellent dealer ) and had standard GS for afternoon and was vey disapointed. for me it just felt small and missing a lot,but each to there own.

 

[STUBBS]

if you can find the right one the gsa

 

[cheap'n'cheerful]

GS

 

[Stretchamus]

GS

GSA

 

[chipsonfriday]

You buy a GS and while out riding a GSA pulls up next to you at a set of lights. You look across at the GSA - do you feel envious?

If you do - you've bought the wrong bike...

 

[Oldrat]

Definately go for a DOHC whichever you buy.

 

[Brucey]

GS

Well I test rode both a couple of weeks ago and ended up ordering the GS.

I preferred the GSA when on the move, but as soon as I slowed down, "forget it"! It was a windy day and at a stop at the lights I could hardly keep the thing upright! When I got back to the dealers I could not push it back to park it without dismounting. So... I guess that this will be true

You buy a GS and while out riding a GSA pulls up next to you at a set of lights. You look across at the GSA - do you feel envious?

But you have to have something that you can actually use, so GS it was. Anyone in Poland want to buy a F650 GS Paris Dakar?? Went for the Triple Black package with the trimmings. Six week delivery wait tapping fingers!!

 

[Wyreflyer]

2 years ago I tested both, at 5'11" and only 30" inside leg I struggled with the GSA. I bought the GS and rode it for 12k in 18 months, absolutely loved it.
Aug last year I traded it in for a GSA! The size doesn't matter now that I'm used to this style of bike/riding, I just have the seat on the lower of the 2 positions.
GSA is more "planted" and I love the style!!!

 

[Dawg]

GSA definatly.

The GSA is a proper mans bike......

When mine goes in for a service they have told me that all they have as loners is GS's, guess I'll have to sit in the showroom till it's finished then..

 

[The smudger]

RT....

 

[snerkler]

Put it this way, had a GS and still hankered after the GSA. Now have a GSA and wouldn't dream of going back to a GS.
I personally think the DOHC overall is a massive improvement. It's a bit better here and a bit better there which overall make a big improvement.

 

[casperfelix]

And if it's a twin cam GSA the chances are you will. Love mine.

You buy a GS and while out riding a GSA pulls up next to you at a set of lights. You look across at the GSA - do you feel envious?

If you do - you've bought the wrong bike...

 

[Wilsdorf]

GS for me - GSA is just too much imo - I'm never going to go anywhere the GSA would be an improvement for my use and I like a rest every 200 or so miles, so the forced petrol stops would be welcome.

The only thing the GSA adds for me are better weather protection for your legs, and a lower first gear - which is much better for town work - but the 2008 model GS's improved gearbox went some way to closing the ratio gap anyway.

I have a larger screen, turbinators and a few other bits and bobs that are usually fitted to the GSA's but I don't like the larger tank, the longer travel suspension (especially when used for mainly road-use), wire spokes or aluminium luggage - so my choice was simple.

 

[Big Nick]

You buy a GS and while out riding a GSA pulls up next to you at a set of lights. You look across at the GSA - do you feel envious?

If you do - you've bought the wrong bike...

Yup, that pretty much sums things up

I like the large tank range, the included crash protection and the taller seat height. I also thought the GSA felt more stable and 'planted' on the test ride than the standard GS.

 

[snerkler]

GS for me - GSA is just too much imo - I'm never going to go anywhere the GSA would be an improvement for my use and I like a rest every 200 or so miles, so the forced petrol stops would be welcome.

.

Why do people who always quote the tank range of a GSA assume we buy it as we all want to do 400 mile stints all of the time? This misses the point entirely for most GSA owners. I use mine for commuting, and if having a larger tank means I only have to fill up once a fortnight rather than once a week then this is a big plus point for me

At the end of the day we all want/require different things. I prefer the more planted feel of the GSA whilst some prefer the more flighty feel of the GS. Some prefer wire spokes, some not etc etc. I think we all agree the GSA looks better though

 

[OscarIndia]

Lots to like about both but if I had to sum it up I'd say I prefer my GSA to a GS because it feels like I'm flying the Millennium Falcon.

 

[BAKERMAN]

GS why carry extra weight

 

[Nico]

GSA all the way!

 

[Wilsdorf]

Well, I'll resurrect this one as I am about to buy another R1200 and again it will be a GS - but DOHC version this time.

I think it comes down to how you want to use the bike - but as I ride on the road 99% of the time and like to be able to ride at over 120mph when going for a lap when I feel like it, it simply had to be another GS. The Explorer and Multi were also considered but discounted for various reasons.