patzx12
Registered user
This will be a longish thread; I have the time if you have.
2013 GS V 2014 GSA.
Traded my 11000 mile GS-LC in August for a GSA Why?
Because I could and having a past which included a 2006 GSA and a near perfect 2010 GSA.
I had real issues with the gearchange on the 13 bike. BMW eventually sorted the issue and we bonded.
I traded for the 14 GSA at Duffy's Dublin. These guys are sound.
I kept my Varios and rear hangers + the big bash plate. Duffy's did it all for me FOC.
Please think of the term SLIGHT when I make the comparisons, they are versions of the same bike after all. the bike.
So my take on the chance over.
• The 13 bike was a horse of a bike, eating up the road in its path. It had just been run in at 11k miles and we were perfectly happy with it.
• The 13 felt and is quicker and the light crank felt more aggressive.
• Comfort and wind protection is about the same, the aftermarket screen on the 13 was good.
• The gearchange is the same, the 14 may be slightly slicker. The gearchange is good, positive changes and never a missed gear but clumsy downchanges poorly synced will result in the most horrible crunch.
• I always thought the clutch action and bite was superb on the LC's.
• Both bikes are super long distance tourers but the 14 is amazingly smooth, it glides along like a Goldwing.
• I like the steering damper, a bit more stability when hopping wheelies. The 14 is a great wheelie bike.
• I think the TC and power modes don't do much and a bit of a marketing novelty, I have read some sportsbike road tests that describe the TC as the new messiah. I don't think the GS TC is as sophisticated as that, or maybe they should test the sportsbike system on Connemara roads.
• I love the big tank these bikes are so comfy they need a long tank range.
• The suspension and height on the 13 was perfect for me. The 14 is tippy toes and I only use the softest setting + 1 helmet.
• Mary loved the 13 co-pilot accommodation and was a bit concerned that the 14 was a bit too tall and heavy for me but she is OK with the 14 now.
• The 13 slaughtered the 14 on track day performance. I could have raced the 13. The 13 just seemed to dig into the corners and could be powered through. I would like to try the 14 on better tyres though. I like the Anakee for knocking around but they were totally overwhelmed on track, that’s how I discovered I am faster at closing the throttle than the TC. The 14 still did a good job on track but I couldn't drive it through and out of corners on those tyres. I could knee down on the 14 all day but it’s a hell of a reach.
Connemara in Autumn next and my conclusion on which bike I like best.
2013 GS V 2014 GSA.
Traded my 11000 mile GS-LC in August for a GSA Why?
Because I could and having a past which included a 2006 GSA and a near perfect 2010 GSA.
I had real issues with the gearchange on the 13 bike. BMW eventually sorted the issue and we bonded.
I traded for the 14 GSA at Duffy's Dublin. These guys are sound.
I kept my Varios and rear hangers + the big bash plate. Duffy's did it all for me FOC.
Please think of the term SLIGHT when I make the comparisons, they are versions of the same bike after all. the bike.
So my take on the chance over.
• The 13 bike was a horse of a bike, eating up the road in its path. It had just been run in at 11k miles and we were perfectly happy with it.
• The 13 felt and is quicker and the light crank felt more aggressive.
• Comfort and wind protection is about the same, the aftermarket screen on the 13 was good.
• The gearchange is the same, the 14 may be slightly slicker. The gearchange is good, positive changes and never a missed gear but clumsy downchanges poorly synced will result in the most horrible crunch.
• I always thought the clutch action and bite was superb on the LC's.
• Both bikes are super long distance tourers but the 14 is amazingly smooth, it glides along like a Goldwing.
• I like the steering damper, a bit more stability when hopping wheelies. The 14 is a great wheelie bike.
• I think the TC and power modes don't do much and a bit of a marketing novelty, I have read some sportsbike road tests that describe the TC as the new messiah. I don't think the GS TC is as sophisticated as that, or maybe they should test the sportsbike system on Connemara roads.
• I love the big tank these bikes are so comfy they need a long tank range.
• The suspension and height on the 13 was perfect for me. The 14 is tippy toes and I only use the softest setting + 1 helmet.
• Mary loved the 13 co-pilot accommodation and was a bit concerned that the 14 was a bit too tall and heavy for me but she is OK with the 14 now.
• The 13 slaughtered the 14 on track day performance. I could have raced the 13. The 13 just seemed to dig into the corners and could be powered through. I would like to try the 14 on better tyres though. I like the Anakee for knocking around but they were totally overwhelmed on track, that’s how I discovered I am faster at closing the throttle than the TC. The 14 still did a good job on track but I couldn't drive it through and out of corners on those tyres. I could knee down on the 14 all day but it’s a hell of a reach.
Connemara in Autumn next and my conclusion on which bike I like best.
