R1250 GSA vs GSA TE

[We Make Life A Ride]

Hey all,

Having started a fairly heated debate on the pros and cons of the GS vs the GSA. Just thought I'd revisit this post to let you all know that due to my longer than average commute the larger fuel tank won out in the end so on Friday I shall take delivery of a 21 plate R1250 GSA TE in Triple Black.

And I cannot wait. It's certainly going to be a step up from my last F650 Twin that's for sure!

 

[Pukmeister]

Congratulations on your purchase, I hope you enjoy it.

I have owned a few GS/GSA over the years (along with everything else from scooters to superbikes) and my current 1250GSA TE is the best of them all for how/when I ride and what I choose to do with my bike.... If it wasn't, I'd be riding something else.

 

[Hartley]

I’ve a 21 1250GS, I never rode the GSA but I’m intrigued by the few comments about the GSA being better for two up and load carrying.
Can anyone who’s had both explain why the GSA would be better for carrying a pillion?

Thanks

 

[G&T]

Interesting comment re Engineer’s original post regarding ‘blinkerati’ bikers who can’t get past the bmw roundel.

Having had both bikes, I have enjoyed both for the purpose they have been used. But let’s come back to that roundel. Over the last few months I have visited a number of bike shops selling multiple brands to single brands and quite honestly the experience has been eye opening. From lies to lethargy by the sales teams - I’ve seen and heard it all. One thing I can say is the level of service by my local BMW dealer has been excellent.

 

[yofi]

Without wishing to offend anyone, since its a very subjective thing, I've never considered a GSA over a GS, purely on looks alone. I still wouldn't. I really didn't understand why folks would choose the GSA simply for a little more wind protection front and sides and for a bigger tank.

However, today was my first time out on one, and I have to say I now get it. Feels a very different bike. Feels a whole lot more planted, stable and comfortable, and has an almost gliding feeling compared to the GS.

Not just on the mway either (though the difference is significant. What I found really quite odd was that it seemed even more manoeuvrable around town. Am I just imagining it? Because it really did feel more controllable at slow speeds (not of course that the GS isn't).

There's no getting away from the fact the bike needs more input when getting a move on around bends, but I could probably live with that if...I could get on with the looks!

But, a new found respect for the GSA.

 

[leadfarmer]

Go check the tire pressures on your GS

 

[yofi]

Go check the tire pressures on your GS

GS tires were 2.6 (yes, slightly over) and 2.9 on the way down. The GSA was reading 2.8, 3.1.

 

[EPG_19]

If you want to know about real world difference between a te or basic sent me PM and I will let you know off the public forum as I cannot be arsed with the expert opinions from those who have never ridden never mind owned a basic model

Don't listen to experts on here, ring you as you are spartacus

 

[EPG_19]

It's up to you, ride both and don't give a fuck what anyone else thinks or says.

 

[Hillhound]

I have a 1200gs te lc and a 1250 gsa te.
Both great bikes, and the gsa is my first adventure. I had to have one to try it.
If I’m honest it took me a while to get into it as I liked the sharp handling of the standard gs.

When it’s time to change? Might go back to a standard gs (unless the 13 is lighter all round!)

Ride both, buy the one that suits you.

 

[Hartley]

Just had my first weekend away, two up on the GSA. Thought I’d share my thoughts compared to my previous GS.

I certainly feel the extra size of the GSA. Definitely need to be a tad more aware of camber and slopes when stopping. I used to have the seat on my GS high at front, low at back which made it flatter, I’ll try this on the GSA but I think the extra height may be a bit too much for me.

GSA takes a bit more effort on the twisties, possibly a little slower steering?
To me the suspension feels softer on the GSA , bit more bouncy, the switch from comfort to dynamic seemed more noticeable than I recall on the GS.

Now the positives.

The big plus , especially for my wife, is the comfort. The misses hated my GS. She found the comfort pillion seat dreadful, an hour and she was in agony. ( oddly, standard seat was better). A lot happier with the GSA seat. We did two 8 hr days and yes we were a bit sore at the end of the day but if I sat in a car for 8 hours I’d be glad to get out.

On my GS I used Givi Alaska panniers with quick release mounts. Possibly as a result of this my wife found the exhaust very loud and give her a headache.
The GSA has the BMW panniers and maybe the shape on the exhaust side makes a difference but no such issues now.
My topbox is the Givi Trekker 52 which looks to sit a little further back than the BMW box, this gives us loads of room for rider and pillion, probably the most we most we’ve had on any bike. (XJR1300, FJR1300, Honda Crosstourer)
Love the convenience of the top loading BMW panniers. The lids just clear the Givi topbox.

Extra tank range is nice but not that big a deal. Did mean we could get from Northampton to ST David’s on one tank which was pretty cool but we stopped a few times anyway so a stop for fuel wouldn’t really make any difference.

Wind protection on the motorway is a bit better I think, I have an MRA screen which I used on my GS so no change there.

I loved my GS, I liked the way it rode I thought it looked the dogs too.
I cant say I like the looks of the GSA as much and the size and weight cause me a little concern. However, the main purpose of this bike is for travel and in that respect it’s better than the GS for us. After all , happy wife, happy life.

 

[GSMarky]

Nice report!

I like the soft feel of the suspension in road setting over the Dynamic and the handling isn't adversely affected or wasn't for me thrashing about on bumpy Scottish back roads. You can feel the grip still there as the bike is sorting out the bumps. I agree it feels a bit 'softer' than my 2020 GS in the same settings.

No pillion for me so the spudless Akra is staying!

 

[Hartley]

Thanks for confirming the GSA is softer than the GS. If i had an Acro id not have a pillion either

 

[Mr Derek]

I prefer my gs in dynamic as it stiffens the suspension a bit. The lovely Mrs Saint hasn't commented on the Akra, so I guess its staying.

 

[sven]

I had a 2019 GS and now have a 2022 GSA, both low suspension models. The GSA is definitely softer in Road mode, but it really suits the bumpy backroads of the Yorkshire Dales and Lake District. The Dynamic setting is perfect for faster smoother roads.

The pillion accommodation is basically the same and I used the same Puig touring screen on both bikes (and my previous 2014 model), so wind protection is similar, but maybe slightly better on the GSA due to the wider tank and winglets.

Overall I'm happy with the GSA, but will probably revert to the slightly less cumbersome standard GS when I eventually upgrade to the 1300.

 

[Hartley]

The pillion accommodation is basically the same and I used the same Puig touring screen on both bikes (and my previous 2014 model), so wind protection is similar, but maybe slightly better on the GSA due to the wider tank and winglets.

I use and Givi topbox and model specific mount. The Givi mount for the GSA positions the topbox a fair bit further back than the on the GS. Really makes quite a difference to rider and pillion space.

 

[sven]

I use and Givi topbox and model specific mount. The Givi mount for the GSA positions the topbox a fair bit further back than the on the GS. Really makes quite a difference to rider and pillion space.

Depends on the size of your pillion. My wife's only small, so she still had plenty of space on the GS with a Givi topbox fitted

 

[Hartley]

Depends on the size of your pillion. My wife's only small, so she still had plenty of space on the GS with a Givi topbox fitted

Neither me or my wife would be classed as small

 

[siddo]

My wife is a size 6 and plenty of room on my GSA. Though I ride solo so no issues about comfort or how much crap needs to be packed in the panniers.

 

[Boxerboy55]

If you weren’t going off road I was gonna suggest an RS, but I’m biased.

But seeing as you’re a lot bigger than me the GS is probably a better fit. Literally.

But my RS uses 20% less fuel than a GS I once had. And 220 mile range suits me fine.

My RS fits like a glove now.