R1250 GSA vs GSA TE

[Flamair]

GSA all the way.

Much better fuel range, more confortable, better wind protection and better value.

If you spec up a basic GS with factory options, you'll end up spending just as much as for a GSA. If tou fit the A's luggage rails and spotlights you'll already be at GSA prices if you start with the TE model.

I test rode both the A and standard and tbh the standard bike is a bit "spindly" in comparison.

Try both before making up your mind. I bought a GSA with low chassis and Imm ow on my second one. Great machine with a 350 + miles range 2 up with luggage.



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[Spareparts]

If you spec up a basic GS with factory options, you'll end up spending just as much as for a GSA. If tou fit the A's luggage rails and spotlights you'll already be at GSA prices if you start with the TE model.

False and incorrect.

Let’s look at the pricing configurator to compare the GS vs GSA.

19,040 GSA TE basic spec

17,545 GS TE basic spec
370 LED fog lights
360 Engine protection bars
0 (no cost option) Pannier fastenings for ally cases
18,275 total GS price


GS 18,275 vs 19,040 GSA

That is a £765 saving for an identically specced more nimble/agile, 20kg lighter, and easier to handle machine - the GSA is wide and bulky exactly where you don’t want it to be - at the top across the handlebars.

Great machine with a 350 + miles range 2 up with luggage.

350+ miles range 2-up with luggage? Only if riding downhill or at 56mph everywhere…

 

[Flamair]

False and incorrect.

Let’s look at the pricing configurator to compare the GS vs GSA.

19,040 GSA TE basic spec

17,545 GS TE basic spec
370 LED fog lights
360 Engine protection bars
0 (no cost option) Pannier fastenings for ally cases
18,275 total GS price


GS 18,275 vs 19,040 GSA

That is a £765 saving for an identically specced more nimble/agile, 20kg lighter, and easier to handle machine - the GSA is wide and bulky exactly where you don’t want it to be - at the top across the handlebars.



350+ miles range 2-up with luggage? Only if riding downhill or at 56mph everywhere…

As you wish. My dealer would then charge you to fit all that stuff. So unless the factory fit it for free and you order it to that spec (with a likely long wait for it to arrive), you may struggle to even find one. And the GSA will always be worth more come part ex time...So you'll claw more money back then.. As I said.. pretty much parity, or damn close.

The mpg figures are what I've actually achieved whilst touring.

If you can't manage that, you need to adjust your riding to suit. In fact solo, Ive managed almost 400 miles to a tank. Granted, I ran it right down to almost zero. Youll be lucky to get 220 miles from the standard GS.

It's each to their own. Having ridden both bikes a lot, the GSA is the better machine, unless you lack the confidence to handle the bigger bike, or are very small in stature (or both). It has more road presence and is much comfier - especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

As I said, each to their own. For me, the difference between the too is big enough for me to not even consider the standard GS.


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[Spareparts]

As you wish. My dealer would then charge you to fit all that stuff. So unless the factory fit it for free and you order it to that spec (with a likely long wait for it to arrive), you may struggle to even find one. And the GSA will always be worth more come part ex time...So you'll claw more money back then.. As I said.. pretty much parity, or damn close.

Once again, this is false. No Motorrad dealer charges extra to fit these items as they are the delivered price, and they are not allowed to charge extra for configurator-specced bikes.

And if buying used, the only premium between a GSA and GS is typically the difference in factory list price. So again, there is ‘premium value’ attributed to either model of bike.

The mpg figures are what I've actually achieved whilst touring.

If you can't manage that, you need to adjust your riding to suit. In fact solo, Ive managed almost 400 miles to a tank. Granted, I ran it right down to almost zero. Youll be lucky to get 220 miles from the standard GS.

It's each to their own. Having ridden both bikes a lot, the GSA is the better machine, unless you lack the confidence to handle the bigger bike, or are very small in stature (or both). It has more road presence and is much comfier - especially if the weather takes a turn for the worse.

As I said, each to their own. For me, the difference between the too is big enough for me to not even consider the standard GS.


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Good for you that you have achieved that kind of mileage. I prefer to use the throttle, a lot, to have fun. It certainly beats sitting on cruise control at 56mph! And to correct another false statement - it is easy to get 220miles on a GS as I have done that too, when riding with some very slow riders on a long trip - mostly motorways and A-roads. (it was the first and last time I ever rode that way I should add).

Several here would disagree with you if you think the GSA is the ‘better machine’. The only difference is tank size, geometry, and height (if the GS is not a Rallye model). In terms of seat comfort, both have the same identical seats that are fully interchangeable. Spindly? They have the same chassis. The GSA is wider at the tank creating more leg splay, so it is arguably less comfortable.

I would not disparage either GS or GSA model - both have pros/cons, and they are suited for different rider needs. However, I am of the general belief that unless you travel long distances regularly/daily and wish to minimise refueling (perhaps like the OP does) the features of the GS make it a more fun and equally capable machine compared to the GSA. Cheaper too.

 

[Flamair]

Once again, this is false. No Motorrad dealer charges extra to fit these items as they are the delivered price, and they are not allowed to charge extra for configurator-specced bikes.

And if buying used, the only premium between a GSA and GS is typically the difference in factory list price. So again, there is ‘premium value’ attributed to either model of bike.



Good for you that you have achieved that kind of mileage. I prefer to use the throttle, a lot, to have fun. It certainly beats sitting on cruise control at 56mph! And to correct another false statement - it is easy to get 220miles on a GS as I have done that too, when riding with some very slow riders on a long trip - mostly motorways and A-roads. (it was the first and last time I ever rode that way I should add).

Several here would disagree with you if you think the GSA is the ‘better machine’. The only difference is tank size, geometry, and height (if the GS is not a Rallye model). In terms of seat comfort, both have the same identical seats that are fully interchangeable. Spindly? They have the same chassis. The GSA is wider at the tank creating more leg splay, so it is arguably less comfortable.

I would not disparage either GS or GSA model - both have pros/cons, and they are suited for different rider needs. However, I am of the general belief that unless you travel long distances regularly/daily and wish to minimise refueling (perhaps like the OP does) the features of the GS make it a more fun and equally capable machine compared to the GSA. Cheaper too.

In your opinion.

Which is no more valid than anyone else's.

As i said, each to their own. And if you use the throttle excessively 2 up with luggage on a standard GS you will struggle to get 220 miles from the tank

You clearly prefer the standard bike, but for me it isn't the better option. I do tour a lot, rather than just nipping to Starbuck's and the extra protection, presence and fuel range is a huge trump card over the standard bike.
It isn't for everyone, as some folk are intimidated by it.

The standard GS is cheaper for a reason. It isn't quite as good!





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[craigholt]

The GSA is the estate version of the GS saloon car.

Looks bigger and usually sat on/in by sensible older chaps, with more occupants, carrying more load.

Both sell well,but there is a choice.

 

[Spareparts]

The standard GS is cheaper for a reason. It isn't quite as good!

Wow. You define small man syndrome and every bad stereotype about GSA riders.

 

[Flamair]

Wow. You define small man syndrome and every bad stereotype about GSA riders.

And you sir don't understand a tongue in cheek comment and resort to insults, but no matter it isn't at all important to me what you think.

A question was asked and I answered it with my opinion. And because it differs from yours you choose to take it up as an argument. No more time will I waste on such a triviality.


Safe riding, whatever you ride.

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[Neil W]

Hey all, sold my 650GS a while back and now realise how much of an idiot mistake that was

Always wanted one of the big GSAs and now looking at the 1250 but what I really want to know is if the extra outlay for the TE is worth it? There's defo some features that sound very appealing and id worry that they probably can't be fitted latter if I decide to upgrade. But I guess it's how much do I want vs how much do I need them.

Take the extra riding modes for example. They sound great but in reality I might be off-road once in blue moon - this is not to say I should consider non-gs bikes though as I am entirely sold on them but it does make me wonder would rain/road mode be sufficient #choices

I'd also be keen to hear from anyone (realise I'm potentially in the wrong sub here for this q) who looked at the 1250 and ended up with an 850 instead.

Ta in advance.

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

 

[Decompressing]

so you 'save' yourself £765 to make yourself look like a cheapskate. Still, maybe £765 will buy you a few creme de menthes down at the Blue Oyster Bar when you're trying to convince your boyfriend why you didn't buy the proper, full-size bike...

False and incorrect.

Let’s look at the pricing configurator to compare the GS vs GSA.

19,040 GSA TE basic spec

17,545 GS TE basic spec
370 LED fog lights
360 Engine protection bars
0 (no cost option) Pannier fastenings for ally cases
18,275 total GS price


GS 18,275 vs 19,040 GSA

That is a £765 saving for an identically specced more nimble/agile, 20kg lighter, and easier to handle machine - the GSA is wide and bulky exactly where you don’t want it to be - at the top across the handlebars.



350+ miles range 2-up with luggage? Only if riding downhill or at 56mph everywhere…

 

[Spareparts]

so you 'save' yourself £765 to make yourself look like a cheapskate. Still, maybe £765 will buy you a few creme de menthes down at the Blue Oyster Bar when you're trying to convince your boyfriend why you didn't buy the proper, full-size bike...

Lol! Real men ride their bikes for fun, know which model has better handling, use the throttle, and get less than 10k miles out of tyres I’ll let you know ;-)

 

[Spareparts]

And you sir don't understand a tongue in cheek comment and resort to insults, but no matter it isn't at all important to me what you think.

A question was asked and I answered it with my opinion. And because it differs from yours you choose to take it up as an argument. No more time will I waste on such a triviality.


Safe riding, whatever you ride.

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It’s all banter is it, from your perspective? Don’t dish if you can’t take the receipt. I haven’t been arguing, just calling out the falsehoods you have stated as fact - which are not. If you don’t like the facts, don’t suggest otherwise.

 

[Decompressing]

Lol! Real men ride their bikes for fun, know which model has better handling, use the throttle, and get less than 10k miles out of tyres I’ll let you know ;-)

 

[Flipfly]

In your opinion.

Which is no more valid than anyone else's.

As i said, each to their own. And if you use the throttle excessively 2 up with luggage on a standard GS you will struggle to get 220 miles from the tank

You clearly prefer the standard bike, but for me it isn't the better option. I do tour a lot, rather than just nipping to Starbuck's and the extra protection, presence and fuel range is a huge trump card over the standard bike.
It isn't for everyone, as some folk are intimidated by it.

The standard GS is cheaper for a reason. It isn't quite as good!





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I have both a GSA and a GS.

Firstly, how on earth does one get 360 miles from a GSA. I can just about eak 300 miles on a tank riding conservatively. I could go a bit slower and get a few more miles, but then I would risk falling asleep through boredom and crashing in a firey ball of death. 400 miles!!!…..I call bullshit on that I’m afraid!

The GSA is nowhere near as sporty as the GS, riding the GS is an absolute hoot, it’s small, flicks easily from side to side, it’s quicker to react than the GSA on the throttle and punches out of corners with a bit more life.

The GSA feels softer, slower and more planted. It’s by far the better bike off road, the extra 80/100 miles of range is nice to have when touring, it offers better wind protection all over (the tank is extremely effective at keeping your lower half covered in the rain. You can of course stiffen everything up and make the GSA far more sporty, but it will never match the GS through the bends.

I’d definitely go for the TE spec, having dynamic pro is quite good fun when you fancy a blast. I was quite taken aback at how ‘flighty’ the front end is on te 1250, I’ve never had a GS that was quite so willing to waggle it’s front wheel in the air. On a decent bumpy road you can have the thing waving it around in 4th gear, like a dog waves it’s paw for a treat. It's quite a hoot, although I do mostly ride in road mode, I would miss not having the option to ‘light it up’ every now and then.

 

[Flamair]

I have both a GSA and a GS.

Firstly, how on earth does one get 360 miles from a GSA. I can just about eak 300 miles on a tank riding conservatively. I could go a bit slower and get a few more miles, but then I would risk falling asleep through boredom and crashing in a firey ball of death. 400 miles!!!…..I call bullshit on that I’m afraid!

The GSA is nowhere near as sporty as the GS, riding the GS is an absolute hoot, it’s small, flicks easily from side to side, it’s quicker to react than the GSA on the throttle and punches out of corners with a bit more life.

The GSA feels softer, slower and more planted. It’s by far the better bike off road, the extra 80/100 miles of range is nice to have when touring, it offers better wind protection all over (the tank is extremely effective at keeping your lower half covered in the rain. You can of course stiffen everything up and make the GSA far more sporty, but it will never match the GS through the bends.

I’d definitely go for the TE spec, having dynamic pro is quite good fun when you fancy a blast. I was quite taken aback at how ‘flighty’ the front end is on te 1250, I’ve never had a GS that was quite so willing to waggle it’s front wheel in the air. On a decent bumpy road you can have the thing waving it around in 4th gear, like a dog waves it’s paw for a treat. It's quite a hoot, although I do mostly ride in road mode, I would miss not having the option to ‘light it up’ every now and then.

Depends who's riding it. Most people's limiting factor is their ability not the bike's.

Or so a friend of mine tells me who is a class 1 police high speed pursuit trainer and an examiner at every level.

If you need a highly flickable, super quick bike, no GS is right for you.

No point in this silly willy waving, i aint got time for it.

Enjoy your biking in whatever flavour it may take.

I can see why some bikers hate GS riders having been on this forum a while now!




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[Mr Bean]

I can see why some bikers hate GS riders having been on this forum a while now!

What's your issue with Flipfly's comments?

He has, and rides both - so at least he doesn't have to defend a position.

 

[Flipfly]

What's your issue with Flipfly's comments?

He has, and rides both - so at least he doesn't have to defend a position.

I also had a police advanced instructor as a father, who taught me to ride (which means feck all either, because I’m half the rider he was, at best).

I’m wouldn’t be taking advice from someone who is so blatantly full of shit that he seems to believe his own bullshit.

The GS is a great bike and better than the GSA at some things, the GSA is better at others. Depending on what you want to achieve, one will be the better choice than the other. It’s not a case of choosing one or the other because you are too poor, or a lesser human being (as this bellend seems to think), he is obviously sporting a micro penis and thinks his ‘big’ motorcycle is a substitute I’d say he’s just jealous because he can’t afford two and has to suffer only having one

Anyway, here’s my 2 bikes, they are both brilliant

 

[Engineer]

The 1250GS TE is the pinnacle for real bikers who know how to ride properly, the GSA is made so that lardy fat blokes don't feel left out - we have to embrace diversity these days

 

[Arsey]

The 1250GS TE is the pinnacle for the blinkerati who can’t see past the BMW roundel,the GSA is made so that lardy fat blokes don't feel left out - we have to embrace diversity these days

Well said

 

[Neil W]

I have both a GSA and a GS.

Firstly, how on earth does one get 360 miles from a GSA. I can just about eak 300 miles on a tank riding conservatively. I could go a bit slower and get a few more miles, but then I would risk falling asleep through boredom and crashing in a firey ball of death. 400 miles!!!…..I call bullshit on that I’m afraid!

The GSA is nowhere near as sporty as the GS, riding the GS is an absolute hoot, it’s small, flicks easily from side to side, it’s quicker to react than the GSA on the throttle and punches out of corners with a bit more life.

The GSA feels softer, slower and more planted. It’s by far the better bike off road, the extra 80/100 miles of range is nice to have when touring, it offers better wind protection all over (the tank is extremely effective at keeping your lower half covered in the rain. You can of course stiffen everything up and make the GSA far more sporty, but it will never match the GS through the bends.

I’d definitely go for the TE spec, having dynamic pro is quite good fun when you fancy a blast. I was quite taken aback at how ‘flighty’ the front end is on te 1250, I’ve never had a GS that was quite so willing to waggle it’s front wheel in the air. On a decent bumpy road you can have the thing waving it around in 4th gear, like a dog waves it’s paw for a treat. It's quite a hoot, although I do mostly ride in road mode, I would miss not having the option to ‘light it up’ every now and then.

GSA two up full luggage at Autobahn speeds , average of 58mpg and 320 miles easily attainable with 40 or 50 miles range left.
Pottering about two up in the Alps on the passes without luggage and not going daft I have had over 400 miles on a full tank with another 40 miles shown as left.
Normal road riding in the UK sticking to speed limits all of my GSA's had easily done over 330 miles with plenty in reserve