- Joined
- Sep 19, 2004
- Messages
- 6,513
- Reaction score
- 610
So, after 18 months, and now 22k Miles, I feel i'm in a position to give a detailed review of my R1300GSA TE ASA Triple Black.
Just returned from my last jaunt. France, Belgium, Germany, (New tyres) Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Italy, Boat from Italy to Sicily, Boat to Malta, two weeks on Malta with the wife. Boat back to Sicily, Boat to Sardinia, Boat to Corsica. Long cruise ship to Barcelona, Portugal, France and home. A six week trip. I live off the bike from May until september. Every year. The bike becomes my home.
My last bike was a R1200GSA Rallye. I kept that bike from 2018 - 2025. 90K miles. It was a difficult decision to purchase the new R1300GSA, But the ASA drew me in. And although it has been decisive, Those that actually use it, predominantly love it. and I'm in that camp. I bought the ASA without test riding the bike. I knew it was going to be fine. I didn't expect it to BE a game changer. On a long distance bike, id never go back to a clutch. The cliche "Its always in the right gear" is spot on. Twisties, Off-Road, Motorways, City chaos, Hairpins........ Its perfect.
This is the first bike where I really can feel a change when the Bike is switched from Road mode, to Dynamic. I have tweeted the settings, But the bike is completely different, and wow! it is powerful. It came with Michelin Anakee adventures. At BMW Stuttgart, I went in to change the tyres for the Tourance next 2, But the technician pointed out, that id returned over 14K miles from the rear and advised me to stick with the Anakee, which I did. They are great tyres.
The Radar is brilliant. Initially I thought maybe a bit of a Gimmick. But once used to it, It was a great addition. Active cruise control. Even changing down the gearbox, and up again. The blind spot warnings. All very clever and appreciated. I use an "Alaskan ButtPad" that I originally bought for my R1150GS, back in 1999. With this fitted, The bike is all day, every day comfort. How or cold. I don't have bar risers fitted, And the position , for me is sublime. ASA is a peace of mind when the bike is out of site. Unless they have a lifter, that bike isn't going anywhere. ASA is very smooth, Most times not even feeling the change. When I specced the bike at the dealers, The only option I didn't take was the "auto ride height" as I don't need it. The luggaged is great. Fully waterproof. Never leaked. The electric 12V USB/C are very handy. With the BMW fast charger, large capacity batteries charge must faster than anything before.
Is there anything I don't like about it? Only one. The attention it draws. But this will reduce as time goes on and there are more about. All in all. Its a fantastic bike.
Just returned from my last jaunt. France, Belgium, Germany, (New tyres) Switzerland, Lichtenstein, Austria, Italy, Boat from Italy to Sicily, Boat to Malta, two weeks on Malta with the wife. Boat back to Sicily, Boat to Sardinia, Boat to Corsica. Long cruise ship to Barcelona, Portugal, France and home. A six week trip. I live off the bike from May until september. Every year. The bike becomes my home.
My last bike was a R1200GSA Rallye. I kept that bike from 2018 - 2025. 90K miles. It was a difficult decision to purchase the new R1300GSA, But the ASA drew me in. And although it has been decisive, Those that actually use it, predominantly love it. and I'm in that camp. I bought the ASA without test riding the bike. I knew it was going to be fine. I didn't expect it to BE a game changer. On a long distance bike, id never go back to a clutch. The cliche "Its always in the right gear" is spot on. Twisties, Off-Road, Motorways, City chaos, Hairpins........ Its perfect.
This is the first bike where I really can feel a change when the Bike is switched from Road mode, to Dynamic. I have tweeted the settings, But the bike is completely different, and wow! it is powerful. It came with Michelin Anakee adventures. At BMW Stuttgart, I went in to change the tyres for the Tourance next 2, But the technician pointed out, that id returned over 14K miles from the rear and advised me to stick with the Anakee, which I did. They are great tyres.
The Radar is brilliant. Initially I thought maybe a bit of a Gimmick. But once used to it, It was a great addition. Active cruise control. Even changing down the gearbox, and up again. The blind spot warnings. All very clever and appreciated. I use an "Alaskan ButtPad" that I originally bought for my R1150GS, back in 1999. With this fitted, The bike is all day, every day comfort. How or cold. I don't have bar risers fitted, And the position , for me is sublime. ASA is a peace of mind when the bike is out of site. Unless they have a lifter, that bike isn't going anywhere. ASA is very smooth, Most times not even feeling the change. When I specced the bike at the dealers, The only option I didn't take was the "auto ride height" as I don't need it. The luggaged is great. Fully waterproof. Never leaked. The electric 12V USB/C are very handy. With the BMW fast charger, large capacity batteries charge must faster than anything before.
Is there anything I don't like about it? Only one. The attention it draws. But this will reduce as time goes on and there are more about. All in all. Its a fantastic bike.
