Review incoming

[richh]

Good review.

Looks like the ASA pays you back in tyre life.

 

[Onahi]

I was convinced it would scratch really easily (like the tank on my old 1250GS did) and then look awful, so I applied a PPF kit to my 13GSA before ever riding it. Interesting that you've found it not to be a problem in practice.

Nothing at all. And that is with some very dusty off road days too. Its surprised me .

 

[Wrinkly]

Nothing at all. And that is with some very dusty off road days too. Its surprised me .

Nice report. I think there're a lot of folk who don't want to accept just how good the ASA is.

 

[Onahi]

Nice report. I think there're a lot of folk who don't want to accept just how good the ASA is.

ASA to me is the same as a manual window winder, or the button.
A good friend of mine told me he'd rather "a real" bike with a clutch. Not a scooter. Guess what bike he now owns
The anti 1300/ASA theme, is predominantly driven by the 1250 owners.

 

[Martin GSA UK]

I doubt any of those who chose manual over ASA did so because they thought ASA was a poor product.

I chose manual because I enjoy it. It's part of motorcycling, not driving. But I've no problem at all with you enjoying it, so long as folk don't get all evangelical about it and the factory keeps offering manual bikes until they have to be electric.

 

[Onahi]

I doubt any of those who chose manual over ASA did so because they thought ASA was a poor product.

I chose manual because I enjoy it. It's part of motorcycling, not driving. But I've no problem at all with you enjoying it, so long as folk don't get all evangelical about it and the factory keeps offering manual bikes until they have to be electric.

Is your bike a kick start ?

 

[Wrinkly]

I doubt any of those who chose manual over ASA did so because they thought ASA was a poor product.

I chose manual because I enjoy it. It's part of motorcycling, not driving. But I've no problem at all with you enjoying it, so long as folk don't get all evangelical about it and the factory keeps offering manual bikes until they have to be electric.

The ASA can be ridden just like a manual, the only difference being you don't ever need a clutch. Just like a quickshifter really, apart from coming to a halt, with far superior gear changes.
I've thought long and hard about disadvantages of the ASA system and honestly, I can't think of any. For me there are many advantages, apart from struggling to operate a clutch theses days. A couple of big ones for me are. How easy the bike is to control on the rear brake at slow speed. I can creep upto junctions far better than I ever did using the clutch. Riding through town in heavy traffic. Coming to a stop at traffic lights, no messing, just stop and then go when the lights change.
I think the biggest plus is , when you stick it in manual mode and still use the gear (electronic switch) lever, just how quick and smooth the changes are. It feels absolutely no different to using a manual bike, just a whole lot better and just as rewarding.
As they say 'each to their own' but mines going to be ASA for every situation. I don't go offroad, so can't comment on that.

When I first test rode it, if I hadn't needed an automatic clutch, would I have bought it? No most probably not. Seven months down the line if I could suddenly operate a clutched bike would I go back to one? Absolutely not.

 

[JoeBiff]

The anti 1300/ASA theme, is predominantly driven by the 1250 owners.

And the odd, fighter jet pilot

 

[Martin GSA UK]

Is your bike a kick start ?

2 of my 4 are, no traction control nor ABS either, but you miss the point. As I say, I don't mind some seeing auto as the way to go for an easier ride, especially in town or long tours. But it doesn't mean the rest of us are neanderthals or need educating. I get it. But I want to manually change gear, feather a clutch etc. because it's a part of my motorcycling and a skill I enjoy. I genuinely enjoy the feeling of braking, de-clutching and snicking, blipping, leaning and powering out.

Edit: I do think the BMW system is the best out there, because of its footswitch, rather than bar buttons.

 

[Eastmidsbiker]

This review by @Onahi motivated me to go and try the GSA at Sycamore BMW Peterborough today.

I am hoping to get a touring bike next year, and had so far shortlisted the KTM1390R and the Tiger1200 as I like off road capable ADV bikes.

What a wonderful bike, it was awesome. It felt quite small but I assume the seat was set a bit low, I'd prefer more legroom. I'm only 5'11" with a 32" inseam but maybe a very short person had been riding it. It wasn't an ASA model and given the positive reviews that's getting I'd like to try that, but I'm not going back to the dealer unless I'm buying one so will leave that to early next year.

Absolutely loved everything about it.

 

[Onahi]

This review by @Onahi motivated me to go and try the GSA at Sycamore BMW Peterborough today.

I am hoping to get a touring bike next year, and had so far shortlisted the KTM1390R and the Tiger1200 as I like off road capable ADV bikes.

What a wonderful bike, it was awesome. It felt quite small but I assume the seat was set a bit low, I'd prefer more legroom. I'm only 5'11" with a 32" inseam but maybe a very short person had been riding it. It wasn't an ASA model and given the positive reviews that's getting I'd like to try that, but I'm not going back to the dealer unless I'm buying one so will leave that to early next year.

Absolutely loved everything about it. View attachment 536016

Do let us know if you do test the ASA version. Good luck

IMHO it looks better when blacked out !