Riding impressions of GSA vs GS

[db1]

Hi,

I am considering changing my 1200 GS for a GSA and was wondering whether anyone has any impressions of main differences in riding/handling etc.

Also, I read somewhere that the screen on the 08 ADV is taller than the previous model. I have a Wunderlich tall screen which works well on the GS1200 and am keen to have the same ride quality.

Any view most appreciated.

thanks

DB1

 

[Wizard]

Any view most appreciated.

Get off your lazy fat arse & take a test ride?

 

[The Bede]

Get off your lazy fat arse & take a test ride?

... How went the Inter-Personal Skills seminar then Mark

 

[John Soones]

R1200GS v's GSA

I've had a R1100GS, R1150GS than a R1200GS (2004) which I traded for a 2008 R1200GSA. The screen is higher and gives a lot more protection. The wider tank and winglets also give more protection. I feel a little higher and have an even more commanding view than on my old GS. I was concerned about the extra bulk and the crash bars and although there are a few occasions in commuter traffic where prudence takes over, the extra bulk hasn't made commuting any more difficult.

The handling of the GSA feels as good as the GS and any extra weight has been compensated for by slightly more power. If you're concerned about the difference in handling, I think there would be a bigger difference made by brand of tyres than between the two models.

We ALL know how good the GS is so you could not be disappointed with either, but I am delighted with the service from my dealer (South London Motorcycles) and delighted with my GSA. Treat yourself, you worked hard for it and deserve it, get the GSA!

 

[John Soones]

UPDATE:
Ridden back from Sort in the Pyrenees to SW London in a day. Set off at 06:00, in the door ar 21:00. 800 miles, two fuel stops! A camel bag and additional comfort stops at Limoge and the Chunnel terminal, means this is a great A-Z bike. The handling feels great which was improved by moving away from Bridgestones to Michelin Tourance.
Alloy panniers are included in the price at present and are superb. I carried an extra rucksack and tent for another traveller, but only noticed them when I dismounted the bike. The build quality isn't as good as it used to be, but some TLC can make up for some of that. It's easy to live with and great fun to rice.
I'd carefully consider an F800GS next time.

 

[wully]

Take a long test ride

I've had three GS's, an 1150 ,1200 aqnd now an '08 GSA.

I really liked the handling and feel of the 1150 , felt the 1200 was quicker steering, faster and smoother but didn't feel as 'planted' on the road as the 1150.
The GSA combines the feel of both the 1150 and 1200 and is pretty much perfect for me- especially with the Sargent seat

Just do it.

 

[Prattapillar]

My impressions are that the GS feels slightly more nimble, more responsive to throttle adjustment and quicker on the tighter corners. It would because it's lighter and got a shorter wheel base.

You can feel the added weight on the GSA, it's much more comfortable at higher speeds and it handles big long sweepers far better as the extra weight definately makes it feel more planted.

I felt the GSA front end is alot vaguer than the GS, but this could be down to the bikes I test rode having differernt tyres, GS on Battlewings, GSA on Tourances.

If your looking to be scraping your pegs around A and B roads then the GS is for you, for a more relaxed riding style then it's the Adventure.

One thing that I really didn't like about the GSA though was the difficulty getting a forecourt air hose on to the tyre valves because of the spoked wheels, although this is easily solved by getting right angled valves fitted.

As for the screen, I have the same tall Wunderlich screen on the GS and it offers more protection than the standard GSA screen.

 

[GSband]

The technical differences are higher suspension and bigger tank. The rest are options in one package, called 'adventure', like bigger screen/fairing, different colourschemes and cases.
I've driven both, and the GS was my choice because I prefer the way it handles, I like the fact that it's lighter, I know that the GS's range will do nicely and I wonder what to do with an even higher suspension.
To get better protection a higher windscreen is used when needed (long distance and/or low temperatures).
As you see the 'I like' and 'I prefer' are a major issue. Test both and decide what YOU like.

 

[seakay]

I posed a similar question a week or so ago 'Standard GS vs Adventure' and got loads of useful responses most leaning towards the Adventure. I'm test riding the Adventure today so will let you know my thoughts shortly..

 

[blobcat]

I've ridden quite a few 1200's but bought the GSA, handling is great IMO and the front comes up easy enough (as long as I remember to turn down the traction control) and the centre stand is ground away nicely on both sides from "spirited" riding. I can't say as I notice the extra weight even with 33ltrs of fuel on board. I do however appreciate not having to stop to fuel it up every few miles.
Only bits I'm not that keen on is that I find the seat uncomfortable riding all day and I've missed a few gears when really going for it. Having said that I don't expect it to have as slick a gearbox as my CBR

 

[Gecko]

UPDATE:
The handling feels great which was improved by moving away from Bridgestones to Michelin Tourance..

Michelin Anakee or Metzeler Tourance but Michelin Tourance ....