Good point! I have CTA3s with Alloy wheels on the GSA. I've done about 350 miles with these and it definitely feels better, don't know if it's the tyres, wheels or both that make a difference. It seemed good with the Anakees on though.
Same but different
- Thread starter Hartley
- Start date
Theres the problem - A41's - I had them as OE on mine, not good at all, and not inspiring. Got rid of them after 2500 mls for conti TA's. The bike was then totally transformed
At last I’ve been able to get out on the GSA on a nice day.
I’ve not been able to ride since the first service in Feb due to a foot injury so I’ve spent the last six weeks or so worrying about whether I’d made the right choice with the GSA.
Today the sun came out so I downed a load of painkillers and thought I’ve got to put this to bed.
I rode the very same route I’d ridden before. Difference today was I had a ball, absolutely loved it.
Today it didnt feel, to me, that different to my previous GS, ( but obviously is over 4 months since I rode that now).
I’m guessing a lot of it was new bike and tyres, really poor road and weather conditions just knocked my confidence as many of you said.
Massive weight off my mind.
Just need to fix my foot now
I’ve not been able to ride since the first service in Feb due to a foot injury so I’ve spent the last six weeks or so worrying about whether I’d made the right choice with the GSA.
Today the sun came out so I downed a load of painkillers and thought I’ve got to put this to bed.
I rode the very same route I’d ridden before. Difference today was I had a ball, absolutely loved it.
Today it didnt feel, to me, that different to my previous GS, ( but obviously is over 4 months since I rode that now).
I’m guessing a lot of it was new bike and tyres, really poor road and weather conditions just knocked my confidence as many of you said.
Massive weight off my mind.
Just need to fix my foot now
septikangel
Registered user
Just checked out Crieff Cloverleaf........great info thanks Hartley.
I can highly recommend the Leven House B&B
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Well the trip to Tuscany that would have hopefully helped me click with the GSA didnt happen. My wife was taken ill and needed a few days in hospital, 3 days before we were due to leave, a horrible few days that i certainly do not want to experience again but thankfully shes well on the mend now.
This means at 10 months old the GSA still only has 2600 miles on the clock.
I did however get to do my longest day yet out on the GSA on Saturday.
For me with a free day and decent weather i head to Wales. Early start and a blatt up the motorway, A5 to Oswestry and then onto the good stuff for the rest of the day.
This is one of my favorite routes and one a know well so a good run out for the GSA, a bike that im still a bit mixed about.
There's everything on this route, fast stretches, gravel strewn lanes, tight hairpins and what i believe are some of the best roads in the country all surrounded by scenery that urges you to stop for a while and soak it in.
Ive not found the seat great so far so i set it in the high position at the front and low at the rear, it made it a little taller but far more comfortable. I find the GSA a touch tall for me, its ok but i just need to think a little more about where i stop and paddling about is a touch more tricky.
I had an absolutely superb day. The bike was excellent, my best day so far on it. With everything thats gone on the last few weeks it did that magic thing that anyone who rides knows only a bike can do. I got home having been in out 11hrs, 10 in the saddle, 423 more miles on the bike and a big smile on my face.
This means at 10 months old the GSA still only has 2600 miles on the clock.
I did however get to do my longest day yet out on the GSA on Saturday.
For me with a free day and decent weather i head to Wales. Early start and a blatt up the motorway, A5 to Oswestry and then onto the good stuff for the rest of the day.
This is one of my favorite routes and one a know well so a good run out for the GSA, a bike that im still a bit mixed about.
There's everything on this route, fast stretches, gravel strewn lanes, tight hairpins and what i believe are some of the best roads in the country all surrounded by scenery that urges you to stop for a while and soak it in.
Ive not found the seat great so far so i set it in the high position at the front and low at the rear, it made it a little taller but far more comfortable. I find the GSA a touch tall for me, its ok but i just need to think a little more about where i stop and paddling about is a touch more tricky.
I had an absolutely superb day. The bike was excellent, my best day so far on it. With everything thats gone on the last few weeks it did that magic thing that anyone who rides knows only a bike can do. I got home having been in out 11hrs, 10 in the saddle, 423 more miles on the bike and a big smile on my face.
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Hope your Wife's health improves and sorry you missed out on your big trip.
I loved my trip around Wales on my then-new (to me) GSA to break it in.
I fitted a Sargent seat (as I have to all my GS/A's) as IMHO the BMW brand does everything well apart from the seats, which are shockingly soft and unsupportive for me after an hour in the saddle. As I'm getting older, my prostate issue causes ever more discomfort so I'm no lover of the stock BMW item.
As always YMMV but there are many means to improve the standard seat regardless of budget ranging from a simple sheepskin or mesh cover through to an airhawk or an aftermarket seat. I've pretty much tried them all.
I loved my trip around Wales on my then-new (to me) GSA to break it in.
I fitted a Sargent seat (as I have to all my GS/A's) as IMHO the BMW brand does everything well apart from the seats, which are shockingly soft and unsupportive for me after an hour in the saddle. As I'm getting older, my prostate issue causes ever more discomfort so I'm no lover of the stock BMW item.
As always YMMV but there are many means to improve the standard seat regardless of budget ranging from a simple sheepskin or mesh cover through to an airhawk or an aftermarket seat. I've pretty much tried them all.
Thanks Pukmeister, a few months of medication and my Mrs should be all sorted.
It has made us think about things and kicked our arses in a couple of ways, one of which is to make efforts to get to Norway next year.
I don’t think it’s only BMW who cant get a seat right. Why manufacturers insist on seats that are so soft and cant you forward is beyond me. The GS/GSA were better than the Crosstourer. I knew on the hr test ride the seat had to go. Touratech sorted that.
It has made us think about things and kicked our arses in a couple of ways, one of which is to make efforts to get to Norway next year.
I don’t think it’s only BMW who cant get a seat right. Why manufacturers insist on seats that are so soft and cant you forward is beyond me. The GS/GSA were better than the Crosstourer. I knew on the hr test ride the seat had to go. Touratech sorted that.
I've just spent last week in Finland about 60KM from the border with Russia and four hours North of Helsinki, sadly I wasn't on my GSA just driving in a Volvo.
If the roads in Norway are half as good as the empty roads through the forests and lakes of Finland, you'll have an absolute blast even at moderate speeds (which I understand they are very hot on).
Good to hear Mrs Hartley is on the mend...
Our bikes are vey similar in age and I'm just shy of 5k. Rode to Bristol & back in biblical rain for an overnighter to my folks last week and two weeks before that a quick day trip to Southampton.
I agree that the seat does get to you after a day's riding. I like my GSA a lot & will be pleased to replaced the now nearly totally shagged tyres for something 'better'.
I have my seat in the high position & like you say, sometimes just need to be mindful where I pull up. The lack of knee bend is a +ve for me though.
Annual service soon I guess & I look forward to more of the same next year.
Our bikes are vey similar in age and I'm just shy of 5k. Rode to Bristol & back in biblical rain for an overnighter to my folks last week and two weeks before that a quick day trip to Southampton.
I agree that the seat does get to you after a day's riding. I like my GSA a lot & will be pleased to replaced the now nearly totally shagged tyres for something 'better'.
I have my seat in the high position & like you say, sometimes just need to be mindful where I pull up. The lack of knee bend is a +ve for me though.
Annual service soon I guess & I look forward to more of the same next year.
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