Shall i go back to a GSA (new LC)? currently riding an LC R1200RT-seat height related

vteec

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Hi
a year ago I traded in my oil cooled 90th anniversary edition GSA for a new R1200RT LC.

I loved my GSA except the ride height, I am 173cm with 78cm in seam and had the touratech extra low seat fitted.
I rode the bike every day for a year and never really got into situations where the ride height was a big issue but I was always a bit uncomfortable with it.

for example when negotiating slopes with a gradient and/or having a pillion etc.

I love my new RT. The engine is fantastic, the gear shift assist amazing, the instrumentation is the best ever and I find it much more nimble in our crazy traffic and the low seat height is perfect for me now. I feel very comfortable with it.

I miss not being able to accelerate down a bumpy road or attack a trail road like I used to do with the GSA.

I do not like the normal GS, I am interested in the GSA.

I read that the new LC GSA actually feels lower than mine and with the low seat I should be much better than before.

I know there is also the low suspension version but in my eyes it looks a bit silly and defies the purpose of a GSA.

what shall I do?

please help me decide.
thank you.
 
I have a GSA LC but with the standard GS seat.
It is a good two inches lower than the GSA's and not quite as uncomfortable.
Try a test ride with one on.
 
I came from a 2011 GSA Twin Cam to a 2014 GSA Watercooled (via a KTM 1190).

The reason I sold the TC was I was finding it a bit heavy to lug around and parking it
safely on a slope or uneven ground was becoming a challenge due to the seat height
and high centre of gravity.

I find the watercooled much better. Even though the seat is supposed to be around the
same height, it is narrower and feels lower. I am 6'0" and I can get both feet flat on
the ground now.:friday
 
Pidcocks BMW have been selling lowered GSA's like hot cakes this year, on account of their sales team being savvy enough to keep a low demonstrator in stock, it's still a big enough bike for most riders. especially with a full tank and luggage.

Many of the takers have come from Standard height GS-LC riders.

Why not try one..test rides are free.
 
Coming from a 2012 GSA I recall my first impression getting on my 2014 GSA was it felt lower, narrower, and the steering was lighter.
 
I have standard GSA LC, previous bike GSA TC, it does feel a bit lower.
Have a mate who went for the lowered GSA and side by side you would struggle to notice a difference in the bikes.
 
vteec said:
I know there is also the low suspension version but in my eyes it looks a bit silly and defies the purpose of a GSA.
Click to expand...

My mate has a lowered and I have the standard, you would struggle to notice any difference visually
 
To the op: in a word - no.
Don't bother. It's the same engine at a similar rate and the RT is going to be better on the road. Just think of the depreciation and the hit you'll take in part exchange. I moved GS-GSA and whilst I'm very happy, I wouldn't do it again as the differences are marginal. I would have an RT over a GS as u don't do any off-roaring but even the GSA is easier in traffic without all the bodywork.
And as Pablo says - there is little difference visually between standard and lowered GSA's. BMW presumably offered it as they thought it may help shift more bikes and more choice is better than less, no?
 
Shall i go back to a GSA (new LC)? currently riding an LC R1200RT-seat height...

You already have the best of the two so don't do it! I think both bikes can do the same quite well with the exception of light off-roading but to be honest you can ride on a light gravel track with any road bike if you are careful. I had a TC GSA before and I am extremely pleased with my RT LC. I also find the new engine more suitable for the RT given the higher gearing but that's just my view of course. I have no issues in traffic either, in fact I'm surprised how easy it is to filter between cars despite its size.
 
You need to have a test ride of the standard GSA, I'm slightly shorter in the inseam so I went for the lowered GSA.

You may find the standard height version is fine for you, if not you have the option of the lowered model.
 
Speaking as someone who has changed to a GSA from a RT LC which I believe as lost it's way, it's now become a Sports tourer, some may find that a good thing but I preferred the TC which was a true Tourer and suited my riding position better.
I've owned 3 RTs the last an LC which is absolutely stonking except for the riding position.

This is my second GSA and again I love it!

It all comes down to personal preference. Buy the one that "suits you sir" ....Standard or lower, makes no difference except 2 inches (Ohh Misses)
 
thank you for all the replies. very, very helpful.

much appreciated.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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