Standard GS1200 vs Adventure

[seakay]

Called into my local dealer today and couldn't help but think how good the Adventure looked compared to my standard GS1200. On chatting to the salesman his opinion was that it was a much more substantial/surefooted bike than the basic version and made a far better tourer all round. He's offered a test ride which I think I'll take up but would be very interested to know whether anyone who's had experienced of both bikes agrees and why.

Is it really that much better/worth the extra money? And how much of the appeal is more about the look?

Clive

 

[Funners]

I tested both extensively bfore parting with my cash....
My conclusions were...
the GS is lighter, easier to throw about and slightly faster
the GSA is heavier, feels more "planted" and seemed to me to ride ever so slightly better....
however, I can unashamedly confess that it was purely the more "purposeful" look of the Adv that sold it to me...Yes I'm shallow....No I don't care...

 

[GSmonkey]

Do a back-to-back test and make up your mind. Depends what you're looking for.

GSA is slightly slower steering / more stable / less flickable, has a bigger tank and better weather protection.

 

[LBL]

ditto

I tested both extensively bfore parting with my cash....
My conclusions were...
the GS is lighter, easier to throw about and slightly faster
the GSA is heavier, feels more "planted" and seemed to me to ride ever so slightly better....
however, I can unashamedly confess that it was purely the more "purposeful" look of the Adv that sold it to me...Yes I'm shallow....No I don't care...

plus one for the above

 

[Twotter]

So what you're saying is that a salesman says his bike is better than the bike you currently own?

You're not really surprised by his suggestion are you ???

 

[Mr K]

Adventure looks the biz..

But I couldn't manage the extra suspension height and weight of an extra 10 litres of joos in a tight, muddy lane, so me an the original and best R1200GS will stay together..

 

[cookie]

objectively, i think i'd have to say the GS is the better bike. it's lighter, lower, nippier and handles better. weather protection on the last one i rode was much better than i remembered.

subjectively, the GSA looks miles better and i like the big tank, so i bought one.

 

[casperghst42]

I traded my GS in after a year, and 22000km, and what I like is the extra millage, wind protection, and the higher suspension. Otherwise it's more down to the looks (as been mentioned before).

But except for being further away from the ground (which I like), and more stable I don't feel the big difference between the two bikes (motorway, etc. yes, but that is something else).


Casper

 

[AdamA]

I owned the GS for 17Kmiles and have now done 9K on the GSA.

Back to back there are slight differences as Funners outlined.

Ride em in isolation there is sweet FA in it but for the height and fuel range and of course the weight, but that only comes into things at standstill and very low speeds.

Personally I like the extra height (I drive a van instead of a car for the same reason), the extra fuel means I can choose when/where to stop rather than having to stop at petrol pumps every time, and the weight is fine if you plan for it.

Oh, and has anyone mentioned they look great?

 

[Big Lee]

On chatting to the salesman his opinion was that it was a much more substantial/surefooted bike than the basic version and made a far better tourer all round.

Of course he`ll say that, he`s trying to get thousands of pounds out of you How old is your 12 btw and did he give you a price part ex?

 

[tommygun]

GSA has fantastic road presence esp with the fog lights and it makes me feel gooey all over whenever I see it parked outside

 

[BuBbLe Bl0wEr]

when i was picking i spoke to the salesman (very good friend) and he was explaining that the difference is about £900. but the gsa holds money abit better due to the hole "round the world" trip.

IMO i find the gsa looks better, because when on it, you feel more involved in the bike due to the size of the tank and also because of the size its more of a sheer animal and with the fog likes looks the nuts....

ive had my gsa for around a week now and love it! riding it i wouldnt say that the flickability is much different, i mean the bike in itself brings confidence so you'll be alright.... on the second ride on mine i got the peg down (seriously!)

and finally with the weight all i would say is dont fill it right up and bobs your tea pot....

 

[Twotter]

...and finally with the weight all i would say is dont fill it right up and bobs your tea pot....

Doesn't that negate one of the advantages of the GSA over the GS ???

 

[AdamA]

Doesn't that negate one of the advantages of the GSA over the GS ???

But at least you look like you could ride around the world on one tank eh?

 

[elefantmanshawn]

The GSA is the real deal and its so much more than cosmetics,they're much better built with upgraded engine components as well as upgraded running gear ,the fps is less prone to faults due to beeing better positioned, and it has the must have enduro gearbox option thats not an option on the entry level gs,if your buying a BMW why compromise?

 

[AdamA]

built with upgraded engine components as well as upgraded running gear

Really?

 

[GSmonkey]

,they're much better built with upgraded engine components

............BMW Sales Brochures really do work then!!

 

[BuBbLe Bl0wEr]

Doesn't that negate one of the advantages of the GSA over the GS ???

no i dont think so, at the end of the day if you know your going far then brim it. if not then half fill it and you'll still get a good miles per tank.

 

[elefantmanshawn]

Really?

Higher output gen,man sized suspension,tougher spoked wheels,tougher black frame paint,just tougher

 

[AdamA]

Higher output gen,man sized suspension,tougher spoked wheels,tougher black frame paint,just tougher

Right, so exact same engine then.