The age old question. Which one.

[richh]

Though I've been on here a few years, to my shame (or maybe not) I've never owned a GS.

I'm looking at 1200's not the earlier stuff.

Do I "need" an LC or later, over the Hexhead? How do the Hexhead and LC engines compare?

I do like to get a wriggle on from time to time, but character also counts for a lot too.

I prefer the looks of the GSA over the normal GS, although don't mind the GS LC bikes with the alloy multi spoked wheels.

99% of my riding would be tarmac, is handling superior on the std GS over GSA on the LC bikes?

Many thanks

 

[DJ123]

The 'only' advantage of the GSA is the bigger fuel tank. Plus a little better weather protection - although you can bolt it to the GS too (bigger screen & winglets). Unless you're taller, the 20mm increased ride height may not be of interest.

I've only had an LC, an early 2013 version and it's been a great Bike. In the 3 years i've had it, it's been a fairly trouble free 40k miles (now nearing 70k on the odometer) - bar an issue with the stator, but this is a known problem on the earlier versions.

 

[GSian]

The 1250 GSA rides differently to the GS. It's the only reason I changed, after riding a GSA whilst I had a GS. Can't say for the 1200 as I've never ridden either GS or GSA. Best thing would be for you to try both, see how it suits your riding style.

 

[landmarkjohn]

I have a Hexhead single cam and have ridden a 1250. They are really completely different bikes.

Maybe if you had a budget bods could weigh in with what you could get for the money and the pros and cons. There have been a few that lamented the lack of "character" moving to later WC bikes and have never "gelled" with them.

 

[richh]

I don’t want to spend 1250 money.

I’m a Yorkshireman so £5k would be comfortable. With I know is hexhead money.

But occasionally see higher mileage water cooled bikes.


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[richh]

Is there a big difference between the earlier twin cam and the later (2013?) water cooled bikes?


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[DrFarkoff]

Twin Cam all the way

 

[Jazbee]

I aways preferred the standard GS (with spoked wheels though) over the GSA, i tried a GSA many times but always preferred the lighter more 'flickable' GS. My favourite is the twin cam engined bikes. Buy a well cared for 2012 TC and you won't go wrong, you can then confidently move to say a low miles 1250GS later, they are very good......never been a fan of the 1300.

 

[Lodgey]

I had a 2005gs1200,did 25k on it,it was great,had a 2007gsa1200, did 45k on it ,it too was great,then a 2011gs1200Twin cam,lovely bike but didn’t keep it long,I can’t trust the electronics,just bought a 2003 1150,it’s a fantastic bike,top quality and it rides beautifully

 

[EVskiy]

If character you are after, then buy one of the last 1200 (circa 2012-2013) TC bikes.
GS is lighter and tends to come in cast wheels (unless spoked wheels have been optioned).
GSA has more scaffolding as standard, ally painters over plastic Vario ones.
If weight and height of the bike is an issues for you, then GS would be better suited, if not, I’d go for GSA.
The 1200 TC is a quick bike, it hasn’t got as much tech as LC has. No cruise control etc. but that’s not a huge issue as simple device like KAOKO Throttle lock, have worked well for many riders in the past.

These TC bikes do come up for sale on here at fairly reasonable prices from time to time.

Now I’ve never had a 1200 TC GS/A, however wife’s R9T has that very engine and it is great.
I have had two LC bikes a 2014 GS and a 2017 GSA. I liked them both but preferred GSA as I am tall, and extra legroom was welcome for me. Wife funnily enough also preferred GSA.

 

[Khulu]

I have a '63 plate TB TC GSA (the last of the model) that I'm considering selling as I also have a 1260s Ducati Multistrada. I can flat-foot the Multi but am on balls of my feet for the GSA (legs not long enough)! I don't really need them both now.
I've owned her since 2015 (second owner) and she's has always gone great and been very reliable. Rear wheel sensor needs a clean again but that's the only issue I've ever had with her. Many people, on here especially, believe the TC was the best model. The early LCs had a lighter flywheel which a lot of riders, me included as I had one, didn't like.

 

[richh]

I have a '63 plate TB TC GSA (the last of the model) that I'm considering selling as I also have a 1260s Ducati Multistrada. I can flat-foot the Multi but am on balls of my feet for the GSA (legs not long enough)! I don't really need them both now.
I've owned her since 2015 (second owner) and she's has always gone great and been very reliable. Rear wheel sensor needs a clean again but that's the only issue I've ever had with her. Many people, on here especially, believe the TC was the best model. The early LCs had a lighter flywheel which a lot of riders, me included as I had one, didn't like.

Tell me more .


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[littleade]

Tell me more .


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Tell me more, was it love at 1st sight,

Tell me more, tell me more, did she put up a fight....

 

[EVskiy]

@richh have a look at this add.

 

[Khulu]

Tell me more .


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PM sent.

 

[Khulu]

Tell me more, was it love at 1st sight,

Tell me more, tell me more, did she put up a fight....

Great movie!

 

[richh]

@richh have a look at this add.

I've seen it. Tempting.

 

[Santa-2512]

I've had three varients

06 hexhead, brilliant bike, only thing lacking , electronic cruise control

So swapped for 16 LC, worst bike ever, more defects than you could shake a stick at, when it worked, brilliant, but it spent more time at the dealers than with me

Dumped for a 11 TC , again apart from cruise control its brilliant, just budget consumables, and fuel

 

[richh]

I do like cruise to be honest.

I've got a weird wrist. The 961 commando is really comfy for me, doesn't bother the wrist at all.

The Triumph Trophy I bought off N&F last year is a sofa in comparison, but hurts the wrist.

Strange, but cruise does help to give it a rest from time to time.

 

[Khulu]

I do like cruise to be honest.

I've got a weird wrist. The 961 commando is really comfy for me, doesn't bother the wrist at all.

The Triumph Trophy I bought off N&F last year is a sofa in comparison, but hurts the wrist.

Strange, but cruise does help to give it a rest from time to time.

I know what you mean about giving your wrist a rest - I use a rubber hand heel manual cruise thing on my GSA.
Electronic cruise on my multi is handy for that - one of the few modern electronic aids I like!