Thinking about a GSA

[Ceri JC]

I've ridden a GSA, both on road and off. I know I like them. I should, in a couple of months time, hopefully be able to afford a new bike. A GSA is one of the bikes on the shortlist. If I got one, I could then make my F800GS more offroad-oriented, plus have a chance that at least one of the unreliable teutonic heaps of scrap is working at any given time.

It is this last point that concerns me. As an F800GS owner of close to two years now, I've been singularly unimpressed with the bike's reliability. I hear of similar problems with the GSA and this is putting me off a bit. I know every bike is different and those who have "problem bikes" tend to be first to comment, but how reliable are they, really?

Also, any way I'll be able to fit my existing F800GS Vario hard luggage to it (changing the locks, obviously)?

TIA, Ceri.

 

[Goose]

My 2009 GSA had serious pinging problems - however our 95 octane and the high temperatures weren't compatible with the EU3 standards and the utterly stupid AF ratio's allowed by the BMW ECU. Other than that the bike was an absolute dream and pleasure.
My new 2011 GSA's waiting at Coopers - however I know that some of the DOHC versions had serious vibration issues........... put down to Cam balance in most cases - bike yet to be "tried" to see whether there are other issues I am not aware of.

Some of the GSA's also had problems with front discs warping.......... maybe just our riding conditions..?

The main thing is that if you find a problem or dislike - immediately report it to your dealer and insist that they register the complaint against the bike's VIN - they should alos sort the problem. If minor......... the fact that an issue is reported and logged - could save lots later on.

All in all............ I love the bike - not because it's a Beemer... because it can do amazing things offroad and all of that in comfort!