Thoughts / advice...

leasky

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N.E Scotland / Middle of the sand pit....
I am currently on my 3rd 1200 GSA (Hexhead) and my 6th air cooled R series bike. I am giving serious consideration in coming over to a LC 1200 GSA and I would like to hear any honest opinions from any members here who have done the same and what your thoughts and findings are in comparing the 2 machines.

I would be particularly interested in thoughts as to how the newer models (16 / 17) compare to the earlier ones and also which "package" to go for regarding Premium etc.

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Colin.
 
Can't be arsed to write loads but I do like the sound of my own voice so if you want to call me, I'll tell you.

2006 GSA for 8 years, moved to a 2014 GSA in February, just bought a 2017 TB GSA that arrived at dealers yesterday.
 
Moved from an 08 hex gsa to a 15gsa.

Would not go back.

the lc 15 gsa i found to be quite a different bike than the 08 hex, but once used to / in sync with the lc I would say I enjoy it more than the hex.

Not been on a 16/17 bike.

My 15 is great, went for a 15 and not earlier has having warm hands and heated grips that work was a priority for me.
 
Got both in the garage..'09 and '15. I've got the '09 pretty much sorted and took it for 3000 miles around Europe this year as well as trips around Scotland. I have only ridden the '15...TE edition....a couple of times..up from London and from here to Inverurie and back. If you can, go for an LC...it's a bloody good bike and the extra horses are worth it. Looking forward to some salt free roads for the LC.
 
After I went from an 09 GS to 12 GSA I had mixed feelings. I liked the top load bags and, large tank, better shield, the motors slight increased torque, and the throatier sound. But the bike felt and handled noticibly heavier especially at low speed.

Im now riding a 14 GSA which combines the best of both, it feels narrower when straddling and steers every bit as light as the 09 GS. Handling is as light as the GS as well, much nicer than the previous GSA. Cruise control, better fuel mileage, and zero oil consumption are other improvements I noticed right off. Two things that could be slight negatives are the engine mechanical noise and heat around my right calf from the catalytic converter noticible in temps over 85F. But it doesn't blow heat at my chest from the oil cooler like the oil cooled versions did which was uncomfortable much over 90F.
 
I went from an 11 plate twincam GSA to a 14 plate LC GSA. I found the LC quicker, smoother, a little slimmer
and generally more modern. The Nav 5 and thumbwheel control are excellent, the riding modes and
suspension modes work well (although not really necessary) and it is better on fuel. Handling felt
much the same to me.

I didn't think the wind protection was quite as good as the TC and the instruments 'could be better'.
The speedo is far too small and difficult to read imho.

But I wouldn't go back.
 
Get the LC GSA, I took two years to make the change from a 2010 TC anniversary which I loved to ride and did`nt feel i could part with, got the LC GSA in Jan this year and took it down the trans portugal trail as well as some excellent bendy roads. It was far better on the trails and the electronics worked well going from enduro to dynamic you could tell a difference. The Lc for me is a very different bike to the TC but there is something comfortably familiar. I have ridden the TC twice this year and its up for sale in the spring as i don't enjoy it like I used to. Love the LC. Would never go back.
 


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