Whats the difference?

[Chapperz]

Hi all. As I said in my previous thread, I am thinkin of comin back to the BMW brand, (used to have an 800GS).Was goin to hold out till next year & go for the new 1200 engine GS (which is what i recently took out on a test ride) however, I am tempted by a 2010 plate GSA (with the `OLD` type engine). Question is, will I notice the difference from the one I test rode? Yeah, I could take the GSA out, but I thought I would seek the benefit of anyones experience. Thanks P.S Sorry if this subject has already bin done loads, but I av just rejoined the forum again after bein away from BMW for a while.

 

[GreatScott]

Yes....



....and welcome back

 

[autogs]

dont be so sure the w/c gs is next year.

 

[phillh]

I was planning to buy an older GS1200 and test drove an earlier GSA1200 and compared it with the new 4 valve head GSA 1200.

I felt the new version was significantly beeter than the old and ended up buying a new one. (I had planned to buy a secondhand 4 valver but it was august and the deals on new ones were very competitive)

My advice, ride the 2 bikes back to back and decide for yourself

 

[Dainese Brave]

General opinion is that the new w/cooled engine won't be out next year...

If the choice is then between an original 1200 engine or the 'new' DOHC 1200 engine, I'd go for the DOHC one.

You certainly notice the difference going from the original to the new bike, but I've not ridden an original one since buying my new GSA...but I'm guessing it may seem a little sluggish after riding the DOHC.

 

[Wapping]

Question is, will I notice the difference from the one I test rode?

The obvious answer is that we do not know on your behalf what you will notice.

The easy answer is: Yes, you should do as it makes some more power and / or delivers it differently to some degree or another. That is why BMW made it.

The better question perhaps is: Do you expect to need and use the difference between the two engines day-to-day and / or can you better use the (possible) cash saving for something else?

I know plenty of bods who can hustle old style GS's (of assorted vintages and cubic capacity) around.... and several who can ride rings around a 'modern' GS on ancient CBR 500's.... So it's not the engine spec you need to always look at.

 

[Rasher]

The better question perhaps is: Do you expect to need and use the difference between the two engines day-to-day and / or can you better use the (possible) cash saving for something else?

I test rode the latest bike but bought a 2008 two weeks later, I could not notice any real difference with the time-lapse, it certainly is not huge, but probably noticeable back-to-back. I also suspect now I am very familiar with my 2008 I would be more likely to notice the slight difference if I got on a new one again.

If your on a limited budget and want some extra's then I would suggest a 2009 with the bits you really want would be better than an extra 5BHP and a few more top end RPM on a bike without the bits you fancy.

Pays yer money

 

[Adamj79]

I bought an 09 GSA this April, having first test ridden both that bike and the dealers brand new dohc version demonstrator on the same day.

I've owned various bikes over the last 17 years but had no previous experience on a BMW or GS style machine. I'd always been curious and after test riding both I knew the GSA was the bike for me.

As for differences between the models, I couldn't notice anything significant at all. I agree with rasher if I went back now I might do but I'm more than happy with the 09 model I bought. The deal was better as it came with most of the available extras already fitted and although owning a bike with the latest engine would be nice as wapping says I don't especially need the extra that it offers

 

[Wapping]

I test rode the latest bike but bought a 2008 two weeks later, I could not notice any real difference with the time-lapse, it certainly is not huge, but probably noticeable back-to-back. I also suspect now I am very familiar with my 2008 I would be more likely to notice the slight difference if I got on a new one again.

If your on a limited budget and want some extra's then I would suggest a 2009 with the bits you really want would be better than an extra 5BHP and a few more top end RPM on a bike without the bits you fancy.

Pays yer money

You are probably about right.

I had an 06 GSA with standard gearbox, clocking up 55,000 odd miles in short order mostly outside of the UK. It went (and still goes) like a train. The best money I spent on it was Ohlins front and back, way better than the standard suspension which got very tired by about 30,000 miles.

 

[MIKE R]

I'm am fortunate and greedy as I and own a twin cam GSA and a single cam GS SE on a 09 plate.

In August this year I had my twin cam serviced and took out a twin cam standard. I found then to be 2 totally different bikes to ride. Anyway, to shorten a long story, the dealer offered me a good price on my Triumph Tiger against a 2010 twin cam GS or a 09 Special Edition which was actually more expensive. The offer on the Tiger was the same on both bikes.

Having ridden the 2 GSes back to back and living with the twin and single cam engine I personally do not think there is much difference. The twin cam sounds faster with the exhaust roar and there is slightly more low down, but, in my opinion, the differences are marginal.

As was said earlier, test ride them back to back, examine your finances and get the best deal for you.

Mike

Ps there is a very good Tiger at Rainbow for a very fair price if anyone is looking!

 

[snerkler]

I personally think it's a noticeable difference, but as you'll see from the replies on here not everyone feels the same so it's always best to try it for yourself

 

[Chapperz]

There was a difference!

Thanks all for your replies. On Saturday I took out a 2010 GSA (old engine model) from Wollaston.Test ride with a view to buy. Salesman told "me it has plenty of fuel, so go & enjoy"! First junction off the motorway, fuel light starts flashing & counting down at a rapid pace.Panicked a bit looking for a petrol station as I did not know the area! Thankfully I had took some money with me, so after finding a garage, I stuck some fuel in & got back on the bike, to discover the Unstoppable became the Unstartable Flat battery! Left the bike for a bit, & tried again. Thankfully it just managed to turn over & fired up. Took the bike back, feeling a bit pissed off. Apart from the fuel & battery experience, I found the bike very different from the new twin cam model I had rode the week before from Clarks in B`ham.The engine seemed more course & more vibey & not as smooth. Think I will wait now till next year & get a triple Black 2012 Plate.Quick question..Why did the dealer send me off wanting me to buy a £9500 bike on a test ride without checking it had some fuel in it & charging the battery?? & then wonder why I didn`t buy it Is it me?

 

[spikidave]

I have a 56 plate standard 1200gs and took an 11 plate as a courtesy bike overnight whilst my bike was having some remedial warranty work done. I found the two bikes significantly different. Whilst I like the 56 plate a great deal. The 11 plate felt more like a sports bike, quieter gearbox, smoother engine, delicious exhaust tone and a lot more punchy and chuckable, more like a sports twin with enduro riding position. I think the dealer does this sort ofthing on purpose to keep me interested in the brand. Given the choice and money no problem, I would have the 11 plate.