Who has moved from a GS to GSA?

[Stretchamus]

If it wasn't for that Loaded GSA looks, I wouldn't have a BMW

Unless it was the R1000SS

Best regards Stretch.
PS as the old ad you'st to say Anything Else is Less

 

[snerkler]

It amuses me when some folks on here criticise GS's that have some of the extras found on a GSA. They seem to think that they are 'GSA wannerbys'. If I wanted a GSA I would buy one.

Anyway back on topic...

I've had 3 GS's and every time I have changed I've tried a GSA first(but only short rides). To me the GSA feels much less nimble than the GS and more of a stretch to the floor. I accept there are more 'extras' with a GSA but I am not interested in the larger tank as the backside is usually ready for a stop after 100 miles. The main advantage for me with the GSA is the screen/winglets which I've added to the GS. I guess the pannier system might persuade some but I am not convinced it is better than the Vario system for onroad riding.

You pays your money and make the choice.

I've not heard/read folk calling people who add extras to their GS GSA wanabes, but surely if it's been said it's Tongue in cheek?

As for the extra mileage of the GSA argument and that most folk want a break every 150 miles or so, a lot of people are missing part of it. What I like about the extra tank range is that I don't have to call at petrol stations so often. For instance if I'm commuting on my bike and can't get out for a proper ride I've only got the hassle of going to the petrol station every few weeks rather than every week

 

[Dusty10 bikes]

Gone through two R1100s Mamola and Boxercup replica an 07 gs1200 and now GSA 2010 can honestly say its the best bike Ive ever rode ,cant wait to do serious miles on it later this year strangely my dicks got longer but my legs seem to have shortened

 

[PanzerPilot]

I moved from GS to GSA, best move ever I'm on my 3rd R1200 and second adventure, went for the DOHC/TU model last year More comfort, big tank range, massive road presence
Rich
2010 GS Adventure Shyyyyynnnnneeeeee yellow
1990 Honda VFR750-FL Pro-Arm single sider (Winter bike, but not a winter bike/hack)

 

[BeeVolution]

30 yrs GSA - love it!

I went from 1100GS to it's far superior replacement 1150. Couldn't stand the original 1200 as it just felt "cheap" in comparison. Rode the 1150 for 8 years and absolutely loved every minute. Just happened to try the revised (post 08) GSA when a friend wanted to test (& subsequently bought) an F800GS and thought what a fabulous improvement it was. Had a 1200GSA for 2 years and traded it against a 30 year anniversary with the DOHC lump. Suffice to say, I love it!!

 

[MIKE R]

Well I'm going against the grain.

I had a twin cam GSA and then 'acquired' an 09 SE GS. I found that I was riding the GS all the time at the expense of the GSA. Having said that, I live very close to the Yorkshire Dales where I do most of my riding.

I sold the twin cam GSA on here, traded the 09 SE GS and bought a twin cam GS which I had built as an SE replica.



Mike

Ps with the money from the GSA I bought a S10 and am VERY happy with life!

 

[Rasher]

Nobody but you can really answer this.

Why do you fancy it?

The biggest difference is really the extra range IMO (if you ignore looks, which may be important to you)

Try riding both new models back to back, that is what I did and if I were to change my 2008 it would be for another (newer) GS, but that is me....

To me the GS feels more chuckable and spritely, not much wrong with the GSA but it felt a little less sporty, on the plus side the GSA felt a shade more plush.

For huge motorway runs and covering massive distances in a day it would be a better bike, but I only do that a couple of times a year so prefer the GS for mucking around locally, and even if I took a GSA all the way to the Alps when I arrived I would miss the sportier feel of the GS on the twists and turns.

I also do not commute often which is another area the GSA with its vast tank wins big time.

I prefer the GSA's larger luggage, but I understand this could be fitted to my GS if I wanted it that badly, and I would rather do that as a compromise (Stock GS with GSA luggage)

Surprisingly I did not find it much bigger to sit on / manouvre, I was expecting it to feel huge after the GS (It looks a lot bigger) but was surprised to find it feeling almost the same at low speed.

The "feel" can be sorted with a test ride, the practicalities probably come down to your own desires.

 

[Nutty]

Nobody but you can really answer this.

Why do you fancy it?

The biggest difference is really the extra range IMO (if you ignore looks, which may be important to you)

Try riding both new models back to back, that is what I did and if I were to change my 2008 it would be for another (newer) GS, but that is me....

To me the GS feels more chuckable and spritely, not much wrong with the GSA but it felt a little less sporty, on the plus side the GSA felt a shade more plush.

For huge motorway runs and covering massive distances in a day it would be a better bike, but I only do that a couple of times a year so prefer the GS for mucking around locally, and even if I took a GSA all the way to the Alps when I arrived I would miss the sportier feel on the stock bike on the twists and turns.

I also do not commute often which is another area the GSA with its vast tank wins big time.

I also would like the larger luggage, but I understand this could be fitted to my GS if I wanted it that badly, and I would rather do that as a compromise (Stock GS with GSA luggage)

Surprisingly I did not find it much bigger to sit on / manouvre, I was expecting it to feel huge after the GS (It looks a lot bigger) but was surprised to find it feeling almost the same at low speed.

The "feel" can be sorted with a test ride, the practicalities probably come down to your own desires.

Good post Rasher. I thought about a GSA when I got my new 1200 last month, but would miss the sportiness and nimbleness of the regular 12. As I'm 5 ft 10 could probably get on with the extra height, but don't need the extra range of the tank. I'm having an adventure screen and winglets fitted on the first service next week, so will get the best of both worlds.

Test ride both, and draw your own conclusion. Don't get the GSA just because it's the most expensive, and some think is the best; it's all about personal opinion.

 

[Andy B]

Far be it for me to encourage you to leave this wonderful marque, but have you seen this week's MCN.....................?

 

[Rasher]

Far be it for me to encourage you to leave this wonderful marque, but have you seen this week's MCN.....................?

Yes, I can save everyone the cost:-

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298506

All the bikes are good, the Triumph is best and the Honda is a Honda, The Yamaha is an overpriced GS, The Ducati is a Supermoto, the Kawasaki a Z1000 with altered styling, the Guzzi is a Guzzi and the KTM closest to an off road tool.

If you love the GS exactly the way it is then you will probably want another GS, or the yamaha if you fancy a change and maybe the Stelvio if you fancy a change but require a bike with "Character"

If your Patriotic the Triumph will do fine, and maybe is as good as the GS allround.

If you want more speed / power combined with refinement the Honda is a good choice.

If you wished you had never flogged your sportsbike to buy a bloody GS, but have grown accustomed to a more comfy riding position get the Ducati.

If you want fast, cheap and reliable get the Kawasaki.

If you really do go off-road get the KTM

 

[Chris Hobson]

Bought my GS in 2004, swapped it last September for a new GSA. Love the new engine, and all the mod cons that come with the GSA. Transferred my Corbin seat no problems so still extremely comfortable.

Only problem is I now need a 2" extension to my legs (currently a 32" inside leg).

Take one for a LONG test run, then try to resist the temptation - it will be very difficult, so give in and get one!

 

[(RIP) Arkwright]

This is a purely personal choice of course, but for me it's the GS only. I've tried the GSA but thought it was too big and you can't paint the tank sides, but I've also modified my GS to cure what to me are it's downsides, I've had it from new and intend to keep it. I usually only use it for longer trips as the Airheads get used for local stuff and fun trips!