elefantmanshawn
Guest
I know it's rude to ask but why do people buy the GS then spend more money turning it into a GSA look a like?,why not just buy the real deal if thats what they want.
Uinneag
Guest
Buying a bike and personalising it to make it what you want is the general rule.
As for turning it into a GSA I don't know
Some prefer the smaller tanks and lower suspension, higher first gear or it could just be down to looks.
There are even some that put smaller wheels on.
Generally the GSA screen and lights are the only mods
Horses for course's
As for turning it into a GSA I don't know
Some prefer the smaller tanks and lower suspension, higher first gear or it could just be down to looks.
There are even some that put smaller wheels on.
Generally the GSA screen and lights are the only mods
Horses for course's
ExpatinIstanbul
Registered user
I have an '05gs. I've recently added a bigger tank, tank protection bars, off road pegs, higher suspension. Why? Because the purpose of the bike is changing and the price difference between selling my bike and buying an ADV was greater than buying the parts.
Also, I know my bike, it's history and the abuse it's taken.
Also, I know my bike, it's history and the abuse it's taken.
SALTY BALLS
Registered user
Why buy a G.S ?
to look like Ewan and Charlie of course
to look like Ewan and Charlie of course
Why buy a G.S ?
to look like Ewan and Charlie of course
Who the hell are they?
No really, who are they? I have a 05 GS. I wanted a big screen and got the GSA one. I like the look of the GSA beak and got that too. I also put on HID lights, header, can, horn, etc...
Or conversely...
Why buy a GSA?
Why do people spend £10k + on a 'tall as a very tall thing', 'heavy as a church' bike and then spend more thousands lowering it with new shocks and expensive aftermarket seats? Then they complain that they can't lift it.
Why buy a GSA?
Why do people spend £10k + on a 'tall as a very tall thing', 'heavy as a church' bike and then spend more thousands lowering it with new shocks and expensive aftermarket seats? Then they complain that they can't lift it.
NorthernBoy
Registered user
The GS is lighter, narrower, and, generally, much better in traffic than the adventure. In London, even the GS is a bit of a handful when squeezing through the gaps, the GSA is a step further.
It is really not, as you are implying, like buying an A4 1.8td, and sticking RS4 badges on it. After all, the GS and the GS Adventure are both only the cost of a focus.
Why worry about what others choose to do to their bikes? The initial choice of bike whether it be sportsbike, adventure, cruiser, etc is an individual choice as are the modifications. Just enjoy your own bike in your way and let others do it in theirs. Peace and love 
Old Gregg
Guest
I looked at getting a GSA but I really didn't need it for how and where I ride. I mainly commute and go for relatively short pleasure rides. I do the occasional run home to Scotland for a weekend and am planning to go to France for the MotoGP this May. 
I don't need a 33l fuel tank as most places I'll go will have regular petrol stations along the way and my missus and most of my friends have sports bikes and need to stop for fuel every 130-140 miles. I don't need knobbly tyres as I don't ride off road.
I know a couple of other GS and GSA owners and one has a GSA with Touratech panniers and topbox, fog lights, knobblies, BMW Navigator, various Touratech bags etc and the longest journey he takes is approximately 50 miles; all on nice roads. Seems crazy but some just like looking like a global traveller when they don't move outside of their region.
The GSA was bigger, heavier, less powerful, (due to power to weight ratio), and I don't feel the need to look like Ewan and Charlie. I could have bought a one year old GSA for the money I spent on my demo GS but the GSA didn't have ESA or ASC which I really like having, (well certainly the ESA and you can turn the ASC off if you want).
I've added winglets and may go for a slightly taller screen but that's the extent of the GSA bits I'll be using. I know some people add loads but I think most people use only the screen and other aerodynamic accessories.
At the end of the day it matters not a jot what people buy to put on their bikes. If it makes them feel good then where's the harm? Who is to say they are wrong?
I don't need a 33l fuel tank as most places I'll go will have regular petrol stations along the way and my missus and most of my friends have sports bikes and need to stop for fuel every 130-140 miles. I don't need knobbly tyres as I don't ride off road.
I know a couple of other GS and GSA owners and one has a GSA with Touratech panniers and topbox, fog lights, knobblies, BMW Navigator, various Touratech bags etc and the longest journey he takes is approximately 50 miles; all on nice roads. Seems crazy but some just like looking like a global traveller when they don't move outside of their region.
The GSA was bigger, heavier, less powerful, (due to power to weight ratio), and I don't feel the need to look like Ewan and Charlie. I could have bought a one year old GSA for the money I spent on my demo GS but the GSA didn't have ESA or ASC which I really like having, (well certainly the ESA and you can turn the ASC off if you want).
I've added winglets and may go for a slightly taller screen but that's the extent of the GSA bits I'll be using. I know some people add loads but I think most people use only the screen and other aerodynamic accessories.
At the end of the day it matters not a jot what people buy to put on their bikes. If it makes them feel good then where's the harm? Who is to say they are wrong?
BBB61
Registered user
At the time I bought my GS the GSA wasn't on the market. I could have traded it in for a GSA but it was far more cost effective to source the tank and other bits via Ebay or the for sale section here and convert it that way.
vilguy
Registered user
i got my gs for half the price it should have been.. then added taller shocks.. as im tall and take it offroad alot... then added the beak extended cos it looks cool...and then.. thats it? Larger home made fuel tank being added so that on long 800 mile days i will only have to fill up 2 or 3 times and can knock a stop for petrol off or when commuting to work 100 miles a day means i only have to go once a week to the petrol station rather than getting to know the attractive girl behind the counter more personally... 
ogni
Registered user
Because its one of the best all round bikes out there.
Then modify it to your on needs in hand.
Ogni
Then modify it to your on needs in hand.
Ogni
elefantmanshawn
Guest
I'm sure the G.S is a great bike in its own right its just that since buying my GSA I've started to notice that most of the bikes I see aren't really GSA's they're G.S's dressed up,there seams to be lots of threads about adding GSA bits to the G.S ,can't understand why you would do that,bit like the reps who stick the M3 badges to there cars
ExpatinIstanbul
Registered user
Because it's cheaper? Because the owners know in their heart of hearts that they'll not be off round the world anytime soon and so don't need the heavier, more expensive and less road biased GSA?
What are the "dressed up" bits? I suspect a taller screen, engine bars, cases and extra lights. All perfectly standard bolt ons for pretty much any bike out there.
do i need a 33litre tank no
do i need the xtra weight no
do i need the extra height no im 6.4
do i need hids yes i ride at night
do i need a tall screen ?
do i need the light grill yes have you seen my avater
should i have got a GSA...
no my road bike has turned into a light offroader/commuter
and my offroad bikes got road wheels on
total chanage from last summer. but thats how its evolved maybe in a few months it will have road tyres.
or maybe crash bars luggage racks winglets and lots more touratech stuff
well maybe
do i need the xtra weight no
do i need the extra height no im 6.4
do i need hids yes i ride at night
do i need a tall screen ?
do i need the light grill yes have you seen my avater
should i have got a GSA...
no my road bike has turned into a light offroader/commuter
and my offroad bikes got road wheels on
total chanage from last summer. but thats how its evolved maybe in a few months it will have road tyres.
or maybe crash bars luggage racks winglets and lots more touratech stuff
well maybe
Buying a bike and personalising it to make it what you want is the general rule.
There are even some that put smaller wheels on.
Horses for course's
Because its one of the best all round bikes out there.
Then modify it to your on needs in hand.
Ogni
I wanted the Shape/Presence/Style of the GS but had NO interest in anything remotely Off Road so fitted mine with 17" ST wheels. Think of the GS as a pretty good bike as Standard,or as a Blank Canvas to build what YOU want.
wingnut
Registered user
An M3 is a sporty focused version of the standard car, I guess the GS is a more road focused and lithe version of the GSA, which you prefer depends of your viewpoint.
I am buying my GS as a practical, comfy road bike that can handle a bit of rough, if I go seriously offroad I will use my Montesa, and if I want to go to the other end of the world I will get a single cylinder KTM or Yamaha. its easy to get hung up on having all the gear. however Nick Sanders has been around the world quite a few times on an R1 (despite its alloy wheels) and I have just watched the Last Hurrah where two old codgers ride from China to Holland on a Panther and a Norton. As long as people enjoy what they have got, who cares what they ride.
I am buying my GS as a practical, comfy road bike that can handle a bit of rough, if I go seriously offroad I will use my Montesa, and if I want to go to the other end of the world I will get a single cylinder KTM or Yamaha. its easy to get hung up on having all the gear. however Nick Sanders has been around the world quite a few times on an R1 (despite its alloy wheels) and I have just watched the Last Hurrah where two old codgers ride from China to Holland on a Panther and a Norton. As long as people enjoy what they have got, who cares what they ride.
Standard GS screen is a bit noisy, solution fit aftermarket one or GSA screen, beak extension looks nice so fit that too tho' it might also stop some spray being flicked up in front of you.
Most people add items for practicality or 'cos its there to fill a preceived need(Touratech etc).
I have not met anyone who has customised their GS with the purpose of making it look like a GSA but I have met many a GS owner who have modified their GS to meet their needs
I sometimes go out to my shed and just look at my GS and smile, it helps keep me sane in a very stressful world.....and its not been blingd to look like a GSA
Most people add items for practicality or 'cos its there to fill a preceived need(Touratech etc).
I have not met anyone who has customised their GS with the purpose of making it look like a GSA but I have met many a GS owner who have modified their GS to meet their needs
I sometimes go out to my shed and just look at my GS and smile, it helps keep me sane in a very stressful world.....and its not been blingd to look like a GSA
ktmmark
Registered user
A gsa is only a gs with extra's it's no big deal
I like the take the things you like @ leave the rest idea
Just like some have gsa's & fit lower shocks & remove the rack to fit gs luggage
I like the take the things you like @ leave the rest idea
Just like some have gsa's & fit lower shocks & remove the rack to fit gs luggage
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