gs, or gsa

scoobert

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ok well i have had my 650GS twin for about 6 months now and 5000 miles.
i will be upgrading in the next two months to the 1200.
it will be needed for the epic trips i plan to take.

so the $2000 question is, gs or gsa.
the only thing i need from the gsa is the tall windshield, the fuel tanks, and crash bars.
that is surely less then the $2000 price right?
what is 1" of ground clearance going to do?
so what do you think?
 
idea

test ride both for a weekend and see what you think. the size of the rider comes into play when looking at which bike to buy, not so much from the point of view of riding it, more importantly if you are riding rough trails on your epic trips and fall. can you pick it up etc.

either bike is going to feel pretty big to start with after your 650 and the handling will be different too.

make a list of what your bike requirements are and then measure them against the gs and gsa, if its a close call then it comes down to your budget.

cheers

CB
:thumb2
 
Was faced with the same question last weekend. Both great bikes, but in the flesh I liked the GSA more. I dont need the extra tank volume, but liked the look, the windscreen, the extra lights and the spoked wheels - the GSA I chose had some nice extras too making it worth the extra cash....

Both great though!!
 
In the real world its more about image than necessity. If the GSA floats your boat then no amount of justifying the value of the GS will make you happy to own it.

On the other hand if you regard the GSA as an overpriced GS with unnecessary fluff bolted on then get the GS.
 
Having just gone from a GS to a GSA, my comments are:
The GSA screen and winglets are a lot better than the GS screen, but can be fitted as an extra to the GS.
The larger tank provides some weather protection to your knees and thighs.
The tank capacity is great, an extra 100+ miles is handy but unless you are going off into the wilderness, are you ever going to get 300 miles from a gas station? Would the 200+ of the GS be enough. It is also only of use if riding solo (as long as you have a 300 mile butt range) or with other GSA's. As soon as you add someone with a non GSA into the mix, you are stopping at 'normal' intervals for gas and the benefit is lost. Also on pavement, going round the twisties, a GSA with a full tank is noticably less nimble and is harder work than the GS.

If you will ride 99% on pavement and ride 'enthusiastically', buy a GS and fit a GSA screen and aftermarket crash bars. All that said, the GSA does have the greater road presence and looks more hard core and I am really pleased with mine.
 
Having had 2 1200GSA's and an early 1200GS I am about to go back to a standard GS Triple Black with spoked wheels.

At 6'3" the height thing is not an issue for me but have decided that I would prefer the more nimble/lighter GS this time round;).
The 33l tank is great in theory but in practise I tour with mates who have to stop every 150 miles to fill up :blast

I may miss the GSA screen but apart from that very little else. Swapping the ali panniers over to my new bike as most bits are interchangable.

Both great bikes so test ride both before deciding.
 
I had the same quandary as you and after trying both models I bought a GSA. It felt more substantial to me although the standard GS felt a little more nimble and a little quicker. Horses for courses etc.

suggest you get a couple of test rides and try before you buy. :beerjug:
 
scottpa said:
If you will ride 99% on pavement and ride 'enthusiastically', buy a GS and fit a GSA screen and aftermarket crash bars. All that said, the GSA does have the greater road presence and looks more hard core and I am really pleased with mine.
Click to expand...
I'm on my second GS and had same dillemma, I love the looks of GSA and Im JUST tall enough i think at 6' but I dont like the extra weight so Ive remained with GS and have following fitted
For Looks
Fog Lights
Tank Graphics (humvee)
Wire Spoke Wheels (were on bike luckily)
Engine Bars (lower only hepco & becker)
Adventure Beak
For Function
Adventure Screen & Winglets
Sargent seat

I'm happy to rest my arse and need a fag after 180miles anyway so fuel range was not an issue. I wouldnt say never to a GSA but I enjoy throwing the GS about on twisties and in particular I thought the GSA would be hardwork on all the hairpin bends going across alps on summer trips.
Hope this helps:flag
 
Mmmm difficult one

The lads are saying right - test ride both and see which one you like.

I have both and I love them both to bits but for different reasons - it`s those different reasons you need to give good consdieration to.

The list of pro`s and con`s goes on forever and the lads on the forum will certainly spell them out for you.

Either way i feel you will be pleased.

:thumb2

Mark Hooton
www.cymarcbikeparts.co.uk
 
aside from the tank, where does the extra weight come in?
i do like the alloys over the spoke wheels.
not sure how far between pumps it will be on the way to Alaska.
 
scoobert said:
aside from the tank, where does the extra weight come in?
i do like the alloys over the spoke wheels.
not sure how far between pumps it will be on the way to Alaska.
Click to expand...
20kg extra (dry) weight - I'd bet the crash bars and stainless steel rack are a fair chunk of that? All standard equipment.

Stu.
 
scoobert said:
a British supermarket chain?
thats what came up when i googled it....
Click to expand...

afraid that's the British sense of humour :augie

go for the GS - better handling and you can always add a tall screen.
 
I'm happy to rest my arse and need a fag after 180miles anyway so fuel range was not an issue.
Click to expand...

Yes, me too, but the big tank lets me take a rest where I can get a coffee and read the paper for half an hour, or watch the scenery, or the wilflife, or stop and take some photos.

I don't want to take my riding breaks sitting a the concrete floor watching other people pour petrol into their cars.
 
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