LT / GS-Adventure comparo

[DaveDragon]

As some of you know I purchased an 06 GS-Adventure on May 11 of this year and rode it exclusively until last week when Sue & I took the LT to CCR in North Georgia.

3 months & change and 20,000 miles later on the Adventure; climbing back on the LT was like a whole new world again.
I have put over 95,000 miles on the LT prior to getting the GS.

Comfort:
For me the GS is way more comfortable bike to sit for long distances (IBA).
The distance from the Peg Tops to the seat surface is 10 inches greater on the GS-Adventure which equates to a happy Dave.
For commuting the GS wins out for it's greater fuel economy and nimbleness in Traffic not to mention the "Bail out to the Median option you have on a GS!"
While I have just about every option for alternative leg positions on the LT, the GS has only the rider pegs.
This however is no problem at all as I find with the extra leg room on the GS I don't need alternative leg positions.
Both bikes have Rick Mayer Seats.

Ride:
Both bikes ride great and are very stable riding machines.
The Wilbers Shocks make all the difference in the world on the LT.

Wind Protection:
The LT is Top Dog here.
The Adventure wind protection is very similar to the RT however you feet get wet in the heavy stuff.

Handling:
Both bikes handle great!
The GS-Adventures enormous lean angle/ground clearance makes for an amazing ride when carving curves.

Brakes:
The 02 LT hands down.
The Adventure with it's version of ABS has outstanding front wheel braking power but the rear brake lacks guts.

Power:
The LT & GS are both 1200cc platforms but worlds apart on the power/torque curve.
The LT with RhineWest Chip and full Remus system has a very nice and predictable power curve.
The GS is lighter (half the weight) with a six speed gear box and loads of low end torque.

Storage:
LT is nice.
The Adventure comes with no storage so it's all aftermarket or BMW brand cases.
I went with Micatech (http://www.micatech.net/) Pilot Cases and love the size and quality of construction.
The mounting hardware is first rate as well.

For me, the LT is the ride for two up touring, the GS for Solo.
The GS is the IBA ride for me.

JM2CW / YMMV

[messenger13]

As well written as one could comparing a GS to an LT. Good job. :thumb:


(Now let's see...where did I put that Hummer/740i comparo?!) ;)

[k1200ltrider]

Good comparing report. I too have a GS but it is the 06 R 1150 GSAdv SE. I traded the LT, as I can afford only one ride. The GS is more to my liking in many of the same aspects as yours. The long distance comfort I have to give to the LT (I had an 05 LT)
The main reason is the electronic cruise control. I don't know what reason BMW has for not putting it on their GS models (most sold bikes BTW) but it is a dumb one IMHO.

[strsout]

Thank you for your comparo Dave.

I'm looking for a GS and how good it will be for the wife and I riding 2 up.
It's a plan for the next year, but I'm reading all I can about it.

[drmajor]

Agree with Dave.

I have 03 LT & 02 GS Adventure.

LT is smooth and more comfortable for wife and more stock storage.

My GS has no bags at this time, but a Jesse Top Box.

GS seems to accelerate faster, but- hey it weighs 350 lbs less!

Love them both for what I got them for. At this time, couldn't choose one over the other.

[wardenross]

Good post Dave!

For those that have not ridden the new GS Adventure, the wind protection is remarkable for a dual sport type bike. It's almost as good as an RT.

[meese]

For those that have not ridden the new GS Adventure, the wind protection is remarkable for a dual sport type bike.That's like saying the LT handles great for a large touring bike. :) It's true, but it's still a qualifier.