jgburns
Oct 31st, 2006, 11:03 pm
I took the afternoon off from work and rode my LT from ABQ to Sante Fe BMW with the notion that I'd test ride a R1200 GS Adventure if they had a demo and made it easy--they did and it was made easy.
On the city streets, the seating position feels good, nice and high. The bike has a lot of torque and it impressively accelerates. It's not as easy to flick around as the R1200 GS, but close enough if one wants the GSA.
After five minutes of paved road, I found some dirt trails. I was amazed at how comparitive easy it was to ride the arroyos and pot holes (I've foolishly done this on the LT, but won't again). The last time I rode a dirt bike was 35 years ago. Although most reviewers say the GSA is not really for the dirt, it passes for the low challenge riding I did today. However, the first gear of the R1150 GSA (test rode two months ago) is more suited for the really rough terrain IMO. However, I like the seating, additional power, and looks of the R1200 GSA.
On the highway I was not impressed. I was expecting less vibration and more wind protection/comfort. If I buy the GSA, I'd have to ride less miles per day than I presently do on the LT (about half, which would be 400 for me). Nevertheless, younger riders and experienced endurance riders (Iron Butt types) probably would not have a problem doing 1000 mile days.
I went on this test ride expecting to be sold. I was prepared to put my name on one at either Sante Fe or Albuquerque BMW (same owners) if the wow factor was as high as I expected. However, I walked away a little disappointed. From my perspective, the GS/GSA is not a replacement for the LT although that's what salesmen have lead me to believe.
I have a new found respect for GSA riders who routinely do cross-country trips on these machines ... even with a custom seat and farkles. I'm thinking this might be uncomfortable on the long stretches of highway between ABQ and Prudhoe Bay (and the like). I suppose taking the GSA on longs trips is a trade-off if one plans to deter down the logging roads and explores gravel.
After riding on the dirt for five minutes and then getting on the highway, I had to return to the dirt! It's easy for me to imagine taking detours all day long if I buy and ride this machine on long trips. I rode to Glacier Nat'l Park on my LT this summer, taking 10 days (including a few off). If I were on the GSA, I would have been short-changed by the length of the trip because the logging and gravel roads would have been calling my name.
On the city streets, the seating position feels good, nice and high. The bike has a lot of torque and it impressively accelerates. It's not as easy to flick around as the R1200 GS, but close enough if one wants the GSA.
After five minutes of paved road, I found some dirt trails. I was amazed at how comparitive easy it was to ride the arroyos and pot holes (I've foolishly done this on the LT, but won't again). The last time I rode a dirt bike was 35 years ago. Although most reviewers say the GSA is not really for the dirt, it passes for the low challenge riding I did today. However, the first gear of the R1150 GSA (test rode two months ago) is more suited for the really rough terrain IMO. However, I like the seating, additional power, and looks of the R1200 GSA.
On the highway I was not impressed. I was expecting less vibration and more wind protection/comfort. If I buy the GSA, I'd have to ride less miles per day than I presently do on the LT (about half, which would be 400 for me). Nevertheless, younger riders and experienced endurance riders (Iron Butt types) probably would not have a problem doing 1000 mile days.
I went on this test ride expecting to be sold. I was prepared to put my name on one at either Sante Fe or Albuquerque BMW (same owners) if the wow factor was as high as I expected. However, I walked away a little disappointed. From my perspective, the GS/GSA is not a replacement for the LT although that's what salesmen have lead me to believe.
I have a new found respect for GSA riders who routinely do cross-country trips on these machines ... even with a custom seat and farkles. I'm thinking this might be uncomfortable on the long stretches of highway between ABQ and Prudhoe Bay (and the like). I suppose taking the GSA on longs trips is a trade-off if one plans to deter down the logging roads and explores gravel.
After riding on the dirt for five minutes and then getting on the highway, I had to return to the dirt! It's easy for me to imagine taking detours all day long if I buy and ride this machine on long trips. I rode to Glacier Nat'l Park on my LT this summer, taking 10 days (including a few off). If I were on the GSA, I would have been short-changed by the length of the trip because the logging and gravel roads would have been calling my name.