GS or GSA ?

[StealthRider]

What is the main difference between them ?

[sfarson]

The GS ADV comes with a larger tank, extra suspension travel, some extra bracing, a larger windscreen, some off road foot controls. It also comes with a $2000 higher price tag and 60 extra lbs of weight.

Unless smitten with the gnarly portly looks, and really needing a huge 400 mile plus tank range, most opt for the lighter, sleeker, more versatile 12GS. Unless going to Inuvik, can't think of a road scenario... parking lot, stop/go, backroads, canyon, off road, etc. where the higher power-to-weight 12GS wouldn't be more preferable.

Then again... seeing your location, if long windy highway excursions are your aim, you might find the extra weight and larger windscreen an aid to your travels and desirable.

[Ted Shred]

The GS ADV comes with a larger tank, extra suspension travel, some extra bracing, a larger windscreen, some off road foot controls. It also comes with a $2000 higher price tag and 60 extra lbs of weight.

Unless smitten with the gnarly portly looks, and really needing a huge 400 mile plus tank range, most opt for the lighter, sleeker, more versatile 12GS. Unless going to Inuvik, can't think of a road scenario... parking lot, stop/go, backroads, canyon, off road, etc. where the higher power-to-weight 12GS wouldn't be more preferable.

Then again... seeing your location, if long windy highway excursions are your aim, you might find the extra weight and larger windscreen an aid to your travels and desirable.

I'll second that. Unless you need the HUGE gas tank the standard GS is a better choice. I'm quite happy with my standard GS. Fuel range is over 200 miles. That's all I need...

[sundance]

Ditto..I agree with all of the above. If I can relate the GS and GSA to autos; I would consider the GS to be in line with the Jeep, whilst the GSA is a Hummer........get it? So which do you really need? There are advantages to both.

[gfspencer]

Ditto..I agree with all of the above. If I can relate the GS and GSA to autos; I would consider the GS to be in line with the Jeep, whilst the GSA is a Hummer........get it? So which do you really need? There are advantages to both.

Excellent analogy!

I would love to have a GSA. They look like fantastic machines. I sit on one everytime I go my local BMW dealership and dream. But I just don't think that I would use a GSA to its full potential . . . . . so I will stick with my standard GS. :(

________________

BMW R1200GS
Ducati Paul Smart

[tmgs]

What is the main difference between them ?

the gsa also has just about 1 degree more steering degree to help with the taller and heavier bike, supposdly making it more stable on the highway. i don't know how much difference it is yet over our R1200Gs, I will soon though, as mine is on it's way here. The wife has her R1200GS and I got to say it handles and rides great! i got to put about 1000 or so mile on it for her <being anice hubby and doing break inmiles testing it out ect ect (my story I'm sticking to it)
you wont be dissapointed with the R1200GS the GS is also much easier to reach the ground on than the GSA

i'l let you know what i think of my GSA when it gets here!
Tom

[drhines]

I can think of only two reasons for the GSA.

1. You just like the looks and the image the GSA produces.

2. The 200 miles between fuel stops is not enough for you.

Four of us went to Mexico and Baja on two different trips last year. 2 were regular GS's and 2 were GSA's. When on the dirt roads and sand dunes - only the two GSA's turned over. Nothing hurt but pride. But think about this. The GSA is carrying about 20 extra pounds of fuel right where you don't want it on a bike when off road, not to mention the extra dry weight of the GSA bike. When doing this kind of traveling weight and especially top heavy weight is your enemy and the standard GS will out perform it. You might look meaner coming down the dirt road on a GSA but with equal riding skills, the GSA is going down more often than the GS. I will have to add though, us two GS's carried a spare Walmart 1 gallon gas can on back of the bike in Baja because they have one long stretch of highway with no fuel stations. We didn't have to use it, but were on reserve when we pulled in.

I will also add that on very long solo trips, I occassionally find myself wanting more than 200 mile range between fuel stops but not often. I left Nova Scotia in July and came 2300 miles in less than 2 days but it sure seemed like I was having to stop more often than I wanted too.

However, with all that said, I would just buy the bike that lights your fire.

Doug Hines
Benton, AR

[tmgs]

I can think of only two reasons for the GSA.

1. You just like the looks and the image the GSA produces.

2. The 200 miles between fuel stops is not enough for you.

Four of us went to Mexico and Baja on two different trips last year. 2 were regular GS's and 2 were GSA's. When on the dirt roads and sand dunes - only the two GSA's turned over. Nothing hurt but pride. But think about this. The GSA is carrying about 20 extra pounds of fuel right where you don't want it on a bike when off road, not to mention the extra dry weight of the GSA bike. When doing this kind of traveling weight and especially top heavy weight is your enemy and the standard GS will out perform it. You might look meaner coming down the dirt road on a GSA but with equal riding skills, the GSA is going down more often than the GS. I will have to add though, us two GS's carried a spare Walmart 1 gallon gas can on back of the bike in Baja because they have one long stretch of highway with no fuel stations. We didn't have to use it, but were on reserve when we pulled in.

I will also add that on very long solo trips, I occassionally find myself wanting more than 200 mile range between fuel stops but not often. I left Nova Scotia in July and came 2300 miles in less than 2 days but it sure seemed like I was having to stop more often than I wanted too.

However, with all that said, I would just buy the bike that lights your fire.

Doug Hines
Benton, AR

since you replyed to my post

you forgot one
price

for 2k more for the GSA has everything on it already for the dollar the GSA is a better deal if you want those items

larger windscreen
winglets
larger tank
engine guards
cyl head guards

if your going to be riding a lot of highway you may like those features plus the extra rake

I now have 2800 miles on my GSA
I like it! I really like the bike! I liked the wifes GS as well, but am darn glad I got the GSA I like the seat much better as well! gas tank size much better and the larger windscreen

It is TALL!! Too tall for me! the weight has not been a issue yet, but I have only had it in soft sand, no mud no
Motocross tracks, and it won't see one either.

Tom

[Ruben]

..... It is TALL!! Too tall for me! ...... Yup, it's up there a bit. I found the easiest way for me to mount it was to step on the left peg (even when the bike is on the sidestand), keeping my weight near the bike, and then I can easily lift my right leg over. I'm not too nimble any more, and this works well for me, although my wife gets a chuckle out of it. :D

[tmgs]

Yup, it's up there a bit. I found the easiest way for me to mount it was to step on the left peg (even when the bike is on the sidestand), keeping my weight near the bike, and then I can easily lift my right leg over. I'm not too nimble any more, and this works well for me, although my wife gets a chuckle out of it. :D


they have been teasing me a tad down at the dealer, so I'm looking for a very small aluminum stool preferably a fold up one, i figure I'll make their day down there when i stop drop it off the bike and step down on it <grin>

[dronning]

+ Windscreen & air management (wings) crash bars (they work!). The wider tank also gives you a little more wind/weather protection.

I bought the GSA primarily for the range but I'll admit I really like the looks too.

Dempster Highway

http://www.everythingsop.com/Gallery2/d/243-2/060620_180927_1.jpg

Dave

[Ruben]

they have been teasing me a tad down at the dealer, so I'm looking for a very small aluminum stool preferably a fold up one, i figure I'll make their day down there when i stop drop it off the bike and step down on it <grin>TOO funny!! :rotf:

Make sure you have a good size crowd when you do, that'll liven up the party! :histerica

[tmgs]

+ Windscreen & air management (wings) crash bars (they work!). The wider tank also gives you a little more wind/weather protection.

I bought the GSA primarily for the range but I'll admit I really like the looks too.

Dempster Highway

Dave

After riding my wifes 1200Gs for a bit I realized i could replace my K1200LT with the GS or GSA, so I opted for the GSA, for range and more wind protection since I travel to fl and back often working, 300 miles between gas stops is nice for those trips since it is right at 600 miles one way, ok ok I only get 300 miles if I push her to empty.

The wife is considering going with the GSA tank on hers and not putting a AUX cell on it like she had on her R1150RT, she likes getting the miles cause she did not have to fill up all week going to work and back (80 miles a day RT with some inconvenience to a gas station during those hours)

it would have been less expensive in the long run for her to buy the gsa and lower the shocks and seat on it.

like you I do like the looks of it!, but I like the looks of the GS also. If I were going to primarily use it off road and only up here in the mountains I would have gone with the GS not the GSA which by the time you add the crash bars light bars and other stuff you are darn near at the same weight of the GSA, and I know we would have put fuel cells on both of them then. so that would/could have been a mistake anyhow, if the height of it seems to be a problem more I will put her shocks on it since I have them anyhow



Tom

[tmgs]

TOO funny!! :rotf:

Make sure you have a good size crowd when you do, that'll liven up the party! :histerica

I'll do my best, maybe during the next open house I'll pull up right out front <grin>

tom

[sfarson]

+ Windscreen & air management (wings) crash bars (they work!). The wider tank also gives you a little more wind/weather protection.

I bought the GSA primarily for the range but I'll admit I really like the looks too.

Dempster Highway

http://www.everythingsop.com/Gallery2/d/243-2/060620_180927_1.jpg

Dave

dronning.. Great image and I bet great memories going to Alaska. How did the GS ADV perform? Did it meet or exceed expectations? Have one on order just like the one you have in the image. Looks like a laminar lip at the top of your screen? Really necessary? Thanks for any thoughts.

[tmgs]

+ Windscreen & air management (wings) crash bars (they work!). The wider tank also gives you a little more wind/weather protection.

I bought the GSA primarily for the range but I'll admit I really like the looks too.

Dempster Highway

http://www.everythingsop.com/Gallery2/d/243-2/060620_180927_1.jpg

Dave


BTW what is the windscreen you have on that?

Thanks
Tom

[sfarson]

It appears to be the stock screen with a Laminar Lip affixed to the top.

[Ruben]

It appears to be the stock screen with a Laminar Lip affixed to the top.I have the Laminar Lip on mine. Its truly amazing what that tiny peice of place does! Much quieter!

I'm pretty tall in the torso, and the Lip also keeps most of the wind pressure off my helmet, which gives my neck muscles some relief. :D

The Laminar Lip is the best $80.00 that I've ever spent.

[tmgs]

I have the Laminar Lip on mine. Its truly amazing what that tiny peice of place does! Much quieter!

I'm pretty tall in the torso, and the Lip also keeps most of the wind pressure off my helmet, which gives my neck muscles some relief. :D

The Laminar Lip is the best $80.00 that I've ever spent.

Would you mind taking a front shot of that if you have a chance?, I think that may solve my issue as well.

Tom

[dronning]

I have the Laminar Lip on mine. Its truly amazing what that tiny peice of place does! Much quieter!
I'm pretty tall in the torso, and the Lip also keeps most of the wind pressure off my helmet, which gives my neck muscles some relief. :D
The Laminar Lip is the best $80.00 that I've ever spent.
Yep it's a Laminar Lip

I agree with Ruben the LL all but eliminates helmet buffeting and greatly reduces wind noise. Worth every penny.

dronning.. Great image and I bet great memories going to Alaska. How did the GS ADV perform? Did it meet or exceed expectations? Have one on order just like the one you have in the image.
The GS Adv is the best bike I have ever owned it was more than up to the trip - I have had several 1,000 miles days on her. I have been riding for more than 40 years and owned >30 bikes.

I'm in the middle of switching hosting companies so all I have up now is my gallery, my "Adventure" report will be up sometime next week.

Dave

[Ruben]

Would you mind taking a front shot of that if you have a chance?, I think that may solve my issue as well.

TomTaking the pictures is no problem. I could use some advice about getting them "posted" though. Digital camera I have, but I have no experience posting pictures. I'll get some pictures first thing in the morning, before going to work It'll be dark by the time I get home tonight.

[Ruben]

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1684&original=1" alt="Laminar Lip on GSA

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/2/1/0/6/IMG_0077.JPG

I hope that helps. If I've done something wrong with the pictures (likely), let me know. Bigger images can be viewed in the gallery

I've got the lip set as high as possible, and the top of the lip is about even with my chin, so I still look WAY over it.

[sfarson]

Ruben, Is this a Laminar Lip specifically for the 12GS ADV? Thx.

[dronning]

Ruben, Is this a Laminar Lip specifically for the 12GS ADV? Thx.
Yes it is, check it out here
http://www.laminarlip.com/r1200gs.php

Dave

[tmgs]

I hope that helps. If I've done something wrong with the pictures (likely), let me know. Bigger images can be viewed in the gallery

I've got the lip set as high as possible, and the top of the lip is about even with my chin, so I still look WAY over it.

Thanks, that is what I was looking for. this maybe an option for mine for a little more height out of it

Tom

[mantan]

The GSA is carrying about 20 extra pounds of fuel right where you don't want it on a bike when off road, not to mention the extra dry weight of the GSA bike. When doing this kind of traveling weight and especially top heavy weight is your enemy and the standard GS will out perform it.

The extra fuel is only there if you put it in. If you are going real off road, don't put 33ltrs in there. Is that too difficult?

As for the remaining extra weight, most of it is coming from the std engine and tank prot. guards which most people put on there GS's anyway, esp. the ones who want to go off-raod. According to the local dealer, one person measured the weight of these things on the 1200GSA to be ~45lbs, which is most of the weight diff between the 2. So this also is really no argument against the GSA at all.

[sfarson]

Yes it is, check it out here
http://www.laminarlip.com/r1200gs.php

Dave

Dave... thanks for the link.

[tmgs]

The extra fuel is only there if you put it in. If you are going real off road, don't put 33ltrs in there. Is that too difficult?

As for the remaining extra weight, most of it is coming from the std engine and tank prot. guards which most people put on there GS's anyway, esp. the ones who want to go off-raod. According to the local dealer, one person measured the weight of these things on the 1200GSA to be ~45lbs, which is most of the weight diff between the 2. So this also is really no argument against the GSA at all.

WE have a 1200GS that has had the bmw crash bar added and the adventure side cases and top box added along with the winglets, I'd like to see the real weight difference , her bike is lowered which makes it hard to tell but it does not
seem that much lighter than the gsa.


then again we have not had to pick either of them up yet <grin>
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8592&stc=1

Tom

[was]

You guys are killing me here. I love my LT. I have just finally gotten to the point that I feel like I ride my LT (instead of ride on my LT). I will no longer be employed as of Thursday and CANNOT afford a second bike. But, daggone, I like the looks of that GSA and what I have read here. And Friday I have an appointment at the dealer to have the front tire of the LT replaced. I may just sidle over to the showroom and see what they got in a GSA . . .

[Ruben]

WE have a 1200GS that has had the bmw crash bar added and the adventure side cases and top box added along with the winglets, I'd like to see the real weight difference , her bike is lowered which makes it hard to tell but it does not
seem that much lighter than the gsa.


then again we have not had to pick either of them up yet <grin>
http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8592&stc=1

TomWhat are you using for a lightbar on your GS Adventure? People keep telling me that the lightbars for the R1200GS won't fit my Adventure. TIA

[tmgs]

What are you using for a lightbar on your GS Adventure? People keep telling me that the lightbars for the R1200GS won't fit my Adventure. TIA


it is the factory light bar on mine, I bought it without the GSA lights

TOm

[lovetomotor]

The GS ADV comes with a larger tank, extra suspension travel, some extra bracing, a larger windscreen, some off road foot controls. It also comes with a $2000 higher price tag and 60 extra lbs of weight.

Unless smitten with the gnarly portly looks, and really needing a huge 400 mile plus tank range, most opt for the lighter, sleeker, more versatile 12GS. Unless going to Inuvik, can't think of a road scenario... parking lot, stop/go, backroads, canyon, off road, etc. where the higher power-to-weight 12GS wouldn't be more preferable.

Then again... seeing your location, if long windy highway excursions are your aim, you might find the extra weight and larger windscreen an aid to your travels and desirable.

What kind of fuel mileage are you guys getting on your new GS's? The LT can routinely reach 50 MPG under the right temperature and conditions.

[tmgs]

What kind of fuel mileage are you guys getting on your new GS's? The LT can routinely reach 50 MPG under the right temperature and conditions.


Downhill with a wind behind it at 50-60 mph MY Lt will reach 50 mpg! or out west at 10 bazillion ft <g>

I usually get mid to high 30's on my LT at interstate speeds, after I changed the type of plug I use and did a few other things it is normally 38 ish on the interstate, it is very easy to drop that when ya start hitting 85 mph
I can normally get 40 -42 on the back roads in the mountains on the LT,

I have had as low as 34 mpg on my '07 GSA that was all interstate I have had as high as about 45 mpg on the GSA just about all back-roads in the mountains taking it easy (well as easy as I can anyhow)


My wifes R1200GS gets better mileage than my R1200GSA all the time which is expected

YMMV

hahaha PUN intended

Merry Christmas All!

Tom

[Ruben]

What kind of fuel mileage are you guys getting on your new GS's? The LT can routinely reach 50 MPG under the right temperature and conditions.My fuel mileage varies quite a bit, depending on where and how I'm riding. We tend to run with the faster (not the fastest) traffic, which is usually about ten MPH over the speed limits, and aren't bashful about using plenty of throttle when getting up to speed after a stop.

Having said that we "average" as follows:
R1200GSA=38-39 MPG,
R1200RT=46-47 MPG,
K1200GT=42-43 MPG,
my Honda Goldwing GL1800=34-36 MPG

I spend a day on a borrowed '07 K1200LT a few weeks back, averaged just over 40 MPG on it, which still beats the socks off my 'wing, although the wing uses "Regular" fuel.

I know you said "under the right conditions", but I've never averaged anywhere near 50 MPG during routine riding on any bike that I've owned. My wife did hit 52 MPG on her first tank with her RT during break-in, but never since. How do you manage to do so?

[Texas42]

The bike I get 50mpg on is Cindy scooter and only if you keep it under the speed limit. :)

[lovetomotor]

My fuel mileage varies quite a bit, depending on where and how I'm riding. We tend to run with the faster (not the fastest) traffic, which is usually about ten MPH over the speed limits, and aren't bashful about using plenty of throttle when getting up to speed after a stop.

Having said that we "average" as follows:
R1200GSA=38-39 MPG,
R1200RT=46-47 MPG,
K1200GT=42-43 MPG,
my Honda Goldwing GL1800=34-36 MPG

I spend a day on a borrowed '07 K1200LT a few weeks back, averaged just over 40 MPG on it, which still beats the socks off my 'wing, although the wing uses "Regular" fuel.

I know you said "under the right conditions", but I've never averaged anywhere near 50 MPG during routine riding on any bike that I've owned. My wife did hit 52 MPG on her first tank with her RT during break-in, but never since. How do you manage to do so?

The two key ingredients; Altitude and Temperature. The higher both are, the better the fuel mileage for the LT. Commuting this time of year in Seattle in the muck and near sea level, I average upper 30's. But in the dead of summer at altitude, 50+ MPG happens quite regularly on the LT. I'm wondering if the GS could do the same under similar conditions.

[Ruben]

The two key ingredients; Altitude and Temperature. The higher both are, the better the fuel mileage for the LT. Commuting this time of year in Seattle in the muck and near sea level, I average upper 30's. But in the dead of summer at altitude, 50+ MPG happens quite regularly on the LT. I'm wondering if the GS could do the same under similar conditions.Aah, good question. I don't monitor fuel mileage real close, except as a factor of range (I HATE to stop for fuel when "I'm in the groove", but based upon my limited experience, I'd "guess" the comparison between the R1200GS and the K1200GT would look like this:

In "Metro" type riding, with speeds mostly of 50 MPH and below, and a fair amount of stop and go for traffic control signals, the GS will handily beat the LT in a fuel mileage contest, probably by at LEAST ten to fifteen per cent. Its much lighter, and has an engine that is basically a bit more fuel efficient.

At sustained triple digit speeds, the LT should handily beat the GS in fuel mileage, due to the improved aerodynamics, possibly by as much as ten per cent.

Somewhere between those extremes, they would likely get similar mileage. The LT has a lot of parasitic drag, the GS (and even more so the GS Adventure) has FAR more drag, especially with luggage installed. Just a guess on my part, but I'd expect the equality point to be somewhere in the 70-85 MPH area. That's "air speed", not ground speed. With a strong headwind, the ground speed would be much less, and with a strong tailwind, it would be much higher.

Make sense? Darned if I know. All I know is that I can go a LONG ways before needing fuel with my GS Adventure, even when keeping up with 80 MPH interstate traffic. :D

[sfarson]

The two key ingredients; Altitude and Temperature. The higher both are, the better the fuel mileage for the LT. Commuting this time of year in Seattle in the muck and near sea level, I average upper 30's. But in the dead of summer at altitude, 50+ MPG happens quite regularly on the LT. I'm wondering if the GS could do the same under similar conditions.

Riding a variety of GS's over the years, including the newer iterations, routinely get (at least) 50 mpg at 8800ft. here in Colorado. Also get this kind of excellent mileage with other twins, like the Harley v-twin and Ducati l-twin. More than what other owners tend to get at lower elevations.