GSA vs LT

[jorawro]

I went to the m/c show this week-end in Calgary and I fell in lust :bmw: for the GSA. For those that have "switched" from the LT --- what are your opinions.
Is the comfort level on long trips acceptable ?
I do about 25% of my riding 2 up --- passenger comments ?
Any other opinions ?
Thanks in advance

[jgburns]

I went to the m/c show this week-end in Calgary and I fell in lust :bmw: for the GSA. For those that have "switched" from the LT --- what are your opinions.
Is the comfort level on long trips acceptable ?
I do about 25% of my riding 2 up --- passenger comments ?
Any other opinions ?
Thanks in advanceRoy, Last summer I had decided to replace my LT with a R1200GSA, but I couldn't get past the significant difference in comfort. After agonizing over it for about five months, I decided to keep the LT and purchase a GS or GSA. I decided on the GS because it feels more comfortable to me, I don't need the extra range, and it cost less. I do however like the looks of the GSA more. Anyway, for the first time in my riding career, I own two bikes.
Everyone will have different impressions on what's "acceptable" for long trip comfort. While my judgment is that the GS/GSA is not comfortable for long trips at this time in my life, I would be totally happy with the comfort level if I was thirty years younger.
If you can't afford to keep the LT and buy another bike, the mission and our own toughness should be the deciding factors. What kind of riding will you do most?

[jorawro]

Thanks John. Most of my rides are longer distance, when I can get a chance to ride I like to truly get away. (5000 miles +). What attracted me to the GSA was the fact that I don't have to worry as much about "scratching" it and I liked the idea of a lot less tupperware to remove for maintenance. Oh well----I'll just have to wait for spring and take one for a spin.:D

[strsout]

Roy,
I'm another one who took the plunge for the GS.
But like you, when I take the LT out, it's for a long ride, so I was debating about comfort. Then I decide not to sell my LT and buy a GS
But because I still not won the lottery, what I did was got a used GS.
Got a 2003, very clean and super low mileage (4.1K).
I just got it couple months ago and I had only one trip with it (Baja, 1,200 miles). So my opinions still not deep enough.
I'm doing a few changes on the bike now (extended pegs for the passenger and for me, better windshield).
I already install a comm system on the bike, using the same plugs/helmets from the LT. Also I install a Rick Mayer saddle for us.
The first ride, I would say was OK. Could be better if we had a better comfort, but on the other hand, we are so spoiled by the LT...
I will have another ride to Death Valley at the end of this month, and the pegs and windshield should be here, so I can tell you better after that.
So far, we are keeping both bikes. Long distance in USA will be the LT. Long distance off the boards and some short distance on bad roads will be GS.

[dronning]

I bought a GSA to do a couple Alaska trips over the next several years and planned on keeping my LT. I barely got on the LT after the GSA arrived, I did have to add a Sargent seat for comfort and it's lower than the stock GSA seat.

I have several >700 mile days and one day over 1,200 miles on the GSA so far. I'd rate the comfort on the GSA to be better than the LT (for me), but that you have to judge for yourself.

Kaye said she liked the GSA better for 2 up riding, it was then time to sell the LT because I could not stand to see her (LT) sitting in the garage.

I really enjoy the "utility" of the GSA, it really does everything very well.

And yes the LT has been sold.

Dave

[ronk1200lt]

I pick up my GSA next week. I have had an LT since 2000. For me the outcome was simple. I couldn't get enough for my LT to make it worth selling so I decided to keep it. I have four teenagers, so finding someone to ride with is no problem and I am sure I will get good use out of both bikes. Ron

[Adventure170]

My situation is similiar to most everyone else. I bought a GSA and wanted to keep my LT, but is was apparent that usage rates would be too low to justify it (the wife's prodding notwithstanding).

I sold the LT and now use the GSA exclusively. I ride every day and love the bike. It is much more comfortable than the LT for me primarily due to leg position, the only exception being the need for some bar-backs. Otherwise, it is the most exciting bike I have ever ridden, bar-none.

I highly recommend the GSA, but the ultimate decision is, of course, a personal one.

Good luck!

[jkersh1]

I'm another one who took the plunge for the GS.
But like you, when I take the LT out, it's for a long ride, so I was debating about comfort. Then I decide not to sell my LT and buy a GS
But because I still not won the lottery, what I did was got a used GS.

I did the same, but bought a '97 R1100GS with 32K on it at the time. I've taken both the LT and the GS to Alaska and both did a fine job, but with the GS there was a lot more unpaved roads than I would have been comfortable riding the LT on. The GS is surprisingly capable for a long distance ride although it gives up plenty in weather protection and other comforts.

My wife finds it interesting that there's any question on which bike to ride: radio/CD, LT; cruise control, LT; heated seat, LT; wind and weather protection, LT; gas mileage, LT!; but for fun and motorcycle experience, GS.

[ldrider]

And each has their uses. It hard to tell that they are made by the same company. While I can do long days on either, I'm debating on which to take to DVD, and since my time will probably be spent riding instead of site-seeing I'll probably take the LT for the weather protection. If I had to decide on just one it would be very very hard, but I can't take the LT fishing....

Joe

[jorawro]

Thanks for the info and opinions. I think that finding a good used GSA is the answer. I've never owned 2 bikes and the same time, but what the heck ----I couldn't imagine giving up the LT.

[Brainfry]

Thanks for the info and opinions. I think that finding a good used GSA is the answer. I've never owned 2 bikes and the same time, but what the heck ----I couldn't imagine giving up the LT.


Me either. Got an 07 R1200GSA on order... keeping my 05 LT. For now anyway.... ha.


B

[Texas42]

The LT is the perfect two up bike, Cindy would never let me sell our LT. She likes riding on the GS but not on long trips. We have only had the GS for a few months, and I like using it to commute to work everyday. When the weather is bad or it is cold(<32) I ride the LT to work.

[tmgs]

I went to the m/c show this week-end in Calgary and I fell in lust :bmw: for the GSA. For those that have "switched" from the LT --- what are your opinions.
Is the comfort level on long trips acceptable ?
I do about 25% of my riding 2 up --- passenger comments ?
Any other opinions ?
Thanks in advance

yes
2up bike rides fine, your passenger may not be as happy on the rear of the GSA as the LT but might only she will know that
gas mileage is less with the GSA than the LT at 80ish
I will be letting my LT go when I get my other bike finished and using my GSA for my main transportation

it is a fine bike - on the interstate or back roads the seating position is better than the Lt except for what I note below, I like the more upright position but i have a pretty rotten back and knees so the position on the GSA is better for me, it may not be for you, I like the extra room between the seat and footpegs wow what a difference on how my knees feel after a few hundred miles

the issues I have

my arms are short and so am I, so the bars need to be back more or I need to get a custom seat made to move me forward and still be comfortable and not loose any distance between the seat height and foot pegs

I can not see anyone liking the GSA or in fact the GS either

if I were to be using the bike more for off road than traveling I would buy the GS not the GSA,
Mainly it is somewhat lighter and not as tall. Although it is hard to tell the difference in weight in the two (we own both the R1200GS and the R1200GSA) they both have the GS Adventure bags on them so there is no weight difference in bags, we also installed the crash guard on the GS so that added a little weight to the GS's advertised weight, the GSA is advertised with all that already on it

the bike is tall very tall for short legs
the windshield could be taller as well

enjoy it if you choose it

[drmajor]

Have Both.

2003 LT & 2002 GSA.

LT is my choice for two up and trips.
GSA is my choice for more fun, mountains, around town.

LT is great if you push it. This big moma will handle better than most people think. That said, the GSA is 300+ lbs lighter!!!! has to make a big difference and you can feel it. The LT is great on the interstate and longer trips (never really long), and especially with the wife. We are tall- 6'4" & 5'10" and LT is much better for her. The Rocky seat works well too. The weather protection is nice in the rain or cold.

That said, I did a 1100 mile weekend with some friends. I was on the GSA. We went to the North GA mountains and the GS was a blast. Like having a big version of my dirt bike. You can flick it around. You can't flick the LT. it kinda shifts.

We have decided at this time to keep both... Lucky us.. Wife isn't as comfortable on the GS, and for some strange reason, I'm more comfortable on the LT, but the fun factor of the GS is significant. Also, the GS is WAY better in the summer heat/humidity around here. It lets WAY more air get to me.. Significant!!

[ronk1200lt]

Roy! If you are looking for a used 2006 GSA, check out SM Cycle in Victoria. They have a mint bike that is loaded for $21,900. I have seen it and it is very nice. Ron

[Texas42]

Have Both.

We have decided at this time to keep both... Lucky us.. Wife isn't as comfortable on the GS, and for some strange reason, I'm more comfortable on the LT, but the fun factor of the GS is significant.


+1, seems strange but two up on the LT is better than any other bike that we have had, including the GS. Cindy seems to be able to relax on the LT.

[dronning]

+1, seems strange but two up on the LT is better than any other bike that we have had, including the GS. Cindy seems to be able to relax on the LT.

I thought Kaye would prefer the LT over the GS and I was way wrong - her choice was the GSA over the LT - in all weather situations too. Her only complaint is no heated seat and I am fixing that this winter. I guess pillion preferences are as varied as riders.

Keep the LT if you can then decide after owning both for a while. We never planned on selling the LT.

Dave

[Texas42]

I thought Kaye would prefer the LT over the GS and I was way wrong - her choice was the GSA over the LT - in all weather situations too. Her only complaint is no heated seat and I am fixing that this winter. I guess pillion preferences are as varied as riders.

Keep the LT if you can then decide after owning both for a while. We never planned on selling the LT.

Dave

How did you fix the problem of the luggage not giving the pillion and room for their feet? So far that has been Cindy's primary complaint that I haven't been able to resolve. This may not be a problem on the GSA we have a GS.

[dronning]

I have Metal Mule Panniers maybe there is more room? Kaye has never expressed any issues with being "boxed" in.

Sorry but I don't have pics with the topbox on - and as you can see Kaye wasn't with on this trip.


http://www.everythingsop.com/Gallery2/d/241-1/060620_180927_1.jpg

Dave

[sfarson]

Dave, Continue to value this pic and how the 12GS ADV took you far north and back. Did you ever write up a report of this trip and I missed? If not, how did the ADV deliver for you on this ride? Thanks much.

Steve

[dronning]

Did you ever write up a report of this trip and I missed? If not, how did the ADV deliver for you on this ride? Thanks much.

Steve

This was a solo trip.
The bike was flawless until I crashed it on the Dempster about 150 miles north of where this picture was taken. The bike actually survived just fine (scratched the hell out of it) but I destroyed the TPS (throttle position sensor) so it wouldn't run above an idle. This turned into one of the best adventures of my life even without the bike on the last 1/2 of the trip. I am going back to Inuvik this year and then Alaska in '08.

Trip report here (http://everythingsop.com/Joomla/content/view/458/28/)

Dave

[sfarson]

Dave, Thanks much. Went to your site, read the report, the adventure and memories. Superb. Thanks for taking to time to put it all down. Top shelf. Great images too.

Steve

[ronk1200lt]

Hey Roy! I have an LT and a GSA. I live in Edmonton. Once the weather gets a little better let me know when you have some time. We can meet in Red Deer and you are more than welcome to take the GSA for a long ride. Ron

[jorawro]

Sounds good Ron. I envy the members of this group that can ride year round---hopefully at some point in my life I will live somewhere that I have to explain to people 1-what a snow shovel looks like & 2-what a tougue is:)

[Effervescent]

http://www.hobidas.com/blog/bmw-bikes/bmw-bikes8/archives/00308adv-thumb.jpg
Is it possible to ache from wanting a certain motorcycle?

-Eff

[scout70]

Well, this past week I traded in my 2006 LT for a 2007 R1200GSA with no regrets. I bought the LT last year, put over 10K on it and enjoyed it on long cruises. I like the riding position of the GSA, the lighter weight and sitting up high for better visibility. I feel the bike is much more nimble and "modern" compared to the LT. Maintenance is less also. To me, the GSA is the "one bike" that will do everything and it just looks and feels cool.

The GSA is at the begining of its model year unlike the LT which is near it's end of the current run. Both are good bikes, but, the GSA just opens up more options and possibilities for fun.

[pozo_izquierdo]

Hi Roy,

so you have been lurking over the fence whether the grass would be greener on the other side...;)

Really, my experience with GS is quite limited, but enough to keep me on this side of the fence.

Last year I made a trip with my colleague to Kaunas, Lithuania. He had then a 05 GS (now he has 06 K 1200GT). Anyway, I had a chance to ride it for some 100 miles on a regular two lane highway. Like somebody already said...we might be a bit spoiled with our LT:s. My impressions were:

- light and fast
- lots of vibrations
- lots of wind buffeting, I got cold with my Atlantis suit in the summer!
- being used to cruise control on LT was the toughest to bear on GS. My right arm fell asleep continuously and I had to pull the clutch every so often to be able to relieve my right arm. Could be just my personal problem..
- if I would ride a lot on dirt roads this would be fun bike
- LT being my first bike this ride really brought me to reality about riding motorcycles. (Wind, shake, bugs, noise etc):p

But each to his own, of course.

Regards

[dronning]

He had then a 05 GS (now he has 06 K 1200GT). Anyway, I had a chance to ride it for some 100 miles on a regular two lane highway. Like somebody already said...we might be a bit spoiled with our LT:s. My impressions were:

- light and fast
- lots of vibrations
- lots of wind buffeting, I got cold with my Atlantis suit in the summer!
- being used to cruise control on LT was the toughest to bear on GS. My right arm fell asleep continuously and I had to pull the clutch every so often to be able to relieve my right arm. Could be just my personal problem..
- if I would ride a lot on dirt roads this would be fun bike
- LT being my first bike this ride really brought me to reality about riding motorcycles. (Wind, shake, bugs, noise etc):p

But each to his own, of course.

Regards

I agree with pozo_izquierdo about the Standard GS that is why I was considering keeping the LT. I didn't get to ride a R12GS Adv before they hit the dealers and as it turned out the wider tank and new windscreen design with winglets gave it much improved wind protection. I still added a Lamiar Lip to complete my wind protection and eliminate all buffeting.

The Boxer will never be as smooth as the brick but I was surprised by it's smoothness.

I do miss the Cruise but my Kaoko throttle control relieves the right arm "spoiled by Cruise" syndrome:). - I never had this problem until I started to do all my long distance riding on bikes with cruise. A couple of aftermarket companies are working on cruise - I'll keep my fingers crossed. Also in a group letter to BMW it was the #1 upgrade asked for by current owners.

I had done several 1,000 mile days on the LT before getting the R12GS Adv. and after I had done the same on the GS Adv. I decided it would get all my ride time and sadly but not regrettably sold the LT.

Dave