1200GS or GS Adventure?

[chingdear]

Hi Guys,

This is my first posts, any thing I do wrong or if I came to the wrong place i apologies here.

Have a question, I own a 2004 1200LT, love it very much. Other then riding on paved road, i also like to do some 4x4 off roads. Drove Tibet 5 times and Silk road once and going again this summer.

I'm having high interest of riding off road as well. And I'm studying on which bike I "may" want to buy.

The "Compare Between Different Models" on BMW web sight didn't help much. I like to ask you, the real time riders, what's the major differences in riding on 1200GS and 1200GS Adventure?

Thanks for any insight.

Bobby

[DaveDragon]

The GS & the GS-A are basically the same bike, the Adv has several add-ons such as spoked wheels, high capacity gas tanks, better pegs, road lights and engine & fuel tank guards, and the rear rack & luggage frames.

I have a 2006 GS-A and love it. I'm more comfy on the GS than my LT.

[jwd98056]

The primary differences between the GS and GSA is that the GSA has:

1) A larger more protective windshield.
2) "Wind wings" below the windshield similar to what Cee Bailey sells.
3) A larger gas tank, 8.7 gallons rather then 5.2 gallons, with gas tank and engine guards. Engine guards are optional on the GS.
4) About one inch more travel in the suspension and a corresponding increase in seat height.
5) Spoke wheels rather than cast wheels. The spoke wheels are an option on the GS and stronger for serious off-road use.
6) A less sissified and more manly look. :histerica Just kidding ;).

The later model years added some additional accessories that Dave has already mentioned.

Of course there are many aftermarket options to provide improved rider protection so that is not really a major issue. For serious off road riding or major "adventure" rides the spoke wheels and extra inch of suspension travel will certainly be beneficial. When riding in remote locations the extra fuel capacity is nice to have and might eliminate the need to haul extra fuel. If we are talking forest service roads or dirt/grave/desert roads thrown in for "adventure" then a GS is more than up to the task and a little more.

My '05 GS is something of a Frankenstein. I bought it used at a great price. It already had spoke wheels on it and a couple Touratech accessories. When I was researching extending the range of one of my bikes to improve efficiency for endurance riding I ended up installing a GSA gas tank on my GS. HERE (http://jdsroad.com/2007/12/09/i-think-im-finally-done/) is a link to my blog that lists all the mods I have made to "Brutus". Click on the name Brutus in my signature to see a few pictures. I am short legged with a 30" inseam and a GS just fits me better. So I ended up with almost a GSA done the hard way. I don't know if going this route was better than buying a GSA and lowering it an inch. There weren't any R1200GSAs to buy when I was looking so I guess it's a mute point.

As far as handling on the street is concerned I find that I can't really tell much difference. The GSA tank makes it look bigger and I thought the extra fuel weight might impact the CG but the tank design does a good job of keeping the weight as low as possible. An extra inch of ground clearance would help in aggressive cornering situations but I don't find it to be a big limitation for me, with the exception of occasionally grinding off the toes my boots :D. A good set of performance shocks (Wilbers, Ohlins, etc.) will take care of that issue.

There is better wind protection for the lower body with the larger GSA tank. I guess this could be a plus or a minus depending on the ambient temperature. The one caveat to that is that in heavy rain the water flows back off the GSA tank and comes off in a stream that hits me about mid shin.

I didn't do a before and after fuel mileage comparison between my relatively stock GS and after all the changes I made. Improving wind/weather protection by increasing frontal area on the bike will likely have some negative impact unless the aerodynamics were horrible to begin with. I don't think it is big difference.

[brasters]

I looked at both before I decided to go with the GSA, I came from the LT also and one of the things I was not willing to give up was the range, The GSA's larger tank came in handy during my Alaska trip, with gas stations being far and few. The added cylinder head protection was also a descision point, I added the Wunderlich supplemental bars which turn it basicaly into what the Hepco Becker looks like. I added the MC-Cruise which gave me the same cruise control I was spoiled by on the LT. Finally, I added the Ohlins shocks from the GS model which lowered the bike back down to the GS height. This did require my shortning the center stand by 3/4 inch to make it easy to get up on the center stand when loaded. I am 6 ft. 250 lbs. I have not noticed any issues with ride height and as some can attest, I am a pretty aggresive rider in the twisties. This bike has so far been the best bike I have ever owned, with sport bike performance, LT comfort, and go anywhere capability.

[drmajor]

The GSA tank also serves as a nice fairing..! Your legs are pretty well covered.

GSA is about 1"+ taller so short legs will have issues.

I installed Pivot pegs. Really help as I have size 14 boot and it is hard to shift with stock pegs and no issue with Pivot Pegz.

Pricey, but like the fog lights on the GSA.

Like the lower GS as my legs aren't really long. GS is easier to foot down.

I bought the GSA.

[ELPAMPERO]

GSA Has A Much Better Load Capacity Very Inportant.. :bmw:

[cali_beemer]

I would say if you are really going to use it for a descent amount in the dirt, look for an adventure. I just picked up my first GS but is a 2004 1150 and a standard non adventure GS. I specifically did not want an adventure model as my bike may never see dirt and I purposly bought the 1150 over the 1200. The larger tank meant nothing as I will typically stop atleast every 100 miles so the stock range is adequate. I like the lower seat height as this bikes sits tall to begin with and I am 6' 1" tall so its not like I am short. I dont like the one piece seat either. Its all in a matter of what you do. If I were going to take it in the dirt more then I might have bought the adventure model. However, my std 1150 has the spoked wheels on it and it came with cylinder guards and the wunderlich crash bars as well so I guess mine is a little more suited for off road than a stock bike.

[cali_beemer]

GSA Has A Much Better Load Capacity Very Inportant.. :bmw:

My theory is pack light. Dont pack like charlie and ewen...

[chingdear]

Thanks guys for the great insight.

I think i should get a GSA then because my aim is to ride in Tibet for long milage.

It's so expensive in China then in Canada where I live. Almost doubled the price.

Any ways, thank you guys, you been great help.

Bobby

[ronk1200lt]

I was in Tibet last year. If you are going to do any serious offroad riding there, I would suggest the GSA. More range, better protection for the engine, better lighting, more ground clearance etc. etc. A much better choice.