Thinking about getting a GSA. Need opinions

[m3nme]

Hi, I am new to the forum. I currently own a K 1200 GT, and have loved it. However, several times now, i have gotten myself into situations where I really wished I had a more off-road worthy bike. In a couple of cases, I barely made it. I am not talking about serious off-roading, but just dirt and gravel, mud, etc.

Nearly all of my riding will still be on roads, so I am wondering what things about the GS make it better for this kind of riding. Should I just stick with the K bike? I have never ridden a R 1200 GS. One of the things that appeals to me is it has a kind of indestructible image. If you hurt it, it is almost like a badge of honor.

Could we have a discussion about the virtues of a GS vs. The K bikes? I really want one, but am wondering if I really understand the differences. I know the basic tech differences. I am talking about real world experiences.

Thanks

[marc]

The bikes feel different when simply cruising down the road. Some prefer the feel of the 4 cylinder bikes, others the boxer engine. When in the twists the different center of gravity give the bikes a different feel. At least it was with the brick Ks... haven't ridden a wedge, yet. You can likely go faster on the K bike, especially on the straights and in sweepers.

So what's your riding style? If you are a "get on I80 in San Francisco and don't get off until New York" kind of rider the K bike might fit you better. If you are a "wonder where this one lane remains of a road goes" kind of rider the GS may be the bike for you. Both bikes will do both kinds of ride, the difference is comfort levels.

At least that's my opinion.

[mikec]

I’ve been riding since the ’60s and have had lots of dirt bikes. I quit competing in motocross, enduros and observed trials in the early ‘80s and bought my first new Harley in 1980. I’ve was fortunate and able to tour extensively on several dressers. In late 2006, I stopped by the local BMW shop and a new ’07 K1200GT “spoke” to me. I purchased it on the spot and rode it for two years, putting 54,000 miles on the clock. When the GT was in the shop for some rather serious surgery, I borrowed the dealership owners ’09 GSA as I had a two week, 2400 mile trip coming up. Before I left, I decided to meet a R1200RT pilot in southern Virginia for a spirited “familiarization” ride. My long-time riding buddy laughed his butt off at the butt-ugly dual sport. After he rode it, he said, “Man, we bought the wrong BMWs.”

Not long after that, I left on my trip and traversed back roads from North Carolina to Oklahoma, thoroughly enjoying the GSA. I especially liked the fuel capacity as I was filling up every 350 miles or so. Near the end of the trip, my daughter had her first child, so I broke off from the group and worked my way down to I-40 at Fort Smith and put that sucker in the wind. I cruised the Eisenhower system at 75-85 mph and the GSA handled it with ease. I was hooked and traded for a new GSA upon my return.

To adapt my GSA for my type of riding, I change the saddle to a Sargent’s model as I had done on the GT. Thinking I would really miss the GT’s cruise control, I installed a Kaoko throttle lock and a “cramp buster.” That took care of that! I kept the stock windscreen but adjusted it a little to move the air over my head. Other than those few modifications, that’s all I’ve done. After I got the break-in miles done, I did a “shakedown cruise” and rode it from North Carolina to California and back. I found the GSA’s fuel tank offered quite a bit of wind protection. In fact, it has almost as good wind protection as the GT. On the trip, I did dirt roads in Big Bend and Death Valley National Parks. I had seen Terlingua Ranch Road from the GTs saddle and wondered where it went. Now I know.

It’s a superb machine, probably the most comfortable bike I’ve owned. My wife accompanies me occasionally and she agrees.
I hope this helps.

Mike

[kimzx1000r]

Originally Posted by mikec

I’ve been riding since the ’60s and have had lots of dirt bikes. I quit competing in motocross, enduros and observed trials in the early ‘80s and bought my first new Harley in 1980. I’ve was fortunate and able to tour extensively on several dressers. In late 2006, I stopped by the local BMW shop and a new ’07 K1200GT “spoke” to me. I purchased it on the spot and rode it for two years, putting 54,000 miles on the clock. When the GT was in the shop for some rather serious surgery, I borrowed the dealership owners ’09 GSA as I had a two week, 2400 mile trip coming up. Before I left, I decided to meet a R1200RT pilot in southern Virginia for a spirited “familiarization” ride. My long-time riding buddy laughed his butt off at the butt-ugly dual sport. After he rode it, he said, “Man, we bought the wrong BMWs.”

Not long after that, I left on my trip and traversed back roads from North Carolina to Oklahoma, thoroughly enjoying the GSA. I especially liked the fuel capacity as I was filling up every 350 miles or so. Near the end of the trip, my daughter had her first child, so I broke off from the group and worked my way down to I-40 at Fort Smith and put that sucker in the wind. I cruised the Eisenhower system at 75-85 mph and the GSA handled it with ease. I was hooked and traded for a new GSA upon my return.

To adapt my GSA for my type of riding, I change the saddle to a Sargent’s model as I had done on the GT. Thinking I would really miss the GT’s cruise control, I installed a Kaoko throttle lock and a “cramp buster.” That took care of that! I kept the stock windscreen but adjusted it a little to move the air over my head. Other than those few modifications, that’s all I’ve done. After I got the break-in miles done, I did a “shakedown cruise” and rode it from North Carolina to California and back. I found the GSA’s fuel tank offered quite a bit of wind protection. In fact, it has almost as good wind protection as the GT. On the trip, I did dirt roads in Big Bend and Death Valley National Parks. I had seen Terlingua Ranch Road from the GTs saddle and wondered where it went. Now I know.

It’s a superb machine, probably the most comfortable bike I’ve owned. My wife accompanies me occasionally and she agrees.
I hope this helps.

Mike

Well I have been lurking around and pondering this very thing. I am in the same place in life it seems. I think you have just pushed me over the edge. Time to look at the GSA and hit the roads less traveled! I can't remember ever owning a bike that was really comfortable. Seems they have been more purpose built and comfort was on the list.

[Marty H]

Originally Posted by m3nme

Hi, I am new to the forum. I currently own a K 1200 GT, and have loved it. However, several times now, i have gotten myself into situations where I really wished I had a more off-road worthy bike. In a couple of cases, I barely made it. I am not talking about serious off-roading, but just dirt and gravel, mud, etc.

Nearly all of my riding will still be on roads, so I am wondering what things about the GS make it better for this kind of riding. Should I just stick with the K bike? I have never ridden a R 1200 GS. One of the things that appeals to me is it has a kind of indestructible image. If you hurt it, it is almost like a badge of honor.

Could we have a discussion about the virtues of a GS vs. The K bikes? I really want one, but am wondering if I really understand the differences. I know the basic tech differences. I am talking about real world experiences.

Thanks

FWIW - I'm 63 and owned a series of K bikes - all the new K engine, both K1200 and K1300. I like the authority the 4 cylinder engine provides and K bikes in general for the creature comfort they provide on long distance trips. I do find the GT a bit long in the wheelbase and a 450 mile day of Northern California twisty roads becomes a chore on a GT. Fun on a K1300S, and as much fun on my GS Adventure. I consider the GT more of an open country bike.

I now primarily ride a GS Adventure because it handles extremely well on twisty roads, has good range, is comfortable, and has a superb gross vehicle weight. It is lighter than a K bike and the big fuel cell is a non issue if you ever rode a K1200LT. Mine is a 2010 and it provides almost as much weather protection as an RT. Gravel roads are well within the bike's ability, but may not be in the rider's skill set. If you buy a GS with the intention for gravel - then get a little training so you don't let you bike down.

What you really should do is go to your nearest BMW dealer and ride everything they have in demo. The motorcyclist in you will tell you which is the best bike for you.

Cheers,

[PunchBuggy]

I did what the last poster said. I test drove every BMW at the shop before settling on the GS. I thought the touring bikes where so tame they were boring. I thought the K bike was a blast but too risky for me. I would never have considered the GS had I not rode it.

[geochandler]

I'm hanging up my 1998 R1100GS after 11 years and 100,000 + miles. Just bought a new R1200 GSA. Most of my miles are on the highway but I've also been down many a dirt road and all over Alaska Canada and the US. I modified the 1100 with a Corbin Saddle and backrest and setbacks for the handlebar and a parabellum windshield. BMW likes you to ride leaning over and I like to ride straight up and that takes some modification. I'm making similar mods to the 1200 GSA. The dealer gave me the GSA with a low seat (available as an option for the GS). I got setbacks from ROX. Stock windshield looks OK for highway. I had Jesse bags on the 1100 and just installed them on my new 1200. For what you want to do the GSA should be perfect, you sound just like me and I wouldn't think of anything else (except I did think briefly about an F800GS ). It's more stable than the 1100. And you will love the low gear - when paddling around a dirt road or campground you don't need to be slipping the clutch. Ride one and see.

[Tooth]

If I could only have one bike it would be the GSA. A new windshield and seat will make it touring....sport touring tires will compliment that transition. The addition of boxes is somewhat of a wind sail but still incredibly stable on highways considering top heavy nature of bike. Full tank is 325 plus in miles.
Dont clean it , dont polish it...hose off....looks better dirty.

Off road, everyone knows that story....

[m3nme]

Thanks to all for the comments. I am going to get the GSA, I think, even though the GS is probably all I really need. The comments about 800 are also interesting. I may check that out before I decide.