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Great and precise comparison. I have had 3 GSA's, and an 1150 GS prior to that. I am 70, 5'-11" and have no problem with the height and weight. I hope I can ride them till I am 90. Great channel.
I'm 68 with a total hip replacement on the rhs. I regularly take a friend to do shopping. So his weight 75 Kg the shopping another 40 Kg means that the GVM is close to 500KG. I have the advantage that I have a factory lowered model GSA 1250 with full 3 panniers, my height being 172cm. The only reservation that I have is that the bike is water cooled which is another subsystem that could fail. I had a 2010 GSA which was air cooled, no fans switching off and on. I lowered that bike and when I traded it in it sold very fast, I believe due to the low suspension.
I’m 74 and drive a 2018 GS Adventure. Use a Sargent seat. I used to be 6’. Now 5’10”. 30” inseam. I can flat foot the bike. Surprising. Seat in low position. Feels high. Not totally comfortable that high but utterly magnificent under way. I love it. I have gotten 350 miles on a tank. Problem is cannot get 350 miles on my bladder. My prior bike was a 42 year old R100S! What a shock. I had no idea what I was missing. None. It’s the difference between a 1960s corvette and a Model T.
I have owned a GSA, now I own a r1200GS. Why? In my part of the world (Norway), I'm never more than 30 min away from a gas station, often much less than that. No need to carry that much fuel around. And for me, weight has become an issue, mostly on gnarly roads. These bikes are HEAVY now, even though they are very well ballanced. And the standard GS looks better. Ps: This channel is great, love it! 👍
Awesome video! My opinion if anyone wants it- I’m 6’ 1” and own a GS. I don’t like the luggage racks on the GSA. I don’t like the bulk (some of it disappears under movement) I love the clean look of dropping the Varios off the sides and going on an evening or a morning ride. Off-road- the GSA is a handful. As far as suspension travel- How many people on here can even come close to bottoming a GS suspension out? Being a little closer to the ground is better for off-roading heavy adventure bikes in my opinion. Wind protection- get the Puig… it’s cheap, and many people say it’s the best. Foot pegs- the GSA has better pegs. Get the enduro foot pegs. Crash protection- Use half the money you saved from not buying the GSA and get the oem lowers for the GS (the fairings aren’t anywhere near the size of the GSA, it’s all you need), and if you feel like it maybe some bark busters and folding mirrors/clutch/brake levers. If you don’t feel like it that works too, the bike is already pretty tough, and if you break something, just pop it back on with some zip-ties.
Good point about the GS suspension. When I’m riding rugged rocky off-road sections I’m picking my line and not going too fast. I’d buy the GS with the Rally suspension if it was available only because I like to take my gf, otherwise just take it easy.
GSA - At any rate, it still comes down to knowing how to ride it (correctly), and what type of riding will take place. No doubt, the best all around bike for may reasons. For anyone looking to actually go off-road, then please learn how to ride it correctly by taking a good off-road class like the ones offered at the BMW training centers, or the Rawhide adventure riding school out west. Then practice practice practice. On an unrelated - related note, any adventure bike requires a specific skill set in order to maximize what it's designed to do. While some will chime in that this brand is better than that one, and the other is better then this one, at the end of the day, first- go learn how to ride any of the bikes (correctly) so that you'll be better prepared to judge accurately for your needs. Then, go test ride and know that BMW is the only dealer that will generally let you test ride the crap out of any of the bikes pretty much on any given day so make sure to ride it for a while, maybe even a couple of time since it may take a bit to play with all the gadgets, adjustments, etc., then ride it again. After that, you may be like me and look back after 21 years of ownership and realize you made a good decision. (lol). Seriously, don't by a GSA or any bike until you figure out how you'll ride and what kind of riding you intend to do. I love all bikes, but while the GSA is not the best at one particular thing, I'm still a believer that its the best all around everything bike. If you'll be single tracking all day, then go for a smaller dual sport, if you'll be riding across the country (or continent), on road or forrest service roads, or unpaved roads, or occasional BDR's (and maybe taking some of the bypasses if things get too rough), or mountain twisty roads, and want be upright, comfortable, and capable of carrying alot, then GSA is the way to go. Ride safe and God Bless all of you fellow riders. (Unfortunately I'm out of the game for other reasons, but have enjoyed all my years of riding and ownership)
So what difference has the rake and trail change made on the GSA in practical riding? I took both out at the BMW Rider academy and couldn't see the difference. Assuming both were 2020s.
I’ve owned both GSA and GS and actually prefer my GS. I like the lower saddle height of the GS as well as the ease of convertibility from long range travel to the clean look with no panniers. Much of my riding is done sans bags. I’m ready for a break after 200 miles so gas not much of an issue. I love both bikes but love my decision to go with the GS. Happy Trails Folks.
i do like the GS as it looks more sexier than GSA which looks are affected by its tank design but when you beef up the accessories the price comes nearby
I went with a GS for the following reasons. I found a great deal on a used bike with the entire Altrider catalog and full Jesse luggage setup thrown at it. And at 5'8" and 150 lbs, I was more comfortable with the smaller bike. If I had found an equally farkled GSA with the lower suspension for roughly the same money, I probably would have went that route. But I'm very happy with the standard GS.
IF I’m going on an adventure, I’m taking my full size pickup, towing a smaller box trailer with my GS, mountain bike and camping gear inside and a kayak on top. I’ll park at a forest service, public or private camp ground for a week and take long day trips, put a tent and gear in a waterproof duffle for the back. I totally get the adventure biking and admire those that do it. I don’t want to carry all that shit on my bike and I like to explore when I go to places. For me a GS and if they have Rally in 2023 I’ll get that version. Let’s ride.
Got back from the BMW MOA rally in Montana a few weeks ago…a 5000 mile round trip joy ride from Michigan on my 2020 GSA (low suspension). I’m 5’7” with a 28” inseam and went with the low suspension and find the bike quite manageable despite its beastly looks and reputation. In parking situations I just drop the ESA suspension to minimum and I can nearly flat foot it to back in. Otherwise I ride in the Dynamic suspension and mode settings on pavement, which is where I ride most of the time, except for occasional county gravel roads or fire road to a camp site. I have a K1600 as well, but at 65 years old I bought the GSA as a “bucket list” bike in February last year after spending some time researching and warming up to the model just before the onset of the pandemic…my thought was “if not now, when”? If you’re in to transcontinental touring, like staying off interstates and the “pack mule” functionality of the bike, the GSA is a great choice. You won’t be disappointed.
Great realistic analysis. Unfortunately at my status (71 years, 166cm, 66 kg, 400+ km tank range), my 192 kg bike with a 810mm seat height is all I can manage as a sport tourer with some off road capability. The beamer is huge, heavy and financially daunting. But among the best for those who can....no doubt. Like your presentations for the unbiased clarity. Good show.
Your analysis makes sense if the BMW OEM parts is what you want to add. If you want to go to the aftermarket, then that changes the conclusion. If you like the BDCW pegs and skid plate, if you like the Alt-Rider engine guard bars, if you want Denali lights, if you want a Puig windscreen, if you want Touratech luggage racks, or whatever after market brands you like, then it makes less sense to buy the GSA and put all those extra parts you paid for on a shelf.
I am 6.1 feet and bought the 2021 Gs Rallye instead of GSA, it's the best bike i ever had, coming from Aprilia Tuono v4 factory 2018, the Gs are very nimble and sharp on the twisty coz it's smaller than Gsa by bit, unless you need more petrol for touring on the mountain yes you need GSA for an extra fuel. Buy what you need not what you want.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I was going back and forth between the two bikes and I am moving forward with a 2021 GSA in the Rally color scheme after watching this. The cost looks to be a wash over time and the extra fuel and wind protection really seal the deal for me as I will use either bike as more of a sport-touring rig than an offroad bike. Thanks again for the great content.
Me too. I don’t mind adding all the accessories, especially since I’m replacing so many things from day 1, like gear lever, footpegs, shift lever, windscreen, and adding additional protection like cylinder head guards, crash bar reinforcement, headlight protection, etc. I chose it because of the additional wind protection and legroom when doing big miles. Signing about 15 seconds going 60+mph I knew it had to be the GSA. I’m used to sport bikes and my K1600 so the GS felt a little like a naked bike.
I was going to buy a GSA, because of the better/taller suspension. But then I found a '17 Rallye edition GS with the Sport/GSA suspension. It's really awesome riding and looking. Also, I never have an issue with fuel range, 200 miles is enough...if I were commuting that might be a different story. I love how my GS Rallye handles off road gravel and jeep roads and trails. But if I didn't have a Sport suspension GS, then I'd go for a GSA. The extra height and travel really make a difference.
Excellent comparison, very well done! The only thing you might want to add is that there is a low suspension option for both models, and for the rider that does no or only mild offroad, the low suspension might help them to feel more comfortable and confident if they're concerned about getting good purchase when they put a foot down. Cheers!
I’ve been on the fence over these two models until watching your video. I am going for the Adventure model. One point that is rarely discussed is retail value and you nailed it. Thanks
Currently own a lowrider s and am on the fence between the gs or gsa..test rode the gsa last week and fell in love! 6’ 245lbs and this thing is a dream to ride..was leaning towards the gs for cost but your breakdown clearly shows me to go w the gsa..thank you! Great comparison
GREAT review...I sat down with paper and pen and followed your numbers. I hadn't really considered the GSA...but you make some really valid points. I'm also a taller rider and love all the ground clearance I can get!! Thanks for the excellent review!
Recently did an off-road course on a GS Low Suspension. No loss of capability on level 1 off-road. I have 29” inseam and can put both feet down on balls of feet or flat foot one side with minimal shift of buttock. It appears from BMW’s website that the low suspension GSA is same height despite the higher original height. So I am planning to go GSA for all the reasons contained in this excellent video. Many thanks.
I considered this question very long and hard in 2017 and 2018 before finally purchasing the GSA. I chose it for the fuel capacity which to me was the only thing I couldn't replicate on a standard GS to any satisfaction. I live in a place where fuel stations can be very far apart (Alaska) that the ability to ride and essentially never experience "fuel gauge anxiety" between stations in remote areas is a bigger plus than I first imagined. The height never bothered me but I always wanted my wife, who also rides, to be able to comfortably ride any bike we own. She never felt comfortable on the GSA until she was moving and experienced a lot of anxiety over dropping the bike in parking lots and at stop lights. Even with a factory low seat in the low position, she felt insecure. When my front shock seal blew out (unfortunately a common problem at around 15k miles) I elected to change the suspension to GS height using the TracTive ESA compatible setup. With the upgrade in components, the reduced travel is a non-issue for my riding style but it makes the bike fully accessible to my wife. This does not take the bike to the factory lowered height and ends up being a great compromise in travel and ride height. I own three other bikes that all do some things better than the GSA but none that do everything as well. I think that sums up the GS/GSA pretty well.
Ride a 2019 GSA after two standards, 5’9” tall and 29” inside seam. The GSA is fine though I have used cams to lower seat by about 1” from Wunderlich. I would never buy another standard as the GSA is the better package and feels plusher and handles almost as well.I only ride on road but my height may be an issue off road but weight disappears on the move.
Great video with lots of details that newer riders would need to pay attention to. BMW R1250's still a bit too rich for my blood. Glad you're putting these and your R1300 videos out!! Keep up the great work.
I installed the combined foot pegs on my GS. They have a rubber part mounted on springs. If You drive standing Your weight pushes down the springs and You stand on kind of spikes like with the Enduro foot pegs. Also these foot pegs are height adjustable. The best of both worlds.
That was a great breakdown of the two bikes, Love the GS (2009) and in Canadian dollars and would be more $$$ for either one. At 64 years of age i dont have the strength of a 20 yr old. But you got me thinking of the GSA and although i dont ride extreme off road anymore, a gravel road or two and mostly paved comfort. The wrestling the stopped GSA bike around into my garage seems daunting.
I’m 65 go and to the gym 3x week. You can do it MarkusT. Get motivated and get your strength where it needs to be. You’re not dead. These are fantastic bikes. The GSA and Life awaits you.
@@roadglide I'm 68 at 5'10" and drive by the gym but never stop. For me the GSA is a very manageable bike once you get used to it, more so in my mind than my RT. You can purchase a lowered suspension depending on your inseam. In 2019 I did an 11k mi round trip to the Arctic with no problems on the trip with it being a moderately loaded boat that it is. I love the bulk of the front as it affords a fair degree of wind protection. I will add that an aftermarket seat, IMHO, is a necessity as the BMW seat is torture. I use an airhawk seat, love it. Good luck.
62 here and just bought a GSA after not riding for 40 years. At first it was hard to handle but after a month of being careful it is easier to ride than my old Honda 750F. Pushing it around is mostly about balancing it.
I’m 71 w a 30” inseam & ride a standard GS just fine. Heck I’ve ridden 100’s of miles of Montana gravel 2 track on my BV 350 scooter. Some of this can be over-hyped. Go buy a used one and give yourself 5,000 k’s to adjust and you’ll be fine.
Perfect explanation, excellent comparison, thank you! GSA all the way... i also just pick up my 2021 GSA and took me a whole year to come up with the conclusions that you explained in 13 min, I wished this video was done before. I also got Klim gear based on another video o you. Thank you man!!!!
I used to live in So Cal and would visit Riverside BMW often. Great crew there. I ended up buying a used 2012 GSA in 2015 for $15000. It had 18000 miles at the time on it. I live in the Sierra now and forest roads abound. I replaced the ESA with Tractive manual adjust shocks and it’s still rolling strong. I think I’ll roll up to the pass(Sonora Pass) today. It just opened and an ADV bike is perfect for these parts.
Great review thanks. I have a 2021 GS in Triple Black, i went for the GS because i liked the clean look and didnt like the scaffolding, having said that i do like the GSA also and will hopefully buy one too. The intention is to keep the GS for normal street riding and when i want to go adventuring then take the GSA. I will go for the GSA in rally colours as i feel thats more appropriate for offroad and the Triple Black for the GS for the street. Like he said they both great bikes you cant go wrong either way and it all depends what you want. What i can agree is dont buy the GS and start adding lots of extras then rather go for the GSA its much better
I am sorry to hear that. I find them very expensive too but found a GSa 2010 with very low mileage on it. It doesn't have some of the latest features but I can assure you it is a great bike to ride and I love every moment on it! Also, it was less than half the price of a new one. Maybe buying a used bmw in good condition could be your solution too? Good Luck!
For my riding style, trip locations, duration, roads, uses and other needs, it's the GS. IF you actually do adventure rides, the GSA is a no brainier... There are places I go where I do not want the xtra bulk and weight of the GSA.
Thank you for this excellent comparison. If in the market for a big GS, I'd get the GSA. I own a baby GS, even though I'm 6'2". It looks bigger than it is. It's a bit cramped for me. It's mostly made for the Asian market. Nevertheless, I come from a small displacement thumper dual sport market. That's all I've ever owned. I prefer the light and maneuverable bikes that are easier to handle, and that's even more important considering that I bought the G310GS for my 60th birthday. It's much more refined than my previous dual sport bikes yet still plenty capable for my old man ultralight adventure camping trips where I carry 20 -30 pounds of camping equipment and a seven pound toolkit, in a waterproof case on the pillion position. My perfect GS would be a water cooled single in the 350-450cc class, with a HUGE fuel tank that also provided thigh protection from brush and rain. 8" suspension travel front and back like my baby GS, cornering ABS and a couple of simple rider modes such as rain mode. Keep the tubeless tires as fixing flats is so much easier, but make sure the wheels are tough enough for big rocks. Four 3 amp USB charging ports that are accessory switched. Make the ergonomics fit larger riders. Novel idea - give it a large lithium battery. Why are motorcycle manufacturers still using tiny lead acid batteries? That's planning to fail. People rip on the baby GS for being made in India, and while it was designed to a cost point, the quality seems very nice to me. I'd still like to see a less cost compromised version designed to be a bit more adventure oriented.
Very interesting breakdown. However, one could also consider to source 3rd party accessories. For instance, my pannier racks are not BMW original and they costed 190 Eur, same goes for the extra LED lights, windshield, foot pegs, etc.
Extremely well done comparison! .....everything speaks for the adventure, except if your 5ˋ7 like me , so i went for the standard GS. In general, the bike rides as if it was much lighter and is extremely comfortable, i can sit on it for hours. Thank you for doing brain work!
My opinions… I’m 6’ 1” and own a GS. I don’t like the luggage racks on the GSA. I don’t like the bulk (some of it disappears under movement) I love the clean look of dropping the Varios off the sides and going on an evening or a morning ride. Off-road- the GSA is a handful. As far as suspension travel- How many people on here can even come close to bottoming a GS suspension out? Being a little closer to the ground is better for off-roading heavy adventure bikes in my opinion. Wind protection- get the Puig… it’s cheap, and many people say it’s the best. Foot pegs- the GSA has better pegs. Get the enduro foot pegs. Crash protection- get the oem lowers for the GS (the fairings aren’t anywhere near the size of the GSA, it’s all you need), and maybe some bark busters and folding mirrors/clutch/brake levers.
Here in England there are in comparison very few places you can legally ride off road so for me at 5'7" the GS with cast wheels makes more sense as apart from the Aux lights I don't need any if the other accessories you list, so no point paying all that extra for stuff I don't need. I don't need the extra fuel capacity either as I rarely ride more than 200 miles a day and fuel stations are plentiful so for me the choice is clearer to make, especially when like me you have short legs!
I am now in the exact same dilemma, especially since I ordered my GS with all of those ‘GSA’ extras… For me, it is the height issue, coming from an 850GS to the 1250. 5’8 w/30” inseam… Ugh, decisions….
Taking time to mention I appreciate you mentioning metric values as well, but would appreciate a bit more consistent use. Like, you’ve converted gallons to liters, but not miles to km. Even adding these values in post production to see on screen makes it a lot more natural for metric users to understand your content (I can enjoy the video rather than go into a math calculation to figure out rough data). Love your videos tho and natural attitude tho. Keep up the good work!
I know this is an “old” video and I'm kind of late to the party, but I would have liked to have all the data you’ve presented in the metric system for all the guys out there watching your videos who are living in Europe (like myself), or any part of the world where the metric system is used. Yeah, I know, I could do the conversion myself, but who has the time and patience really nowadays…? I really like your videos Ian, I hope you don’t mind some constructive criticism and love how your channel has grown and continues to grow! 🍀
GSA here in the UK .... We have the land's end to John O'Groats challenge Which is 979 miles in 24 hour's ....... on the GSA easy 330 miles fuel stops took 22hour 31mins ..... got off the bike felt fine rode back to camp site. Slept like a baby lol
Any chance of extending the video to incorporate the changes between the 2019 to 2023 models . With the new 1300 coming out it would be good to know the differences between the 1250 models for those looking at buying used bikes. Great channel
Except that most people fit aftermarket brand accessories which are way cheaper than BMW stuff. I just bought a GIVI panier rack set for my 1200 for$240 for example.
They Rake angle on GSA is smaller then GS to control the motorbike easier on low speeds. That makes less force on bar to control heavy motorbike in low speeds
My first time on your channel. It is so hard to find any meaningful information on RUclips these days. THANK YOU! for the objective analysis and for providing all important data. I would choose the GS for looks; I don't plan to go 350 mi without a stop.
I’m not sure if this changed in 2022 but I bought a gs1250 rallye premium package and it came with the sport suspension, luggage racks, crash bars, those aux lights, pretty much everything that the GSA has. It was totaled to 25000. 26813.86 after tax and title registration
Not everyone likes the look or size of the GSA, I had the GS Rallye when it first came out, but most people who buy them probably don't do more than average mileage like me but if I were in the USA it would need to be the GSA considering the size of the country along with having access to all kinds of terrain riding. On the other hand, most riders would be happy on almost any bike so they buy it for the image it has, or they just like the look of a certain bike. I saw an image of a proposed Honda Translap for 2022 which I liked the look of which I would be interested in if it were to become a reality. Great presentation btw.
Great analysis! It is like should I get a Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream after dinner. I owned both models twice. I don't do off roading so my experience is only on the asphalt. My most current one is the 1250 GS Rallye. I only added the lower crash bars for $450. Vario for the GS or Hard Bags for the GSA are similar in pricing. The wind protection over 60 mph is slightly better on the GSA, however having less wind protection is not a bad thing in the summer months. 200 miles or 300 miles range have never been an issue for me. I never ride 200 miles without stopping for a break. I am not one of those Iron Butts. Any suspension travel over 7" travel is more than adequate for the asphalt as you will never bottom out the suspension. Weight difference is negligible especially if you ever owned a bike like K 1600. I always had a small wind deflector on my GS bikes perhaps because I am 6'. I had to add the Wunderlich Bar Riser on the GSA standard suspension bike because the ergonomics as it came from the factory bothered me. On the GS std suspension I didn't need that at all even at the high seat setting. GS or GSA, once you own one you will get hooked on. Nothing else feels the same. Cheers.
They are each excellent and over the years I have owned each. Never an issue with them for rme. Another plus for the Adventure IF you plan to get a GS and then add many of the options is that the higher list price on the GSA will also carry forward to its value as a used bike if you sell it. Options bought separately, add minimal value to the used value in most cases.
Excellent review and comparison. Did you ever get confirmation from BMW regarding the differences in take between the two models? Also, I'm anxious to see your 2022 evaluation of the F850 model soon. Thanks again and keep up the excellent, excellent work!
I ordered a normal 2021 GS and the aluminum luggage rack came for free. You can check on the BMW online configurator too. Yeah, I also didn’t believe it when I first saw it :D
Damn son, you talked me into the GSA if I get a GS. Currently have K1600GT and Africa Twin AS on the top of the list as well. Next spring will be the big decision.
I've owned a gsa, the biggest reason my next bike will be a gs is I want the ability to adjust and remove the vario cases in the city . get a Kim 790 adventure if you want to serious off road.
Watching the video now,. maybe already said, But the suspension angle is a consequences of the height. The telelever is fixed one point to the chassis, creating an ark in it's movement, so if you lift the bike the Angle will decrease, in the most horizontal position the Angle will be the highest, lowering it more the Angle will start reducing again. Keeping the bike Horizontal at the same time, I'm excluding nose diving.
For anyone who finds these numbers daunting, last year I got a new 2020 1290SAS OTD for $16,500. It's a great bike on the street and for some mild off-roading and so far no issues.
good detailed video.... I went for the GS and put on SW Motech crash bars and luggage. It's a touring bike for me, but when not touring, I can easily strip the "scaffolding " off... and I'm down to the clean look again. But that's what worked for me, given how I use the bike and what I wanted. Great information.
This was excellent comparison. Considering how much one might spend on such a dream bike this video is priceless, another shameless plug to join me in becoming a Patron supporter. A real world match up of how typical owner's modify their bikes after purchase. Perhaps a future riding video where you compare the riding experience, such as wind protection, slow speed maneuverability, freeway stability etc and other real world conditions that define the riding experience. Most dealer test ride are limited to short hop and a test ride usually inadequate to get a real sense . As you have much experience on regular GS your opinion is an accurate baseline. This was a timely video as I was at the BMW showroom last Friday looking at a new GSA. Final questing, does the triple black vs Rally color make it appear more slender ,..lol.
Thank you kind sir and excellent ideas. And yes, the triple black looks more slender. I am partial to white, however. I also recommend the Riverside dealer, tell them I sent you. (no kickbacks here, but the people there are super nice)
Very well done video! I had a 2017 GS Rallye and optioned it about as high as one could. I’m 6’2” and in hindsight should’ve purchased a GSA but only to save money. Having said that, and something that’s not considered here, I really don’t like all the silver on GS’s or GSA’s, and went the Touratech route with black everything. Aesthetically I had a great looking bike, equally as capable as a GSA except for the range and weather protection. Kindof splitter hairs but it depends on your focus/interests/personal preferences. I never wished I had more range.
Both of them are GREAT bikes.... I just tested a GS 1250 and I felt incerdible... It was like I was riding that motorcycle for a long time even if it was the first time when I was riding it. I never felt this when I rode a bike for the first time. I'm a Honda owner but I my next bike will be a 1250 GS (or GSA, I hope -::)). Thanks a lot for this video!
I have had 4 GSAs and the one problem I have with these bikes is that I am 6'4" and the the distance from the seat to the pegs becomes very uncomfortable over a long ride. And unfortunately there is no one that makes a highway style peg that will fit the angles of the crash bars. I have tried every manufacturer and the couple that will work will only work on the top cylinder protection bar, which makes it much too high for a 36" inseam leg to be comfortable. I am 65 years old and my old legs and knees just can't take the sharp angle any longer. I absolutely love the BMWs and really hope someone has a suggestion to solve this. I have tall seats and lowered pegs, they do help some but not enough. Thank you.
I got a regular gs last week but I'm itching to go swap it for a GSA (but lose out on my akrapovic exhaust and the special mirrors). But I think it's kinda overkill for EU and mostly (95%) road riding. The one I got came with spoked wheels and crashbars too.
![R1200GS / R1250GS | Complete Buyer's Guide [2005-2020]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/9arUyUFD5wk/mqdefault.jpg)
![R1200GS / R1250GS | Complete Buyer's Guide [2005-2020]](/img/tr.png)
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Can I get one of your decals?
Great and precise comparison. I have had 3 GSA's, and an 1150 GS prior to that. I am 70, 5'-11" and have no problem with the height and weight. I hope I can ride them till I am 90. Great channel.
Hmmm, I could help out with exercising the stable if needed. Not good for them to sit around and not get some exercise :)
Thanks for sharing
I'm 68 with a total hip replacement on the rhs. I regularly take a friend to do shopping. So his weight 75 Kg the shopping another 40 Kg means that the GVM is close to 500KG. I have the advantage that I have a factory lowered model GSA 1250 with full 3 panniers, my height being 172cm. The only reservation that I have is that the bike is water cooled which is another subsystem that could fail. I had a 2010 GSA which was air cooled, no fans switching off and on. I lowered that bike and when I traded it in it sold very fast, I believe due to the low suspension.
I’m 74 and drive a 2018 GS Adventure. Use a Sargent seat. I used to be 6’. Now 5’10”. 30” inseam. I can flat foot the bike. Surprising. Seat in low position. Feels high. Not totally comfortable that high but utterly magnificent under way. I love it. I have gotten 350 miles on a tank. Problem is cannot get 350 miles on my bladder. My prior bike was a 42 year old R100S! What a shock. I had no idea what I was missing. None. It’s the difference between a 1960s corvette and a Model T.
Keep on riding!
I have owned a GSA, now I own a r1200GS. Why? In my part of the world (Norway), I'm never more than 30 min away from a gas station, often much less than that. No need to carry that much fuel around. And for me, weight has become an issue, mostly on gnarly roads. These bikes are HEAVY now, even though they are very well ballanced. And the standard GS looks better.
Ps: This channel is great, love it! 👍
Awesome video!
My opinion if anyone wants it-
I’m 6’ 1” and own a GS.
I don’t like the luggage racks on the GSA.
I don’t like the bulk (some of it disappears under movement)
I love the clean look of dropping the Varios off the sides and going on an evening or a morning ride.
Off-road- the GSA is a handful. As far as suspension travel-
How many people on here can even come close to bottoming a GS suspension out?
Being a little closer to the ground is better for off-roading heavy adventure bikes in my opinion.
Wind protection- get the Puig… it’s cheap, and many people say it’s the best.
Foot pegs- the GSA has better pegs. Get the enduro foot pegs.
Crash protection- Use half the money you saved from not buying the GSA and get the oem lowers for the GS (the fairings aren’t anywhere near the size of the GSA, it’s all you need), and if you feel like it maybe some bark busters and folding mirrors/clutch/brake levers.
If you don’t feel like it that works too, the bike is already pretty tough, and if you break something, just pop it back on with some zip-ties.
Good point about the GS suspension. When I’m riding rugged rocky off-road sections I’m picking my line and not going too fast. I’d buy the GS with the Rally suspension if it was available only because I like to take my gf, otherwise just take it easy.
GSA - At any rate, it still comes down to knowing how to ride it (correctly), and what type of riding will take place. No doubt, the best all around bike for may reasons. For anyone looking to actually go off-road, then please learn how to ride it correctly by taking a good off-road class like the ones offered at the BMW training centers, or the Rawhide adventure riding school out west. Then practice practice practice.
On an unrelated - related note, any adventure bike requires a specific skill set in order to maximize what it's designed to do. While some will chime in that this brand is better than that one, and the other is better then this one, at the end of the day, first- go learn how to ride any of the bikes (correctly) so that you'll be better prepared to judge accurately for your needs. Then, go test ride and know that BMW is the only dealer that will generally let you test ride the crap out of any of the bikes pretty much on any given day so make sure to ride it for a while, maybe even a couple of time since it may take a bit to play with all the gadgets, adjustments, etc., then ride it again. After that, you may be like me and look back after 21 years of ownership and realize you made a good decision. (lol). Seriously, don't by a GSA or any bike until you figure out how you'll ride and what kind of riding you intend to do. I love all bikes, but while the GSA is not the best at one particular thing, I'm still a believer that its the best all around everything bike. If you'll be single tracking all day, then go for a smaller dual sport, if you'll be riding across the country (or continent), on road or forrest service roads, or unpaved roads, or occasional BDR's (and maybe taking some of the bypasses if things get too rough), or mountain twisty roads, and want be upright, comfortable, and capable of carrying alot, then GSA is the way to go.
Ride safe and God Bless all of you fellow riders. (Unfortunately I'm out of the game for other reasons, but have enjoyed all my years of riding and ownership)
great points thanks for sharing
4
I appreciate how in depth you go into the data of the bikes. Watching your vids is like going to class sometimes. I greatly enjoy these vids,
I appreciate that!
The detail in your content is just mindblowing, damn i love this channel!
thank you
Thanks for the heads up on the Rake and Trail. The did change it for 2021.
2021
Rake - 25.7 degrees (GS), 24.9 (GSA)
Trail - 4.0 inches (GS), 3.8 inches (GSA)
Wheelbase - 59.6 inches (GS), 59.2 inches (GSA)
2019
Rake - 25.5 degrees (GS), 26.3 (GSA)
Trail - 3.9 inches (GS), 4.1 inches (GSA)
Wheelbase - 60 inches (GS), 59.7 inches (GSA)
I am surprised because I thought they would keep the chassis the same.
So what difference has the rake and trail change made on the GSA in practical riding? I took both out at the BMW Rider academy and couldn't see the difference. Assuming both were 2020s.
I’ve owned both GSA and GS and actually prefer my GS. I like the lower saddle height of the GS as well as the ease of convertibility from long range travel to the clean look with no panniers. Much of my riding is done sans bags.
I’m ready for a break after 200 miles so gas not much of an issue. I love both bikes but love my decision to go with the GS. Happy Trails Folks.
I do miss the look of the sporty naked GS. My GSA always seems huge
i do like the GS as it looks more sexier than GSA which looks are affected by its tank design but when you beef up the accessories the price comes nearby
This comparison literally answered all my questions as I was in doubt between the teo models. Thank you! 🍻
I went with a GS for the following reasons. I found a great deal on a used bike with the entire Altrider catalog and full Jesse luggage setup thrown at it. And at 5'8" and 150 lbs, I was more comfortable with the smaller bike. If I had found an equally farkled GSA with the lower suspension for roughly the same money, I probably would have went that route. But I'm very happy with the standard GS.
Thanks for sharing!
IF I’m going on an adventure, I’m taking my full size pickup, towing a smaller box trailer with my GS, mountain bike and camping gear inside and a kayak on top. I’ll park at a forest service, public or private camp ground for a week and take long day trips, put a tent and gear in a waterproof duffle for the back.
I totally get the adventure biking and admire those that do it. I don’t want to carry all that shit on my bike and I like to explore when I go to places. For me a GS and if they have Rally in 2023 I’ll get that version. Let’s ride.
Got back from the BMW MOA rally in Montana a few weeks ago…a 5000 mile round trip joy ride from Michigan on my 2020 GSA (low suspension). I’m 5’7” with a 28” inseam and went with the low suspension and find the bike quite manageable despite its beastly looks and reputation. In parking situations I just drop the ESA suspension to minimum and I can nearly flat foot it to back in. Otherwise I ride in the Dynamic suspension and mode settings on pavement, which is where I ride most of the time, except for occasional county gravel roads or fire road to a camp site. I have a K1600 as well, but at 65 years old I bought the GSA as a “bucket list” bike in February last year after spending some time researching and warming up to the model just before the onset of the pandemic…my thought was “if not now, when”? If you’re in to transcontinental touring, like staying off interstates and the “pack mule” functionality of the bike, the GSA is a great choice. You won’t be disappointed.
Great realistic analysis. Unfortunately at my status (71 years, 166cm, 66 kg, 400+ km tank range), my 192 kg bike with a 810mm seat height is all I can manage as a sport tourer with some off road capability. The beamer is huge, heavy and financially daunting. But among the best for those who can....no doubt. Like your presentations for the unbiased clarity. Good show.
Your analysis makes sense if the BMW OEM parts is what you want to add. If you want to go to the aftermarket, then that changes the conclusion. If you like the BDCW pegs and skid plate, if you like the Alt-Rider engine guard bars, if you want Denali lights, if you want a Puig windscreen, if you want Touratech luggage racks, or whatever after market brands you like, then it makes less sense to buy the GSA and put all those extra parts you paid for on a shelf.
I am 6.1 feet and bought the 2021 Gs Rallye instead of GSA, it's the best bike i ever had, coming from Aprilia Tuono v4 factory 2018, the Gs are very nimble and sharp on the twisty coz it's smaller than Gsa by bit, unless you need more petrol for touring on the mountain yes you need GSA for an extra fuel. Buy what you need not what you want.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video. I was going back and forth between the two bikes and I am moving forward with a 2021 GSA in the Rally color scheme after watching this. The cost looks to be a wash over time and the extra fuel and wind protection really seal the deal for me as I will use either bike as more of a sport-touring rig than an offroad bike. Thanks again for the great content.
Have fun!
Me too. I don’t mind adding all the accessories, especially since I’m replacing so many things from day 1, like gear lever, footpegs, shift lever, windscreen, and adding additional protection like cylinder head guards, crash bar reinforcement, headlight protection, etc. I chose it because of the additional wind protection and legroom when doing big miles. Signing about 15 seconds going 60+mph I knew it had to be the GSA. I’m used to sport bikes and my K1600 so the GS felt a little like a naked bike.
I was going to buy a GSA, because of the better/taller suspension. But then I found a '17 Rallye edition GS with the Sport/GSA suspension. It's really awesome riding and looking. Also, I never have an issue with fuel range, 200 miles is enough...if I were commuting that might be a different story. I love how my GS Rallye handles off road gravel and jeep roads and trails. But if I didn't have a Sport suspension GS, then I'd go for a GSA. The extra height and travel really make a difference.
Excellent comparison, very well done! The only thing you might want to add is that there is a low suspension option for both models, and for the rider that does no or only mild offroad, the low suspension might help them to feel more comfortable and confident if they're concerned about getting good purchase when they put a foot down. Cheers!
Thanks for the info!
I’ve been on the fence over these two models until watching your video. I am going for the Adventure model. One point that is rarely discussed is retail value and you nailed it. Thanks
Currently own a lowrider s and am on the fence between the gs or gsa..test rode the gsa last week and fell in love! 6’ 245lbs and this thing is a dream to ride..was leaning towards the gs for cost but your breakdown clearly shows me to go w the gsa..thank you! Great comparison
GREAT review...I sat down with paper and pen and followed your numbers. I hadn't really considered the GSA...but you make some really valid points. I'm also a taller rider and love all the ground clearance I can get!! Thanks for the excellent review!
Recently did an off-road course on a GS Low Suspension. No loss of capability on level 1 off-road. I have 29” inseam and can put both feet down on balls of feet or flat foot one side with minimal shift of buttock. It appears from BMW’s website that the low suspension GSA is same height despite the higher original height. So I am planning to go GSA for all the reasons contained in this excellent video. Many thanks.
I considered this question very long and hard in 2017 and 2018 before finally purchasing the GSA. I chose it for the fuel capacity which to me was the only thing I couldn't replicate on a standard GS to any satisfaction. I live in a place where fuel stations can be very far apart (Alaska) that the ability to ride and essentially never experience "fuel gauge anxiety" between stations in remote areas is a bigger plus than I first imagined. The height never bothered me but I always wanted my wife, who also rides, to be able to comfortably ride any bike we own. She never felt comfortable on the GSA until she was moving and experienced a lot of anxiety over dropping the bike in parking lots and at stop lights. Even with a factory low seat in the low position, she felt insecure. When my front shock seal blew out (unfortunately a common problem at around 15k miles) I elected to change the suspension to GS height using the TracTive ESA compatible setup. With the upgrade in components, the reduced travel is a non-issue for my riding style but it makes the bike fully accessible to my wife. This does not take the bike to the factory lowered height and ends up being a great compromise in travel and ride height. I own three other bikes that all do some things better than the GSA but none that do everything as well. I think that sums up the GS/GSA pretty well.
thanks for sharing
Fantastic comparison. If I remember correctly, the GSA has always had less rake than the standard bike giving it a slightly shorter wheelbase.
Ride a 2019 GSA after two standards, 5’9” tall and 29” inside seam. The GSA is fine though I have used cams to lower seat by about 1” from Wunderlich. I would never buy another standard as the GSA is the better package and feels plusher and handles almost as well.I only ride on road but my height may be an issue off road but weight disappears on the move.
Great video with lots of details that newer riders would need to pay attention to. BMW R1250's still a bit too rich for my blood. Glad you're putting these and your R1300 videos out!! Keep up the great work.
You make a great case for the GSA.
That 8 gallon tank and 320 mile range is super appealing.
Your spreadsheets look like mine, well done ha.
I installed the combined foot pegs on my GS. They have a rubber part mounted on springs. If You drive standing Your weight pushes down the springs and You stand on kind of spikes like with the Enduro foot pegs. Also these foot pegs are height adjustable. The best of both worlds.
One thing i like abt him is that i Feel most of the time he is honest👍
I'm with you, having owned both the GS and GSA. Give me the GS any day over the GSA.
Why is that?
That was a great breakdown of the two bikes, Love the GS (2009) and in Canadian dollars and would be more $$$ for either one. At 64 years of age i dont have the strength of a 20 yr old. But you got me thinking of the GSA and although i dont ride extreme off road anymore, a gravel road or two and mostly paved comfort. The wrestling the stopped GSA bike around into my garage seems daunting.
I’m 65 go and to the gym 3x week. You can do it MarkusT. Get motivated and get your strength where it needs to be. You’re not dead. These are fantastic bikes. The GSA and Life awaits you.
@@roadglide I'm 68 at 5'10" and drive by the gym but never stop. For me the GSA is a very manageable bike once you get used to it, more so in my mind than my RT. You can purchase a lowered suspension depending on your inseam. In 2019 I did an 11k mi round trip to the Arctic with no problems on the trip with it being a moderately loaded boat that it is. I love the bulk of the front as it affords a fair degree of wind protection. I will add that an aftermarket seat, IMHO, is a necessity as the BMW seat is torture. I use an airhawk seat, love it. Good luck.
62 here and just bought a GSA after not riding for 40 years. At first it was hard to handle but after a month of being careful it is easier to ride than my old Honda 750F. Pushing it around is mostly about balancing it.
I’m 71 w a 30” inseam & ride a standard GS just fine. Heck I’ve ridden 100’s of miles of Montana gravel 2 track on my BV 350 scooter. Some of this can be over-hyped. Go buy a used one and give yourself 5,000 k’s to adjust and you’ll be fine.
Perfect explanation, excellent comparison, thank you!
GSA all the way... i also just pick up my 2021 GSA and took me a whole year to come up with the conclusions that you explained in 13 min, I wished this video was done before.
I also got Klim gear based on another video o you.
Thank you man!!!!
Glad it helped!
I used to live in So Cal and would visit Riverside BMW often. Great crew there. I ended up buying a used 2012 GSA in 2015 for $15000. It had 18000 miles at the time on it. I live in the Sierra now and forest roads abound. I replaced the ESA with Tractive manual adjust shocks and it’s still rolling strong. I think I’ll roll up to the pass(Sonora Pass) today. It just opened and an ADV bike is perfect for these parts.
awesome to hear that.
Great review thanks. I have a 2021 GS in Triple Black, i went for the GS because i liked the clean look and didnt like the scaffolding, having said that i do like the GSA also and will hopefully buy one too. The intention is to keep the GS for normal street riding and when i want to go adventuring then take the GSA. I will go for the GSA in rally colours as i feel thats more appropriate for offroad and the Triple Black for the GS for the street.
Like he said they both great bikes you cant go wrong either way and it all depends what you want. What i can agree is dont buy the GS and start adding lots of extras then rather go for the GSA its much better
These days the GS would be more than enough. Very thorough guide, well done.
I have the 2023 R1250 GS and absolutely love it 😻
As someone who's considering a new GS and wondering about the model differences, this was invaluable. Thanks!
The only key difference between these two bikes is that I can't afford both of them 😭🤣
I am sorry to hear that. I find them very expensive too but found a GSa 2010 with very low mileage on it. It doesn't have some of the latest features but I can assure you it is a great bike to ride and I love every moment on it! Also, it was less than half the price of a new one. Maybe buying a used bmw in good condition could be your solution too? Good Luck!
Just buy a new GSA and you will be making more money because it is your happiness.
Most people new to BMW and the GS buy them used. Many of them, like many bikes are garage queens or weekend bikes.
For my riding style, trip locations, duration, roads, uses and other needs, it's the GS. IF you actually do adventure rides, the GSA is a no brainier... There are places I go where I do not want the xtra bulk and weight of the GSA.
Dude! That lampshade!! 😂😂 I want one!
Thank you for this excellent comparison. If in the market for a big GS, I'd get the GSA.
I own a baby GS, even though I'm 6'2". It looks bigger than it is. It's a bit cramped for me. It's mostly made for the Asian market. Nevertheless, I come from a small displacement thumper dual sport market. That's all I've ever owned. I prefer the light and maneuverable bikes that are easier to handle, and that's even more important considering that I bought the G310GS for my 60th birthday. It's much more refined than my previous dual sport bikes yet still plenty capable for my old man ultralight adventure camping trips where I carry 20 -30 pounds of camping equipment and a seven pound toolkit, in a waterproof case on the pillion position.
My perfect GS would be a water cooled single in the 350-450cc class, with a HUGE fuel tank that also provided thigh protection from brush and rain. 8" suspension travel front and back like my baby GS, cornering ABS and a couple of simple rider modes such as rain mode. Keep the tubeless tires as fixing flats is so much easier, but make sure the wheels are tough enough for big rocks. Four 3 amp USB charging ports that are accessory switched. Make the ergonomics fit larger riders. Novel idea - give it a large lithium battery. Why are motorcycle manufacturers still using tiny lead acid batteries? That's planning to fail.
People rip on the baby GS for being made in India, and while it was designed to a cost point, the quality seems very nice to me. I'd still like to see a less cost compromised version designed to be a bit more adventure oriented.
good points thanks for posting
Very interesting breakdown. However, one could also consider to source 3rd party accessories. For instance, my pannier racks are not BMW original and they costed 190 Eur, same goes for the extra LED lights, windshield, foot pegs, etc.
Looking at the shad 4p system and terra boxes
That price and weight comparison chart is excellent. Love your channel. Thank you , take care sir.
In short: If you like the optics of the GSA and if you are tall enough, buy a GSA.
i buy only gs not gsa.i think i can't gsa look to big
Outstanding job comparing and contrasting the GS and GSA.You've made my decision much easier.Thank you Ian.👍👍
Great Break down and comparison of both models! One of the few channels that actually goes into in depth details about this kind of stuff.
Glad it was helpful!
Extremely well done comparison! .....everything speaks for the adventure, except if your 5ˋ7 like me , so i went for the standard GS. In general, the bike rides as if it was much lighter and is extremely comfortable, i can sit on it for hours. Thank you for doing brain work!
Well said!
My opinions…
I’m 6’ 1” and own a GS.
I don’t like the luggage racks on the GSA.
I don’t like the bulk (some of it disappears under movement)
I love the clean look of dropping the Varios off the sides and going on an evening or a morning ride.
Off-road- the GSA is a handful. As far as suspension travel-
How many people on here can even come close to bottoming a GS suspension out?
Being a little closer to the ground is better for off-roading heavy adventure bikes in my opinion.
Wind protection- get the Puig… it’s cheap, and many people say it’s the best.
Foot pegs- the GSA has better pegs. Get the enduro foot pegs.
Crash protection- get the oem lowers for the GS (the fairings aren’t anywhere near the size of the GSA, it’s all you need), and maybe some bark busters and folding mirrors/clutch/brake levers.
Here in England there are in comparison very few places you can legally ride off road so for me at 5'7" the GS with cast wheels makes more sense as apart from the Aux lights I don't need any if the other accessories you list, so no point paying all that extra for stuff I don't need. I don't need the extra fuel capacity either as I rarely ride more than 200 miles a day and fuel stations are plentiful so for me the choice is clearer to make, especially when like me you have short legs!
makes sense!
Great video. Thanks. I’ve had a GS for nearly 5 years but really fancy changing to a GSA
Great, very useful video! now I am trying to change my order from a GS to a GSA.
I am now in the exact same dilemma, especially since I ordered my GS with all of those ‘GSA’ extras… For me, it is the height issue, coming from an 850GS to the 1250. 5’8 w/30” inseam… Ugh, decisions….
Taking time to mention I appreciate you mentioning metric values as well, but would appreciate a bit more consistent use. Like, you’ve converted gallons to liters, but not miles to km. Even adding these values in post production to see on screen makes it a lot more natural for metric users to understand your content (I can enjoy the video rather than go into a math calculation to figure out rough data).
Love your videos tho and natural attitude tho. Keep up the good work!
I know this is an “old” video and I'm kind of late to the party, but I would have liked to have all the data you’ve presented in the metric system for all the guys out there watching your videos who are living in Europe (like myself), or any part of the world where the metric system is used. Yeah, I know, I could do the conversion myself, but who has the time and patience really nowadays…?
I really like your videos Ian, I hope you don’t mind some constructive criticism and love how your channel has grown and continues to grow! 🍀
Really good overview. A big thumbs up.
GSA here in the UK .... We have the land's end to John O'Groats challenge
Which is 979 miles in 24 hour's ....... on the GSA easy 330 miles fuel stops took 22hour 31mins ..... got off the bike felt fine rode back to camp site. Slept like a baby lol
I am doing a 1,000 mile 24 hour ride soon.
all good and true, just wish I could get the GSA with mag wheels like the standard GS, don't like spoke wheels......
Great job! Loved how quickly you went through everything yet coved it so thoroughly.
Any chance of extending the video to incorporate the changes between the 2019 to 2023 models . With the new 1300 coming out it would be good to know the differences between the 1250 models for those looking at buying used bikes. Great channel
“ welcome to the big rock studio” ( my bedroom!?)
You can get a low chassis version of the GSA to bring the height down and make seat height less important in making your choice between bikes.👍
Except that most people fit aftermarket brand accessories which are way cheaper than BMW stuff. I just bought a GIVI panier rack set for my 1200 for$240 for example.
I just picked up the GSA thanks to this video. Appreciate the comparison. Digging this rig so far.
They Rake angle on GSA is smaller then GS to control the motorbike easier on low speeds. That makes less force on bar to control heavy motorbike in low speeds
My first time on your channel. It is so hard to find any meaningful information on RUclips these days. THANK YOU! for the objective analysis and for providing all important data. I would choose the GS for looks; I don't plan to go 350 mi without a stop.
Glad it was helpful!
Great comparison. The best on RUclips
I’m not sure if this changed in 2022 but I bought a gs1250 rallye premium package and it came with the sport suspension, luggage racks, crash bars, those aux lights, pretty much everything that the GSA has. It was totaled to 25000. 26813.86 after tax and title registration
Very good information about the suspension difference.
Not everyone likes the look or size of the GSA, I had the GS Rallye when it first came out, but most people who buy them probably don't do more than average mileage like me but if I were in the USA it would need to be the GSA considering the size of the country along with having access to all kinds of terrain riding. On the other hand, most riders would be happy on almost any bike so they buy it for the image it has, or they just like the look of a certain bike. I saw an image of a proposed Honda Translap for 2022 which I liked the look of which I would be interested in if it were to become a reality.
Great presentation btw.
Thanks
Great analysis! It is like should I get a Vanilla or Chocolate Ice Cream after dinner. I owned both models twice. I don't do off roading so my experience is only on the asphalt. My most current one is the 1250 GS Rallye. I only added the lower crash bars for $450. Vario for the GS or Hard Bags for the GSA are similar in pricing. The wind protection over 60 mph is slightly better on the GSA, however having less wind protection is not a bad thing in the summer months. 200 miles or 300 miles range have never been an issue for me. I never ride 200 miles without stopping for a break. I am not one of those Iron Butts. Any suspension travel over 7" travel is more than adequate for the asphalt as you will never bottom out the suspension. Weight difference is negligible especially if you ever owned a bike like K 1600. I always had a small wind deflector on my GS bikes perhaps because I am 6'. I had to add the Wunderlich Bar Riser on the GSA standard suspension bike because the ergonomics as it came from the factory bothered me. On the GS std suspension I didn't need that at all even at the high seat setting. GS or GSA, once you own one you will get hooked on. Nothing else feels the same. Cheers.
Becker , you make some good points ! I feel the same.
thanks for sharing!
Your videos are so well done and informative. thanks for content my friend. big fan!
They are each excellent and over the years I have owned each. Never an issue with them for rme. Another plus for the
Adventure IF you plan to get a GS and then add many of the options is that the higher list price on the GSA will also carry forward to its value as a used bike if you sell it. Options bought separately, add minimal value to the used value in most cases.
seriously helpful! Now i am going to buy either the gsa or a multistrada v4 s - this was great so thank you vm!
Excellent review and comparison. Did you ever get confirmation from BMW regarding the differences in take between the two models? Also, I'm anxious to see your 2022 evaluation of the F850 model soon. Thanks again and keep up the excellent, excellent work!
The GSA comes with a lower frame option. 30 inch inseam is not a problem
I ordered a normal 2021 GS and the aluminum luggage rack came for free. You can check on the BMW online configurator too.
Yeah, I also didn’t believe it when I first saw it :D
really? that's great
Thanks for solving my big problem.....now I know to better go for GSA....soon inshah Allah...good video
Damn son, you talked me into the GSA if I get a GS. Currently have K1600GT and Africa Twin AS on the top of the list as well. Next spring will be the big decision.
Fantastic as always. Thank you very much:) It always makes my day.
Thank you too!
Beautifully laid out the content. It really helps to choose the right bike....
Glad to hear that!
I have ride bikes over 40 years and now i ride my second bmw, first is 96 gs, now its 20012 gsa. Like the vidwi
I've owned a gsa, the biggest reason my next bike will be a gs is I want the ability to adjust and remove the vario cases in the city . get a Kim 790 adventure if you want to serious off road.
Watching the video now,. maybe already said, But the suspension angle is a consequences of the height. The telelever is fixed one point to the chassis, creating an ark in it's movement, so if you lift the bike the Angle will decrease, in the most horizontal position the Angle will be the highest, lowering it more the Angle will start reducing again. Keeping the bike Horizontal at the same time, I'm excluding nose diving.
For anyone who finds these numbers daunting, last year I got a new 2020 1290SAS OTD for $16,500. It's a great bike on the street and for some mild off-roading and so far no issues.
great deal
good detailed video....
I went for the GS and put on SW Motech crash bars and luggage. It's a touring bike for me, but when not touring, I can easily strip the "scaffolding " off... and I'm down to the clean look again. But that's what worked for me, given how I use the bike and what I wanted. Great information.
Great point
This was excellent comparison. Considering how much one might spend on such a dream bike this video is priceless, another shameless plug to join me in becoming a Patron supporter. A real world match up of how typical owner's modify their bikes after purchase. Perhaps a future riding video where you compare the riding experience, such as wind protection, slow speed maneuverability, freeway stability etc and other real world conditions that define the riding experience. Most dealer test ride are limited to short hop and a test ride usually inadequate to get a real sense . As you have much experience on regular GS your opinion is an accurate baseline. This was a timely video as I was at the BMW showroom last
Friday looking at a new GSA. Final questing, does the triple black vs Rally color make it appear more slender ,..lol.
Thank you kind sir and excellent ideas. And yes, the triple black looks more slender. I am partial to white, however. I also recommend the Riverside dealer, tell them I sent you. (no kickbacks here, but the people there are super nice)
@@BigRockMoto Great review, though like Jonathan, i am more interested about the riding experience. Any input on that?
Amazing video!!
What makes me sad is that here in Costa Rica, the price for the 1250 GSADV is $47.000 USD... it doesn't make any sense :(
Bike curious, even though I will not buy either. Stayed with your video 100%. Good info and great logical presentation. Enjoyed.
wow. Mega tech info...thanks for all your hard work putting this content together.
Best most informative video on line , thank you!
Great jog Ian! I am
Looking at a std GS vs a GSA… I think the GSA wins for a multitude of factors…. Thanks for helping!
Fantastic review and comparison, thank you for sharing this 🙏
Very well done video! I had a 2017 GS Rallye and optioned it about as high as one could. I’m 6’2” and in hindsight should’ve purchased a GSA but only to save money. Having said that, and something that’s not considered here, I really don’t like all the silver on GS’s or GSA’s, and went the Touratech route with black everything. Aesthetically I had a great looking bike, equally as capable as a GSA except for the range and weather protection. Kindof splitter hairs but it depends on your focus/interests/personal preferences. I never wished I had more range.
Both of them are GREAT bikes.... I just tested a GS 1250 and I felt incerdible... It was like I was riding that motorcycle for a long time even if it was the first time when I was riding it. I never felt this when I rode a bike for the first time. I'm a Honda owner but I my next bike will be a 1250 GS (or GSA, I hope -::)). Thanks a lot for this video!
Nice job on your videos...keep on making them.
I have had 4 GSAs and the one problem I have with these bikes is that I am 6'4" and the the distance from the seat to the pegs becomes very uncomfortable over a long ride. And unfortunately there is no one that makes a highway style peg that will fit the angles of the crash bars. I have tried every manufacturer and the couple that will work will only work on the top cylinder protection bar, which makes it much too high for a 36" inseam leg to be comfortable. I am 65 years old and my old legs and knees just can't take the sharp angle any longer. I absolutely love the BMWs and really hope someone has a suggestion to solve this. I have tall seats and lowered pegs, they do help some but not enough. Thank you.
Go to a custom chopper/Harley builder if there any good they can make you whatever you need
It’s the seat height, this affects choice more than anything. Low seat is shorter shocks it’s not the frame which is what they keep saying.
Incredibly helpful information... thank you!!
Can't wait to buy a 2024 GSA model! Also, big fan of La Croix. All good stuff hah!
I got a regular gs last week but I'm itching to go swap it for a GSA (but lose out on my akrapovic exhaust and the special mirrors). But I think it's kinda overkill for EU and mostly (95%) road riding. The one I got came with spoked wheels and crashbars too.
Thank you sir for complete details on comparison between 2 models
Helo from México! Thanks for your compareition, I want to buy my BMW GS but for your vídeo I will buy the BMW GSA definitly
Good choice!