anagallis_arvensis – Member
Why the gsa over the gs? Not having a go its a genuine question. I would love a gs but the gsa seems a bit big and unwieldy. My f650 left this morning. Sad…..
I did test ride a standard GS first, but GSA won me over. I did originally shy away from the GSA as I assumed it would be too big for me. Turned out that it was spot on and I fell head over heels.
I prefer the higher seating position and the weather / wind protection of the GSA with the larger fuel tank and bigger screen with the winglets. The fuel tank is so big that it’s nearly like having a fairing.
I also prefer the handling of the GSA, even though the standard GS is no doubt the lighter and sportier bike. I found the GSA to be much more stable in the corners and also easier to ride at slow speed. For me, the GSA feels the smoother and more balanced between the two. Once moving, the GSA just shrinks away and you soon forget how big it is.
The 2015 standard GS comes with the heavier flywheel from the Adventure now, so a standard GS might be just as smooth.
The GSA also came with the spoked wheels, crash protection and aluminium pannier mounts as standard.
I’d recommend anyone to test ride either 1200GS and get a good few miles in, as they really are an eye opening bike. They handle so well, ride far lighter than they look and are a really confidence inspiring bike. It’s just overcoming that initial fear of them looking so big.