Trash
Well-Known Member
After the first three days on my new GSA, some folks might be interested in my quick comparison.
The major differences between the two bikes mostly comes down to the added 2.6 gallon fuel Capacity, which is a major improvement when riding in the lesser populated areas where fuel stations can be few and far between. It was very nice to not have dealt with range anxiety for this inaugural ride. I was a little concerned about the added weight of that extra fuel carried up high, but didn’t even notice it, even with a full tank. I can probably attribute that to the fact that my other motorcycle is a Triumph Trophy, which actually weighs about 75 lbs. more, and whose engine has a higher center of gravity.
I was very impressed with the advances BMW made on the new Model pertaining to the electronic suspension adjustment. On my ‘16, you had to manually select the load by choosing one helmet, one helmet plus luggage, or two helmets when starting up the bike. The suspension would then reset accordingly. On the new GSA, the suspension is Adaptive, automatically adjusting to conditions. I can honestly say that I have never owned a motorcycle with a more compliant ride, period. The ride quality is incredible.
BMW is finally starting to get serious about their Saddles. This is the first BMW I have been able to ride a 650+ mile day on without being Saddle sore afterward. With that said, I will still be swapping them out with the Sargent Saddles I kept from my GS.
BMW Windscreens are still for show, in my opinion. I will be putting the ugly (and effective) CalSci Windscreen from my GS on today.
Lastly, the big new for 2019 was the increase of engine displacement by 100cc, and the addition of ShiftCam Technology, which is a hybrid form of variable valve timing. My advice to any of you that currently have a 1200cc BMW and are happy with it: DO NOT RIDE THE 1250! The performance difference between the two is noticeable and addictive. The point at which the cam timing profile shifts is between 4-5,000 rpm, and although you cannot feel anything happening from a mechanical standpoint, the bike just flies if you want it to. With the bike in Dynamic Mode, you can raise the front wheel in first, second, and third gears, if you so desire. Just thrilling! If you don’t feel the need for speed, just switch the riding mode to Road, and the traction control and cornering abs adjust accordingly to provide more intervention. Rain mode provides even more intervention, and Enduro mode allows “soft road” riding parameters, including disabling abs on the rear brake.
I was just a little hesitant selling my perfectly running GS for an unknown new GSA initially. I have no doubts anymore.
I hope this report is of interest to some of you...
The major differences between the two bikes mostly comes down to the added 2.6 gallon fuel Capacity, which is a major improvement when riding in the lesser populated areas where fuel stations can be few and far between. It was very nice to not have dealt with range anxiety for this inaugural ride. I was a little concerned about the added weight of that extra fuel carried up high, but didn’t even notice it, even with a full tank. I can probably attribute that to the fact that my other motorcycle is a Triumph Trophy, which actually weighs about 75 lbs. more, and whose engine has a higher center of gravity.
I was very impressed with the advances BMW made on the new Model pertaining to the electronic suspension adjustment. On my ‘16, you had to manually select the load by choosing one helmet, one helmet plus luggage, or two helmets when starting up the bike. The suspension would then reset accordingly. On the new GSA, the suspension is Adaptive, automatically adjusting to conditions. I can honestly say that I have never owned a motorcycle with a more compliant ride, period. The ride quality is incredible.
BMW is finally starting to get serious about their Saddles. This is the first BMW I have been able to ride a 650+ mile day on without being Saddle sore afterward. With that said, I will still be swapping them out with the Sargent Saddles I kept from my GS.
BMW Windscreens are still for show, in my opinion. I will be putting the ugly (and effective) CalSci Windscreen from my GS on today.
Lastly, the big new for 2019 was the increase of engine displacement by 100cc, and the addition of ShiftCam Technology, which is a hybrid form of variable valve timing. My advice to any of you that currently have a 1200cc BMW and are happy with it: DO NOT RIDE THE 1250! The performance difference between the two is noticeable and addictive. The point at which the cam timing profile shifts is between 4-5,000 rpm, and although you cannot feel anything happening from a mechanical standpoint, the bike just flies if you want it to. With the bike in Dynamic Mode, you can raise the front wheel in first, second, and third gears, if you so desire. Just thrilling! If you don’t feel the need for speed, just switch the riding mode to Road, and the traction control and cornering abs adjust accordingly to provide more intervention. Rain mode provides even more intervention, and Enduro mode allows “soft road” riding parameters, including disabling abs on the rear brake.
I was just a little hesitant selling my perfectly running GS for an unknown new GSA initially. I have no doubts anymore.
I hope this report is of interest to some of you...
