ADV Pulse

NEWSLETTER
Get ADV Pulse delivered by email
Sign up for ADV Pulse Weekly

Newsletter

Get ADV Pulse delivered by email
Sign up for ADV Pulse Weekly

Connect With Us

Follow On Facebook:

ADV BikesBMW R1200GS – To Adventure or Not? That is the Question

BMW R1200GS – To Adventure or Not? That is the Question

Deciding between the R1200GS vs. R1200GSA for a cross-continent journey.

Published on 08.15.2016

The BMW R1200GS has become synonymous with world travel and adventure, having proven itself as a trail-dominating machine with nearly every magazine comparison test thrown at it. But “Adventure” comes in many forms, on many roads, paved or otherwise and in many countries. For some, a scooter will do, but larger, feature-laden models are what seem to drive sales, and BMW delivers both with the R1200GS.

But they make two versions of the same bike, the standard R1200GS and its bigger brother, the R1200GS Adventure. With the premium package installed, both bikes are equipped with every imaginable option, so what really separates the two?

To The Ends Of The World


ADVERTISEMENT

Enter my own “need” for a new motorcycle, and an expedition across continents, through foreign lands both deserted and forested, over high mountain passes and maybe even below sea level… We’re calling it Expedition 65, and for two months this fall I’ll be riding from Cartagena, Colombia, to the “end of the world” in Argentina, at Ushuaia, a 10,000-mile one-way journey from the top to the bottom of an entire continent.

I’m interested in a machine that’s both comfortable and capable in the dirt, and I’ve narrowed down the field to either the BMW R1200GS or R1200GS Adventure. During my research, I kept hearing the same thing when I suggested I wanted an R1200GS, “get the Adventure model, it’s better.” How so? The Adventure has that range-extending fuel cell, more ground clearance, more suspension travel and more rider comfort features than the standard model — seemingly purpose-built for me and my journey…

R1200GSA loaded up for a long journey.
With its long-travel suspension and super-sized fuel tank, the R1200GSA is ideally suited for long journeys in remote regions.

So, case closed right? Get the Adventure. But it weighs more and costs more too, doesn’t it? Let’s take a closer look.

R1200GS vs. R1200GSA Line By Line

The motor, chassis and power are exactly the same between the two models of course, so what’s the difference between them?

Studying the catalog spec by spec, line item by line item, we find nearly identical columns of data until we get to the geometry of the two machines. There we find the GSA is roughly one inch taller, one inch wider and one inch longer than its little brother, with one degree difference in the steering head angle, and a gain of 0.8 inches (20 mm) in suspension travel front and rear. The ground clearance is also raised 0.8 inches over than the standard model, to 8.5 inches (21.6 cm). The GSA also has an additional 18 pounds (8 kg) of carrying capacity.

bmw r1200gs vs r1200gsa bmw badge

Further down the sheet we see a saddle that has also climbed, 1.5 inches (40 mm) towards the sky, offering more room for comfort for the taller rider. It’s also adjustable and can easily be dropped back down to the standard GS ranges if you need it.

But then there’s a 48-pound (22 kg) wet weight difference between the two bikes (525 pounds vs. 573 pounds). That weight of course comes in part from the additional 2.6 gallons (10 l) of fuel (45% more!) and the physically-larger tank, standard crash protection and a few other random bits included on the Adventure. If you plan on going off-road, then you’ll most likely add many of the items that come on the GSA (hand guards, crash bars, etc.) to the standard R1200GS, causing the weight difference to be even less. Every ounce counts but to have that extended fuel range and a more dirt-focused suspension… Ok, so I’m beginning to see the “better” bike in there.

Analyzing the Fuel Range

The standard GS has a range of around 220 miles during mixed riding, while the Adventure will take you well over 300 miles before needing to refuel. Sure, the Adventure model carries a lot of fuel (7.9 gallons) and it’s nice to have the additional range but that extra weight can be felt on the trail, especially when you need to pick up the bike.

In the case of my upcoming South American tour, where the gaps between stations will be farther and less predictable, It’s probably a good idea to carry extra fuel (at any weight). Foreigners (like my group of misfits) looking for fuel in Bolivia tend to run into more obstacles than helping hands, thanks to government regulations requiring triple the costs for outsiders and paperwork that pump station operators do not want to fill out. Chalk up another plus for the Adventure model!

Furthermore, if you ride with friends that too-often forget to top off before departing, or you are regularly exploring new areas where the mileage from point A to point B can be unpredictable, it’s nice to have some fuel to spare.

bmw r1200gs vs r1200gsa fuel
Sometimes the range of the standard BMW R1200GS is just not enough, especially if you are heavy on the throttle or riding through sandy terrain.

Putting in Saddle Time

So which one goes to South America? Well, its not that easy. Numbers are one thing, but feelings are another. Weight, power and delivery are just some of the parameters involved in the test, but it’s the ergonomics, and the heartbeat, that truly meld the rider and machine together.

After more than 1,200 miles of testing the R1200GS Adventure in every possible scenario I would choose for myself—highway to byway— and then some (for our upcoming KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs. BMW R1200GS Adventure comparo), I got a chance to better understand the merits and faults of the GSA. And after 12 days in the saddle and nearly 3,000 miles of dirt road travel on a previous ride up the Continental Divide, along with another 7 days in Baja, I got to really know the standard GS as well.

bmw r1200gs vs r1200gsa riding in Baja Mexico
I came to appreciate the nimbleness and quick steering of the standard R1200GS riding across the Continental Divide and Baja, Mexico.

During my time on the Adventure, I’d come to feel overwhelmed by the size of the machine, especially off road. With the larger tank always in my sightline, and sometimes in my way, it was hard to forget. The standard BMW R1200GS has noticeably quicker steering and feels more nimble. I also found it to be better in the dirt, despite the additional suspension travel and ground clearance of the GSA.

Even my testing-mate, ex-Baja racer and editor Rob Dabney, noted how much more “sporty” the standard GS felt in the twisties —as well as the trail— when compared to the Adventure model, adding “It doesn’t wallow as much and is easier to pick a line.” There’s simply less bike to manage.

Heat management is another issue. And perhaps my opinion would be different if I didn’t live in Southern California, but I found this to be one of my larger issues with the Adventure. While the manually-adjustable windscreen, and fairing-mounted winglets did a much better job of keeping wind blasts off my chest, when it came to dealing with hot weather, there was very little relief to be found in the lower hemisphere of the bike. From the waist up, I was a happy camper, but with the additional tank structure and body armor, there wasn’t any airflow left to wick away the engine heat.

bmw r1200gs vs r1200gsa blocking the wind
The big tank on R1200GS Adventure is excellent at keeping the wind off your legs – perfect for cold weather riding but not so much if you live in a warmer climate.

Now, if I lived above 50 degrees latitude (or below it in the Southern hemisphere), or above altitudes over 5,000 feet, where the weather is less likely to hit triple digits, I’d say this was a plus. However, I live where it regularly hits 100+ temps and inside my riding boots, perforated or not, my feet are baking on the GSA. Does anyone make an aftermarket wing that would sweep some air in behind the cylinder heads?

Decision Time

Given the opportunity to ride an uninterrupted 300-mile stretch of highway on the R1200GS Adventure, I had lots of time to wonder if it was the bike for me. It’s definitely a better bike than the standard edition if you are a long-distance rider that regularly travels in remote areas. But which bike would I ride to the end of the world?

Considering the additional cost of the GSA ($2,000 MSRP), the increased weight, the scale of the bike versus the scale of my body, and what simply feels right, I would have to say I’d buy the standard R1200GS. Then I’d take the “extra money” and mount on a pair of RotoPax fuel cells for the rare times I ride beyond the edge of civilization. And for the rest of the time, I’d remove the RotoPax tanks and have a lighter, less-bulky, more-maneuverable bike. A win win win for me.

bmw r1200gs vs r1200gsa
Is the R1200GS Adventure the better bike? It wasn’t for me, but you’ll have to analyze the differences for yourself and decide.

The definition of “better” however, is in the eyes of the credit card holder. Everyone kept saying “get the Adventure, it’s better.” but I came away with a different opinion. When deciding which model is better for you, you’ll need to analyze what fits your needs best.

After testing both bikes extensively, I can say either model, straight off the showroom floor, can tackle the world and take all your gear with you, including the kitchen sink. If long-distance, off-road travel is your ‘thing’, the Adventure is a more capable machine and ready to take you even farther from the smallest village and back again, in class-leading comfort and with an encyclopedia of technological wonders. But if you are more interested in performance, off-road and on, the standard R1200GS is the better choice.

Photos by Alfonse Palaima

Author: Alfonse Palaima

When not in Los Angeles hiding from society, Alfonse is far, far away from home, collecting passport stamps and slicing through traffic on two wheels with a smile on his face. Slowly rounding the world one country at at time, riding countless miles, on countless motorcycles, covering 6 of the 7 continents so far. While he is a rider like you and I, he has also been a moto journalist in the field since 2003.

Author: Alfonse Palaima
ADVERTISEMENT

Related Stories

Related Stories

Notify me of new posts via email

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

72 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
RobG
RobG
August 15, 2016 11:47 am

Here we go again. More BMW crap. Ya know, there are adventure bikes out there besides BMW. Vastly better and more reliable ones too.

My answer to the question posed by this article is NEITHER. At 5’8 with a 29″ inseam, BOTH bikes are too big for me, and for most people my size. I would never take this bike on a trip like that unless it was 100% asphalt, and I wouldn’t take it anywhere there wasn’t access to BMW dealerships for the inevitable issues with the electrical system, the shaft drive system, etc.

One thing rarely addressed by this type of article is the risk of being robbed/mugged/etc. Bikes like this will scream “Money” and you’re a target. So pick a bike that doesn’t look fancy. That’s already scratched up. That’s older. Don’t stand out and make yourself a target.

I could go on and on but that’s the general gist of it.

Wouter
Wouter
August 15, 2016 11:57 am
Reply to  RobG

Seems like you haven’t drive a GS yet. No better adventure bike on the market.

Dave
Dave
August 16, 2016 5:14 am
Reply to  Wouter

LOL I think that comment is highly subject to opinion. I HAD a 1200GSA and after one whole year of ownership I sold it as fast as I could. What a pig. I’ll give it this, it was excellent on the road and that frontend helped that fact. But on anything rougher than a packed dirt road that front-end quickly became a nightmare with horrible “feel”, regardless of the tires I slapped on it. The weight was ridiculous and even the Ohlin’s I slapped on it weren’t up to the job to suspended the over-weight behemoth. So maybe if your idea of adventure riding is sticking to hard packed roads and asphalt, the GS is the best adventure bike on the market?

EZ-NY
EZ-NY
August 15, 2016 12:19 pm
Reply to  RobG

This is great write up and actually consistent with my research. I also find the GS more agile and nimble then the GSA. Both are great bikes and I tested the competitions and narrow the decision to the GS.
There are many other good adventure bikes out there, all have some feature that superior to the BMW but in overall I think this is the bike to go with if you want Adventure / touring motorcycle.
Yes, it does not answer all riders (in my opinion you should be around 5’11” at least). Yes, it does not have the most HP (I think it got great torque). Yes, it is not the most nice looking motorcycle out three but it is in my opinion the inspiration and the superior to all other.

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 15, 2016 12:27 pm
Reply to  EZ-NY

Thanks EZ-NY… glad you liked it 🙂

Dom
Dom
January 26, 2022 11:57 pm
Reply to  EZ-NY

Are you crazy? Of course it is the most beautiful bike ever created

Dom Kim
Dom Kim
January 26, 2022 11:59 pm
Reply to  Dom

In fact, I bought gsa because it was too damn beautiful. But now I want gs because of the heat problem of gsa

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 15, 2016 12:31 pm
Reply to  RobG

You forgot to mention which bike you ride RobG! 🙂

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 24, 2016 10:36 am
Reply to  RobG

I hope the police found your bike Rob… 🙂 Being orange, it should be pretty easy to spot!

Lane
Lane
September 5, 2016 10:56 am
Reply to  RobG

i just rode the new mexico TAT Shadow of the Rockies on my tiger 800 XC and two buddies had GS1150s and they went everywhere i did. The newer GS will be even better. i have decided the GS1200 is my next bike AND the ultimate bike for do it all rides.

BernieT
BernieT
October 4, 2016 4:42 am
Reply to  RobG

But here you are Rob reading this “Crap”, why I wonder?. Sure any of us could go and run a KLR650 from here to “wherever”, but we could also shit in a bucket instead of a porcelain toilet but we choose not to for obvious reasons….. Have a nice day.

Jim
Jim
April 5, 2017 11:29 pm
Reply to  RobG

I think this is an excellent article. I have owned both th GS and the ADV. I am now getting the GS with a number of rallye options including upgraded suspension, bigger screen and GS seat comfy seat. I see it as the best of both worlds and BMW allows quite of bit in the option selection if you have a knowledgeable dealer. I carry a camel tank for more gas and Jesse luggage and will come in at the ADV price, give or take. My wife chose the African twin which she felt was better than the 800 GS. I don’t think there is a best. It really depends on your mission and personal preference. It is so great having so many choices.

Steve
Steve
July 22, 2018 12:32 am
Reply to  RobG

My gs has 83000 miles on it and has never broke down once. I ride several times a week every thing from church to the brewery and never been robbed either. Been to Alaska half a dozen times too hmm no trouble. Get over your jealousy. Best bike on the planet.

MrHonda
MrHonda
January 30, 2020 1:41 pm
Reply to  RobG

I’m far removed from being a beamer fan boy, but either you’ve never ridden one or you’re a bit bitter for some reason. These are by far the best most practical off road bike around. Africa twin is probably second.

Peter
Peter
February 18, 2021 12:41 pm
Reply to  RobG

Sounds like you need to blame your parents for making you too short.
At 6″ the Gsa is the perfect bike. if you did something like proper research. you would find that the bmw doesn’t win everything. but its always next to the best. Which makes it the best all-round in the whole spectrum.
ps. i refused to buy a bmw because I was under the impression that only posers rode them, Till I tested one. enough said.
Just saying- been to 47 different countries under the belt.

Ed
Ed
February 18, 2021 4:03 pm
Reply to  RobG

Your about the same size as me and I ride my r1200gs on dirt roads and trails all over the sierras with no problem. Not near as top heavy as my dl1000 or super tenere.. The seat height is no problem., most of my younger years of riding consisted of motocross bikes with seat height of about 37 inch.

trackback
To Adventure Or Not. That Is The Question. – MotoInsider
August 15, 2016 12:41 pm

[…] decision on which bike I’d buy for my Expedition 65 tour of  duty… read which I would choose on ADV Pulse! Then tell me which bike you would choose in the section below. Lemme guess which […]

Juan Carlos Tellez
Juan Carlos Tellez
August 15, 2016 1:52 pm

If you Think in off road you have to Think in a 600cc like susuki Dr or Klr or a tenere. If your idea is a 1200 the better decision price vs reability confort quality is super tenere, you only Think in gas brake pads oil and tires, its the best choice

JTop
JTop
August 15, 2016 2:05 pm

Think Suzuki DR650 with larger tank, better seat, small windshield, engine guards, etc. Save yourself $10000 on the bike and the trips paid for. And it’s easier to repair. Or you make the trip like this 70 year old woman and do it on a 250cc.
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads%2F70-yr-old-women-calling-herself-the-%E2%80%98old-weed%E2%80%99-is-having-her-longest-ride.1123180%2F

Chris
Chris
August 15, 2016 2:39 pm

I’ve ridden or owned almost every adventure bike out there. There is nothing better than my GSA. It handles all the dirt I’ve thrown at it and it eats up the highway miles like a real tourer. It does it all.

Victor M. Rico Cusi
Victor M. Rico Cusi
August 16, 2016 12:51 am

Second to none.
I have driven my R1200GS through all countries in north, central and south America, now I’m crossing Africa, gone through many very tough terrains and never had a problem, tough and very reliable machine.
Will not drive any other motorcycle.

nordicbiker
nordicbiker
August 17, 2016 10:09 pm

Try this with a 573 pound gsa!

https://youtu.be/vlQ1bnzOAhs

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 18, 2016 12:46 am
Reply to  nordicbiker

Um… you’re supposed to life with your legs. 🙂

Gedf
Gedf
August 9, 2017 12:09 pm
Reply to  nordicbiker

just carry ratchet strap with you and you will be able to pick up any bike 😀 yeah if theres no trees, use soft ground anchor or anything else that goes in to ground.

Edward Wilson
Edward Wilson
September 15, 2019 10:11 pm
Reply to  nordicbiker

But your radiator got busted when you went down…

Mark
Mark
August 22, 2016 8:04 pm

Great article Alfonse! I too went with the GS rather than the GSA for the same reasons you mention, but I also wanted to try to improve on the GSA in certains respects; my intent is to keep everything heavy as low on the bike as possible, so your idea of mounting a couple RotoPax fuel cells would be perfect. I believe I can improve on several of the stock items that come standard on the GSA; the crash bars and skidplate are from AltRider, etc… for about the same (okay, more) money I’d have paid for a fully loaded GSA.
What I have noticed about my GS is that your choice of tires will make a huge difference in how the bike handles off-road. The front end of the bike gives me far more feedback with a set of TKC80s mounted than with other knobbies I’ve tried. My MV Augusta F4 seems to be happiest on Dunlops and Pirellis, and doesn’t like Michelins for some reason, so go figure.
There are certainly a lot of really good adventure motorcycles out now, so finding the right bike has never been easier, or in some ways, more difficult. I’m just trying to make my GS all mine, which is part of the fun!

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 24, 2016 10:34 am
Reply to  Mark

Thanks Mark! 🙂 I trust you’re having fun making the bike your own… I know I am. 🙂

BTW. You touched on something that most people don’t realize. Manufacturer design bikes these to work specifically with one brand of tire… perhaps even just one model, the one they come stock with. Just because you CAN squeeze a full knobbie tire between the fenders doesn’t mean its not going to ruin the balance and performance. Each tire is constructed differently, weights different and is balanced differently which can make the performance and handling work different. i.e. more spinning meat on the outer edges puts more strain on the fork legs in a turn… or add more unsprung mass which then might tax the suspension and settings.
In the end, research is key and don’t expect every tire to handle the same. 🙂

Omid
Omid
August 24, 2016 11:41 pm

Very nice article my thoughts exactly. I started on the R1200GS and after riding it for a year the same reason everyone buy the Adventure version caught up with me (looks and what more it offers) then I switched to the Adventure. first few months everything seemed fine as I was still high on the bigger tank and unnecessary additions. As time passed the huge size and extra weight started to annoy me on and off road. and I have done some gnarly off roading on this thing including sand, rocky steep up and down hills. now after almost 50,000km most of the times I wish I had kept my standard GS. even on a long on-road trip after a few days picking up the bike from the side stand seems like a lot of work.It’s a great bike but you can’t deny the heft! I know now many of the GSA lovers will not agree with me but I always liked light and nimble bikes over the bigger ones. That’s the reason I think the standard GS is a better bike for many people and the some of the extra’s on the Adventure are completely unnecessary ans they are just there to sell bikes. For example with the boxer engine you never need crash guards higher than cylinder head itself (I have dropped the bike a million times so I know) that is the only part hitting ground on 99% of the crashes. bigger tank also is irrelevant for most people. What’s wrong with stopping for gas and have a cold drink time to time?

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 25, 2016 12:52 am
Reply to  Omid

Thanks Omid! 🙂 Very well said… stopping for water is just as important as being able to ride 3-400 miles uninterrupted…. maybe more so! 🙂

Aditya d
Aditya d
March 13, 2018 6:53 am
Reply to  Omid

Thanks. I have had a similar experience with my tigers! Bought the tiger xrx 800 , but soon swooned & succumbed to the feel n power of the explorer XC 1200. A few months down the road have to admit that its weight had become a deterrent to spontaneous riding

Gene
Gene
August 27, 2016 7:54 am

Reading through this reminded me so much of what I went through getting my new bike, did I want a BMW, yes and the 1200 GS/GSA looked like the right bike for me, went to the dealer and the salesman said your a little short in the legs would you like to try a different Bike? Beings as I’m hard headed the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind, did my test rides on both of the 1200’s and completely hated them, way to heavy and just to far a reach off road. So I tried the 800GS and the GSA and even though it’s not as much horsepower it had many other things going for it, like chain drive I could fix myself and get new chain anywhere, try that on the 1200. Long story short after a trip to the artic ocean and back with lots of off road I think I love this bike even more and it didn’t hurt coming across the 2 1200’s with leaking final drives from the rocks.

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 27, 2016 11:41 am
Reply to  Gene

Thanks for the comments Gene… SO you went with the 800 eh? Seems odd since the saddle is higher than the GS…. but I also understand it. The 800 is lighter and narrower… and surely easier to handle. Glad you’re happy! 🙂

Gene
Gene
August 27, 2016 11:04 pm

For me it wasn’t so much the height but the girth of the heavy thing, and with the fuel tank down under the seat on the 800 it made the bike much more stable and made it feel much lighter than it really is, especially when I have to pick it up, the low seat helps a lot also but I kept the stock suspension height, I really like a machine with a lot of power but did I need it with the riding I was doing and the answer was no since I’m older and not a racer.

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 28, 2016 11:17 am
Reply to  Gene

Older and wiser Gene! 🙂

GSRIDER
GSRIDER
June 1, 2017 10:43 am
Reply to  Gene

Is the F800 materially different in its handling to the F700 I wonder? I ask because I found the 1200GS significantly better balanced than the 700. Ridden well, the 1200 has to come almost to a stop before it begins to need support – I couldn’t do that on the 700.

Cody
Cody
August 28, 2016 9:42 am

Does the GS have a 21″ front? Since you handn’t mentioned mods I’m guessing that’s another riders bike? Went back to a GS myself, understand all the + and – but as all, my preference.

Thanks for any specifics on the GS.

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 28, 2016 11:01 am
Reply to  Cody

The GS does not have a 21 inch front wheel, it has a 19-inch hoop… although you CAN get from from Woodies Wheels … brand new stuff! 🙂

Cody
Cody
August 28, 2016 2:36 pm

Just to clarify I meant the pics of the GS in the article. Looks like it has a 21″.

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
August 28, 2016 2:40 pm
Reply to  Cody

I see… Nope. Totally stock bike you see there. 🙂

trackback
Expedition 65: Seeking the End of the World on ADV Bikes - ADV Pulse
October 20, 2016 10:26 am

[…] process in preparing for a ride to the end of the world. In that story, I opted for the standard BMW R1200GS over the R1200GS Adventure. For various reasons, I ended up choosing a used 2012 Triple Black BMW […]

trackback
Flagships in Battle: KTM 1290 Super Adventure vs BMW R1200GSA - ADV Pulse
November 17, 2016 9:14 am

[…] month you might have read through my decision making process between the BMW R1200GS and R1200GS Adventure to be used for an upcoming trip to South America. This time around we explore a similar concept, […]

sumeshsenan
sumeshsenan
February 23, 2017 7:12 am

amazing write up..i am yet to ride one..but been reading and your review is so very practical

Alfonse Palaima
Alfonse Palaima
February 23, 2017 11:03 am
Reply to  sumeshsenan

Thank you very much… glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

Packertrav
Packertrav
May 19, 2017 5:53 pm

My wife rides the gs, and I the gsa. Minus the range of the gsa I really could ride either. The range is nice though. The gs at fast highway speed has a pretty sad range for me, but perfect for my wife who enjoys stopping every two hours or so.

theheavyquill
theheavyquill
July 5, 2017 12:51 pm

Great great article.
I’ve been wondering which one would be “best” for so long… and this article pointed me on the GS direction… plus a few extras (Windscreen, hand guards, crash bars, aux headlights, …)
Either way, I’ll do 99,99% on asphalt, but owning a 870 lb bike made me fearless of the extra weight of the GSA… but if the GS is more sharp, then I’ll have it.

Martin
Martin
July 7, 2017 3:04 pm

Good article, I agree with you about the R1200GS, its a lot better bike on difficult roads. The shortage of extra fuel is never a problem in South America. The longest distance between a fuel stop we had, my wife (F700GS) and me (R1200GSA), was less then 300km. We rode the whole Patagonia in Chile and Argentina, the austral route Chile, over to Bolivia and Peru. We never needed the RotoPax we had mounted on the F700. Also the mystery of not getting fuel in Bolivia is not correct. They just have a price for foreigners, and one for locals. If you start discussing the fuel price then they get mad and probably don´t sell to you. Just accept the price and fill. It worked all over Bolivia for us. The only thing is you need a lot of cash money.

Graham Tolland
Graham Tolland
August 11, 2017 4:52 am
Reply to  Martin

Can anyone tell me the brand of the soft luggage in the photos?

Cheers
G

ADV Pulse
ADV Pulse
August 11, 2017 7:05 am
Reply to  Graham Tolland

Hi Graham. Those are the Giant Loop Siskiyou Soft Panniers. Here is a review we recently completed…

https://www.advpulse.com/adv-products/giant-loop-siskiyou-review/

Josh Shorley
Josh Shorley
August 17, 2017 6:56 am

I did the exact same decision making as you 3.5 years ago. I also chose the GS and bought 2 Rotopax containers. One unplanned thing that I did was installing the GSA luggage system and I’m happy that I did. Feel free to reach out if you need any more feedback from someone that’s now 23,000 miles past that decision point…

Chris Jernigan
Chris Jernigan
May 25, 2020 7:09 am
Reply to  Josh Shorley

Did you have to change the rear passenger peg brackets to install the GSA luggage? I’m being told I would have to on the 2020. Thanks!

Tim
Tim
August 24, 2017 8:54 pm

I liked the article and I do in fact own the bike. I’m 5’6″ and I have never had a problem with the bike. I mean I am a retired Marine so I guess if your not a pussy then you can handle it!

Chris Brown
Chris Brown
November 18, 2017 7:41 pm

I took the standard GS as well – it works better for my riding style, which is mostly road, but it really surprises you in the dirt as well.
Traded a Tiger 800xc for the GS – it’s better 2-up as well.
still like it best after 2 years of owning and riding my R1200GS.

rc
rc
March 12, 2018 7:48 pm

what model year GSA where you riding for this writeup? At 6’2″ I think i’m going to end up happier on the GSA, but I’m curious if they’ve found a good solution to that lower body heating issue you mentioned, as I also ride mostly in the warmer climates.

palaima
palaima
March 12, 2018 8:12 pm
Reply to  rc

I would hazard to guess it was.a 2016 model based on the timing of the test. As far as changes, I wouldn’t know as I haven’t ridden one since. But thanks for the read! 🙂

Aditya d
Aditya d
March 13, 2018 7:06 am

Whilst not comparing the triump tigers with the gs; having owned a tiger xrx 800 & explorer XC 1200; I totally am with you as far as the weight n bulk issues being important issues when selecting a bike that one might be taking off the tarmac. I learnt the hard way having to sell my explorer XC just 8 months & 9000 km later at about half price.
I have a question though: Have been visiting the bmw motorad showroom checking out the GS & GSA over the last couple of weeks. I honestly cannot figure out much of a weight difference between the two?
( To be more specific I have been comparing the LOW GSA to the regular GS. Took the gs Rallye (2017-18 model)for a 300 km test ride. It’s a great machine. The dealer does not have a gsafor trial)
Thanks

palaima
palaima
March 13, 2018 9:36 am
Reply to  Aditya d

The Tigers are a totally different animal–pun intended–when it comes to trail riding. As taller and narrower bikes with what feels like a higher center of graviy, any GS, regardless of the weight is going to feel lighter and easier to handle.

Meanwhile, on paper, the brand new GS and GSAs weight in and 538 and 573 pounds (wet)… a relatively small difference. If you can enjoy the ride on the bigger bike, and pick it up 3 times in a row without help, thats the bike for you! 🙂

Jim
Jim
December 30, 2018 6:37 am

I had to read all the responses before I commented. First, ride what puts a smile on your face. Second, ignore what everyone else thinks. I currently own a Harley Road Glide a DR 650, and recently purchased an R1200 GS. I prefer my Harley for long distance, I bought the GS to replace my Vstrom. It’s now time to get down to one bike. I choose the GS 1200. It’s not great at any one thing but it’s good for all things. It feels as light as my Vstrom, more comfortable at long rides in the saddle. Not as comfortable as my Road Glide (rolling recliner), but most of the time, I jump on the GS when I want to run around town. Maintenance costs??? Don’t know yet, I’m sure the Vstrom will be the winner in this department. I don’t argue to support one brand or the other, it’s a choice I make for my riding style. Make it your own journey!

Paul Reynolds
Paul Reynolds
January 13, 2019 10:04 pm

Great write write up. I’m pondering both bikes and am leaning toward the GS.

alpman
alpman
May 28, 2019 11:43 pm

Great article and I couldn‘t agree more with the conclusions. I have the 2018 GSA Rallye. It‘s an awesome bike but for everyday use it‘s too big, too heavy and less agile. I will sell mine and go back to the standard GS but will keep with the 1200 for the lower weight. The 2019 model with the 1250 engine has added another 5kg weight and I think BMW is ignoring the fact that ADV riders don‘t really want that much weight. I really miss my 2011 air-cooled GS with just 230kg. If there was a proper LED-upgrade for the front lights then I would probably go back. It would be interesting to draw a graph on how the GS weight developed through the model‘s history.

Martin Scarpino
Martin Scarpino
August 23, 2019 5:27 am

I own a GSA and about to move to the 1250. In Australia we did all with the GSA and deep sand was the only real challenge. 60000 km in 3 years, including Birdsville track, Ayers Rock, Golf of Carpentaria, Victorian High Country, 70% tar, 30% gravel. Buy what your heart wants, and a large tank its a must in Australia.

trackback
Bmw Gs 1200 Adventure Hd Wallpaper – Wallpaper Site
March 7, 2020 4:20 am

[…] Download Image More @ http://www.advpulse.com […]

Damian Galvin
Damian Galvin
April 1, 2020 11:40 am

Excellent article. I have just switched from my 21yo Africa Twin, which I still love to bits, to a s 2005 GS because I want to do some serious miles in Europe this summer, quarantine permitting. Inspired by the amazing dutch girl ‘itchy boots travel’ on youtube *you MUST watch some of her trips around the world, solo) I am planning to take my GS around the routes shown on the blog section of http://www.whitemountain.ro. If the full link is allowed, its this: https://blog.whitemountain.ro/2020/01/romanias-greatest-motorcycling-routes/

I do have a concern about the Vario luggage durability since the mounts are plastic & I am not confident they wont snap off.

Damian Galvin
Damian Galvin
April 1, 2020 12:19 pm

Depends on which report you read. The new Africa Twin is easier to handle, has cruise control which has a big impact on fatigue on boring highways, & is easier to pick up from the dirt. I have both (99 AT & 05 GS) & they are not comparable, and are both excellent. However, I wouldn’t expect to find a 3rd bike to line up against them as a direct competitor. Honda will always be the most reliable producer of anything they make, on the planet. My 21yo AT starts first time every year after 6 months in unheated storage & has never let me down one time in 17 years, is easy to fix & parts are very cheap. My GS is a dream to ride long distances, but the AT isn’t so much.

Damian Galvin
Damian Galvin
April 1, 2020 12:21 pm

I had an older DR800 & didn’t like it at all. Bulky, mechanical, noisy & not so durable. Wouldn’t go back to Suzuki again. Not sure how they are these days to be fair.

Damian Galvin
Damian Galvin
April 1, 2020 12:22 pm

Excellent tip. Thanks!

Mick Donaldson
Mick Donaldson
December 27, 2020 5:12 am

Now I am worried, I test rode a mates gs and loved it, I got told there is no difference really in the gs to the gsa, no one had the new 1250 gas I could test ride so I went ahead and ordered the triple black gsa but now this article has me worried I should have speced up a gs instead ‍♂️
I spose I can always sell it and go get a gs

Michael Scott
Michael Scott
December 31, 2020 11:59 pm

Great article Alfonse. Although 3 years on this has crystallized a decision for me. I was undecided between GS and GSA – now the only real difference between the two is tank size as you can get a Rallye X that has the same suspension as the GSA. I’m going for the Rallye X and if I expect to be a long way between stations then I can carry a little extra fuel as you point out. Well done…ride safe.

Alfonse
Alfonse
January 3, 2021 2:52 pm
Reply to  Michael Scott

Appreciate the reply Michael! Yes, its funny how time can change things… But I’m glad to hear you understood my advice none-the-less! 🙂 Ride on into the New Year for glee!!!

Paul Wiberg
Paul Wiberg
October 3, 2021 5:30 am

Hi, thanks For sharing your analysis, I am looking into both, and your article was a great help.

RobWCanada
RobWCanada
October 20, 2023 8:35 am

@Alfonse! Haha, I know this article is now 7 YEARS OLD, but it was so well written and eased my doubts about which model to — get GS/GSA. I have only ridden the GS at the BMW Adventure course in my area (Ontario, Canada) and I loved it and have only sat on the GSA (felt like a big trash can between the legs.

I as much as the next guy loves the fuel range, but with the new 1300 GS out and no GSA yet, I’ve left myself wondering that if I buy the 1300 GS will I be wishing in a year that I didn’t when the 1300 GSA comes out. Nobody can answer that question, but it always goes back to not needing the extra fuel 99% of the time. +RotoPax!

My current bike (Svartpilen 401) has a 9.5L tank — about a 220 km range MAX. It’s not meant for adventure touring but that’s what I have so that’s what I use. I have definitely sweated to some gas stations and have put 9.75L in a 9.5L tank lol, but the GS is almost double that milage…so if I can manage with the Svart the range of a standard GS will be more than adequate.

I’m in my early 40s, 32″ inseam, have no problems stopping for gas, talking to some interesting people at the gas station then moving on to the next sight or stop…isn’t that what adventure touring is all about? The sights, food and people? Why so many are adverse to stopping for fuel is beyond me. The RANGE is the important factor, NOT the fact you don’t need to stop…at least that’s what’s important to me.

Rob

RobWCanada
RobWCanada
October 20, 2023 8:36 am
Reply to  RobWCanada

I’m planning on the R 1300 GS Trophy (replaces Rally model) with the sport suspension and high for the standard seat and I think it’ll be 850 mm seat height which seems manageable. I like the adaptive ride height opt but want the stiffer sport suspension and I don’t need the bike to go down to 810 mm w/adaptive. Svart is 835-840 mm and I’m quite sure I can go another 10 mm. I was fine on a standard 1250 GS.

Anyway, thanks for the article, I have combed so many forums and threads looking for an answer, you have reinforced my GS decision!

What happened to the RobG guy? lol…

Alfonse
Alfonse
November 5, 2023 5:22 pm
Reply to  RobWCanada

Part of the adventure is ALSO walking a few miles when you completely mis-calculate… You might even make your fitness tracker happy with the extra steps!

Thanks a million for the comment… Always glad to help, regardless of the age of the article. 🙂

GS all the way!!! (with stops of course)

ADVERTISEMENT

Watch: 2024 Triumph Tiger 900 Rally Pro Tested

For 2024, Triumph's dirt-focused Tiger 900 — the Rally Pro — has received...

My First Time Riding Enduro, How Hard Could It Be?

Nestled between the Sierra Nevada and Inyo Mountains of California lies a l...

REV'IT! Tornado 4 Mesh Adventure Jacket

REV’IT! Launches Two New Mesh ADV Suits For Warmer Days Ahead

The thaw is on in North America, and before we know it we’ll be tearing up th...