I got a 2012 GSA 1200 and 2016 F800 GSA and both are phenomenal! Two very different characteristics for two different purposes I use them for in my travels. My 2012 GSA has 112k on it which I’ve put every mile on it, both of us had a horrible accident back in 2018, the bike got wreaked and I got driven over on the interstate by a pickup truck. In ICU for 17 days all I can think of is loosing my buddy my GSA. I plead with the insurance company to save the bike because at that time it had 99k on it. Turns out it was mostly cosmetic damage and no structural damage done to the bike. I was 30 miles from home from a 8 day out motocamping trip around Lake Superior and got hit in the left hand lane on the interstate by a truck that didn’t see me when he merged on top of me. The accident broke 8 ribs on my left side and collapsed my lung, I developed blood clots from it that almost killed me in the hospital twice. Three of my ribs are still displaced and healed laying on top of each other to were this day it still feels like broken ribs but I have a high tolerance of pain and I just ignore it and got use to it over the years. How I fell in love with my 2012 GSA is a great story but too long to type it out here, perhaps another time? I’ve ridden that bike all over the country and it’s went on family vacations and it’s been in all kinds of weather that the Chicago area offers I live in. Me and Big Red (aka my GSA) rides every day to work and back and weekend mini trips. In a way we both healed each other to ride on. What you and your wife are doing I can only dream of, perhaps 8 years from now when I retire I’ll take the Dan and Big Red KZread show on the road? Be safe out there, be aware, wear the gear all the time! (It saved me), keep up the great content! I’ll be tuning in! Enjoy those BMW GS’s they are Great Bikes!

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Daniel

@richardho5955

2 жыл бұрын

Well done on your continuing recovery and strength...and you getting back on the saddle! Ride on and ride safe! 🏍💪🇿🇦👍

Going back to locate any videos I may have missed. Great comparison.

Excellent video from a credible source. Thanks so much. I especially like the Rake Angle drawing that you incorporated.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

Жыл бұрын

Awesome, thank you!

Nice video Rick...thank you for yout insights into BMW's big brother/little brother bikes.

I've owned both and now I'm on a GS. What I miss from my GSA is range and wind protection. What I don't miss from GSA is the weight when moving in garage. They are both great bikes.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

I agree

@nomadthetraveler5782

2 жыл бұрын

I still like my `04 Ultra Classic. Of all the bikes I've owned and ridden... (Especially with my back) my Ultra is by far the best and most comfortable ride. Hands down.

Interesting.. i never knew that the fork rake angles were different. Now i know. Thanks for the video.👍🏽👍🏽

Awesome 👌 Very informative and well explained about these 2 adventure bikes.

Very good video! Got my GS some years ago and did about 36 k miles so far. Maybe I’ll get a GSA at the end of the year…. Or the brand new GS (A) sich comes out this fall ! 😎👍

Great review- don’t know if you mentioned these differences but the GSA (at least mine) came with a slightly larger windshield and also a factory mount for the sat nav. Note, that an adapter can be purchased from Amazon to enable you to mount an iPhone instead of paying for BMWs $900+ nav unit!

Well done Rich ! I’ve watched lots of reviews and comparisons…and I am a happy owner of a 2018 GS…your comparisons are intelligent, comprehensive and spot on .

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a Michael really appreciate it

Thanks for great information. Blessings

In 2020 I bought a very nice low miles preowned 2015 BMW R1200GS Adv. It is an amazing tour bike. During the summer of 2021 my younger brother and I did a 10,000 mile tour of the USA. I will be doing a similar solo ride this year starting on May 29th with the only change in equipment being the addition of a Russell “Day Long” saddle. The OEM saddle was not the road sofa I hoped it would be. I agree with your accessment of the differences between the GS Adv and the standard GS. Both are formidable motorcycles, very powerful and can haul my carcass including luggage with ease. I am 6’-0” and have a 32” inseam and have no problem flatfooting the bike, and like you getting shorter with age (73 ) If I were to recommend an area of improvement on either of the bikes it would be to have BMW offer a wider more comfortable tour seat and a side stand that doesn’t rely on parking your bike on absolutely level ground to use. As far as the rest of the bike is concerned it is perfect… and since I have the older style guage cluster, a larger speedometer would have been a plus, but that already got corrected….. ride safe guy.

Great video. Here in Australia the GSA seems to be more popular. if you are going out bush you need a 500km (320m) bike. the distances between fuel stops is vast. I normally carry at least one fuel bladder with me when I go off the beaten track.

Great info Rich. “Rake angle” difference between the two bikes is important to know. Thank you. With the offerings that exist today. Would you guys do anything different in motorcycle choice? Best to ya’ll from North Texas.

Rich -- Thanks for the review. Just one small nuance, my new GS "Rallye" came with their optional "sport suspension". My understanding, could be slighly off, is that the GS Rallye sport suspension is essentially the same suspension that comes with the GSA. The bike sits about 1 inch higher than the standard GS and the dealer said that this suspension is better for off-roading. The option added somewhere around $400 to the price.

Great comments. Thanks..my thoughts though.BMW maintenance very expensive vs others..I haul my TW on a front rack with my Airstream behind. It works off road and non hi-way roads..thanks

Thumbs up and great video. What highway pegs did you use on these bikes?

Great video of the difference of the GS & the GSA 1250. I thought the GSA had a lover 1. gear than the GS makes gearing of transmission more of road friendly for the deep mud trails. Both fantastic machines .

great information bud you guys take care and ride safe

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, will do!

Great idea having Chris do one on her bike and you doing one on yours. I've never seen it done like that and I like it. Maybe one day we can see a review of your camper and your truck, likes and dislikes once you've had it long enough to figure out what is what.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

There’s an idea

Very informative! Great info!

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Hi, nice video. question: where did you get your sheepsking seat covers?

Jay and I both love our GS bikes - well over 40K on both and on road or off they are very capable and fun. And yes, they are heavy bikes but I've been comparing to a lot of others out there and really there is not much difference when you get down to it with luggage etc. I've looked at Harleys, Indians, Moto Guzzis and all that would be good for long distance travel are about the same or even heavier. We had F800 bikes before these and they are equally as capable and fun but not really that much lighter. I'm 5'9 on a lowered 1200 GS and am flat footed. Jay is 6' on a regular 1200 GS and is flat footed. We've never found the need for the extra gas of a GSA. Keep on keeping on!!

Well done! (2014 GS for me.)

BTW Rich... I'm leaving home Friday morning to head to Seattle for my long awaited back surgery and I'm hoping and praying it works so I won't have all this incredible PAIN in my back that has crippled me for over a year already. This specialist says the screws that were installed last year are NOT holding my lumbar spine immobile like they're supposed to do. So he's planning to remove the screws that were installed last year and replace them with thicker screws that should properly hold that section of my spine immobile. He may use some of my hip bone to help permanently immobilize that section of my spine. If that doesn't take care of all the pain, they'll go ahead and implant the stims in my spine to help control my pain. I'll be coming back home the evening of May 16th. Just keeping you posted.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Yes hope all goes well. No pain

Very good Rich, Rake is steering head angle not fork tubes which tube angle and also you are correct in stating the rake (caster) does change the handling. Very nice honest review. I would say especially for the riding you guys do the G models are perfect the K models are, well not good. I have owned K1200's and never again. I just sold a GS and it was quite a nice bike. I guess the only knock on the BMW is they are European so the mechanic are weird and maintenance is higher than on Asian bikes which in general require almost no maintenance.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

I agree I worked for s german co so I did understand the intricacies of the TFT and thought process of the German manufacturing.

@Lt_Tragg

2 жыл бұрын

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Ahhhh.......you understand first hand. I learned as well in the aviation industry. Often times black or white - no gray take the highway (a different point of view or thinking OTB) when I worked with the Germans LOL.

I have a 1150 GS and GSA plus a 1200 GSA. The bike I go back to for off road is the 1150 GS. The 1200 GSA is great for 2 up. My 1150 GSA is semi retired with 235000 miles on it.. It will be needing a clutch soon. They are great bikes and I have been a BMW fan for years. I picked up a Tenere 700 10 month ago and now use it for trails and twin tracks. Its 100 lbs lighter than the GSA and does much better in the Florida Loose sand. A great comparison.. With your data - I probably will look at a 1250 GS used in the next few years..

How about a comparison between your GSA and your Road Glide. That would be interesting to hear as well.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Good one. I'll do that. im getting Ol Ms Alice back soon. top end getting done.

Thanks for sharing 😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦

Hi guys ! From your opinion is worth it paying 1900$ for the electronic suspension plus riding modes and quick shifter ?

Let's Go!!!

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

I'm in

Here is the question of all questions. I know they are two different type bikes and two different styles of riding. So putting that aside, I want to ask, Harley or BMW?

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Well, in a couple of weeks you’ll be see more of Ms Alice.

Nothing more or less than a Street Glide or Road Glide fight in the Harley World. GSA is a great value if you like the bigger tank, full crash bars, auxiliary lights, larger screen and taller suspension travel. Otherwise you can save $2,000 and go for the GS. Both are Fantastic bikes.

At 3:32 you seem to be comparing the GS to itself rather than to the other bike. I will try to read between the lines and hope I get it right. I only have a 30 inch inseam so I may be out of luck anyways.

i thought the gsa had a lower first gear as well

@Lt_Tragg

2 жыл бұрын

Good question. I know the 1150's did.

How would you compare the gsa to your older Harley Davidson

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

It’s a different ride but I plan on doing a video on that when I get Ol Ms Alice back. She’s getting her top end done now.

Rollin by

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers

OOOOOOOOOOOOOO. 350 miles without stopping? I want to try it!!!

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Yep Chris hopper did 100k miles in 100 days i can't even imagine

@twowheeledgator1364

2 жыл бұрын

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Pretty impressive. Since you are talking about the GS and GSA, how does it compare to your HD. I personally prefer standard seating to cruiser seating but how about you?

But what is easier off-road? Having the stability of a greater rake angle or having less stability, albeit more agility?

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

I think more agility but thats me

@ryanmalone2681

2 жыл бұрын

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest either. I’m actually wondering which one to order and it was not a rhetorical question.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

I think agility is better that’s why I’ll be riding the GS and shhh. Chris has a lighter one

@Lt_Tragg

2 жыл бұрын

I think Rich answered the agile part. The one with lesser rake.

@ryanmalone2681

2 жыл бұрын

@@Lt_Tragg He did. However, my question wasn’t which is more agile, but rather which is better off-road. With mud, loose rocks, especially with river crossings, mud, and sand I would’ve expected more rake to add stability, especially with a 19” wheel. I’m not sure whether having more agility equates to it being better off-road, rather than his personal preference.

Upper and lower crash bars are standard on GSA Side luggage rack is standard on GSA Tail luggage racks are standard on GSA. Fog lights are standard on GSA More wind protection Once you price these into the normal GS you'll very close to the price of a GSA.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

well said

@tissot0325

2 жыл бұрын

Do you think the Crash bars are standard because It's top heavy and More prone to dropping

@byever1

2 жыл бұрын

@@tissot0325 no. They bike is being sold as a all round touring machine

Wish I could find a GSA or evan a GS in stock. Local BMW Dealers Have Zero, Honda dealers have no Goldwings either.

There is a reason that they sell so well here in Germany. Some people say the only weakness they have is that there are so many of them. But in my opinion, that is not true, as you can customize them to the horizon and back. Both of these are not for me though. I tried to sit on the normal GS version, but my feet hung in the air. It was really intimidating. Simply too much for me, and I do really not need that much bike. But I can understand why people love them so much.

@Lt_Tragg

2 жыл бұрын

Sadly, "inseam challenged" people or smaller folks get left out of a huge segment of great motorcycles to choose from.

How do you like it compared to touring on you Harley?

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

I do miss the harley and she will be coming back. getting top end done now we'll see her soon 🤞🤞

@davidroberts5577

2 жыл бұрын

@@TwoWheelsBigLife Thanks for your reply , you two be safe and enjoy the journey.

The Weight of gsa will not benefit in of road driving,twister roads also the gs is best.

both bikes are ideal for whats left of the decaying American roads.

That's what made me buy the GS 1250 Adventure - kzread.info/dash/bejne/mWd51aySmqjOhso.html

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

👍

The mattress that came in my KwikKamp pop up camping trailer was too thin and uncomfortable. It was like sleeping on a slightly padded hard floor. I added one of those egg crate cushions on top of the stock mattress and OMG... What an incredible difference??? Which brings to mind... I'm thinking about possibly selling my KwikKamp pop up camping trailer. I was just thinking of putting it out there to see if there was really any interest in it. It's similar to Ms Ruby. In fact it's such a close copy of the KwikKamp, if Kwik Kamp was still in business, I'm sure KwikKamp would have sued them for copyright infringement. The big difference is Ms Ruby has a larger room area once you unfold and set it up. KwikKamp has a smaller dressing room area so it's much simpler and easier to set it up and taking down... although I do have an "add a room" you can very easily set up or take down. It's large enough I could actually park my Ultra Classic and the KwikKamp trailer inside of it and still room to sit in a chair. Because KwikKamp trailers are no longer made... they are quite the collectors items. If I put mine up for sale for sure, I'm thinking about $3,500.00 for it, which is exactly what I paid for it. I've put new vinyl covers on it so it looks much better. The add a room was a $500.00 option. I might possibly consider maybe letting it go with the trailer, included in with the $3,500.00 for the trailer. I've pulled it behind my Harley to Sturgis and back, twice. 2004 and 2013. I have an incredible true story to tell about the cooler on the front. I can tell you about it if you're serious enough to call or check into it. (It's too long to write it all out here.)

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

You’ll ha e to tell me about that cooler if we ever meet up

@nomadthetraveler5782

2 жыл бұрын

@@TwoWheelsBigLife I sure will...

You don't need a 30l fuel tank on a motorcycle. You WANT the 30l fuel tank.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

sometimes yes

Ho hum.

@TwoWheelsBigLife

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment

@bamills6771

2 жыл бұрын

@@TwoWheelsBigLife ^^ must be a Cruiser rider.. missing out on the adventure aspect..