[nitrogary]

The weather protection on the GSA is better and the GS is a better on road tourer.
If you talk about the crash protection, you'll pay roughly similar on both bikes, either up front on the A or later on the GS.
Unless you're going for really long distances regularly, I'd go with the 1250 simply because it's a newer bike.
Please note that the gsa and gs have a lot of small differences like
Steering geometry (gsa has a sharper rake to keep wheelbase similar)
Suspension travel
Body work and tank
Aux lights
Wind screen
Obviously seat height and cross spoke wheels
Rear rack and panniers
Foot pegs

These are worth a couple of lacs new.
If your decision is finance driven like mine was, I'd go with the 1200GSA.

[ankitwanchoo]

Hey Ajay - am in a similar boat as you are in at the moment. Have been riding a Tiger XCX for the last 3 years with almost 50k on the ODO with a bit of trails too and while there is absolutely no need for me to change the bike to a BMW, somehow the urge to being stupid once again has crept in!

My dilemma is more GSA vs the GS, both 1250s. Am almost 5'11'' and just about able to almost flat foot the the GSA, am wary of it being much heavier and a bit unwieldy off-road when compared to the GS.

A friend has a the 1250 GSA so i took it for a spin for a couple of hours - Highway riding and manoeuvring in city traffic wasn't an issue at all. I had my wife pillion for a bit as well - she finds the Tiger more comfortable which I cannot believe and am attributing her comment to try and discourage me to pick up the bike!

While the discount on the 1200 GSA sounds super-tempting, getting a older generation bike now most likely would pinch you in about a year or so, even though the difference in tech isn't something that might be noticeable in the real world as such.

[pramods]

If you can go for a new 1250 GSA, no point in going for a 1200 anymore.

By the way I had GS and made it GSA, you always feel like you are missing something when you see or ride a GSA and own a GS.

-Pramod

[prajakt_23]

The way I understand it is, 1250 GSA comes with all accessories fitted by default (asymmetric LED headlights, taller windscreen, colour TFT display etc.) where as for 1200 GS, they need to be purchased separately. If that's not the case then 1200 GSA is any day a better deal. The improvements they talk about from 1200 to 1250 would be marginal in actual use. There is no more replies on this thread. Did you already purchase it? Please share the details :-)

[dkaile]

Am in the dilemma, but same as Ankit. 2020 - 1250 GS vs 1200 GSA. Both are currently being offered around 2-3 L discount, maybe more when we sit on the table. But the thing is I just love the Cosmic Blue on the 1250 GS while the wide front on the GSA attracts on another level. Though I would prefer removing the rear pannier fastenings which come as standard now on GSA for a cleaner look.

Some photos -







The front is where the GSA wins






Though this Blue is the favourite color and available only in GS, heart yearns for GSA


Inputs most welcome.

Cheers...

[ethanhunt123]

Unless you have plans of offroading - i would go pickup the 1250GS anyday.

[dkaile]

Sorry, I meant the 2020 - 1250 GS vs 1250 GSA in the previous post.

Also does wire spoked wheels have any disadvantages for my primarily highway use?

Though the mind says GS, as Pramod said, once you get that, the heart will always be missing the GSA, or what.

Cheers...

[ethanhunt123]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Sorry, I meant the 2020 - 1250 GS vs 1250 GSA in the previous post.

Also does wire spoked wheels have any disadvantages for my primarily highway use?

Though the mind says GS, as Pramod said, once you get that, the heart will always be missing the GSA, or what.

Cheers...

Wired Spoked wheels are heavier than Alloys - so not as easy to change directions.

If you think of GSA - it only has extra crash protection (easily bought), more travel suspension (you dont need for highway usage) and bigger fuel tank (again not needed really). GS is lighter and has the color you want.

[Turbanator]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Also does wire spoked wheels have any disadvantages for my primarily highway use?

GS is easier in city traffic but on the highways, GSA is equally maneuverable. A larger tank is useful too. Though I have seen guys weighing 60 Kg and still managing GSA like a 100 cc honda, practically, if your built is strong, GSA will be ok to handle. Best will be to take longish rides. If you want others to notice you riding a large bike, GSA will be better.

I haven't tried alloys on BMW but wired spokes work well. You hardly lose any pressure and in case of any bumps/ potholes which we find in plenty, there's no damage.

Are you adding a 3rd bike or selling something? Are you open to pre-owned?

Originally Posted by ethanhunt123

Wired Spoked wheels are heavier than Alloys - so not as easy to change directions.

I don't think this is valid for GS/ GSA or should I say on most bikes. It's the rider who makes the difference. Front telelever suspension on GS/ GSA is unmatched and you will find bike supporting you in most situations.

If you think of GSA - it only has extra crash protection, more travel suspension and bigger fuel tank

GSA appears larger and this alone can be a reason for many. I know, it's a debatable point but a fact.

I own a 1200 GSA and if I have to choose again, I will again pick up the GSA.

[pramods]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Sorry, I meant the 2020 - 1250 GS vs 1250 GSA in the previous post.
....

Cheers...

Go for GSA, it comes with most of what you would any way add to GS like engine guard, high screen, auxiliary light. For highways the weather protection of GSA way better than GS which allows you to ride non stop without tiring.

-Pramod
PS: If you go with GSA and don't want to hang on with that pannier holders, I would be very happy to have them

[surjaonwheelz]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Sorry, I meant the 2020 - 1250 GS vs 1250 GSA in the previous post.

I got confused with the title! Is it 1200 vs 1250 or GS vs GSA?

Anyways, this is an interesting take on variable valve timings on the 1250.

Video

[dkaile]

Originally Posted by surjaonwheelz

this is an interesting take on variable valve timings on the 1250.

Yeah, saw that when it came out. That's one point of view, though a little biased to say the least. Most of the owners I have talked to or the reviews of 'actual' owners I have seen, say the difference is quite prominent and have only positive things to say about the new variable valve timing, especially when you ride both back to back.

Cheers...

[//M]

I am a sucker for that massive front of the R1200/R1250 GSA so my vote goes for the GSA.

I have seen Turbanator ride his R1200 GSA, he manages direction changes / undulations easily despite the cross spokes. Atleast it appears flawless from a spectator or a fellow rider pov.

I have briefly taken test rides of both the GS and the GSA. While the GS feels good enough for most purposes, the GSA is simply so much more desirable !

[surjaonwheelz]

Well I've no experience in 3D to comment on this thread. Every rider should have this dilemma at some point in their life. But I would still suggest if you can go for the Style HP variant of the 1250 GS



PS: This paint scheme surely adds some virtual BHPs

At a BMW event, I've seen these two gentle giants but their sizes were intimidating, hence I test rode the 750/850 GS. I would suggest you to go for the 1250 GS and you get to choose the aftermarket parts. We'll have another discussion on SW-Motech vs Touratech and Clearwater vs Baja Designs!

In addition, I would like to throw in the discounts offered at the table. GSA at the price of the GS always seems a better deal. Tough in most of the scenarios, the GS has you covered.



Happy choosing,
surjaonwheelz

[Abhi_Automobile]

Originally Posted by dkaile

Sorry, I meant the 2020 - 1250 GS vs 1250 GSA in the previous post.

Also does wire spoked wheels have any disadvantages for my primarily highway use?

Though the mind says GS, as Pramod said, once you get that, the heart will always be missing the GSA, or what.

Cheers...

Adding a third bike to your arsenal? Or letting go of either of your existing rides?

If so, which one? May make sense to sell Kawa, given it’s intended highway usage will be covered by GS I assume. Harley is different sort of bike I feel so can keep that