BMW R1200GSA

The first instalment of our new #teaBreakreview - approx read time under 5mins

After racking up a few thousand miles on our R1150GS, we decided to see what a new R1200GSA would be like.

Left: R1150GS, Right: R1200GS Adventure

Official specs:
Seat height: adjustable 35" - 35.8"

Max power: 125 bhp

Max torque: 92 ft-lb

Top speed: 135 mph

Average fuel consumption: 46 mpg

Tank range: 350 miles (it’s already tempting isn’t it)

Autumn mornings are warm on the GSA

The model we test rode had all the goodies which included:

• Shift assist pro
• Electronically adjustable rider modes
• ABS
• LED headlight
• Manually adjustable screen
• Cruise control
• Heated grips
• Tyre pressure monitoring

The engine is punchy and makes riding along country lanes a real pleasure, motorways are comfortable with very good levels of wind protection. The screen can be manually adjusted on the move and there is very little buffeting at motorway speeds. The standard exhaust note is surprisingly good, certainly good enough to think twice about an aftermarket upgrade.

The GSA weighs nearly 300kg but the bike carries the weight surprisingly well. Car park manoeuvres are a doddle and motorway cruising is made effortless with the cruise control and very comfy riding position. Whilst not advisable we are told if you set the cruise control to 70mph and take your hands off the bars, the bike will carry on dead straight.

Enough lights to be seen

BMWs shift assist pro is brilliant, seamless shifts up and down the gear box. The first time we’ve experienced a feature like this and certainly brings a smile to your face, it really livens the bike up and transforms it from what may be considered a boring touring bike to quite the sporty number.

We left the bike in dynamic mode supposedly giving direct throttle response and tighter damping - it certainly made for a thrilling ride and would suggest the brochure is right. It's worth noting those big Brembos up front stop the 300kg beast really well.

Very aggressive in appearance in comparison to the R1150GS

So how much is all this going to set you back? The model we rode, including all the electronic aids, full metal pannier system and satellite navigation mount came to just over £17,000. A big price, but you do get a bike that could take you effortlessly around Europe and provide just as much fun as a modern sports bike on the road - but with added comfort.   

Its certainly a bike we're considering for the garage.

Thanks for reading! We hope you enjoyed it.

BirotarUK 

#BirotarUK

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