For me one of the best single features of
the GS-A is that you can turn the ABS and
TC off quite quickly while on the fly
The suspension action overall is very good
with the forks being damn plush if slightly
vague in overall feedback. The rear still has
a slightly rubbery/dead feel to my mind,
but really it is controlled and comfortable
riding. I rode the GS-A in Dynamic PRO mode
the whole time which gives full power, the
firmest suspension action and turns the ABS
and TC off. In this mode reasonable offroad
jumps (for the size of the bike) are absorbed
well - which is quite amazing really. On road
the shock's slight lack of polish in action is
probably due to the extra mass of the diff
and driveshaft weight when compared to
the lighter more common chain-drive set-up.
The electronic suspension adjustment gives a
range from very compliant and a little floaty,
to firm-ish, but with much more positive and
accurate feedback.
There is no denying the 1170cc liquid-cooled
DOHC boxer engine is a beauty. It has 125hp
at 7750rpm and peak torque at 6500rpm, but
I’d say most of the torque is available from
around 3000rpm such is the smooth grunt
38 KIWI RIDER
and effortless flexibility from the engine. It
simply purrs along with a loping gate that
gobbles up the miles – tarmac or gravel. Even
in full power mode the traction is excellent
and the ride-ability superb... it never felt a
handful even on roly gravel but always felt
responsive and quick. Of course, there are
selectable power modes and traction control
along with cruise control too, all at the flick of
a switch to suit your every need.
The brakes are excellent. The front in
particular has great initial bite and strong
overall stopping power. I rate the rear highly
too as it is strong with excellent feel and does
not fade easily when worked hard on gravel...
which is better than most of the opposition.
For me one of the best single features of the
GS-A is that you can turn the ABS and TC off
quite quickly while on the fly! It really pisses
me off to have to stop to do this on some
other brands...no matter what they say, ABS
still sucks in the gravel and you need to be
able to lock your wheels at times for steering
and to stop quickly. So, great work BMW.