The Automatic GS: Is BMW's ASA Worth It?

[@GaryV-p3h]

It sounds like bmw's first attempt is pretty good & just as with all new technology will only get better. Definitely worth a test drive, if it works for you buy one, if it doesn't then buy a manual.

[@gpzfan5272]

I think the question is wrong, it shouldn’t be is it worth it, but rather is it right for you? The only way to find out is to ride one.

[@manybikes]

Totally agree

[@stewy62]

Excellent fair and considered review. My car is an auto but I don’t drive for fun, just to get from A to B. I’ll be sticking to fully manual on my motorcycle as long as I’m able 🇬🇧

[@Skiamakhos]

I actually love my Honda Africa Twin DCT. I love that it shifts on its own. I rode a CB500 for years & honestly don't miss the manual shifting. I was a bit iffy about it at first but I did the Honda Adventure Experience on a DCT & had a whale of a time, and really got to grips with it on slippery mud, shale and gravel, at slow speeds and fast. The back brake declutches it at slow speeds - any danger of stalling & it declutches.

[@jimmydishkawnt]

Honda did it better retaining the clutch lever so it can still be ridden like a real manual

[@donkeizluv]

but then if you accidentally pull the clutch you'll need to stop the bike, put it into neutral then start again to activate the auto clutch. Thats a big no no

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Agree 👍

[@flatcapcaferacer]

I've been legally riding for 55 years and the closest I've got to this is a shift assist on two bikes. Initially I didn't use it much but now I found it quite useful. I'm not particularly interested in automatics of any kind and find using the clutch and shifter satisfying and comfortable. Muscle memory makes riding and easy but I suppose I could adjust to automatics if I had to.. I could see automatics being useful for those with hand or foot issues but those issues would also preclude large motorcycles too.

[@PDCRed]

Nice and simple. Nothing to go wrong with these.

[@barryjohn7765]

You can get it into neutral without starting it. You do need the ignition on but if you hold down the button or the gear leaver it will go into neutral. It also learns your riding style and will adapt in the drive/auto mode.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

At the end of the day...if you ride off road it's not for you...most GS owners never go off road unless Starbucks is down the street. Great review as usual.

[@philipTOMPSETT]

The anti theft non wheel away feature is interesting and not one I’d considered. Thanks

[@Retirement_Life]

Even though, after nearly 50 years on bikes, I still ride with a standard change setup. I can see the benefit of this system, especially for riders who just want the convenience of cruising around, or even if they have limited control. Either way, it’s just another option…

[@Parallax33]

Thanks, this is a really nice walk through of the ASA. I am an observer for the IAM, and we are completely centred around IPSGA for our riding. This usually means that we have a responsive gear selected (use the throttle to “go” and “slow” for more rolling control when approaching hazards). It seemed to me that most of the time the bike was riding in the bottom 1/3 of the rev range where we would more typically use the mid 1/3. What are your thoughts on using this riding style with ASA? Is it more likely that we would be using manual shift and just avoid needing to manage the clutch, or could the bike realistically run in auto mode? Thanks for thoughts on this!

[@hughmac7423]

Great video, but auto not for me. I just had my left knee replaced, 10 weeks off riding and it is difficult to get the knee to bend, but I still wouldn't get one. Back riding two weeks, turns out riding is good physio and it is improving every day I go riding.

[@protonjicari5990]

I thinks its worth it considering it would remove 2 processes on riding a motorcycle but you still have all the other senses engaged! Less overall fatigue from what I see

[@izwandyibrahim488]

This gonna be great as it will become standard to other brand develop auto motorcycle gears. Honda,yamaha,now bmw mybe next is ducati, suzuki..

[@By.ozalsa]

I’m not yet sure I would spec it up before trying it. I’m particularly concerned with handling in steep downhills

[@gaetandubuc4225]

I bought a goldwing dct did all sorts of roads . Having 45 years of experience, I didn't like the way the transmission behaved , paddle shifting was not my thing. Auto is good for rolling highways ,traffic congestion, and easygoing . It's not good for tight roads and hills because it becomes overwhelmed put it in sport mode the bike becomes too aggressive and keeps the gears too long. The way I look at it, BMW seems to have it right , I am more satisfied with the quick shifting of my GS

[@tomblewomble3369]

Technological advancement brings out the same level of resistance every time. I'm sure traditionalists fought the corner for typewriters before computers took over too.

[@Qq-x9447]

Mmm, nope. Handy, I suppose if you're doing a lot of Himalayan Pizza deliveries.. Pretty sure I'll be sticking with my GS manual box for the foreseeable.

[@robertcorbett4720]

I test rode the 1300 GSA last week and as you note Bob, the gear changes in manual setting are liquid smooth……but in full auto!!……Let alone it wanting to change up all the time was stunned at how lumpy the changes were….snapping your head back and forward on each change…..put me off the bike I’m afraid

[@TwoGoTouring]

I tour a lot and have sold my GSA and my XR to order a new GSA ASA. Manual mode with ASA is so smooth. I agree, in Road and auto the bike up shifts quickly so I’ll probably ride in dynamic auto which is as close as it gets normal riding. I have an automatic car ( BMW) and even it comes into corners in what I consider a higher gear, as you say, the car doesn’t read my mind until I put it sport manual mode and then it does exactly what I want . We’re all going to have to learn how we use this gear box to best effect depending on where and how we’re riding. Great video as usual 👍

[@prasunbose3114]

Why are manufacturers complicating things? I mean a manual 6 speed is just fine.

[@jamesonpace726]

As a 2nd or 3rd bike in the collection DGT/etc is a cool idea, but not for my #1....

[@luisenriqueguerrero2083]

I will always prefer a manual system over an automatic one. I don't like scooters... 😅

[@BubbaSatori]

If you want it, it’s worth it. If you don’t want it, it’s not worth it. I want it because I have 71 year old wrists, knees and ankles.

[@kloppskalli]

you criticise Yamaha but in the video it seems that you take off fairly smooth ... lets not forget the Yamaha is a bike for more progressive riders who will appreaciate a slightly faster take off

[@shaneryan9076]

as an option for someone with a disability or to have it as an option in general is great, none is making anyone buy it... unless your yamaha with their top spec tracer 🤨

[@floriancella7242]

I tried it on the new GSA: not for me. Quickshifter Pro rather than ASA

[@kimkristensen2816]

What a great looking bike

[@Paijo_Supaijo]

Did we really need this automatic technology on big bike? On scooter i can grasp it. On mt9, gs, ktm?

[@davidoram3423]

Yes - why not

[@GaryV-p3h]

Did we really need automatic transmission on cars.

[@apf3lsaft]

What was your reaction to ktm going bankrupt?

[@hookmaster1109]

They Need to make their bikes more orange

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

No thanks👎 Honda did it right with manual or automatic ✅👍

[@raphymartinez]

Am i the only one that absolutely hates how the giant engine protrudes out the sides of these bikes ,like giant tumors? That alone has kept me from ever considering a GS. It just looks so stupid

[@TheTommyKay]

So basically a trans-scooter

[@gerryryan2302]

100% would spec ASA on the GS buttery smooth. but ride it in the manual as its ace . quickshifter on the big boxer is not really an improvement from the 1250

[@FunHunt]

Too many electronics in bike is recipe of disaster. Imagine 200+ kg electronically shutdown automatic bike Stuck in the knee high watery muddy terrain middle of nowhere. New Fear Unlock

[@Charlie-fc1mh]

Well, if honda, Yamaha, etc. thinks they can sell more automatics, let them sell em. I'll never buy a motorcycle with an automatic transmission. It's a fnk abomination 😂

[@ChrisSauer-oe5ve]

Agree 👍