This reply starts with a question (or 2 actually). Which model of the Tiger are you considering, the street version or the more offroad XC series? and what type of riding are you considering?

If you are looking for a more off road style bike, and intend to do a lot of off road, the GS will probably serve you better, because it has a smoother power delivery and suspension set up is a doddle. If you are intending to spend most of your time on the tarmac, I'd plump for the Tiger 800 standard bike. I found the GS 800 a bit clumsy on the road and it doesn't handle very nicely with the big front wheel ( It doesn't turn in very well). The Tiger XC also has a very big front wheel and the same wonderful powerful triple engine, but it isn't as economical on the petrol as the Beemer. The Triumph is much more comfortable in standard form, but change the Beemer seat for something less resembling the side of a concrete block, and it's just as good over long distances.

I thought long and hard about these two when I bought my bike. I liked the Triumph for it's engine, but I eventually chose an F 650 twin ( 800cc) for road riding. ( I'm not very tall at 174cms, so it fitted me perfectly). 70+MPG, and the most important thing for me is the under seat fuel tank and side filler. ( same on the GS 800 series). It saves all the aggro of taking the tank bag off when you need to fill up. ( small thing but one you appreciate almost immediately.)

One other thing I've noticed too after 50,000 kilometers is the condition of my BMW compared to the Triumph. I have a local French friend who has a Tiger 800 bought at nearly the same time as mine, and after a similar mileage and riding the paintwork on his Tiger is dull and tired. My BMW just needs a wash and it's still gleaming, so I think the overall finish is probably better.

Difficult decision as either would be a good choice!.

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Great review there Pongo! I've only test ridden both 800GS and Tiger 800. But owners of the Tiger ... and most reviewers agree ... that the new Honda Africa Twin is better than BOTH off road.

On road, not sure. But off road the new Honda is quite good according to reviews and owners comments. I've only test ridden Honda on road ... liked it a lot ... but Tiger is still my fav bike for ON ROAD use.

The F800GS is better off road than the Tiger 800, in my brief experience on both. But I much prefer the Tiger 800 overall. But it's true the BMW will hold up better and will age well. The Tiger? Not so much. So BEST Fit and Finish for the BMW.

If off road is something you want to do seriously on a loaded up travel bike ... I would buy the Honda. It's better in many ways.

The GS-A is nothing more than an overweight F800GS. A few useful things but adds a lot of weight to an already overweight bike. The Tiger is no better. HEAVY.

The Honda is no light weight but rides much lighter than either BMW or Tiger, IMO ... and in the opinions of many who've ridden all three bikes Back to Back. DO test ride the Honda, then decide.

If your travel is mostly tarmac, I'd get a nice used Tiger at a bargain price. The BMW F800 is also a great bike ... no bad choices here really, but to me the Honda trumps them all.
Good luck, safe riding!

If you can, I would go with the AT even if that means a little wait.

I agree with much of the above. For purely on road, I'd probably go for the Triumph. Off road, the F8. I really did love my F8 and travelling with it was great. The fuel economy was excellent! The problems come when it comes to servicing costs; ouch.

The order in which I'd buy the bikes you mention, just for the bikes themselves, are AT, F8 and then the Triumph.