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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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Old 24 Mar 2017
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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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