Highlights
- The Tiger’s tubular steel frame and WP suspension provide a balanced and agile handling experience, while the GS 800’s aluminum frame and Telelever front suspension offer exceptional stability and comfort.
- The Tiger’s 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel provide excellent ground clearance and stability, while the GS 800’s 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel offer a more balanced approach between on-road and off-road performance.
- The Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 come equipped with a range of advanced technologies and features designed to enhance the riding experience.
When it comes to adventure motorcycles, two legendary names stand out: Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800. Both bikes have earned a reputation for being capable, versatile, and thrilling to ride. But which one is the better choice for your next adventure? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the Triumph Tiger against the BMW GS 800 to determine which bike reigns supreme.
Engine and Performance
The Triumph Tiger 800 and BMW GS 800 are powered by in-line triple and parallel-twin engines, respectively. The Tiger’s 800cc engine produces 95 horsepower and 79 lb-ft of torque, while the GS 800’s 798cc engine delivers 85 horsepower and 63 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Tiger has the edge in power, but the GS 800’s torquey engine provides more low-end grunt and a smoother ride at lower speeds. Both bikes offer excellent acceleration and cruising capabilities, making them suitable for both highway and off-road adventures.
Handling and Suspension
The Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 feature robust chassis and advanced suspension systems. The Tiger’s tubular steel frame and WP suspension provide a balanced and agile handling experience, while the GS 800’s aluminum frame and Telelever front suspension offer exceptional stability and comfort.
Both bikes are equipped with adjustable suspension, allowing riders to fine-tune the ride quality to suit their weight and riding style. The GS 800’s electronically adjustable suspension system (ESA) is a standout feature, providing on-the-fly adjustments for optimal performance in various conditions.
Off-Road Capabilities
Adventure bikes are designed to tackle challenging terrain, and the Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 are no exception. Both bikes feature long-travel suspension, knobby tires, and a host of electronic aids to enhance their off-road capabilities.
The Tiger’s 21-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel provide excellent ground clearance and stability, while the GS 800’s 19-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear wheel offer a more balanced approach between on-road and off-road performance.
Both bikes offer traction control and ABS as standard, and the GS 800 also features an optional enduro mode that optimizes the bike’s settings for off-road riding.
Technology and Features
The Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 come equipped with a range of advanced technologies and features designed to enhance the riding experience.
The Tiger features a full-color TFT instrument display, Bluetooth connectivity, and cruise control as standard. The GS 800 also offers a full-color TFT display, but its advanced features, such as navigation and keyless ignition, come at an additional cost.
Both bikes offer optional extras, such as heated grips, saddlebags, and crash bars, allowing riders to customize their machines to suit their specific needs.
Ergonomics and Comfort
Adventure bikes are designed to provide a comfortable riding position for long distances. The Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 offer upright and spacious ergonomics, with adjustable seats and handlebars.
The Tiger’s seat is slightly wider and offers more support than the GS 800’s. However, the GS 800’s adjustable windscreen provides better wind protection at higher speeds.
Both bikes offer excellent pillion comfort, with ample space and comfortable grab handles.
Price and Value
The Triumph Tiger 800 and BMW GS 800 are priced competitively in the adventure bike segment. The Tiger starts at around $12,000, while the GS 800 starts at around $13,000.
When comparing the two bikes, it’s important to consider the additional features and options that each one offers. The Tiger comes with a more comprehensive standard equipment package, while the GS 800 offers more advanced features as options.
The Verdict
Choosing between the Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 is a matter of personal preference and riding style. Both bikes are exceptional adventure machines that offer a thrilling and versatile riding experience.
If you prioritize power and agility, the Triumph Tiger is the better choice. Its potent triple engine and nimble handling make it ideal for spirited riding on both tarmac and dirt.
If you value comfort, stability, and advanced technology, the BMW GS 800 is the way to go. Its torquey engine, electronically adjustable suspension, and comprehensive feature set make it an excellent choice for long-distance adventures and off-road excursions.
Ultimately, the best way to decide which bike is right for you is to test ride both of them and experience their unique characteristics firsthand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which bike has better fuel economy?
A: The BMW GS 800 typically has better fuel economy than the Triumph Tiger 800, with an average of around 60 mpg compared to the Tiger’s 50-55 mpg.
Q: Which bike is more reliable?
A: Both the Triumph Tiger and BMW GS 800 are known for their reliability. However, the GS 800 has a slightly better reputation for long-term durability.
Q: Which bike is better for tall riders?
A: The BMW GS 800 offers a higher seat height and more legroom, making it a better choice for tall riders. The Triumph Tiger can be modified with taller seats and handlebars, but it may not be as comfortable for riders over 6 feet tall.
Q: Which bike has a better warranty?
A: The BMW GS 800 comes with a 3-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, while the Triumph Tiger has a 2-year, unlimited-mileage warranty.
Q: Which bike has a larger fuel tank?
A: The Triumph Tiger 800 has a larger fuel tank than the BMW GS 800, with a capacity of 5.3 gallons compared to the GS 800’s 4.2 gallons.
