Tiger 800XC Vs BMW F800GS

[tegeem]

Gidday. Im looking at either of these for a round aussie trip. Any feedback yet on how the XC is going on some of the longer rides? I dont really want to plunge in there if its just all show.
Second part to my question is, are there any other comparable 800s on the market i should be looking at as well? Cheers

[cold comfort]

Gidday. Im looking at either of these for a round aussie trip. Any feedback yet on how the XC is going on some of the longer rides? I dont really want to plunge in there if its just all show.
Second part to my question is, are there any other comparable 800s on the market i should be looking at as well? Cheers

Most recent (Motorcycle.com) shootout between the two concluded they would take the Tiger by the slimmest margin. The BMW was ahead in the off road stakes (suspension, ground clearance, low center of gravity) but the Tiger was not far behind, and was better all round, particularly on road. I love my Tiger and have no issues as i bought it as an "adventure" bike to take me and the missus in comfort MOST places. I am looking at an Enduro bike for the gnarly stuff. If you want a serious off roader /tourer probably the KTM 990 is a better bet.
Thes two seem happy with their choice
http://advgrrls.com/2011/08/14/final-triumph-tiger-800xc-review-and-our-gear/

[Night Falcon]

Second part to my question is, are there any other comparable 800s on the market i should be looking at as well? Cheers

KTM 990 would be worth a look. about the same weight but bit more stoke in the boiler :corn: good XC/beamer comapro here...

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=703800

[Phreaky Phil]

Another good Tiger Ride Report here http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696871

[tegeem]

thats the sort of thing Im looking for.
Yeah sorry, Ive been looking into the KTM 990 as well. thanks for the reminder. Theres a good one for sale down here that i rode a while ago and its definately not off the list.

[1KTM]

thats the sort of thing Im looking for.
Yeah sorry, Ive been looking into the KTM 990 as well. thanks for the reminder. Theres a good one for sale down here that i rode a while ago and its definately not off the list.

The KTM 800 is comeing a v twin BUT not until 2013

[clint640]

If you're planning on doing any significant quantity of gravel/dirt touring in Oz corrugations can be a real bastard so give suspension due consideration even if you're not planning any technical or crazy-fast riding.

Cheers
Clint

[twisty]

I bought my GS800 based on the "feeling" it was going to get me home from a long ride. Maybe some of that feeling was brand based. I really struggled between the 990 and the 800 and in the end I felt the 800' lower weight was as much of a factor as anything else. The 800xc wasn't out then but I'm sure this would have confused me even more.

I personally don't think I would have bought the Tiger because of a perception of reliability.

[Crisis management]

I personally don't think I would have bought the Tiger because of a perception of reliability.

You bought a BMW for it's reliability? :shit:





Final proof that there really are alternate realities!

[paturoa]

The poor mans / cheap option is DL650. I just did 15,500 km around oz and it was easy peasy. If your looking at dirt / dust / sand then avoid the strom.

[tegeem]

The poor mans / cheap option is DL650. I just did 15,500 km around oz and it was easy peasy. If your looking at dirt / dust / sand then avoid the strom.

Oh yeah for sure. The 650 option mentioned above is always there and I know a few that swear by them. INteresting about the Strom. whys that?

[ducatijim]

You dont say just where you will travel to go round oz?, but doing it the 'adventure way' fuel capacity/range will be a huge consideration( My reason for choosing a 990- and I still ran dry 4 times!) If youre going over the Bourke Dev or Peninsular Dev or GRR's, you will most certainly need a dirt focused ride cause of the possible long stretches of deep sand/bulldust( read...not DL country really!)and Clints mentioned......corrugations.:no:
If youre doing it on tar....then get anything from a Blackbird to a 1200RT!:Police:

[twisty]

GS800's are quite expensive to put long range fuel tanks on because of having it in the rear. The standard one is only 16L's

[paturoa]

..... INteresting about the Strom. whys that?

Cos they are shite in the sand and bull dust and you will have some offs. Being in the bush miles from anywhere with a broken bike (and possibly yourself) is not my idea of fun.

They are an excellent all roader bike, but well below average for off roading.

Lots of peeps over the years put knobly adv type tyres on them and play in the dirt, but with the 19 inch front, and the overall setup, its "lipstick on a pig" territority.

A proper 21 inch front loop, suspendors and loosing quite a few kilos is the go for that.

[tegeem]

Cos they are shite in the sand and bull dust and you will have some offs. Being in the bush miles from anywhere with a broken bike (and possibly yourself) is not my idea of fun.

.

Yeah i figured as much.
i put 120 kms on a 800xc yesterday before the snow arrived. 40 in sand. i do like this machine. it 'fits' very well. i was suprised at the small tank size though. but ohhh. it has the goods. having riden both the bmw and xc this week im siding with the triple. not buying till i rack up a few miles on the ktm though.

[ducatijim]

1 other big consideration is dealer locations while doing a rotation, thou you still have not indicated just how 'extreme' your rotation may be?
Again doing it the 'adventure way' there are no bike shops, let alone bmw/triumph agencies, from Cairns right around to Darwin. Both brands are catered for in Darwin thou.
Going west further, expect no brand focused help again before Perth.....this said, there the odd 'motorcycle repairers' that can be found in the larger 'small' towns( Katherine, Broome etc), that can fix some things, sometimes!
This is another reason why something like a Suzuki DR650 is a good bet....parts and service in lots of places and DIY fixable for the most part!!
It all depends...............................

[Waxxa]

+1 ducatijim

when adventure riding in another country, find out what the most common bike is being used because this will help with servicing and parts.

for example, a friend did south america on a kawasaki KLR. While he had no issues with the kawasaki all other adventure bikes were the Honda Transalp. If he were to break down he would have had a mission sourcing parts.

His second trip, he got a Transalp...

[bgd]

As people are offering alternatives another option would be the Yamaha Tenere, the 660XTZ.

I don't have any experience with the bike but I'm sure there are people on here who have. I like what I've read about the 800XC but am really drawn to the simplicity of a good thumper. I also cycle so I guess the slower approach appeals.

[ducatijim]

As people are offering alternatives another option would be the Yamaha Tenere, the 660XTZ.

I don't have any experience with the bike but I'm sure there are people on here who have. I like what I've read about the 800XC but am really drawn to the simplicity of a good thumper. I also cycle so I guess the slower approach appeals.

I think this guy wants to buy a Tiger and was hoping the other inmates here would simply endorse the choice and its associated wisdom ?<_<

[tegeem]

After a few weekends of testriding, im going with the DR 650. think its just the ticket. the big decider was the ease of changing a tyre. the BMW was just a pain in the arse in comparison. and the xc? nice but if i spend that much on a bike, then half the trip wont be happening. thanks for your imput.

[GMcC]

Sounds like you didnt do your home work then...................:bye:

[NordieBoy]

Sounds like you didnt do your home work then...................:bye:

Sounds like he did do his homework...

The DR is a brilliant bike to start with.
Will do everything, cheap and lets you work out which direction you want to go with your next bike whether that is dirtier or roadier, solo or 2-up...

I don't think anyone has regretted getting a DR.

[ducatijim]

I don't think anyone has regretted getting a DR.

I'm dumb enough to be onto my second dog rooter now!:facepalm:

[clint640]

Sounds like you didnt do your home work then...................:bye:

I think he did. A grade from the panel on that one. (only thing better for the job is a KTM 640 :shutup:)

Spend some of the cash ya saved on improved suspension, redone seat & a big tank & you'll have a damn good Oz tourer. :yes: Spend the rest on beer :drinkup:

Cheers
Clint

[Crim]

a big tank &

from all accounts grab this when you get there and you'll be able to "invest" in a shed load more schooners! :drinkup:

[Night Falcon]

I don't think anyone has regretted getting a DR.

yup have to agree with that, my DR was a great bike for getting back into larger bikes after many years on XR250's. Dont think I'd be looking forward to touring Ozzz land on a stocker though :gob:


.....only thing better for the job is a KTM 640...

yup, they are waaaay further up the evolutionary DS ladder plus got to be one of the coolest looking dual sporters ever conceived....except for the 690RR and the 690 NF ADV :innocent:

[pritch]

After a few weekends of testriding, im going with the DR 650.

Nobody can call that a silly choice. Bon voyage:ride:

[GMcC]

Sounds like he did do his homework...

The DR is a brilliant bike to start with.
Will do everything, cheap and lets you work out which direction you want to go with your next bike whether that is dirtier or roadier, solo or 2-up...

I don't think anyone has regretted getting a DR.

Ha - you have obviously taken this the wrong way chap !
He aint got the funds for the big toys so in the scheme of things opted for the other bike
He aimed too high - settled with what he in the end could afford !
Good luck to him - might keep it ..............then again....:facepalm:

[NordieBoy]

Ha - you have obviously taken this the wrong way chap !
He aint got the funds for the big toys so in the scheme of things opted for the other bike
He aimed too high - settled with what he in the end could afford !
Good luck to him - might keep it ..............then again....:facepalm:

He also got the right bike.

[clint640]

Ha - you have obviously taken this the wrong way chap !
He aint got the funds for the big toys so in the scheme of things opted for the other bike
He aimed too high - settled with what he in the end could afford !
Good luck to him - might keep it ..............then again....:facepalm:

A well set up DR650 would be one of my picks for touring Oz no matter what the budget available.

There is a thread on ADVrider at present where a guy is setting up a DR for some adv touring, this guy has a shed full of Ferrari's, a Desmosidici or 2, 1200GSA with all the fruit, cash is not an issue, but after struggling with the weight, crashability & reliability of the big adv bikes he' has settled on the mighty Dog Rooter as weapon of choice.

Cheers
Clint

[DR650gary]

A well set up DR650 would be one of my picks for touring Oz no matter what the budget available.

There is a thread on ADVrider at present where a guy is setting up a DR for some adv touring, this guy has a shed full of Ferrari's, a Desmosidici or 2, 1200GSA with all the fruit, cash is not an issue, but after struggling with the weight, crashability & reliability of the big adv bikes he' has settled on the mighty Dog Rooter as weapon of choice.

Cheers
Clint

+1 on that.

I have a TDM which would also do a lot of across OZ riding, as would my mates Tiger 1050, but the cost of the broken plastics alone would exceed the value of the trip and the damage to hamstrings and hernias from the constant pickups would also spoil the trip a tad.

In saying that, there is a guy in OZ, Masterbrewer, who runs an older model TDM850 that he has set up for hard Aussie riding and some of his videos are up there with Nordie.

Everything is doable after a fashion, but why complicate things needlessly :yes:

[GMcC]

Gota love the 1 eyes ! :gob:


Ive got 2 in the shed - DR350 and DRZ400 - both ok in their own pig heavy way ( thats the way they were created ! )
Also have an XT660 - still not perfect but underrated !
I prefer the less front heavy 350 as a trail ride hack even tho it lacks a few horses - cant ride it full on anyway
Still if he could afford it - take the Tiger XC - I love it ( thats the way it was created ! )
My opinion - along with a few others

[Monstaman]

A well set up DR650 would be one of my picks for touring Oz no matter what the budget available.

There is a thread on ADVrider at present where a guy is setting up a DR for some adv touring, this guy has a shed full of Ferrari's, a Desmosidici or 2, 1200GSA with all the fruit, cash is not an issue, but after struggling with the weight, crashability & reliability of the big adv bikes he' has settled on the mighty Dog Rooter as weapon of choice.

Cheers
Clint

I agree with Clint whole heartedly with this, having been owned by 37 bikes over the years including very top end spendie Italian and Austrian bikes we are riding DR 650's for our RTW trip.

Too many BMtrubleU's giving stupid issues and destroying trips, we want lighter weight, reliability, a NON series 1 and simplicity, none of which you will find on F800 or XC800.

We can afford to take the spendier bikes but it would make no sense whatsoever.

tegeem, congrats on your choice, you won't regret it and you have shitloads of dosh left for some nice wee upgrades which will see you right.

[NordieBoy]

Pig heavy compared to a race bike maybe. But not compared to most adventure bikes.

[GMcC]

Heavy is what you feel - all bikes are heavy
Its how and where they feel heavy - thats the " feel " of a bike
Thats what makes the bike - good / bad or middle of the road
Personal choice of course
Once you ride a pig - you dont forget it !
Enjoy your ride - I do

[Monstaman]

Pig heavy compared to a race bike maybe. But not compared to most 1098's.

You will have to excuse him Nordie, he's owned by a Ducati :violin: :p

[The Duck 01]

I don't post very often but reading this thread i reckon i can have a say.
In 07 i rode around Aussie on a 955i Tiger in some pretty far out places on my own. The bike proformed well and was up to the job. Abit heavy in some of the places.
Also done a fair bit on a very blinged up DR 650. It was better in most of the country that we rode but not as comfortable as the Tiger, obviously and lacked a bit of power some times.
Enter the GS800, another blinged up bike from the previous owner of the DR, I have a habit of buying bikes from this bloke over here.
Been out on a couple of short rides on the GS 800, one 900k's ride over a couple of days. I have to say that this bike and maybe the 800 Tiger would be be close to being the bike to trip around Aussie. Smooth power, well balanced and comfortable with good fuel distance.
The reason i went for the GS 800 was price and having set up another 800 for a mate over here for The APC Rally. It was the bike of my choice after doing some long distance training rides with him and swapping bikes. I had the DR at this time.
It all comes down to rider ability and what you to do on a ride and how far the dollars go, not only on the bike but on your trip/ tour.
I've had a small ride on the Tiger, not to bad but the build quality is abit ho hum, and to make it into a tourer looks like $$$$ on top of the buy price. Same as any bike i guess. Even a DR will suck a few dollars to bring it in line.
One could spend a lot of money on bits and pieces but it will only cut back money for the ride. Which is the important thing that is often missed on having the prefect bike. Which there is not.
What ever we ride and where ever we go it is about The Adventure, Ride on

[wtf?]

I'm in Melbourne and have ridden road, trail and bush here in VIC, TAS, SA and NSW. Lookin to add to that list.

I'm selling my XT660R because I just cant bond with it. Great at what it does, utterly reliable but its just not me. Pick up my new Tiger 800XC in the morning.

If anyone wants an XT660R fully ADV setup (already in Melbourne), let me know.

[thepom]

Just taken the 800 tiger for a ride,just the road going one and was more than impressed with it,as comfy as my africa twin ,more torque and power and better than the bmw by quite a bit,sadly I need to sell my blackbird first so its going to have to wait.