Tiger 800XC Vs BMW F800GS

[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...................

[NordieBoy]

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

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!

[clint640]

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

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

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

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!

[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

.....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

[pritch]

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

Nobody can call that a silly choice. Bon voyage

[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....

[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....

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....

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