2011 Adventure-Touring Shootout: Triumph Tiger 800XC vs. BMW F800GS [Video]

BMW's parallel-Twin takes on Triumph's inline-Triple

By Tom Roderick, Aug. 04, 2011, Photography by Alfonse Palaima, Video by Michael Nardi

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Conclusion

Triumph blatantly copied BMW to create the Tiger 800XC, even down to the placement of the external power outlet located next to the ignition switch. For that, BMW should be proud to be held as the benchmark for other OEMs, but when it comes to light that we preferred the Tiger to the F800, BMW might not be so happy.

Pete says it best, “In light of what I suspect is the reality that most A-T bikes see more pavement than harrowing river crossings, I’ll hedge the Triumph as the better overall package, but only by the slimmest of margins, and that is thanks primarily to its enjoyable engine. If you’re the dirtbike guy or gal looking at these nearly identical twins, then the Beemer’s few shortcomings on the street are a small sacrifice for its superior off-road capabilities.”

$Winner by a fraction is Triumph’s new Tiger 800XC. The Beemer is better off-road, but the Tiger is a more versatile ensemble.$

The BMW emphasizes the adventure in adventure-touring, as it is the better bike when it comes to more aggressive off-road riding, thus leading to more adventurous experiences. But, if our assumptions are right and either model will see more road than off-road miles, then the Tiger is the better overall package.

The Tiger retails for $11,800 with its ABS option ($11,000 without), while the $11,455 base MSRP BMW F800GS’s ABS comes as either an individual option for $900 or a package with heated handgrips and an on-board computer (gear indicator and stopwatch) for $1,445. Either way, the BMW remains slightly more expensive than the Triumph.

BMW is likely developing a new version of the F800GS to withstand this new competition from Triumph. The question is, will BMW make it even more dirt worthy or will the company upgrade its street performance and comfort to better compete with the Tiger? It’s your move BMW.

By the Numbers
	BMW F800GS	Triumph Tiger 800XC
Engine Type	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, parallel, 2-cylinder	Liquid-cooled, DOHC, inline, 3-cylinder
Displacement	798cc	799cc
Bore & Stroke	82mm x 75.6mm	74mm x 61.9mm
HP (BHP or Rear Wheel)		94 bhp @ 9300 rpm (claimed)
Torque		58 lb-ft @ 7850 (claimed)
Frame	Tubular steel space frame	Tubular steel trellis
Wheelbase	62.1 in	61.7 in
Rake/Trail	64°/117mm	23.1°/91.1mm
Front Suspension	45mm upside down forks, 230mm travel	Showa 45mm upside down forks, 220mm travel
Rear Suspension	Monoshock, preload adjustment, 215 mm travel	Showa monoshock remote reservoir, preload adjustment, 215 mm travel
Front/Rear Wheels	21 in x 2.15 in/17 in x 4.25 in	21 in x 2.5 in/17 in x 4.25 in
Front/Rear	90/90-21 and 150/70-17	90/90-21 and 150/70-17
Front Brakes	Twin two-piston calipers with 300mm discs	Twin two-piston calipers with 308mm discs
Rear Brakes	Single caliper with 265mm disc	Single Nissin caliper with 225mm disc
Seat Height	33/.5 in/34.6 in	32.2 in/34.0 in
Wet Weight	455 lbs	473 lbs
Fuel Capacity	4.2 gal	5.0 gal