All Duels – Duel BMW F 800 GS Vs Triumph Tiger 800 XC: the English girl against her full sister – Like two drops of water

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Duel BMW F 800 GS Vs Triumph Tiger 800 XC: the English against its full sister

All Duels - Duel BMW F 800 GS Vs Triumph Tiger 800 XC: the English girl against her full sister - Like two drops of water

In 2011, the new Triumph Tiger 800 XC comes to spice up the trail segment to try to overshadow the BMW F 800 GS, until now alone in its niche. And the English has a weighty argument: its 3-cylinder. Duel between roads and paths !

Like two drops of water

As if to add to the resemblance between these two trails, fate wanted Triumph France and BMW Motorrad France to each entrust us with a white motorcycle for this comparative test. Parked next to each other, you almost have to focus on the logo that sits on their tanks to identify them !

Their trail style is more than assertive with their wide handlebars, 21-inch front wheel and light golden fork. Our two frames have also been accessorized by their manufacturers.

The BMW is equipped with the GS Pack at € 1,275 which includes a central stand, ABS, heated grips, on-board computer and white LED indicators.

To accentuate its adventurous look, Triumph has equipped its Tiger with a plexiglass headlight protection at € 59, engine protection bars at € 219 and a magnificent aluminum skid plate at € 179. As for the handguards, they are standard on the XC.

No salvation for hobbits

A first notable difference is nevertheless required: if the Tiger XC is high enough saddle, the F 800 GS offers a downright vertiginous seat which rises to 880 mm. It’s high … and when the bike is parked on its center stand, it’s even downright intimidating !

However, since the saddle is relatively thin, riders of 1.80m can tiptoe with both feet. But those under 1.75m will be really in trouble. Fortunately, BMW offers as an option – free, phew! – a saddle three centimeters lower.

Good point for the Triumph: its seat height is adjustable. We have the choice between 865 mm for adults (or masochists) and a more reasonable 845 mm which makes the bike relatively accessible, even if the seat is slightly wider than that of the Behème..

The magic of trail

Despite these dissuasive saddle heights, both trails are easy to handle thanks to their natural riding position. Well above the cars and the traps of the road, the pilot can anticipate his actions and count on an excellent turning radius.

However, it should be noted that the handlebars of the F 800 GS, which are eight centimeters wider than that of its British competitor, spread the arms more significantly.

Their relatively low weight is also an asset to feel comfortable riding such tall motorcycles. Slight advantage to the BMW which displays "only" 207 kg fully loaded, against 215 kg in running order for the Triumph. A mass which remains however not negligible, especially if one thinks of the featherweights displayed by the "gromonos" of the 70s, like the cult Yamaha XT500 (138 kg dry) !

Practical and well equipped

It is true that the standards of the category have been badly redefined over the past three decades and that "all-comfort" versatility now largely takes precedence over adventure. This is evidenced by the on-board computers, which are generous in terms of information on the dashboards of the GS and the Tiger: average fuel consumption, exterior temperature, driving time, etc. : everything is there !

The German is additionally equipped with a coded key immobilizer that protects the motorcycle when parking. And that’s good, because the tiny space under the seat of the GS does not allow to carry more than a disc lock. The English also offers a coded key and its safe also easily accommodates a chain or a U.

Good point for both: they have a 12 V socket in series next to the contactor for recharging electrical devices.

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