R1200 vs.Tiger

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James_Wylde

Guest
Hi, I'm in the process of deciding which of these two bikes to buy. I'm looking at one of the older tigers 02-05 vs. the new R1200. The Tiger appeals because of it's rugged good looks, you can get one without paying an arm & a leg, and somehow I wouldn't feel to bad a bout using it in suspect terrain.

The R1200 is more like a work of art. How can you take that bike out on any serious backroads? Not to mention that it would cost a lot more to fix if something untoward were to happen.

At this point, I'm thinking that it would do no harm to own the R1200 once at least anyway, and sooner rather than latter.

Any perspectives would be helpful.

Thanks,

James
 
Buck

Buck

Moderator
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PM Fishnbiker in Campbell Riverfor Tiger information.

Welcome to the site 'James'. Was good meeting and talking about bikes on the weekend!

:hb:Mike
 
Fishnbiker

Fishnbiker

Member
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What do you plan to use the bike for? Mostly pavement, some logging roads, or long distance adventure touring? If using with luggage offroad, I would recommend aluminum boxes (rather than plastic) for leg protection & ease of repair. Engine guards are a MUST. Both have cast aluminum footpegs / brake mounts/ gearshifts that will snap if abused. You WILL drop it, be ready. My older '95 Tiger footpegs & levers are steel & bend rather than cracking. Seems like a better idea that was lost.

That brings to mind a long story about getting a Beemer footpeg welded last July 1st evening. in Lillooet. The rider dropped it going up Mission Mountain, & had to ride to Lillooet with no RHS peg or rear brake. Luckily, Bill the Smokin' Swede only charged $20 & a case of Budweiser, then forced us to drink the beer with him.

BMW farkles from Touratech (Germany) & Triumph from Thunderbike (New Zealand)

Cost differences aside, it works down to intended uses and maintenance needs.

Plusses & Minusses:

Both bikes will give you all day comfort, eating up the miles, grinning all the way. The Beemer has an aura of staid adventure few bikes get. The Triumph fosters more conversation at pit stops, everyone who ever rode an old English bike as a kid. An old write-up in an English bike mag called it a "rorty hooligan bike"

Both bikes are very heavy & tall. The Triumphs can be lowered at both ends, BMW only the seat.

The Beemer network is extensive, & expensive. Many unique parts.
Triumph dealers around BC work well with mail order, a CD parts list is handy. You can find out what might come from a Japanese dealer ... brakes, levers, electrics, etc.

Weird BMW signals & engine torque steer.

Sweet exhaust note on the 3 into 1 Tiger pipes. My 3 into 2 snarls.

Same group of tires for each bike. BMW unique rims allow tubeless tires. Much has been written about a simple & cheap Tiger convertsion to tubeless. Saves weight & uses standard tubeless patching. Mine were done about 7 years ago, losing no more than 2~4 lbs per month, about the same as tubes. Not really an issue for me, as I change the pressures regularly, depending on the usage. CDN Tire offers a compressor about the size of a 500 ml milk box.

BMW shaft is bulletproof with no adjustments until its maintenance time, then an expensive bitch. Gear ratios fixed. Triumph, normal chain & various size sprockets. My DID X-ring got 43,000 km last time around, including a lot of sandy & muddy logging roads. General Tiger knowledge says it likes to be a bit looser than road bikes.

Both engines are unique in their performance. The Beemer twin has a sweet spot that can possibly dictate a chosen speed. It has strong pull at any rpm but it has some vibration issues in places. The Tiger 3 cylinder, no such issue. It grunts along nicely at 1,500 rpm or 7,000, very wide useable power band. I once came out of the bottom of the Copper Canyon up a 23% gravel & sand road on a near 7,000ft (!) climb at under 2,500 rpm in 1st gear (because of my then 19 tooth sprocket). Last year, I did the Seton lake highline & Mission Mountain climb in 2nd with a 17 tooth. 18 is stock. Same chain for all 3 sizes.

Ok for starters?
 
North

North

Active member
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welcome to the site James

A have an 05 1200 and I ride it hard on forest roads now. Not as hard as my 530.:)

Have you taken a look at the 990 KTM?

Rick
 
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James_Wylde

Guest
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Yes, that's great for starters. I've not been offroad yet, so I suspect I'm looking for something I will ride mostly on road to start, backing in to the off road. I'll have to see after the first year how much off roading I do. My previous bike was a Trident which I rode around London, so this is a bit of a step-out strategy. From what I hear, a case could be made for either. Technically, I bought a Tiger on Sunday, but the owner decided shortly after he couldn't let it go. Can't really blame him. I think the decision will be made by whichever bike I find first.

Cost aside, it sounds like trying to debate whether Elle Macpherson is better looking than Jill Ireland (I'm dating myself). In the end, they're both beatiful things.

Cheers...
 
J

James_Wylde

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Not yet...I've heard I should...will try to see one this weekend...
 
J

James_Wylde

Guest
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I suppose the other burning question is do I need to pay up for the beemer Adventure? I've got a good GS lined up with spoke wheels and aluminum sidebags. Apart from the larger gas tank and maybe extra lights, why exactly is it that I should pay the extra? I hear the GS is lighter than the GS Adventure. Given it's not exactly the lightest bike to start, seems this would be a decided advantage of road. Any thoughts? Thanks.
 
North

North

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I have just the GS and got it over the GSA because it was lighter. Although in 05 the GSA was the 1150. But the the 1200 GS is still lighter than the 1200 GSA. The GSA screen is a lot better and does also have better leg protection from the wind and weather.

Ride both the Tiger and the GS (GSA). See what suits you best.


This is my bike: It has 30,000 km on it.

http://www.dualsportbc.com/forums/view_topic.php?id=5069&forum_id=9
 
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BMWNut

Member
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James_Wylde wrote:
I suppose the other burning question is do I need to pay up for the beemer Adventure? I've got a good GS lined up with spoke wheels and aluminum sidebags. Apart from the larger gas tank and maybe extra lights, why exactly is it that I should pay the extra? I hear the GS is lighter than the GS Adventure. Given it's not exactly the lightest bike to start, seems this would  be a decided advantage of road. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Click to expand...

The difference between the R1200GSA and GS are:

GSA always has wire wheels; GS they are optional.
GSA has big 'screen with extra deflectors at the side; GS has regular 'screen, both are adjustable.
GSA has valve cover guards and very complete crash guards; GS has neither stock.
GSA has 2cm more suspension travel.
GSA has 33L fuel (750KM range); GS has 20L.
GSA ('08+) has optional low range tranny ($0).
GSA has 70A alternator; GS has 60A.
GSA has taller cushier saddle with option of low saddle.
GSA uses expedition grade aluminum luggage on stainless racks; GS has expandable water proof plastic luggage on frame mounts.
GSA uses "bear trap" steel pegs with steel shift and 2 position brake lever; GS uses regular steel pegs and alloy shifter etc.
GSA has optional factory off-road tires ($0).
Both have 3 year unlimited mileage warranty with roadside assistance.
Both have Telelever front suspension which means no dive when you hit the binders and you never have to service or replace the steering head bearings.
Both use Paralever rear suspension so there is no shaft effect when you are on or off the gas.
Both have 105HP ('04-'07 was 100HP) with a broader torque band and higher redline.
Both have knock detectors so the bikes run without problem regardless of fuel grade.
Both are counterbalanced for smooth running.
Both have standard heated grips and accessory sockets.
Both are pre-wired for GPS install.
Both have hand guards.
Option stability control/traction control, tire pressure monitoring, switchable ABS, and new for '08 Electronic Suspension Adjustment. The ESA option will let us set the bike to your weight and then the rider can adjust the pre-load, shock stiffness and ride height for the situation.

I think I covered it all. Sorry for the size of post.



:)
 
North

North

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Hi,

If I was buying a new bike now, I would be more likely to go with the 1200 GSA. Just for the better wind protection.

Although, I am really happy with my GS, but I do have the GSA screen / winglets on it, which is a big plus.
 
Bora20

Bora20

Administrator
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The BMW is an overland bike, the Tiger is not.

Don't get me wrong, but the Tiger will never go where the BMW will. I have taken my GSA places that I should have only been taking dirt bikes.
 
deuce

deuce

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Bora20 wrote:
The BMW is an overland bike, the Tiger is not.

Don't get me wrong, but the Tiger will never go where the BMW will. I have taken my GSA places that I should have only been taking dirt bikes.
Click to expand...

Oh, Oh! Now you've done it. The Us vs Them post :hb:

My 1200 GS was great on gravel roads using TKC'sor Anakees. In the sand though it was a real handful. Just too big a bike for that kind of terrain. On the road it was great and one of the better bikes I have owned. I had a Remus on mine to give it some growl. Hated riding a bike that sounded like my Singer sewing machine.

If you buy used make sure it has some sort of warranty left or available. This applies to both bikes. Some dealers will sell you an aftermarket warranty if the bike is a certain year.
 
R

rainycoastguy

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Well.......in reply to that last post.......I've ridden my '02 Tiger all over this province, so far as possible on back roads and trails, camping out for weeks at a time, and I have never seen a GS or a GSA off the pavement. (Must be the dust!) The Tiger is a great bike for real traveling, but it certainly has all the negatives mentioned above as well. Have a look at Tigertriple.com.
 
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