Had a 2013 abs model for 2 years and 20k miles, loved the bike and the triple engine is a corker, he doesn't mention the gearbox which on mine was like a hot knife through butter, simply the best gearbox on any bike I've ridden. Swapped it six months ago for the daddy of adventure bikes a bmw gs1200, which is a great bike but has too many flaws for my liking, the gearbox is the worst on any bike I've ridden and the paralever front end has a tendency to be a little wooden, had the abs come on a few times because you can't feel what the front tyre is doing. I do ride fairly briskly so may not be a problem to everyone. I'd say the tiger 800 is for me at least as good as the bmw so it looks like I'll be swapping back in the summer. Back to my pet hate oiling chains. Oh I love the whiny triple engine noise too, much better than a flatulent boxer twin.
Thanks for the really good review and more importantly, thanks for taking me on a trip down memory lane. That random suburb and the route that you took is where I grew up and brought back many memories, although it has change quite a lot since I lived there. As for the seat warmer, It's definitely something I would use here in Canberra :).
Thanks for sharing your pov. I enjoyed hearing your opinion since I have just purchased a f650gs twin and was interested in the comparison. I prefer the Bmw exhaust note for sure. What vlog equipment do you use?
My helmet cam is the Sony FDRX1000V action cam. To record the other footage I use a Xiaomi Yi. Audio is through the Audiotech ATR3350 mic plugged into the Sony action cam. Yer there is something the GS has that the Tiger was missing for me. The Tiger felt like the better road bike though. COS
You could've done the same route with a milk truck or a Honda Grom. It would've been nice to get your experience opening the bike up. What is the slipstream like cruising on the highway/wind protection? Usually I enjoy your reviews and I'm interested in this bike. Not very thorough
I wouldn't buy it because it does not have a bolt on tail section. You would not believe how many bikes get totaled by insurance companies because a passenger foot peg bracket gets bent, instant salvage title. The extra 6 oz to make it bolt on will save you thousands in insurance costs.
the beamer feels much little because the fuel tank is under your arse. I miss my old f800 . It's down on power to my current bike but the beamer just rode lighter due to the fuel tank.
so if you were buying new and the choice was the tiger 800 xrt and the bmw gs 700 which would you choose? and what about the 1200gs for a new rider to the adventure market
Ohh that is a tough choice. If it were extended highway touring I think the XRT's smoother engine would be a winner. The extra hp would be nice two up as well. But off road the F700GS is better balanced and slightly better all rounder I think. The price difference between the two is significant so the F700GS is the winner for me. 1200GS for a new rider to the adv market - I am assuming this new adv rider has been riding a while and just getting into adv riding? It really depends on what the intended riding purpose is. If you are a competent rider and want to do big touring miles, two up with the option of dirt roads, It is hard to beat the GS. If you are wanting to get into the dirt seriously I would look else where as it is too big IMO. Don't get me wrong for its size it is pretty capable but it cannot save itself from its 260kg weight in the tight stuff. COS
8:24 - you're waaaaay too charitable to BMW with regard to the crap screen they give as stock on the 700GS. IMO, a credit card duct-taped to the headlight would provide better coverage on the Beemer, but that's just my opinion. :-D
Haha that gave me a good laugh! And true as far as road bikes go. I guess my tolerances a lower riding a WR250R makes my F700GS seem like a 1200GSA comfort wise :P
I've had my Tiger 800 for near on 4 years. With the stock zorst and even the "tall adventure screen" cough, you won't hear anything but wind buffeting (I too am 180cm tall). Put on a www.madstad.com screen plus your rear pipe of choice, and you will hear a symphony of "tripley amazing-ness" :) and some terrific pops and crackles! Admittedly, the 3 Cylinder Engine sound is an acquired taste (I've had four of them), but the performance is nothing like other engines - obviously you say. But a triple has close to the grunt of a twin, plus a lot of the top end of an IL4. Like everything in life, there is compromise, but if you do like the character of an odd number of cylinders, riding will be a joy!
Then again , I should look over and may be around that alternator Tiny little Tim yodel is sings and you could charge at stop lights. And the ukulele .
Hi Solid....from Canada : ...I got an invitation to OZ...to break an Endurance record ...on a broken -in 1600 gtl BMW : Learning the electronics suite on it could qualify me for NASA......but: They like North Canadians for these events...we are brain-dead and nerve damaged from living in constant ordeal.. ...'What's a little drive by the beach ?"..... ......The problem with Triumph; - Can't get the ABS off......it's a bitch offroad... - Too top-heavy.....after you crap out into a tree, ...getting it upright again may be no fun.... - not comfy seat...but I like the 800 better than the 1200 Tiger.. BTW, that triple is one of the very best engines ever made................ thx: CS
Hello Canada! Was that for the iron butt? I think you covered the weak points fairly well. Thats what I like about the F700GS and this XR rather than the XC. The suspension and the cast wheels limit this to light off roading where the problems you listed don't interfere too much :) These big adventure bikes are too much for me to handle off road, I prefer single cylinder dual sports like my WR250R for the hard stuff. I do love the big adventure bikes for what they excel at though: two up riding and long distance touring, with the ability to go off road when you want/brave enough :P That is why I will always have one in my garage to compliment the dual sport :)
no..No NO.........Iron butt Gold maybe...1500/24.......but I think the stars want me to 2100/24........ I was told I'd " bounce off a boomslang and onto a typan ".....what is that in English, BTW ? I've got a friend going to Moto-Guzzi 95th weekend for rumor control.....no straight answers in Canada : -Aprilia wants to dismantle Stelvio ...make some 800...and fool with M-G.....- I wanna Stelvio... Real comfy [ I'm not getting any younger ].......shaft...stupid reliable....low C of G for offroad. ...300 mile tank...all important here... But where are you in OZ ?......should look you up, prolly leaving sooner than later...... thx: CS
Had a 2013 abs model for 2 years and 20k miles, loved the bike and the triple engine is a corker, he doesn't mention the gearbox which on mine was like a hot knife through butter, simply the best gearbox on any bike I've ridden. Swapped it six months ago for the daddy of adventure bikes a bmw gs1200, which is a great bike but has too many flaws for my liking, the gearbox is the worst on any bike I've ridden and the paralever front end has a tendency to be a little wooden, had the abs come on a few times because you can't feel what the front tyre is doing. I do ride fairly briskly so may not be a problem to everyone. I'd say the tiger 800 is for me at least as good as the bmw so it looks like I'll be swapping back in the summer. Back to my pet hate oiling chains. Oh I love the whiny triple engine noise too, much better than a flatulent boxer twin.
So how did it go? Did you swap back to the Tiger?
Still got the beemer, but I do have a test ride booked on a tiger 900 🤔
@@brianwhordley1852 When you try it please lemme know how it compares to the old model
Thats the Triumph motorcycles.They all feel like made for You.Feeling instant at home when You sit on them
Thanks for the really good review and more importantly, thanks for taking me on a trip down memory lane. That random suburb and the route that you took is where I grew up and brought back many memories, although it has change quite a lot since I lived there. As for the seat warmer, It's definitely something I would use here in Canberra :).
Thanks mate, glad you enjoyed it 👍
I'd like to see a review/hear your views on the Vstrom 650 and Versys 650. Keep up the good work!
Thanks for sharing your pov. I enjoyed hearing your opinion since I have just purchased a f650gs twin and was interested in the comparison. I prefer the Bmw exhaust note for sure. What vlog equipment do you use?
My helmet cam is the Sony FDRX1000V action cam. To record the other footage I use a Xiaomi Yi. Audio is through the Audiotech ATR3350 mic plugged into the Sony action cam.
Yer there is something the GS has that the Tiger was missing for me. The Tiger felt like the better road bike though.
COS
You could've done the same route with a milk truck or a Honda Grom. It would've been nice to get your experience opening the bike up. What is the slipstream like cruising on the highway/wind protection? Usually I enjoy your reviews and I'm interested in this bike. Not very thorough
I wouldn't buy it because it does not have a bolt on tail section. You would not believe how many bikes get totaled by insurance companies because a passenger foot peg bracket gets bent, instant salvage title. The extra 6 oz to make it bolt on will save you thousands in insurance costs.
the beamer feels much little because the fuel tank is under your arse. I miss my old f800 . It's down on power to my current bike but the beamer just rode lighter due to the fuel tank.
Agreed Russ, having the fuel tank under the seat really gives it a handling advantage in the class.
so if you were buying new and the choice was the tiger 800 xrt and the bmw gs 700 which would you choose? and what about the 1200gs for a new rider to the adventure market
Ohh that is a tough choice. If it were extended highway touring I think the XRT's smoother engine would be a winner. The extra hp would be nice two up as well. But off road the F700GS is better balanced and slightly better all rounder I think. The price difference between the two is significant so the F700GS is the winner for me.
1200GS for a new rider to the adv market - I am assuming this new adv rider has been riding a while and just getting into adv riding? It really depends on what the intended riding purpose is. If you are a competent rider and want to do big touring miles, two up with the option of dirt roads, It is hard to beat the GS. If you are wanting to get into the dirt seriously I would look else where as it is too big IMO. Don't get me wrong for its size it is pretty capable but it cannot save itself from its 260kg weight in the tight stuff.
COS
thanks! you know, it's amazing a guy from Montana can communicate with a guy rom Australia with such ease. Enjoy your videos and honest opinions.
+mark proxell I know, it's mind boggling when you think about it. And thanks mate appreciate it!
Safe riding,
COS
Nice one mate .....I hope your well
Cheers Phil, yeah still a bit of a process with the health. New vid in a week or two :-D
8:24 - you're waaaaay too charitable to BMW with regard to the crap screen they give as stock on the 700GS. IMO, a credit card duct-taped to the headlight would provide better coverage on the Beemer, but that's just my opinion. :-D
Haha that gave me a good laugh! And true as far as road bikes go. I guess my tolerances a lower riding a WR250R makes my F700GS seem like a 1200GSA comfort wise :P
That gave me a good chuckle dude! :D
That whiney engine is a deal breaker for me.
"Good work, knob head!" LOL May need a translation for the international viewers...:)
Haha that will make for interesting google search results!
All I could find was Poor driver (wanker)
Does the motor sound like a kettle whistling, or is that just the audio?
Most triples give off the high pitch whirring or kettle whistle you hear.
Did the engine whine bother you?
I've had my Tiger 800 for near on 4 years. With the stock zorst and even the "tall adventure screen" cough, you won't hear anything but wind buffeting (I too am 180cm tall).
Put on a www.madstad.com screen plus your rear pipe of choice, and you will hear a symphony of "tripley amazing-ness" :) and some terrific pops and crackles!
Admittedly, the 3 Cylinder Engine sound is an acquired taste (I've had four of them), but the performance is nothing like other engines - obviously you say. But a triple has close to the grunt of a twin, plus a lot of the top end of an IL4. Like everything in life, there is compromise, but if you do like the character of an odd number of cylinders, riding will be a joy!
Perhaps in some part of the world they don't mind long rounds of Tiny Tin singing tip toe through the tulip's with me ? Thanks
Then again , I should look over and may be around that alternator Tiny little Tim yodel is sings and you could charge at stop lights. And the ukulele .
Could pay for the petrol :-)
Hi Solid....from Canada :
...I got an invitation to OZ...to break an Endurance record ...on a broken -in 1600 gtl BMW :
Learning the electronics suite on it could qualify me for NASA......but:
They like North Canadians for these events...we are brain-dead and nerve damaged from living in constant ordeal..
...'What's a little drive by the beach ?".....
......The problem with Triumph;
- Can't get the ABS off......it's a bitch offroad...
- Too top-heavy.....after you crap out into a tree, ...getting it upright again may be no fun....
- not comfy seat...but I like the 800 better than the 1200 Tiger..
BTW, that triple is one of the very best engines ever made................
thx: CS
Hello Canada! Was that for the iron butt?
I think you covered the weak points fairly well. Thats what I like about the F700GS and this XR rather than the XC. The suspension and the cast wheels limit this to light off roading where the problems you listed don't interfere too much :) These big adventure bikes are too much for me to handle off road, I prefer single cylinder dual sports like my WR250R for the hard stuff.
I do love the big adventure bikes for what they excel at though: two up riding and long distance touring, with the ability to go off road when you want/brave enough :P That is why I will always have one in my garage to compliment the dual sport :)
no..No NO.........Iron butt Gold maybe...1500/24.......but I think the stars want me to 2100/24........
I was told I'd " bounce off a boomslang and onto a typan ".....what is that in English, BTW ?
I've got a friend going to Moto-Guzzi 95th weekend for rumor control.....no straight answers
in Canada :
-Aprilia wants to dismantle Stelvio ...make some 800...and fool with M-G.....- I wanna Stelvio...
Real comfy [ I'm not getting any younger ].......shaft...stupid reliable....low C of G for offroad.
...300 mile tank...all important here...
But where are you in OZ ?......should look you up, prolly leaving sooner than later......
thx: CS
" bounce off a boomslang and onto a typan " Never heard that saying before, but a Boomslang and a Typan are types of snake. Good luck on the ride!
COS
Too much whiney for my taste.
I sold a 1982 Yamaha SECA650 for the same reason.
Nice Bogan review
Noice machine
Very easy to get along with :-)
Good ..but don't need the queer intro music(sic).