Comparison test: BMW F 800 GS and Triumph Tiger 800 XC

text: Matevж Gribar, photo: Ales Pavletić, Matevж Gribar

We have already written about both. And this is good.

Oh triumphant tiger (Recall that 1.050 cubic meters are offered) we have already written: in 2011 we drove it for the first time when there was still snow on the roads, then my colleague Peter tested it more thoroughly in May. Both times the experience was very good.

BMW 'small' GS has (additional 1.200 cubic meters on offer) that we tested four years ago when it was used again in the once-existing medium to large enduro machine class. Yes, the 800- (plus minus 100cc) enduro is nothing new: think of the Suzuki DR, Cagive Elephant and Honda Africa Twin. Impressions from the asphalt road, which ended with a trip along a stream almost a meter deep, were very, very good.

Now for the comparison test!

In the middle of hot August, we finally put them together with a clear challenge: to end the debate over whether the Triumph is really a copy of the GS, whether three cylinders are really better than two, and whether BMW, with years of experience in the world of two-wheeled vehicle adventure, is really. We invite you to set off from Gorenjska via Kočevska Reka and Osilnica to Vas ob Kolpi, then through Delnice to hot and touristy Opatija, up to Cape Kamenjak and on the other side of Istria back to your native coast and along the old road. over the mountain hills. The ride was pleasant and the vehicle fleet was adequate to order.

Similarities and differences

When to start? So let's move on to design. Here Triumph cannot hide the obvious plagiarism of the chubby Bavarian. Who could miss a similar pair of lights (okay, the Tiger just doesn't squint) with an almost identical windshield at the top and an even more unmistakably copied beak underneath? And a bare tubular frame, which is not copied by the small GS at the back, but by the large one, since the supporting element of the rear of the F 800 GS is a plastic fuel tank. So we've found the first major difference: you'll quench your thirst in the classic seat, while the GS is in the back right. From a practical point of view, classic mode may be closer to us because we can fill up while sitting on the motorcycle, and Triumph has the added advantage of three liters more in the fuel tank, but therefore consumes more fuel and has a more inconvenient lock. It must be locked manually, while the GS locks it when pressed.

BMW is more economical

BMW buys a smaller fuel tank with a really economical engine: the average fluctuates between 4,8 and 5,3 liters per hundred kilometers, and when we filled it to the brim, the digital indicator showed the first deficit only after 200 km! Of course, then the digital stripes "fell" faster, so we advise you to closely monitor the mileage so that the false meter does not leave you on the side of the road. The English three-cylinder engine was at least a liter more voracious, and the highest average was 7,2 liters per 100 kilometers. If the volume of the fuel tank is divided by the average consumption and multiplied by 100, the range indicator will be the same - after 300 kilometers a stop at a gas station will be required (or, God forbid, in the center of Azerbaijan).

One is better on the road, the other on the field

And what does a motorcyclist get by watering these two off-road crossovers with an octane rating? Let's start in alphabetical order and first ride with two cylinders parallel between the legs. The F 800 GS is much more off-roadlike the Tiger, and also like his father, the R 1200 GS. The position behind the wide handlebars is vertical, the seat is rather narrow and, unlike the Triumph, one-piece. Despite the same tire sizes and nearly identical suspension movements (the BMW has an inch longer front travel), the difference between a German and an Englishman on the ground is the same as driving a Landrover Discovery and a Kio Sportage. Not every SUV is also an SUV… Firstly because of the driving position, secondly because of the smoother floor plan outlines and thirdly because of a more suitable engine. More "horses" on the field "Triumph" does not help, but vice versa. In short, if you are looking for a passenger who is gathering dust on Kamenjak, BMW will be the best choice. But that doesn't mean the XC isn't so off-road that a little more paved rubble will stop you.

The Tiger has another trump card under the seat. When we weighed the riders equally in sixth gear while simultaneously opening the throttle at 60 mph, the Englishman escaped about four motorcycle lengths, and then both bikes accelerated to near-forbidden speeds at almost the same speed. We did not test the maximum speed, but both go at least 200 km / h. Enough. Means the tiger is stronger, but it also has a nicer sound and performs better on open winding roads. Again, the BMW isn't bad by any means (it's even better on serpentines!), but the handling of the Tiger, with slightly more front shifting, is close to perfection for riders. When the pace is much faster than the main ride during the driving test, the bike as a whole remains stable, calm and - fast! Owners of the "roads": try or continue to suffer on the road to the sea behind the wheel, intended for the Coffin. As you like…

Brakes are great on both; ABS is available at an additional cost and is recommended, but we recommend occasionally exercising on a rubble surface with the electronic safety device turned off. To keep (or get) the feeling that off-road electronics are getting in your way.

What does the left leg say? Both gearboxes are excellent, but we need to praise BMW more: in German it is more difficult, but more accurate. So ass? Well, the Triumph is undoubtedly more comfortable for him and her because of the wider, softer seat and larger passenger handles. However, you can break your knee on these handles, or paint it blue if there are no protectors under the fabric. Jokes aside! The wind protection is designed for mouse farting, but really nothing more, better on Triumph. BMW has larger switches, but it takes some getting used to a different setting for the turn signal switches. Well, we find the islanders strange.

When the wallet says

We move behind the wheel to a car dealership. You may be surprised that he is a Tiger 240 euros more expensive. But compare the prices of test cars - the difference between them is what 1.779 euro!! True, the BMW from A-Cosmos (if it has not yet been sold, is offered for nine and a half thousand) also had ABS, a suitcase, an alarm and heated levers, but still cheaper than the Triumph line, since it already offers an on-board computer in the basic version ., 12 V socket and hand protection. Our commentary: on-board computer, heated levers (in July in Pokljuka we go at 8 am, if you don’t believe it!), Central stand and, of course, ABS are almost indispensable. The research of the Autoshop does not end there: we have also checked cost of the first two services (there are no major differences) and prices for some parts, where the Triumph was almost 300 euros more expensive (see table).

Below the line, the Triumph won out thanks to better engine and more comfort. three points more and thus outsmarted the unsuspecting mentor. With this method of scoring (the scoring table and criteria are the same as last year's comparison test of large enduro touring bikes, in which the GS won before Adventure, Tiger, Stelvio and Varadero - you can find it in the online archive), this is what your classification may also be revoked.

PS: Let me add my personal opinion: Usually in comparative tests, the opinion of which machine is better, or at least more suitable for my way of using, quickly crystallizes. This time, the scales fluctuated constantly. I stop at a BMW and think this one is better, then switch to a Triumph and tune in to its engine. Wow, this is going to be tough. I probably would have reached out to a German because of my penchant for dirt, but then I remembered the EXC in the garage ... The fact is that these are two very good cars.

Passenger Opinion: Mateja Zupin

The Triumph comfort seat offers the passenger good enough wind protection from the driver thanks to its position, but it's still high enough for you to have a good view of the road and its surroundings. The handles are slightly farther away from the seat, which I liked as they provide good traction when braking hard. I would only comment on the exhaust shield as my foot slipped back several times and I was leaning on the exhaust instead of the shield. The BMW seat is narrower, but big enough. The thinner handles are closer to the seat and made it harder for me to hold them when braking. I had to hold them with my whole hand, because if I grabbed them with two fingers than with Triumph, I needed a lot more strength, otherwise my hand slipped. This was also helped by the more forward-leaning seat, which made me crawl even more when braking. I have no comments on the height of the seat, I was also pleased with the protection of the foot during exhaust. I would add that both were significantly less comfortable than all five big enduro bikes we tested last year. So I was even happier when I was driving on tarmac and gravel stops, but still I really enjoyed the three day trip.

Face to face: Petr Kavchich

The triumph is the biggest surprise for me this year. Kudos to the British for making a very good bike with a great engine. The only serious competition for him was BMW. I would put the BMW first because it's just very convincing on the gravel and on the road, it's a bike that lives up to the enduro travel phrase. I would dare to cross the Sahara with it, I would just change it to slightly more off-road tires and bam, it will ride the plains like a Stanovnik on his KTM. When I ran on the gravel, the sensations were the same as on the Dakar racing car. The Triumph ran out of a little allspice, otherwise it would “fall apart” on the pavement. Here it is better than the BMW, and the biggest difference is the three-cylinder engine.

The cost of the first two services is EUR (BMW / Triumph):

1.000 km: 120/90

10.000 km: 120/140

Spare parts prices (in euros) (BMW / Triumph):

Front wing: 45,13 / 151

Fuel tank: 694,08 / 782

Mirror: 61,76 / 70

Clutch Lever: 58,24 / 77

Gear lever: 38,88 / 98

Pedal: 38,64 / 43,20

BMW F 800 GS: Test motorcycle accessories (prices in EUR):

Heated crank: 196,64

ABS: 715,96

Trip computer: 146,22

White pointers: 35,29

LED direction indicators: 95,79

Alarm: 206,72

Main strut: 110,92

Aluminum body: 363

Suitcase base: 104

Lock (2x): 44,38

Technical data: BMW F 800 GS

Base model price: € 10.150.

Test car price: € 12.169.

Engine: two-cylinder, in-line, four-stroke, 789 cm3, liquid-cooled, 4 valves per cylinder, two camshafts in the head, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 63 kW (85 hp) at 7.500 rpm.

Maximum torque: 83 Nm @ 5.750 rpm.

Transmission: 6-speed, chain.

Frame: steel tubular.

Brakes: 300mm front discs, twin-piston calipers, 265mm rear discs, single-piston calipers.

Suspension: Front 45mm telescopic fork, 230mm travel, rear twin aluminum pivot fork, single hydraulic shock, adjustable preload and return, 215mm travel.

Gume: 90/90-21, 150/70-17.

Seat height from ground: 880 mm (lower version 850 mm).

Fuel tank: 16 l.

Wheelbase: 1.578 mm.

Weight: 207 kg (with fuel).

Representative: BMW Motorrad Slovenia.

We praise: off-road performance, engine, precise transmission, fuel consumption, quality and suitable accessories, brakes, suspension

We scold: slightly more vibration, false display of fuel level, price with accessories, less comfortable for long trips

Technical data: Triumph Tiger 800 XC

Test car price: € 10.390.

Engine: three-cylinder, in-line, liquid-cooled, four-stroke, 799cc, 3 valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection.

Maximum power: 70 kW (95 hp) at 9.300 rpm.

Maximum torque: 79 Nm @ 7.850 rpm.

Transmission: 6-speed, chain.

Frame: steel tubular.

Brakes: 308mm front discs, twin-piston calipers, 255mm rear discs, single-piston calipers.

Suspension: Showa 45mm front telescopic fork, 220mm travel, Showa single rear shock, adjustable preload and return, 215mm travel.

Gume: 90/90-21, 150/70-17.

Seat height from the ground: 845-865 mm.

Fuel tank: 19 l.

Wheelbase: 1.545 mm.

Weight: 215 kg (with fuel).

Representative: Španik, doo, Noršinska ulica 8, Murska Sobota, 02/534 84 96.

We praise: engine (power, responsiveness), road performance, brakes, suspension, more comfort for the passenger, good equipment of the base model, sound

We scold: too obvious copying of BMW, higher fuel consumption, worse off-road performance, lack of a steering wheel control button on the steering wheel, dangerously open passenger handles

Grades, points and final rating:

Design, workmanship (15)

BMW F800GS: 13 (Slightly austere styling, but definitely an original BMW. Overall workmanship per shade is better.)

Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 12 (Not to mention copying, it's better than the original.)

Complete drive (24)

BMW F800GS: 20 (Spark and a nice sleek engine, but three-cylinders offer more—except in the field. A stiffer but more precise drivetrain.)

Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 23 (More power, less vibration, and a nicer sound, and slightly less accurate (but still very good) transmission.)

On-road and off-road properties (40)

BMW F800GS: 33 (Lighter, more fun and more comfortable on and off the road. Unlike the big GS, the fun factor is sufficient.)

Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 29 (Slightly harder, but better at tugging on asphalt turns. Field trips should be limited to moderately difficult.)

Comfort (25)

BMW F800GS: 18 (The seat is quite narrow and makes you sit in a "pit", the driving position is straight and not fatiguing. It is difficult to expect more comfort from an off-road athlete during road enduro.)

Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 23 (Saddle, slightly tilted forward, slightly better wind protection. Fewer tires on long rides.)

Equipment (15)

BMW F800GS: 7 (Same as we wrote with the R 1200 GS: you don't get much for the base price, but it definitely has the longest list.)

Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 10 (On-board computer, 12V outlet and hand guards are standard, fuel tank is larger.)

Steam (26)

BMW F800GS: 19 (The base price is not high, but for this money there is not enough equipment, which is standard for Triumph. There is more wallet at the gas station and after the fall. An interesting financing option.)

Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 16 (At the base price, it scored more points than the competitor (more equipment for a similar price!), But then lost them due to higher fuel consumption and more expensive parts.)

Total Possible Points: 121

1st place: Triumph Tiger 800 XC: 113

2. Place: BMW F 800 GS: 110