Changing GSA for Tiger 800 xc

[Kushde]

Just traded my xc in for my first gs, cant comment on the gs as i have not got it out of the garage yet.
Loved the xc at the start but later found i was revving it out all too quickly, liked the smooth triple engine but disliked the quiet exhaust and the excess heat on the legs.
Hand guards are rubbish, barkbusters with storm guards work well but create vib's in the bars, cured with the barkbuster end weights.
Mine came with the Givi touring screen, standard screen is too short and noisy, givi better but still not great.
Was not thrilled about the preload adjuster which stopped clicking, dealer did not replace, some new bikes in shop were the same.
Had to fit 2inch rox risers, bars were too forward for my liking.
Did not like the triumph luggage the way it moves about, went for the Givi plr6401 racks and 46 trekker top box with 33 panniers.
Handled well enough, done over 7000 miles on it last year, the most ive done in a year on any bike ive ever owned.
Averaged 53 mpg
I had a Varadero and struggled getting it up on the centre stand, the tiger is not much better, the gs is a gift to lift in comparrison.
Take a good test ride and make your own mind up,

 

[Trojan]

Hi,

I have ridden the 12GSA, 12 & 660 Tenere, XC and now own a GS8.

XC
Nice bike, never really felt dual sport (more like a taller chunkier speed triple) Two biggest negatives was there is no 'Fun factor' it was a smooth boring ride IMHO and stories of difficult warranty claims (at least BM seem to honour most)

GS8
I own one as a result of test rides on the above bikes, it's a cracking all rounder, and it still retains the capability to give you a 'twin grin'
The only negative is the rattle that seems to be present in most engines, but people have clocked up serious mileage without this causing problems. Mine has the traction and electronic suspension, in my opinion neither are really necessary.

One of my main reasons for choosing the GS8 is that it doesn't knacker you out after a good days riding. (both bigger bikes really wore me out off road after a few hours (mid Wales) whereas the 8's allow you to keep a little in reserve.

That said all are good bikes with their own strengths, test ride what you can (in the same day if possible) and good luck with your decision...........BMW all the way

 

[pitternator]

Interesting topic, as I have tested pretty much all the bikes mentioned, and the explorer.Finally settled on the gs12 as it just felt so complete, so well developed, with superb ergos.Its just so chuckable in the twisties, yet does the serious touring stuff so well too.I love the free luggage and goodies on offer last year , perfect marketing.My GS fully loaded ended up being cheaper than an equivalent explorer ! .I think my dealer is good too, and gave me so much better a deal than any ( up their own arses ) triumph dealers.
Triumph missed a trick IMO by making the 800XC at all. If they just made the tiger 1050 properly it could be a whole better alternative to the GS. Give it the speed triple full fat engine, and make it look like the explorer.The explorer is just way too big , heavy and bulky to really chuck about. The 800XC does handle superbly, I always wondered just what a gutsier engine would feel like in it.I liked the chassis, hated the engine. With the explorer I loved the engine, hated the chassis ! I think Triumph copy too much.They need more individuality around a theme IMO.
BMW have by the look of it played a blinder with the new GS. Its a sexy looking bike IMO, its priced right , I mean would you want an explorer when a GS is same price ???
Also bear in mind that Triumph "detuned" their 1200 to make it feel like a boxer engine power delivery...wtf is that about...surely a manufacturer should play to their strengths?Although triumph claim big bhp, its actually detuned to give around the same in the higher gears as a GS ! Their best selling bikes are the ones they initiated - speed and street triples.