f800gs or tiger 800xc

[bansk65]

Why should I buy the GS? Logic tells me to, but bloody expensive with just the few basic bits you need, engine bars, sump guard etc. Going to Coopers, Sunderland on Friday in the hope I get a " I couldn't refuse it at that price Pet"

 

[Dean]

Hello and welcome : Good first post

my advice would be if your seriously considering both is to test ride both and if you can long test rides, then sleep on it take your time and then decide.

I think on the whole they are both similar and good bikes.


good luck with your choice

 

[v8legend]

I've had mine for almost 2 years now, and can't fault it.

To be honest though, if I was looking to buy now, I'd be seriously tempted by the Triumph.

A few of points worth mentioning.

The 800GS has amazing fuel consumption, I seriously doubt that the Triumph will get anywhere close. It will certainly need the extra couple of litres in its tank.

The optional luggage for the Triumph looks rubbish, you'd have to go aftermarket for panniers etc.

I recently had an 'out of warranty' claim for corrosion on the sump. Although BMW only paid for the parts, I'm lead to believe that Triumph never entertain 'out of warranty' claims.

If you do buy one, make sure it's insured fully comp, ideally with 'new for old', or gap insurance. I had a good look over the 800XC at the launch recently. I don't think it's going to take much to write one off. The screen etc mounts straight on to the headstock (no subframe). Any frontal impact is going to bend the lugs on the frame. Same goes for the pillion footrests. They stick out a long way, very vulnerable, and are part of the main frame. I can see a lot of Tigers being written off after a low speed spill. When I pointed this out to my local Triumph dealer he said 'they're steel, so can be bent straight again!' However, I'm not sure I'd want my pride and joy being bent straight without access to a jig. I'm sure most people will be saying that they're not worried because their insured, but you'll need gap insurance (not many people have this). I can see a situation where someone has spent their last penny on a new Tiger loaded with extras, and has spent over £8000. The insurance assessor will look at the book price (£7500ish), and knock off about 15% then the excess. Soon you'd be down to settling for £6000. You might be able to buy a nice used F800GS for £6000, but there won't be any Tigers out there for a while.

 

[bansk65]

Thanks for the good honest replies, the minor faults mentioned about the tiger were in my mind, I think that i will stick to the proven machine. Thanks again.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Thanks for the good honest replies, the minor faults mentioned about the tiger were in my mind, I think that i will stick to the proven machine. Thanks again.

Proven

 

[sijohnston]

Couldn't disagree more with the reasons listed so far as to why you shouldn't buy the Triumph. Luggage isn't a reason to push you either way. There'll be a raft of offerings for it before long and as I've cycled through all kinds of luggage, I'm now a Giant Loop coyote fan which fits any bike. Fuel consumption? The 800 is frugal yes, but it's still got too small a tank. Regarding taking a hit, both bikes will suffer if you bin it and GAP will be the same price and give you the same 'like for like' policy should you write it off no matter what you end up with. Warranty? Both companies are unlikely to give you anything outside of warranty, so it's not a question that should figure in your 'rational choice'.

I've an 800 with 40k miles on it and dumped it, ridden it across the world, loved it, screamed at it, and am now rebuilding it. I think it's probably tougher than the Tiger would be, but I think the Tiger is prettier and will have more grunt and in the right place, but it would by no means suit what I'm after. Light trails and mostly road, you'll be fine with either, heavier off-road, go for the BM, and if it's nearly all off-road (a very small percentage of people who post on this site fit this category), you're in the wrong ballpark altogether. Ride them both, figure out your needs and go with your instinct. Hope this helps.

 

[v8legend]

Couldn't disagree more with the reasons listed so far as to why you shouldn't buy the Triumph. Luggage isn't a reason to push you either way. There'll be a raft of offerings for it before long.

Isn't that what I said?

Fuel consumption? The 800 is frugal yes, but it's still got too small a tank.

It might well have too small a tank, but it will still have a greater range. There is no reason at all for modern bikes to be so uneconomical.

Regarding taking a hit, both bikes will suffer if you bin it and GAP will be the same price and give you the same 'like for like' policy should you write it off no matter what you end up with.

I think you have missed my point here. Yes, GAP insurance will cover you, that is why I suggested it! However, most people don't have GAP insurance. The F800GS has a rear subframe, and the screen is also on a subframe. A low speed spill is easily repairable. The same accident on the Tiger will probably require a new main frame, so a total rebuild, making it more likely to be written off.

Warranty? Both companies are unlikely to give you anything outside of warranty, so it's not a question that should figure in your 'rational choice'.

I've just had a new sump pan 'out of warranty', plus someone on here recently had a new engine. I'm not on any Triumph forums, so can't give any examples of their benevolence.

Having said all that, I think the new Tiger looks great.

 

[bansk65]

My minds made up, going to see the F800 on friday, not many second hand ones about privately, or in dealerships nearby, so Coopers at Sunderland will be getting my custom on a new model. Thanks for everyones input.
Neil

 

[Bobster]

Coopers, Sunderland

Why should I buy the GS? Logic tells me to, but bloody expensive with just the few basic bits you need, engine bars, sump guard etc. Going to Coopers, Sunderland on Friday in the hope I get a " I couldn't refuse it at that price Pet"

Just bought a GSA via Steve Brown at Coopers, one of the best salesmen I have ever dealt with. No bull, well prepared bikes and excellent service. I live in Derbyshire and travelled 170 miles each way and going back to get the bike on Saturday. Very impressed and I'm sure the bike will be as good as the service that I have received. I did contact my usual dealer who did not have a bike that I wanted, then I visited Rainbow. Very disappointed the service was fine but bikes not well presented and £700 more than I paid 'up the road'.

 

[bansk65]

Cheers for that, its Steve that i spoke to. Also gonna try the 660 tenere, just so's i have tried all options, but the f8oo looks a very nice bike

 

[BBB61]

I recently had an 'out of warranty' claim for corrosion on the sump. Although BMW only paid for the parts, I'm lead to believe that Triumph never entertain 'out of warranty' claims.

Triumph try very hard not to entertain in warranty claims too

 

[beemerboy9]

A little birdie who applies paint protection film (I heartily recommend this BTW) for a living told me that Triumph are having a lot of paint quality problems at the moment.
Don't believe me - search the internet forums for yourself.

 

[mirboo72]

3 cylinders v 2...and lighter weight I would go for the tiger..

 

[wilbjr21]

Coopers at Sunderland are an excellent dealership - you would have to go a long way to find a better one.

 

[Richie3264]

Cheers for that, its Steve that i spoke to. Also gonna try the 660 tenere, just so's i have tried all options, but the f8oo looks a very nice bike

My mate has a Tenere, loves it, but feck me its tall very tall.

He thinks its great but still keeps looking at the F800 and new Tiger..... wanting a "bit more" for on the road

Having a f800 myself I then looked at the Tiger but couldnt see a big enough reason to swop for what is essentially a like for like bike. I think which ever you decide to go for you will enjoy as i dont think theres that much between them.

BMW back up sways it for me though

just my 2pwoth.

Richie

Oh Yeah, dont bother with the plastic BMW panniers go for the alloy ones if you can, or after market ones.

 

[bansk65]

Just ordered a new one today for March in the Lava Orange. Only 1 kilo heavier that the Tenere, but 8 kilo lighter than the Tiger. Got a good deal off Steve at Cooper's, just gotta wait now. Thanks for everyone's input, Neil

 

[v8legend]

3 cylinders v 2...and lighter weight I would go for the tiger..

Um, not quite.

Yes it's got 3 cylinders, but it's not lighter, around 8kg's heavier (for the XC). It does make more power, but less torque.

 

[Account removed]

Um, not quite.

Yes it's got 3 cylinders, but it's not lighter, around 8kg's heavier (for the XC). It does make more power, but less torque.

sorry yes the the GS does make more PEAK torque, but the Triumph curve is almost a a flat line. So it gives you almost all of it's torque all of the time.

 

[Richie N]

Yeah, but its a Triumph - just dont expect any customer service.

Well done on the 800 - I think you'll love it

 

[Dean]

Just ordered a new one today for March in the Lava Orange. Only 1 kilo heavier that the Tenere, but 8 kilo lighter than the Tiger. Got a good deal off Steve at Cooper's, just gotta wait now. Thanks for everyone's input, Neil

Good choice your going to love it

The waiting is a bitch isnt it, only 17 more sleeps to go