It's a long story, but having vowed never to own a 1200GS again I picked up a new to me 2016 1200GS TE Triple Black yesterday.
So how does it compare to the 2018 Tiger 1200 XRT I'd just traded in.
Having owned several GS's in the past it was like putting on a comfy pair of slippers, and a massive improvement on my last 2014 1200. One of the first WC models.
Weight... Here's where the GS really scores. Much lighter than the Tiger whilst stationary,easier to push around and handle.There have been times when I've really struggled to get the Tiger up from the side stand when loaded with gear. GS still feels a little lighter when on the move.
Engine...Both lovely engines with very different characteristics. GS loads of low down grunt and pulls really strong. Tiger, most probably the best motorcycle engine out there, super smooth with a gorgeous induction howl.
Gearbox...Although a massive improvement on the 2014 version I had the GS gearbox is still a little agricultural and the quickshifter is really only any good when really nailing the throttle. Tiger gearbox is a gem and the quickshifter a delight.
Handling.... For me the biggest difference between the two bikes. GS handles very nicely in the slower corners but gets a bit choppy on really fast bends with an uneven road surface. The Tiger can be a bit of a lump on the more technical roads. get it going round very fast sweepers with a rough surface and it's absolutely rock solid, very confidence inspiring at speed. A much better high speed bike than the GS.
Finish...Both bikes are very well finished. For me Triumph just edges it.
Overall...Both great bikes, but very different. Would I take the Triumph off road? absolutely no way. Would I take the GS off road, yes, but with great caution. GS controls are more intuitive and it's a better bike on the B roads than the Tiger. Tiger feels more robust and slightly better built, a better bike on the fast A roads, feels much quicker than the GS.
Just my thoughts.
So how does it compare to the 2018 Tiger 1200 XRT I'd just traded in.
Having owned several GS's in the past it was like putting on a comfy pair of slippers, and a massive improvement on my last 2014 1200. One of the first WC models.
Weight... Here's where the GS really scores. Much lighter than the Tiger whilst stationary,easier to push around and handle.There have been times when I've really struggled to get the Tiger up from the side stand when loaded with gear. GS still feels a little lighter when on the move.
Engine...Both lovely engines with very different characteristics. GS loads of low down grunt and pulls really strong. Tiger, most probably the best motorcycle engine out there, super smooth with a gorgeous induction howl.
Gearbox...Although a massive improvement on the 2014 version I had the GS gearbox is still a little agricultural and the quickshifter is really only any good when really nailing the throttle. Tiger gearbox is a gem and the quickshifter a delight.
Handling.... For me the biggest difference between the two bikes. GS handles very nicely in the slower corners but gets a bit choppy on really fast bends with an uneven road surface. The Tiger can be a bit of a lump on the more technical roads. get it going round very fast sweepers with a rough surface and it's absolutely rock solid, very confidence inspiring at speed. A much better high speed bike than the GS.
Finish...Both bikes are very well finished. For me Triumph just edges it.
Overall...Both great bikes, but very different. Would I take the Triumph off road? absolutely no way. Would I take the GS off road, yes, but with great caution. GS controls are more intuitive and it's a better bike on the B roads than the Tiger. Tiger feels more robust and slightly better built, a better bike on the fast A roads, feels much quicker than the GS.
Just my thoughts.
and can't be bothered chasing the newest model out (2015 GS)... but I guess same question.. if you have a V85TT, why get a GS.. or is one for special occasions 
