Quick post because since we are so public with our motorcycle lives, trips and oh just about everything…I feel the need to make one post about WHY we bought BMW’s versus Triumph’s. This will be my only post as I really do not feel the need to overly justify how we spend our money. But since receiving quite a few emails, messages etc saying our credibility is in question about how I express my opinions and reviews I feel the need.
For those who are not aware in the summer of 2011 we rode two Triumph Tiger 800XC bike to Alaska and back…compliments of Triumph Canada. We reviewed the bikes and LOVED them. Here is the review…
TRIUMPH TIGER REVIEW AND GEAR 2011
We still think the same way about the Tigers but this is what we have to say about the new 2013 BMW F800GS after someone asked why we went from the 650′s to the 800′s.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=696871
above is the link to our RR to Alaska in 2011
yep you are correct. My bike had 60,000KM on it and Cheryl’s almost 50 thousand. Warranties coming up too. PLUS, it was time for new bikes for us and we gave each other an 800 for an engagement gift. We went to the 800 because last summer we were able to ride the new Triumph Tiger 800XC for 44 days. Gave them back. We loved that bike minus a few pet peeves. When this bike came out we were not too impressed with the lack of attention to the seat and it not being adjustable like the Triumph’s. But also did not really pay attention to the ESA. When I learned more about ESA in the theory the BMW became pretty interesting to us again. We also love our luggage and would be able to transfer the mounts into the new Beemers.
So, in the end the ESA for us is doing the trick on the road for road comfort. We like the 21 inch front and the wider handle bars and longer stance. We are not hard core off road riders but wanted better suspension too. So, we bought the 800′s. I am getting a custom seat made right now and included is a gel pad. So, if the seat comes out as comfy as I hope then we have a road savvy bike with definite off road handling. Best of both worlds. How is that for an answer?
I have received many “I am disappointed” emails and private messages that we did not buy Triumphs. Some even have gone as far to say my credibility has been questioned about my review of the Tigers. I say it’s our money, BMW has done some cool things on this bike, and we still think the world of the Tigers but like I said above BMW made some smart improvements.
So, that’s it…the one thing we bragged about with the Triumph’s was the street comfort…although I do not have my custom seat yet, even with the stock low BMW seat this bike feels way more street comfortable than previous years. Ok, enough said.
Everyone should go out and ENJOY whatever you ride and all the Tiger owners out there…you have a great bike!
Nice picture of the Tiger eh? Man we have to get the Beemers up to Alaska one day! What a trip that was! 
You have to buy the right bike for YOU, not anyone else, they’re not the one riding it ! We all like different things for different reasons. I love the motorcycle community, every one has been so supportive and welcoming (I have been riding for 12 months) , and I absolutely ‘get’ brand loyalty and that people simply have their favourites and preferences. However, one thing I have struggled with is just how critical people can be of others choices, and openly denigrate someone else’s bike. I’ve witnessed it and experienced it first hand on a number of occasions. I wouldn’t tell someone I thought their house was ugly or hated their wallpaper, I wouldn’t say that their dog looked stupid, so why have a go at my choice of bike?! And for the record, I have a Tiger 800. I love it and wouldn’t change a thing about it. But that’s my choice ! I just love that others choose to ride bikes, no matter what make or model. I also love that people like you, Cheryl and Leslie, will share your experiences with us, you’re also great role models for other female bikers. Your bikes are fantastic, I’m sure you will have many fabulous adventures on them.
WOW…well said and thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great to hear another grrl is on a ADV bike. Hope you enjoy your Tiger as much as we just LOVE to ride, Thanks for your kind comment!
I was going to make a comment with a similar sentiment but you did a better job than I would have done so I will end by saying ditto…
was well said eh? Awesome!
I personally don’t think you need to justify anything.
You give honest reviews about products you buy (or borrow) and calls it like you sees it. Can’t get any more honest than that.
Besides, didn’t you try to buy these machines after your trip?
yes we did try to make a deal…and yes we are indeed honest…probably to a fault!
Tell them to “get their own life”, no justification required. Of course, as a BMW owner, I am biased, as we all are.
I know we do not need to justify but as someone said we are public in our opinions and what we do so this is it..one post…a little reasoning and that is it.
There always seems to be the two-camp thing going on… Ford vs GM, Honda vs Toyota, BMW vs Mercedes, Mac vs PC, cat people vs dog people, loo roll folders vs scrunchers, Michelin vs Pirelli etc etc…
At best it’s a bit of banter, at worst it’s full on nastiness. At the end of the day (and referring to brands in specific) pretty much anything in 2012 is going to be a bloody good bit of engineering, yet there are a vocal few who are compelled to bash others who aren’t in their camp… I don’t know very many people that go out and spend 5 figures on something they haven’t given thorough consideration to, so the ‘your choice sucks’ comments run all the more deeply. We should be grateful that we have variety and choice since this ensures competition and provokes innovation.
Would these people say the same things to someone’s face in person? It’s easy for people to sit anonymously behind their keyboards and stroke their own egos by putting others down via their finely crafted online personas…
Sorry you felt the need to have to justify yourselves… I love reading your posts and that sentiment is independent from your choice of motorbike – glad you’ve found bikes that work best for you or you may never have started your blog in the first place!
(I’ve been told I ramble on sometimes, sorry for that…)
I love your rambling…and I felt the need to post something because of how public we are in the sense we have this blog and I just post what I believe and think. In no way have I trashed the Tiger it’s just it appears many bought because of our ride. That is not a bad thing. People change, bikes change etc…and my point was that we bragged about the level of street comfort the Tigers gave us on our trip…now we can say as riders of both the ’13 BMW F8 and ’12 T8 we can make a very informed decision.
Actually more informed than the average bike owner. Who gets to take a demo ride for 44 days and then own another bike to compare? So, in the end all Tiger owners should LOVE their bikes, they bought a great product and as for us…we think BMW has made a bike that meets most of our needs without so many pet peeves. Thanks again for your comment! We appreciate your insight.
I can’t add anything more than the great comments posted already. Keep up the good work. Those that appreciate your blog and your opinions are in the majority.
nice to know….I wonder though why no one has commented here when they have a chance? I mean the one’s with issues…
That is just your own choice. That’s it, nothing to add. Respect.
yep and choice is a good thing!