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Hey Cheryl a quick equipment question. On the video you wore a vest carrier with your uniform. What brand is that vest carrier? I’m looking for one myself and it appears to be what I am looking for. Great job, sharing the video with others as it will help many.,
she is not allowed to comment on her equipment.
Thanks for sharing the video though.
I was on a picture viewing page, and it began to snow on just that page, and it lasted about a minute. It was 1:20 am EST, I was wondering, was it set up to snow for just a minute for a reason?
If you stay long enough on a page the snow flakes should last the entire time…my holiday touch for the BLOG!
Hi Cheryl & Leslie,
First of all, You have a great blog and I enjoy reading it everyday!
I’m only following this blog since 2weeks though.
I like all your adventure storys, keep up the good work!
I hope you don’t mind, but I have a question regarding the Bmw f800gs and tiger 800xc
I live in Belgium, and planning to buy an adventure bike.
Usage: 20% offroad 80% road.
I’m quite stuck when it comes to make a choice between the two bikes.
I know that both bikes a great, but have a slight preference for the bmw.
Only issue could be the height of the bmw.
Do you know if a lowering kit (springs ext…) of touratech can be combined with ESA?
Would you lower you bike?
I know there are lower seats, but are they as comfortable as a comfort seat?
Can a f800gs be as good as the tiger800 on the road?
As for the tiger 800xc.
I wrote a lot of issues about stalling.
What do you think about the tiger?
Would you buy one again?
Thank you in advance for your opninion.
Kind regards
Michael
P.s: dutch is my primary language, excuse me for the writing errors.
Hi Michael thanks for checking out our blog. We never owned the Triumph Tiger 800XC bikes. They were loaned to us. It is a great bike with a few missing conveniences. Tigers do not have handlebar controls. No easy on/off ABS button was my big issue. We could have bought the Tigers but went with the BMW F8 because we felt we got more for our $$ and I have a custom seat with gel pad which makes my Beemer VERY comfortable with the ESA.
You can order a factory lowered F8 and that would be my suggestion if you go the BMW route. You say 20% off road? Don’t under estimate yourself. If you have never owned a bike like this before you will find yourself craving for dirt. The Tiger is a great on road bike and more than capable off road too. it has an adjustable seat that BMW should have integrated in their 2013 model but they did not.
Both bikes with the 21inch front wheel feel like they want to stay upright in a curve but once you get used to the 21inch front you will lean your bike more and trust it.
Since BMW introduced the ESA functions on the 800 I am loving it. I can tell the difference. I use comfortable mode on the highway which softens the suspension. Sport mode makes it tighter and normal mode really does not feel that different. So, in the end our luggage was able to transfer to the new BMW’s, saved us a ton of $$ and for the ride? The Twin engine and not a smooth as the Tiger’s Triple but it does great on and off road. Good luck, you can’t go wrong with either bike, it just depends if you like handlebar controls, an ambient temp gauge (Tiger does not have this), ESA and in Canada we have a 3 year warranty unlimited mileage. Triumph 2 years. Leslie
Just like Michael above, I’m torn about which bike to get: the 2013 BMW F800GS or the Tiger Triumph 800 XC. I’ve read that the older F800′s felt “buzzy” at highway speeds. Do you find it’s the same thing for the 2013 model?
Great website – I’ve spent a lot of time reading your adventures and reviews…keep it up!
Did you get the chance to read my reply above your comment? The BMW Twin engine does run a bit rougher than the Triumph’s Triple. Like anything else you get used to it just like we did on the T800…that smooth Triple is nice. The new 800′s still have a buzzy engine but this bikes goes like a bat out of hell.
Both are great bikes depends on your own taste. Looks plays a role for us and the new F800 to us looks leaner and having the tank below the seat really makes this bike a bit more nimble and less top heavy. The Tiger gets worse gas mileage but in the bigger picture I guess that really is not a deal breaker. For me personally I never liked the lack of handle bar controls on the Tigers. Triumph will I am certain introduce this on the 800′s in the near future. They have to…makes sense and for the money you spend on the Tiger they will have to bring more conveniences for the rider.
For 2013 there was no change or mention of this convenience and for me I want easy on/off abs control, ambient temp, more OEM heated grip look….the Tiger has these very large buttons, almost an animated after market look to them as well as their AUX light switch. Nothing to do with the engine though, all cosmetics.
If you buy a bike let us know what you choose and thanks for stopping by…good luck and Happy Holidays!
Thanks for the quick reply!
I did read your response to Michael’s post about the Triumph being smoother, but nothing about the buzzing that the 08-12 F800GS’s where known for. I would have thought that with everyone reporting engine buzzing at highway speeds, BMW would have tried to fix the problem for the 2013 model? I guess to get a bike that is good off road, you have to sacrife some of it’s on-road capabilities. Oh well, doesn’t sound like a deal breaker.
Thanks again for the quick and informative response. It’s always good to get information from someone who actually owns the bike instead of someone testing it out for a day. Enjoy the holidays!
I can say we know both bikes pretty well. We got to ride the Tigers for 44 days and 15,000 KM…we have owned the 800cc BMW twin engine since 2010 and have put over 60,000 KM on my F650. The buzzing is not that bad to be honest so we would never really complain about it. I added a custom seat with gel pad and this version of the F800 with ESA is as comfy as the Tigers. Both bikes with the 21 inch front wheel does not feel as though it wants to lean tight in curves but once you get into the lean both bikes do great. Both bikes are really good on the street, the Tiger being better for the pavement for sure. Tiger feels like a street touring machine.
great blog, i am learning a lot. i am a cruise bike rider who is feeling adventurous and wanna shift to dual sport.
wish you both a merry Christmas and a happy new year from the revolutionary new egypt:)
Welcome revolutionary Egypt! DS bikes are a great way to travel down your way. Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Holidays ladies! Because you inspired me with your adventure ride, I am finally getting that Tiger XC that I ordered last July. I’m sure it’s worth the wait.
Let us know when you take your first ride. CONGRATS!
Will surely do! Thanks!
Hey TomCIII, any word on that Tiger of yours? First impressions?
Hi guys! Well I’ve put in roughly 800kms on the bike and here are my thoughts on the bike.
First off, that matte khaki green color is getting a lot of attention. I am the first in the Philippines to own one. I’m being extra careful with scratches and other stains on the finish.
Having owned a BMW R1200GS for 5 years, I’m quite impressed with the handling, the torque and the comfort of the XC. I’m almost tempted to say that it’s a lot better that my GS but then that’ll be like comparing apples with oranges. Besides, my GS was kind to me till that fateful day in May 2012.
Haven’t really gone on a long ride in the countryside (which will happen in the next couple of weeks) I already know that I’ll be having a blast.
So far, I’ve added the following farkles : Triumph headlight protector, Triumph front fenda extenda, Triumph engine crash bars, Touratech upper fairing crash bars, Touratech oil guard, Touratech radiator guard, Touratch large sidestand foot, Zega Pro Topcase 38L, R & G exhaust protector, Bags-Connection Micro Quick Lock tank bag. Here’s a link at ADVrider for a few pics :
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=20767565&postcount=659
My only complaint would be the heat on my right leg in stop and go traffic and the bike not having tubeless tires. My worst nightmare in a ride is having a flat tire.
Would I recommend this bike ? Most definitely!
hey girls!,
Just out of curiosity, would you guys use/recommend/try using scottoiler? (http://www.scottoiler.com/us/bmw) I’m interested in getting one but still I’m not sure nor I know anyone from the area I live that uses it so I would like to know what you guys think about it.
cheers!
Juan
We thought about installing Scottoilers on our bikes numerous times…but two things comes to mind…when you are riding off road in really dusty conditions….nothing would work to keep your chain lubed. Two…not sure we would want to spend the money on this if we know we can do our own chain maintenance…I mean you still have to clean your chain every once in a while…when we ride on the road/pavement spraying the chain every 500KM’s or a little more is no problem.
Good time to remind yourself to check the pressure of the tires and inspect things when you are on the road. So, in other words, if you have the $$ this device can’t hurt. But if you really don’t have the extra cash and look at chain maintenance as part of your adventure then I would not buy this. Just my two cents….Leslie
awesome!, greatly appreciated
thanks! 
I thought you two might enjoy reading about one of the heros of the RCMP. I was fortunate enough to receive some great training from this man several years ago. I was assigned as a rescue diver and was sent to several schools where he taught. He was a big player in the world of dive rescue.
Enjoy!
Gerry
Robert Gordon Teather – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
THANKS!
Tom the heat is more prominent on the Tigers but we always wear riding pants could not feel like others. You live in a very humid climate will be interested in how that heat progresses in the summer. You’ll have a great time on the bike and down the line we are actually thinking of getting some custom rims that are tubeless. About $2000 for front and rear for each bike so we will have to wait a bit but they will have spokes. Congrats and enjoy!
$2000!!! Wow! That’s like a round trip airfare to your side of the world which I’d rather do.
Yep might just have to be our wedding present to each other lol
Heck! I’ll just attend your wedding and enjoy some good ol’ Canadian hospitality. What you say?
Sure join the party. 60 are!
Hi, Just found your site through google+. Great resource and source of awesome trips. Also double plus awesome is that you are in Canada. Millions of US sites with wonderful thoughts and ideas on where to buy gear, etc in the US but as you know its a different story North of the border.
Welcome Paul..hope to see and hear from you more often now that you found us…thanks for stopping by and for your kind words.
Hi gals I want to thank you also, you have answered so many of my questions. I am selling my bmw k1200rs and about to bring home a kitty.I have been riding dirt for years and now want the freedom to have both dirt and long hall st. options. I live in San Franscico bay area. If you ever need a garage and a place to crash you are always welcome.
sheri
What are you getting? The Tiger? XC? Thanks for your nice comment and for taking the time to stop by our BLOG. Hope to hear more from you! Congrats on your new bike!
Hi Ladies,
Love your blog. I ride a cruiser and have never ridden off road, but I think it is something I would really enjoy. I am considering buying a BMW 700GS with the lower suspension but it doesn’t come with the ESA. Does ESA really make that much difference to your riding experience?
Thanks,
Tracey
Tracey how tall are you or rather what is your inseam?
I am 5’1, and my inseam is 29.
We really like the ESA especially the sport off road and the comfy setting on the pavement. If you could try to the low seat with regular stock height and then after you buy the bike get your low seat trimmed on the sides to make your legs tighter fitting to the bike you might be able to feel confident on the 700.
I ride the 800GS with low seat, stock height and although I am not anywhere close to flat footed I have learned to ride this way and not nervous anymore. it can be done it is all about your own level of riding skills and if you think you can handle the bike.
Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated!
You guys rule ! Awesome page…just got started with my new F700GS and reading and seeing stuff like the one you posted makes me wanna grab my bike and ride away ! Congratulations from San Antonio, TX ! Thank you for all the valuable information and expertise shared…a true goldmine for new comers like myself ! god bless ‘ya !
WOW nice comment and thanks for stopping by…have fun on your new 700! Let us know where you end up going and if you get the bike dirty.
Hey there.
Love the site, and the frank comments and criticisms (good and bad) about everything. Thank you for that. I have a 2009 F650GS, and am thinking about riding to Alaska…with a passenger on the back – my wife, who is much physically smaller than I. Do you have any thoughts or heard any stories about that? I have not seen or read much about it on the internet. Thanks again!
Make sure you have a sheep skin or air hawk pad for the both of you or maybe you all ready have a better seat? It will be a snug fit on your bike but doable if you travel well😉 together.
You might feel the need for more power depending on where you go up there. Pack light, again depending on where you go bring extra gas especially since you are two up. Don’t over plan, have good gear that is waterproof, bring bug spray and have fun! BTW..thanks for stopping by and posting your comment!