Triumph manufactured a lot of hype for the Tiger 800, so it was a real treat to discover the British mount lived up to expectations. Not just a shrunken version of its big brother Tiger, the 800 was a purpose-built Adventure bike. Triumph even obliged an off-road oriented version, the XC, which features wire-spoked wheels and is easily the most dirt-capable Trumpet produced by the modern Hinkley company.
We will take one of each thanks! 
We have both owned 2010 BMW F650GS aka F798Gsa bikes since 2010. Check back here every so often for new pics!
We have made this street version of the GS family more off-road worthy by adding some crash protection, better tires, added a beak to look more like its big brother the 800GS, have changed our chains to DID, we use Galfer brake pads which we feel last longer and are better than OEM, hand guards, Fastway pegs, Jesse Safari 8 inch luggage, Denali auxiliary lights, better headlamps bulbs than OEM, built-in heat controllers for our Gerbing’s heated gear, headlamp protector, larger Cee Bailey wind shield, we use K&N oil filters, semi synthetic oil, change this at about 15,000 KM, Renazco seat, Wunderlich tank bags, Kaoko lock (not used that much), rad protector and some other protection covers, side stand extender made by MOTOROVERLAND (MOD), ( we used a Touratech side extender for the 2010 trip) and perhaps a few things we have over looked.
Another reason to do this BLOG is for those who are just embarking on ADV riding or wanting to buy this DS bike hopefully you guys and gals might just learn a few things that we have tried and either succeeded or not. We are not professionals but every day average riders so we hope most can relate. if there are any questions please post here. For the guys and gals out there who ride, feel free to read the comments and share your own success stories or secrets. The more info we can provide here the better the newbies will feel asking questions in public.
Remember there are NO dumb questions!
Here are some of our pics of the Beemers….
Also, here are 2 maps of the States and Provinces we have been to….we have so much riding to do in north America!
BC Interior 2010
Comes in Sapphire Blue, Graphite (Like the Beemer) and Black…now what is the MSRP and will there be a XC version?
Small Tank for a bike this size. Maybe they are hoping that the weight might be a selling point but if this bike gets the gas mileage that the Tiger 800XC gets when you ride the bike the way it wants to be ridden, then as far as range….this 1200 will not be able to keep up with the BMW R1200GS. I predict a bike with this much HP will not get more than 320 KM per tank at best. At 20 liters this is only 1 liter more than the Tiger 800XC. Interesting Triumph made this tank so “small”. Just our opinion once again. BMW 2012 R1200GSA has a 33 liter tank just to compare the two but the GS does indeed have a 20 L tank too.
**Love that Triumph has added a the handlebar instrumentation pack. This was a HUGE bone of contention for me on our summer trip that the Tiger 800XC does not have handlebar controls and a ridiculous set up to turn the ABS off. Let’s hope Triumph adds this to the 2013 Tiger 800XC and man would I would be sold. Notice also on the 1200 they have ambient temperature gauge now too. Another pet peeve I had about the Tiger 800XC.**
Specifications
Engine and Transmission Type Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line three-cylinder Capacity 1215cc Bore/Stroke 85 x 71.4mm Fuel System Drive by wire, fuel injection Exhaust Stainless steel 3 into 1 , side mounted stainless steel silencer Final Drive Shaft Clutch Wet, multi-plate Gearbox 6-speed Oil Capacity 4.0 litres (1.1 US gals) Chassis, Running Gear and Displays Frame Tubular steel trellis frame Swingarm Single-sided, cast aluminium alloy with shaft drive Wheel Front Cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke 19 x 2.5in Rear Cast aluminium alloy 10-spoke 17 x 4.0in Tyre Front 110/80 R 19 Rear 150/70 R 17 Suspension Front Kayaba 46mm upside down forks, 190mm travel Rear Kayaba monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 194mm rear wheel travel Brakes Front “Twin 305mm floating discs, Nissin 4-piston calipers, Switchable ABS Rear Single 282mm disc, Nissin 2-piston sliding caliper, Switchable ABS Instrument Display/Functions LCD instrument pack with digital speedometer, analogue tachometer, gear position indicator, fuel gauge, range to empty, service indicator, clock, air temperature, frost warning, hazard warning lights, trip computer, Tyre pressure monitoring system Dimensions and Capacities Length 2248mm/88.4in Width (handlebars) 962mm Height without mirrors 1410mm/55.5in Seat Height 837mm/32.9in – 857mm/33.7in Wheelbase 1530mm/60.2in Rake/Trail 23.9 degree/105.5mm Fuel Tank Capacity 20 litres/5.3 US gals Wet Weight (ready to ride) 259kg/570lbs Performance (measured at crankshaft to 95/1/EC) Maximum Power 137PS/135bhp/101kW @ 9300rpm Maximum Torque 121Nm/89 ft.lbs @ 6400rpm Fuel Efficiency Price On The Road please contact your nearest dealer
Yesterday I posted a poll asking what bike you would buy. It was quickly brought to my attention I over looked 3 other contenders, maybe 4. I mean there are more models out there than Triumph, BMW, Yamaha and Honda in the ADV market right? I feel a bit embarrassed that I did not include the Ducati Multistrada, Moto Guzzi Stelvio, and at least one of the KTM ADV bikes so I am including the 990R.
DUCATI MULTISTRADA PIKES PEAK
MOTO GUZZI STELVIO
KTM 990R
I have seen all these bikes but never really thought about buying one. Not sure why but one thing that stands out at least for the KTM bikes is the seat height. I think my legs would be flopping in the wind the seat seems so high. As for the other two models, not really sure why I have not looked into them more. I like the looks of the Stelvio but not so much the Multistrada. Is it all about looks or how reliable and functional a bike is?
What do you think?
In this market as someone commented probably the most reliable, bullet proof and most bang for your buck is the Suzuki 650 V Strom with ABS. What makes us buy the bike we do when some of the “experts” say something like the V Strom has it all for the money?
I think it is human nature to want to explore and find things out for ourselves. Researching is good but in the end it is about how a bike makes us feel regardless of what others might say.
I do like how they have redesigned the V Strom. Looks less bulky and more streamlined.
SUZUKI 650 V STROM
So, here are 4 more ADV contenders to spice things up. Some of us all ready have an allegiance towards one make, brand or model while others are researching their hearts out trying to figure out what to buy. None of these bikes are cheap, well, maybe the Suzuki could be considered affordable. So, buying a new bike is an investment and most likely will not be taken lightly. I doubt the average rider is rich and for those who are “rich” I bet it still isn’t an easy decision unless you are Jay Leno and can afford a museum of bikes.
Happy bike hunting and whatever bike you end up on, I bet it will put a smile on your face.
Why this BLOG? When I talk to my buddies who do not understand ADV riding addiction they get a glazed look on their face when I try to explain the overall feeling I get when we ride. Even other riders out there who own cruisers or sport bikes don’t get why we ride in the pouring rain, camp out, get dirty, don’t wash our bikes and go places where we might run out of gas. This blog allows me to just not have to explain….I think most of the readers get it. Just that simple, ADV riding is all about freedom, the unknown, trials and tribulations, challenges and of course spectacular views, people we meet and getting to places as far off the beaten path as possible.
Need I say more?
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Even though I ask if $$ was no issue, is weight? Height an issue? Vote for the most realistic bike if you had the money….
**Should have added the KTM 990 so if you choose that bike or the Multistrada and Moto Guzzi vote other and if you can leave a comment which other bike.
2012 BMW F650GS Sun Yellow
2012 BMW F800GS
2012 Triumph Tiger 800XC
2012 Triumph Tiger Explorer
2012 BMW R1200GS
2012 Yamaha Super Tenere
2012 Honda Crosstourer
Feel free to answer and comment as to why you would buy the bike you picked. If you choose other also feel free to reveal the other bike you would buy and why. I am curious to see how this poll turns out. Comments will help all of us understand decisions being made and maybe add what you ride now.
Cheryl & I want to thank all the supporters of this BLOG! We hit 50,000 views last night! Since we have been back from our summer trip on August 11th we have more hits to the BLOG then when we were on our trip. Thanks for getting word out, I am seeing more and more referral sites than ever, more forums getting wind of the BLOG and even other ADV riders and web sites.
We have many folks from all ages both men and women alike coming along as we develop the BLOG. As always we are open to suggestions, comments as to how we can make this a better site. So, feel free to share what you want to see and share your thoughts.
Once again we both want to send out a HUGE thanks to everyone and sure hope this continues.
I was on the phone with Gerbing customer support this week and was informed that they are moving all productions from CHINA to NORTH CAROLINA, USA. I think this is great news for Gerbing! They are located in Tumwater, Washington and to have their own production site on the same continent is awesome. Plus, will be nice to see a tag say Made in USA.
We are heading down to their headquarters the weekend of November 6th to get new updated liners. We have the old technology and we are going with the micro wire. We used Gerbing on our summer trip and through out the winter here where we live in BC. We own the T5 gloves too and with the liner, our heated grips and gloves we can comfortable ride in -5 C.
they also said supply might be delayed a bit..they are expecting new stock in the next few weeks but as far as when things will be coming out of North Carolina might be awhile. They said it is a large move to change locations from China to the USA but they are on it.
See our Triumph Tiger and gear review for our thought on Gerbing.
Here is a funny picture of Cheryl in her Gerbing liner coming out of a really bad smelling out house in Boundary Alaska this summer…you see we wore the liner everywhere. 
Maybe this bike the R1200GS rather the 1200GSA is a direct comparison to the new Triumph Tiger Explorer. Perhaps Triumph will release an Adventure package with their new 1200cc bike like BMW. In any case, here is the new 2012 BMW and it will be interesting to see what happens in the BIG ADV bike market next year when Triumph reveals their new addition to the ADV market. With so many companies getting on board might there be more competitive pricing??? Or, are we the public going to pay MSRP no matter how high just because we love these type of bikes? BMW has not only added ABS as standard in their base package but all their options have subtly gone up too like centre stand prices, heated grips etc. In the 1200 category their package pricing has gone up just a bit. 2010 equipment package price in Canadian dollars was$1600 and 2012 in US pricing is $1645, which will most likely translate to about $1745 CDN in or around.
100% Options
| Code | Description |
| 630 | Integral ABS (disengageable) |
Standard Equipment
| Code | Description |
| 588 | White Turn Signals |
| 636 | Center Stand |
Special Packages
| Code | Description | MSRP |
| 200 | Special Model “Triple Black”: includes options 186 (special model), and 670 (special color cross-spoke wheels) | $650 |
| 431 | GS Standard Equipment: includes options 519 (heated grips), 539 (on board computer), 589 (hand protection), and 681 (saddle bag mounts) | $845 |
| 432 | GS Premium Equipment: includes options 350 (chrome exhaust), 416 (enduro ESA), 519 (heated grips), 539 (on board computer), 589 (hand protection), and 691 (saddle bag mounts) | $1,645 |
Colors
| Code | Description | MSRP |
| N64 | “Triple Black” Sapphire Black Metallic (only with 200) | $0 |
| N86 | Lupin Blue Metallic | $0 |
| 751 | Alpine White | $0 |
| 764 | Titan Silver Metallic | $0 |
Options
| Code | Description | MSRP |
| 186 | Special Model (only with 200) | $0 |
| 350 | Chrome Exhaust | $150 |
| 416 | Enduro ESA | $800 |
| 499 | Low Suspension | $250 |
| 519 | Heated Grips | $250 |
| 530 | TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring) | $250 |
| 539 | On Board Computer | $295 |
| 589 | Hand Protection | $100 |
| 603 | Anti-Theft Alarm | $395 |
| 650 | Enduro ASC | $400 |
| 670 | Special Color Cross Spoke Wheels (only with 200) | $0 |
| 681 | Saddle Bag Mounts | $200 |
| 771 | Cross Spoke Wheels | $500 |
| 776 | Low Seat | $0 |
Standard Package (MSRP: $16,995*)
| Code | Description |
| 431 | GS Standard Equipment |
Premium Package (MSRP: $17,795*)
| Code | Description |
| 432 | GS Premium Equipment |
Rules
2012 R1200GS Lupin Blue Metalic (color N86)
2012 R1200GS Titan Silver Metallic (color 764
2012 R1200GS “Triple Black” Sapphire Black Metallic (color N64)
2012 R1200GS Alpine White (color 751)
All these bikes I am posting are awesome looking machines and in the field I am sure make the owners very happy. If we win the lottery we would have one of each in our garage!
Just so you all can see on one page here is the Tiger Explorer again.
Share our BLOG link and help spread the word.
We have added some easy ways to navigate through all the months of posts. There is a pull down menu to the right or on the bottom of the page, depends on your browser, that shows Pictures, Videos & More. There is also a category search, pulled down menus in the header, and a general search. If you are looking for something and can’t find it just post a comment. I will try to help.
Click on the menu you will see past months. Click on the month you want to view and you will see the posts made in that month. Our summer Triumph Tiger 800XC trip went from June 29th – August 11th 2011. Prep began in April. There is also a calendar at the bottom of the Blog that shows all dates and months with posts as well. The day is highlighted when a post was made. I try to post everyday if I can.
Notice the ground clearance, the 950W generator….the more I read the more this really sounds interesting. Now what do folks think the price point will be for a full load or base model?
Oh don’t take offense guys but why is it that companies always use a guy on their bikes as the “models”? I guess even after we rode Triumph’s for 44 days they still might think grrls don’t ride ADV bikes? Just would be nice to see something different….and no I am not a raging feminist.
Pics from the Tiger 800 Forum here
High Resolution pics to download:
