I have a 2018 XRT and it's solid, fast and sharp. I bought extra lights and bar risers which make a difference in the riding position...engine is primo with low and mid range acceleration that surpasses most bikes.
I did like the Tiger more than the G650GS. The BMW was more of an entry-level GS while the Tiger felt more luxury and refined. I just bought a BMW F800GS so I'll have another point of view soon.
A great review thank you for that. But (if I may say that) it would have been more informative if you had a short ride with it and give us your impressions while doing so. People want to see (and hear) how it feels like riding the Tiger.
I left my helmet outside one night, on my way to work the next morning I felt something crawling around my head. It was loaded with ear wigs. What a shitty way to start the day.
I'm looking to buy this exact bike but it has 31,000. Is that too many miles? It's decked out with panniers and tail bag. I can get them down to $5000. Thoughts on miles?
So you're looking to buy my former bike (the one in this video) or just the same year and model? Regarding the miles, it all depends on how well it was maintained. These bikes are very reliable and can easily go over 100k miles if properly maintained. I'm talking basic stuff like fluid changes, with oil being the most important. Valves needs to have been checked about every 12k miles too. If you can see proof that maintenance was done, I wouldn't hesitate. I would try to talk them down closer to $4,500 though.
Age doesn't matter as long as it's been maintained and well cared for. Ask for proof of service and look for signs that the bike has been flogged. If it looks like it was taken care of, then those miles don't mean a thing. I got my bike with 23k miles and sold it with about 36k and she was still screaming like a scolded dog.
Some recalls I found . Okay from what I have gathered From the BMW NA TSB From engine number 61712400 and later (vehicle production from approx mid-June 2012 onward) an optimized decompression lever (new part number 11 31 8 540 965) has been integrated into series production. This means that any bike with that engine number and higher number has the new part in it so go by the engine number . There is also another recall 13 022 15 (023) which is a software update of the BMS-E 15v-537 and then the latest 16v-689 . Models: G 650 GS (R13/40, 0189) and G 650 GS Sertao (R13/40, 0146) Details: BMW Motorrad has ascertained that the software of the BMS-E is incorrect. Idling is occasionally unstable (most often after long journeys); the engine stalls with the clutch lever pulled and the engine RPM’s drop to idle. The engine may stall again after immediately being restarted. Vehicles affected: In order to determine if a specific vehicle is affected by this Recall Campaign, it will be necessary to verify all vehicle VINs through a DCS Vehicle History Check. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the repair or take no further action. Please note, affected VINs may not appear until 24-72 hours after the release
I do not have the bike any more, sold it in December 2020, but it was right around 30,000 miles and still going strong! A very mind drip from the coolant hose where it fitted up to the water pump, but overall still a great running bike. Like anything, just try to make sure all the normal maintenance has been done on the bike.
This is the first model of the Tiger 800. They updated it in 2015 when I bought mine. The windscreen still didn't work, so I fitted a Madstad screen ( great) . They did improve the suspension on the XC models, added electronic ride modes and some engine changes. All in all it was a good all road tourer. Weaknesses were the welded rear subframe and high first gear. They attended to that in 2019 with a lower first gear and the 2020 model had a bolted on rear subframe. In 2021 they went to a 900 motor and made it feel like a twin, which I think was a retrograde step.
Is it a beak from a XC model, or is it something from Aliexpress or something else ? Did you do some modification on the bike or it fits? Thanks for your answers from France! Really Nice vidéo!
The beak is from the XC model, it is the Triumph original part, not a copy from Aliexpress. The beak fit with no modifications required at all. Thank you for your kind words, take care from the USA my friend!
I have rode this bike for 600km at one stretch while crossing between two countries - it was raining, snowing, hailing, and god knows what bad weather we found. It didn't disappoint - very comfortable and handles all kinds of roads (including offroad). I installed a screen extension to the stock screen and fixed the wind issues. Might consider the Givi Airflow in the future.
Nice video. I drop my bike a lot and although I have Engine guard the turn-signals get wrecked. So after hearing your comment, that there are some Honda turn-signals that fit the Triumph Tiger I searched but was unable to find a compatible part. Any idea, what I have to search on E-bay?
Bought a 2014 version 7 months ago after a nearly 30 years break and absolutely loving it. Except that my version kicks in like a rocket and I am 6'2 .....
Great bike! Attending to those classes is a very smart idea! I participated in two of them and all I can say is that everything was so effective that I'm not able to spot one single unuseful thing that I have been told during those trainigs! They may really save your life!
The adjuster on the Rear Shock is to preload the spring - Wind it nearly all the way in , then forget .This will do solo & 2 up too & gives you maximum spring range. The screw does seize also if not lubed up with a good grease - if it does not turn with a hex socket , it will be seized & needs to go to a shock service expert ! Had my 2012 from new , so coming up 9 years - faultless throughout - just routine servicing. No reason to change , as nothing better for the money out there !
I can’t decide between the Tiger 800 and 800GS. This will be my first adventure bike, been riding superbikes for 30 years. Once I gain off-road experience on whichever I choose, I will buy a new fancy model.
Most enjoyable fun bike i've owned, I now have a f800gs and old Goldwing Had all the bling on it, SW Motech bars are great and you can but your legs on top to cruise :) I had the Givi Airflow which was awesome Roc risers were nice touch Bought a after market seat then ditched it, as stock is so nice and comfortable Shinko 705 were a good choice (Hate the front tire noise on my GS with Heidenaus) I also liked the SW Motech expandable, removable tank ring bag for easy removal or gas fills This bike runs great with regular gas too, unlike some other bikes I recommend this as a great bike for anyone to enjoy
Hi Brock, I'm just struggling with the right choose of the 700/800GS and Tiger 800 (or 1050). The main consideration points are the comfort, ergonomics, weight, handling, reliability and service points (these bikes just not so familiar in HU). Would run mainly on street roads, 10% tarmac (no real offroad). Could you please briefly have a note here, why you changed from the tiger to the GS? What are the differences between the bikes in case of general touring? Many thanks, Peter
@@peterhorvath80 Hi Peter Lol I never come on here and only come on to post videos for my group of riding friends I call BCADV ;) The Tiger was the most fun i have had on any street bike. I bought the GS to try it (I may buy a newer 850 tomorrow (because they have tubeless spoked wheels (I have never rode one) The1st gen Tiger 800 would throw off heat on your legs which wasn't the best for the heat of summer, but welcome on colder days :) The Tiger seems better suited for what you plan The Tiger is so smooth and runs on regular fuel unlike the GS (as i recall) and maybe gets a lil less mileage? Air filter swap is easy on a GS (although I got quick on Tiger and after never even completely removed the tank, i would pivot the tank up and bungy the end of the tank up to the handlebars I think because of how different people have different shapes of bodies ,heights, lengths of torso arms etc. that I think you have to see how it feels for you. The stock Tiger seat i found very comfortable I did change a tooth on the front to lower the RPM for Highway riding (maybe too much for steep off roading)
@@brockjohnson4116 Hello Mr. GS, :D Much appreciated for sharing these details. Now It seems to me, the Tiger would be a bit better choice (instead of the GS) to me, but definitely have to try each bikes before the payment. I can't wait it, almost watched and read everything I could find on the internet.. :) Probably all have these tingling feelings during the winter time, when no riding conditions are available on the north side of the Earth.. :) Thanks again, I hope, you have an excellent day! :) BR, Peter
What brand/model of turn lights did you use? You said Honda but not the specific part number or model, thanks! Great vid btw I just got the exact same model last week and am loving it!
Carlos Franco Motoparty Turn Signal Light Indicator For Triumph Tiger 800 1050 Daytona 675/R Street Triple 675 Turn Signal Indicator Light Lamp www.amazon.com/dp/B07QK5J837/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_eHjiFb4WVE919
Had the Tiger for a couple years, no problems. Have same tank bag but don’t overload it. I keep a small tool kit in it, probably should have it in a tail bag, but had a friend bump me at a stop sign and it fell over on the crash bars; the weight of the tank bag ripped the QuickClips out of the mount! Screw on shock adjusts spring preload, neither end has much adjustability. Ohlins has a drop in cartridge @ $1100 if interested. As for your brakes, change pads. I’ve had no problems. The abs is a pia to turn off. Also use inner rear fender to keep sh.t off of shock. Handlebar can be adj. for/aff by reversing lower bar mount. Of all the bikes I own/owned this one’s the best overall. Good luck and keep riding safely.
In terms of brakes. When I got my 2011 xc second hand this year (10,000 km mileage) the front brake was absolute crap! I replaced the pads with EBC metal sintered pads and gave the discs a good clean with brake clean. I also changed the brake fluid. Results were like night and day. I can just about do a stoppy now.
@@fmscott2 Me too Not the manufacturers fault though I could have replaced the brushes, but i thought it was a poor battery for the starts and ended up burning armature holding the start button on while it turned slowly (Don't do that ) ;0 I went with Rick's too. Starters should be cleaned out from dust at times to stop shorting out anyways
Nice video, thanks! I'm from Switzerland and I've got the exact same bike which I bought 3.5 years ago as a used bike. I am very happy with it. You pointed out the GIVI Airflow windscreen and that's definitely something I am going to get sooner or later as well. I can perhaps recommend the SW-Motech crash bars for this bike. They run along the whole side of the bike from the top (above the engine) to the bottom of the engine and they offer really good protection. They are much better than the stock Triumph crash bars, which cover only a small section in the lower part of the engine.
More appropriate title would've been "feature review". You know there really isn't virtually anything about handling, maintenance, cost of ownership etc.
jothain I’m sorry you feel that way. However, I have to respectfully disagree. There is plenty of subjective material about the bike after I had owned it for a year. Gave plenty of my opinions about various aspects of the bike and the ride. You’re right in that I didn’t cover all possible topics, but that was to keep the video a reasonable length. I still have the bike and it’s been almost 3 years now since I’ve had it. What would you like to know and maybe I can give you some details you’re curious about.
@@fmscott2 well maintenance costs or how hard they're to do if done byself is something I'm always very curious of. Also feel when riding in various surfaces, especially gravel. Also suspension travel and feel in "die-hard" technical riding is always a thing in this kinds of bikes. Also riding positioning ie. if it's easy to change balance moving back and forth on bike and how handlebars are suited for any riding conditions. Also feel of the bikes center of gravity is something I'd like to know. Just sometime ago tested friends gs1100 and it felt surprisingly nimble, cause well before riding just looking the bike got the assumption that it's a slouch to ride. Though still that heavy that I would feel uncomfortable to go to anything more technical than gravel with it. I'm personally looking into 800 xc tiger. Even more I'd like to test new Africa Twin but they're still bit too steeply priced as I really want to ride next bike in gravel and more technical surfaces ie. sand, some forest trails. Currently learning most towards 800xc(x) as their pricing would be so-to-say more to my liking considering aspects before 😄
Handling of the bike is great for most riders. It’s not a sport bike in the purist sense but I ride with a number of others whose experience levels goes from advanced beginners to retired expert road racers. You can’t go wrong with the 800. Maintenance is fairly straightforward, oil and brake fluid change are easy, lots of choices for brake pads, I’ve been using Shinko Tires on a couple of my bikes and like them. I’ve ridden the bike in torrential rain with no handling issues. Like most bikes, lighting could be better but I don’t ride a lot at night any more. As for my experience, I’ve been riding since I was 12 and just had my 74 bday. I’ve ridden cross country back in ‘66 on a new BSA Spitfire, rode east coast enduros till ‘78 and WERA road racing till 85. We won the lightweight class in WERA National Endurance series back in 1982... I think. Goo luck to everybody.
Paul Barton I would not suggest this as a first bike. A lot of power and fairly heavy to maneuver. Ride another more manageable bike for at least one year before going for the Tiger.
@@fmscott2 thanks for your reply. There don't seem to be many smaller 'adventure' bikes around except the Honda CB500x. Maybe I'll wait for an adventure bike.
@@barton-hyett Take a look at the KLR 650. Great Bike !!! Amazing rider community and dealer network. It's like the jeep of the ADV world. You can build it out to meet your needs.
Hope i can help. While there is the smaller and lighter bmw there is also the versys 650 the v-strom 650 the klr650 the tenere and the xr650l. But if you look up motobobojones on youtube he did a review on it and said it was an absolute gem to start on. Lite enough to maneuver and the power comes on higher in the rev range making it very easy to learn while still letting you grow into a very capable bike
T. The wheels have been flawless so far. I’ve taken them pretty fast on street pressures on rough Jeep trails and rocky roads and no flats or dents. Tubeless cast wheels are easy to fix if you get a flat and are easy to clean. Highly recommend the cast wheels for anything the rest of the bike can withstand.
@@fmscott2 thank you very much for the feedback! I just bought an XR like you have (also white) and I like it more than the XC because I think it's more handy. My only sorrow where the off-road capabilities with the cast wheels. So you basically say it's absolutely okay for moderate off-road? That's nice to hear!
Depends on the type of off-roading you’re going to do. Wire wheels are preferred my serious ADV types but the cast wheels give you a lot of tire choices.
I have the same color/year just a custom exhaust and my first bike, it is a great beginner bike a 600 is just fine if you don't ride like an ass. Didn't pay much either for it and you get a good deal of performance for the low price
I had a xca version for 2yrs . I found it awful in the wind while motorway riding. It was like riding a flag and the back end was all over the place . Was a real shame as I loved it apart from that
mat maclachlan Man you shouldn’t have given up on it! Did you try installing a different windscreen? My Givi Airflow creates a pleasant experience for me.
Yeah I had a givi airflow too . Was a game changer as far as comfort went . It was just in windy conditions that made the bike snake around even in a straight line . Had it checked out by triumph but they said all was fine .
