Triumphrat

Timtiger · 08-17-2004, 10:50 PM

I have just read a writeup on the New BMW R1200GS. As usual in Australia, the GS series bikes get rave reviews and win all the awards for best dual purpose bikes. I have never seen a magazine review of a Tiger with such enthusiasm.
I have had BWM R80GS and a R100GS and have ridden an R1150GS. While I haven't ridden the new one, I think the 955 Tiger is better in almost every way. More power, better power delivery. Better handling and suspension. Much Much better on dirt roads.

The magazines seem to look at the Tiger and only ride it on tar and assume it is hopeless in the dirt. They then ride the BMW in the dirt and declare it the best.

Why is it so?

Fatbob · 08-18-2004, 04:55 AM

You may notice that BMW has several full page adds in the particular publication you were reading. That influences their writing considerably. If you read the Rider magazine article from last month, you will find out that that WunderKind R1200GS has MANY teething problems, typical of BMW to launch the bike without getting out the bugs yet. Some of the bugs of the R1100GS and R1150GS took 10 years to get out (surging). They like to use their loyal and perhaps too eager buyers as a testing crew. Now that I have discovered Triumph Bikes, i'll never do that again!
Don't worry what the Rags say, we know that our Tigers are no doubt the best of the Big Trailies.

BigStripey · 08-18-2004, 06:21 PM

Fatbob,

Amen to that brother!

WildeKurt · 08-20-2004, 10:38 AM

Seems the only publication I've seen that'll give the Tiger a little (and I mean little) resepect is BIKE. Motorcycle Consumer News just raves over the new GS even though they had mechanical problems during the test (had to return it to BMW and got it back in same state - I know how that feels!) as well as a complete failure of the power brakes while riding it. I'd have left the thing by the side of the road but they say it's a great bike. Go figure.

Kurt

BTW,

MCN doesn't accept advertising from anyone so I don't know what's up with them.

WildeKurt · 08-20-2004, 10:38 AM

Seems the only publication I've seen that'll give the Tiger a little (and I mean little) resepect is BIKE. Motorcycle Consumer News just raves over the new GS even though they had mechanical problems during the test (had to return it to BMW and got it back in same state - I know how that feels!) as well as a complete failure of the power brakes while riding it. I'd have left the thing by the side of the road but they say it's a great bike. Go figure.

Kurt

BTW,

MCN doesn't accept advertising from anyone so I don't know what's up with them.

djr · 08-20-2004, 11:00 AM

this is a problem with rags and Triumph in general. It was exactly the same with the TT600.

djr · 08-20-2004, 11:00 AM

this is a problem with rags and Triumph in general. It was exactly the same with the TT600.

08-22-2004, 05:18 AM

I've actually picked up a few mags now just because they've had a Tiger review in them. The reviews in the UK are getting much better. I don't have any to hand now, but in MCN, RiDE and Bike (UK), it got very good reviews. The main gripe pre-'05 was the tubed tyres/spoked wheels (mine is an '04, and I prefer them, but hey!), and bouncy front suspension. They've gone now and the reviews are very good. The 1200GS still wins in many reviews because of the shaft drive, 30kg lighter dry weight and more seat height adjustments (although this is an optional extra - BMW's downfall - Price!).

Everything on the BMW is an optional extra. Two grand (UK) more than the Tiger but bring it up to the same spec and you're talkin a £11k bike, lot of money that.

In the UK we have a TV channel called "Granada Men & Motors". They have a show called "The Dogs ..." whereby they compare two similar bikes (and cars) and challenge 'experts' to choose the bike that suits the genre best. (R1 vs FireBlade; V-Max vs V-Rod; Fat Boy vs Valkyrie, that sort of thing...) They compared the R1150GS to the Tiger. The Tiger won and is officialy the "Dogs Danglies" of big trailies.

So, good reviews all round really. But the GS still remains a very competent (but only!) contender. Take note Triumph!

jackn · 08-22-2004, 05:48 AM

The Daily Telegraph motoring web page has a fair write up on the Tiger (although a couple of years old) The current issue of Motorcycle Voyager has a slightly jaundiced view of the Tiger on a long trip in the USA (wouldn't you like to do that for a living??).

I think that the problem in GB is that the mainstream motorcycle press has to cater for the dominant market. Which we all know is sports bikes.

All other bikes have to be measured against the criteria used for these. Obviously any other bike not in the sport bike family must be perceived as, basically crap.

08-29-2004, 12:00 PM

hmm overhere i've never seen a magazine writing a revieuw on a tiger...

the GS though has a good press... got to do with money for sure although the PR department in hinckley appears a bit "dusty" :wink:

about the GS..... people are getting less enthousiastic about it already! lotsa problems.....