A Better 800 GS

I'm going to take the bait...

As far as looks are concerned, Triumph obviously realised that they couldn't improve on what BMW had produced, because it looks virtually identical. So much for original thinking!

As far as the machine is concerned; obviously, I haven't ridden the Tiger, so can only speculate based on specs, but I seriously doubt that the Triumph will out perform the F800GS anywhere but on the tarred road.

The Tiger has more road oriented steering geometry (steeper rake), it is heavier, has less ground clearance, has a wet sump, carries its fuel up high, it uses more fuel (it could only), the engine has less off-road friendly torque characteristics, and the mirrors and indicators stick out, and will fall off in no time. The bike also has a broader waistline than the BMW, potentially making it less manageable in the standing position. Ok, so it has a comfy looking seat, and more flat-out power, but I can tell you, the BMW has more than enough power to keep the back wheel spinning all day long. The one area where Triumph had the opportunity to improve on the BMW is in the front suspension department, and it appears that they missed this one too.

I have to challenge all of your "positive" observations: Why would an underseat airbox be cleaner than a faux tank air-box? Dust collects under my seat, and under the faux tank is always clean. What is wrong with the F800GS frame? Are you sure the Triumph suspension is better than the 800's. The specs look the same to me, and early reviews seem to indicate that the front end of the Triumph is just as crappy as that of the F800GS. On the rear, Triumph have a different swing-arm design, that requires a lower linkage setup on the shock. I much prefer the simple BMW setup. And what do you mean by limited electronics? The bike has EFI (with one extra injector, etc.), an engine management system, and all the usual electrical bits that you will find on any bike. I have to admit that I don't know if Triumph are using the CANBUS system or not. If not, they are making a huge mistake in my opinion. CANBUS rules. It is simple, and robust.

I cannot fault the Rotax 800, can you? It is silky-smooth, ultra-frugal, and once run in, provides excellent low rev torque. The Triple will probably be a better road tourer, but is that what you want the bike for?

And if you want to see just how similar they look, here's a comparison that I did by overlaying the side-views:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmEGS3TVHMI

I have to say that the Triumph has certainly caught my attention, and will go and visit Mike as soon as it arrives to have a good look at it. Price will certainly have an influence on my decision.

Good to see you on the forum again Buddy, Welcome back.