BMW R 1200 GS (K50) versus Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

Make
Model
Make
Model
Make
Model
BMW

BMW R 1200 GS (K50)

Adventure
Triumph

Triumph Tiger 1200 XCa

Adventure

Year of construction / RRP / Test report

Built von 2013 bis 2018
Built von 2019 bis 2020
RRP 15.300 €
RRP 19.950 €
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Pros:
  • has neat Wums
  • extensive electronic helpers
  • significantly more off-road capability than the standard version of the GS
Pros:
  • Equipment
  • Comfort
  • Cockpit & Operation
  • Space
Cons:
  • Price mainly with full equipment
Cons:
  • Weight

Dimensions & Weight

Wheelbase: 1.507 mm
Length :
2.207 mm Height : 1.412 mm
Seat :
850 mm
Weight :
244 (max: 460 ) kg
Wheelbase: 1.520 mm
Length :
2.230 mm Height : 1.540 mm
Seat :
855 mm
Weight :
271 (max: 485 ) kg

Engine

Motor design: Boxer 2 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.170 ccm
Hub: 73 mm
Hole: 101 mm
Cooling: Luft
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6
Motor design: 3-cylinder 12V DOHC in-line engine 3 Cylinder
Displacement: 1.215 ccm
Hub: 71 mm
Hole: 85 mm
Cooling: flüssig
Drive: Kardan
Aisles: 6

Performance

Maximum speed: 219 km/h
Performance: 125 HP at 7.700 U/Min
Torque: 125 NM bei 6.500 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
403 km
Maximum speed: 211 km/h
Performance: 141 HP at 9.350 U/Min
Torque: 122 NM bei 7.600 U/Min
Tank contents: 20 Litre
Consumption:
5 l
Reach:
385 km

Chassis

Frame type:
Bridges, motor supporting (steel)
Front suspension:
Telescopic fork 37 mm (travel 190 mm)
Front suspension:
Shock
Rear suspension:
Mono strut (travel 200 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R 19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R 17
Frame type:
Tubular space frame (steel)
Front suspension:
48 mm WP Upside Down fork (travel 190 mm)
Rear suspension:
WP Monoshock, electronically adjustable semi-active damping (travel 193 mm)
Rear suspension:
Single-arm swingarm, light metal casting with cardan shaft drive
Tyres at the front: 120/70 R19
Rear tyres: 170/60 R17

Brakes

Front brake
Double disc ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Disc ( 376 mm)
Front brake
Floating double brake discs, Brembo 4-piston monobloc radial calipers ( 305 mm) Rear brake
Single disc, Nissin double piston floating caliper ( 282 mm)

Conclusion - what gets stuck

No, our high expectations were by no means disappointed – not even a bit! The R 1200 GS Rally not only made us very good, but it makes it really difficult for us to find criticisms. Well, it's quite expensive. But quality has a price. And if you look at the prices on the second-hand market, you have to say that gs keeps its value quite long. In addition, it is of course up to everyone to decide whether they really need all the equipment packages. Clearly all do their tasks reliably and well, however, drive up the price again neatly. And already in the basic equipment we have to deal with a mature, great bike!

Price/Availability/Colours/Years of Construction

  • Price: 15,000-20,000€ depending on the equipment
  • used so far only marginally cheaper
  • Years built: 2017-2018
  • Availability: from 12/2017
  • Colors: Rally design in blue, silver, red, black

Travel instead of lawn

First class means that the British primarily mean high driving comfort. And first-class attachments such as the sensible extras or very powerful brakes. If you understand that, the tigers open up all the better. It's not suitable for best times, but who is?

Travel instead of racing. This is not even written down, but a clear recommendation. Whose riding style tends more in the direction of calm and fluid, can buy a bike tailored to him or her. By the way: The tigers are also suitable for short-legged ones thanks to the adjustable seat height, only weak-breasted the interested parties may not be – 271 kilos is not subject to entertainment tax as I said.

However, a test drive is still necessary, because there is something that Dietmar and I could not agree on: He – rather short upper body - found the windshield to be great, I – rather long torso – as not working. Once again it turns out that there is no one, the good wind protection for all despite electrically adjustable disc.

The test bike was provided to us by Triumph Hamburg.

Price / Availability / Colours / Years of Construction

  • Price: 19.950€
  • Used (1.5 years old): from 17.000€
  • Years of construction: since 2018
  • Colours: navy, khaki green, black, white