BMW R 1250 GS or Triumph Tiger 1200 GT? Heart vs Brain

Рет қаралды 21,507

Жыл бұрын

7G11 electric office chair: powerseats.eu
My Instagram page: / thevtold
In this video I'm comparing a BMW R 1250 GS to a Triumph Tiger GT in a number of areas that may be important to adventure riders. All opinions are my own and personal, and having ridden all big adventure motorcycles available on the market in 2023, I'm sharing my experiences with you. Note that some parts of this comparison would not apply to a Triumph Tiger in a Rally version but only to the GT one like the one shown in the video. In the end of the day, use this video as an indication as we’ve all got different preferences and you should test both of these yourself before purchasing either.
BMW R 1250 GS full review: • Testing BMW R 1250 GS ...
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro full review: • Triumph Tiger 1200 GT ...
Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Explorer full review: • Triumph Tiger 1200 RAL...
Differences between R 1250 GS and Adventure: • 10 differences between...
Differences between Tiger 1200 GT and Rally along with the trims of Standard, Pro and Explorer: • Triumph Tiger 1200 Dif...
Background music: bensound.com and pixabay.com licensed under 3.0 license.

Пікірлер: 86

@colingoldthorpe5918 Жыл бұрын

The GS is a bit of a bore fest it has no soul it's just a tank. The Tiger has a soul...when you open up that throttle and hear that whistle from the triple it just puts a smile on your face. The GS sounds like a lawn mower to me and just looks odd with the motor sticking out the side (just my opinion). Obviously both great bikes, but it is just a preference that is why we have choices !!!!

@scottloftin1730 Жыл бұрын

I cant get passed those massive jugs poking out.

@pietrovardi9583 Жыл бұрын

Nice reviews from your end, Thanks! Kudos for the gymnastics :)

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm glad you like the vids. Thankfully my fitness efforts have been noticed ;)

@Redsmeg68 10 ай бұрын

In the process of choosing between these two bikes thanks for a great review of each bikes qualities

@VToldsMotoShow 10 ай бұрын

Good luck with choosing the one that suits you more. But yeah, there are no wrong choices here.

@andrewshore262 Жыл бұрын

I own a GT Pro, you’ve made some good observations that on the whole I agree with apart from the front brake feel - it’s not a problem for me? The screen is just okay and can create turbulence (cheap deflector has helped), the display is a bit slow but it’s not terrible, the seat is definitely comfortable and unlike a BMW you can retro fit a heated seat if you want to (you simply plug it in). Overall I thought the Triumph was just more exciting and felt a lot quicker than the BMW, the damping is simply light years ahead of the GS and like you said 9 stage adjustable, sport mode is really sport mode but you can adjust the settings around the engine map (just like the other maps) - so very customisable.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Every time someone mentions Tiger's adjustable suspension, I'm having super happy thoughts. Right, I feel that this bike has an absolutely amazing suspension setup and I totally love it too. Interesting thing you've mentioned about the heated seat. Made me wonder...

@andrewshore262 Жыл бұрын

@@VToldsMotoShow Around £200 for the heated seat, the GS as I understand it has to be built in the factory to incorporate the wiring for a heated seat (unless you go aftermarket)………That said, I wouldn’t buy a GS now, wait for the new one it’ll no doubt move everything on

@paulchambers2296 Жыл бұрын

Great review, thank you, currently looking at both of these bikes.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

I'm glad that you like it and hope that it's helpful. All the best in choosing the more suiting one. But it's an awesome choice to have to make.

@Chromatrix1 Жыл бұрын

I also have it narrowed down to these two bikes-GSA vs Rally Explorer. Both are fantastic bikes and I tend to waffle back and forth often. Kinda leaning towards the triumph for the fun factor and also b/c bmws are everywhere. 🤷🏻‍♂️ tough choice.

@jamescurrie1285 Жыл бұрын

Superb Vid the 80 year old will have a new engine vert soon and will be flying up those stairs 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

I'm very much counting on that. Let's stay tuned to see what BMW comes up with.

@Prakash241093 Жыл бұрын

i love the GS sound but triple engine sounds nicer

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Ha! good to hear that you also enjoy the boxer.

@bwlyon Жыл бұрын

The new Tigers Sound is intoxicating under hard acceleration, but the BMW doesn’t necessarily sound bad it just doesn’t make you want to ride it like you stole it! 😅

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Very well-said about BMW - this is exactly the feeling. Thanks for sharing, I may steal it for later ;)

@vicomtedelomagne Жыл бұрын

I have owned them both in the last 2 years [and before that 3 Multistradas and 3 KTM Adventures].. The BMW was stolen - that alone would stop me buying another. A friend has had 4 stolen from London - I think they end up in Poland. I have more fun with the Tiger. I can also ride all day or night. In Sept 2022 I arrived at Caen on the 11pm ferry, and entered my front door in Valence d'agen at 7am - 770 Km . No way could I have done that on the BMW, and I have done the same journey with it 4-5 times. No fatigue and very little ass-pain with the Triumph. I think the BMW is so good at slow-medium speeds it makes very average riders feel skilled.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

It's sad about the theft stuff. The GS that I've ridden was a dealer's bike, so even though we're in Poland, it likely shouldn't be one of those 4 stolen in London :). But seriously, I'm actually not that surprised having read about your experiences regarding comfort, especially on very long trips like the 770 km one. I'm impressed anyway but clearly Triumph's seat is a winner here in this area. Thanks a lot for sharing!

@piotrwiszniewski4179 11 ай бұрын

I think they are still in London.

@vicomtedelomagne 11 ай бұрын

@@piotrwiszniewski4179 I keep looking!

@vicomtedelomagne 11 ай бұрын

@@piotrwiszniewski4179 ! One was tracked to Immingham and found on a container heading for Cuxhaven.

@pierre-yvesfrancois5028 Жыл бұрын

Hi. Rey well done man. I would choose the rally pro cos design is superior and she tells me a story in the super green dress. What a beauty. Definitively beating the GS.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Hi, definitely first try the Rally. I very much enjoy riding GT but I don't really like the Rally version. There's a big difference to me, so for sure try both if you're not super crazy tall and would just like to be able to straighten your legs more when supporting yourself.

@guntergastner8287 3 ай бұрын

A big point to the tiger is that the service you have to do is every 16000km ... no one beats that

@user-vi4pe4fe7l 10 ай бұрын

If you have to choose between a GS or a Tiger, please also consider the QuickShift. The one on the GS is a disaster. For an expensive bike, you would like to have a QS that is usable in all gears.

@ChavsADV 10 ай бұрын

I like that someone finally compared the GT pro to the GS rather than the rally. It's a no brainer that the rally is going to excell off-road so I don't know why people don't choose the bikes with similar wheel sizes.

@VToldsMotoShow 10 ай бұрын

I personally am not convinced about how an even heavier and taller motorcycle is meant to go offroad. Taller suspension will help if one rides over rocks or fallen trees, otherwise I'd just swap tires of a GT or a regular GS and would prefer to take those to a trail.

@ChavsADV 10 ай бұрын

@@VToldsMotoShow Oh I agree with you 100%. I think being so focused on these off-road features on 600lb bikes is totally silly. The factnall these birds are going to 21" wheels is sort of annoying when I feel like a good spoked 19" wheel is reasonable for what the bikes are capable of. But I think it's un fair to take the rally with suspension focused and times for off-road and a 1250 that's setup to be more road focused and compare them like they are apples to apples.

@MKA63 8 ай бұрын

Is there a difference in the angle of the handles? The GS seemed more natural to me whereas the Tiger made me feel like I had some inward twist on my wrists - and for me that wasn't comfortable. Also, the low speed handling, braking much more controlled (but no less effective) and softer throttle response (can be quick if you need it) were determining factors for me. I have gone with the GS.

@eman19487 Жыл бұрын

Not a GS fan but people are like sheep, BMW owe McGregor and Boorman a massive gratitude of thanks for putting them on the map but the amount of failures they admitted to (showed ) considering they had massive back up on that trip showed the true worth of the bike.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

I also know the story and believe that these two contributed a lot to today's legend of a GS. Surely that's true in my own head. Failures always happen in all machines, including Rolls-Royce etc. Not sure yet how the Triumph manages it long-term.

@Sharpey76. Жыл бұрын

Yeah god knows why the GS is so popular having tried one i didnt like it at all certainly didnt live upto all the hype and i hear horror stories about BMW

@Nomad-Drifter 11 ай бұрын

Yes these are rich mens’ bikes so they don’t have to worry about servicing them. However if you’re now a poor man because you’ve bought one of them and you’re going to be doing the servicing yourself then the GS is a DODDLE! I had a V-strom before the air filter and spark plugs were torture, same as the Tiger. Especially if you’re clocking 10k miles plus a year. And need to service them more often. I did find the tele-leaver suspension makes the GS feel a bit bland in bends you don’t get the feeling of the front fork compressing and then lifting when you power out of the bend but then when you have to brake hard the lack of diving is amazing and confidence inspiring! I also love the looks of the GS, to me it’s the most good looking, manly, aggressive, looks the business bike ever. The Tiger looks like a frowning Duck but I’d love to try one. That boxer engine also make directional changes at 70mph feel easy compared to other bikes that require more force to counter steer them. 🇬🇧🍻 Ride safe!

@Rob801 10 ай бұрын

I’m not rich, but not poor… I am single (divorced) with kids moved out, no grand kids etc, so I am about to pull the trigger on the Rally Explorer (actually got a price slightly under MSRP out the door). Anyway, my main point is on service. I recently saw a breakdown on service cost (up to around 30k miles) on 4 or so bikes in the same class (well kind of, his BMW was more of a cruiser) and the triumph came in at the lowest iirc. Not going to link it but it is “Living off the Slab” about three weeks ago and called “Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 10,000 mile service”

@oliverhuppe2415 9 ай бұрын

I just changed from 1200 GS to the Tiger and a had a couple rides wirh the 1250 GS. But I don‘t regret the change to the Tiger. Don‘t get me wrong, I loved my GS with the punch of the boxer at about 2000 rpm and the telever. Triumph has an offer to get 2500€ off the price and 4 years guarantee here in Germany. For me the design and the overall equipment for less money, was one of criterias. Like I said, I loved my GS but now I‘m happy with my more modern GT Explorer. And with the software updates in 2023, the suspension and the motormanagement is even better. Because they are both comparable it is a matter of choice, which one is better for you.

@SAB-iq1kp Жыл бұрын

Oh man, you do such a nice review up to a point and at the end you let the fan boy come out. Not saying that one is better then the other but no matter what you test ride you will allways choose the bmw because its a bmw. Detailed review in any case.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

No fanboying here, I just value some areas more than others. Sometimes we choose a device, machine, a life partner ever because of something very specific while knowing that they're not perfect in other areas and others are better there. Here in the case of a GS, its balance and handling are giving me more joy than some areas that the Tiger is better in. But if one wouldn't be riding in the city but mostly be touring on long distances - this area wouldn't even matter much and I myself would likely be choosing differently.

@ralphwarom2514 Жыл бұрын

I think that the fact that the BMW has probably one of the lowest centers of gravity of any motorcycle is something that has to be felt. I personally own a ZX 14. Love that bike. But I do notice how the feeling of riding on the GS is a completely different animal. Even compared to their smaller F series bikes. I'd personally take the GS. But both are fine motorcycles.

@shegocrazy Жыл бұрын

I don't understand the criticism of the Tiger display that's slow to change. I'd suggest that if you are riding then you shouldn't be flicking through the menus! The only thing of interest to me when riding is KPH and RPM and distance to empty. One right flick of the toggle gives me the fuel stats because that's usually the screen I'd have selected on my last ride.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

It's slow to load after switching the ignition/engine on. This is when it's inoperable.

@shegocrazy Жыл бұрын

@@VToldsMotoShow It does take a few seconds, but you can start the bike before the screen loads. No need to wait.

@ENGBriseB 10 ай бұрын

I would rather have the Triumph 1200 tiger GT Pro big upgrades over the 2019 model and all the etc. Plus Triumph great off road. Twist your bars around down they always have them up- right just a couple of inches.

@gerhardklopper6513 Жыл бұрын

If you use your back brake regularly especially in city driving the diving of the Tiger becomes negligible BMW uses also linked braking system additional to telelever

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Right, I would prefer the bike to be able to adapt to me more rather than having to change the habits. But yeah, this is not doable and so thanks for the tip here!

@Marcello935 3 ай бұрын

Non capisco l’inglese ma ho messo i sottotitoli in italiano, ho seguito tutto il video con molto interesse, a me personalmente piace tantissimo la Triumph, anche il gs e bello ma come estetica è ciclistica vado per l’inglese, grazie

@shegocrazy Жыл бұрын

14:50 I don't have that lack of front brake feel in my GT Explorer. The front dive is there though.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

I'm having an issue at lower speeds where I notice how sensitive it is when being engaged. After that it's OK.

@maurofranzero4100 Жыл бұрын

Il livello delle moto top di gamma è ormai elevatissimo e le differenze minime ,difficili da trovare anche per i tester piu' professionali. Entrano in gioco altri fattori e personalmente credo estetica e colorazioni abbiano importanza fondamentali(come quando scegliamo abito e scarpe, o giacche tecniche). E Triumph ha fatto un grande lavoro.

@scottloftin1730 Жыл бұрын

Thr best thing about a GS is that after you pay for maintenance you wont need to worry about room for any more toys.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

If that's because it's so good, then it's awesome to hear that. But if it's due to maintenance being so expensive, then it hurts to hear that.

@scottloftin1730 Жыл бұрын

@@VToldsMotoShow BMW'S cost a crap load to maintain compared to Japanese bikes.

@chalkphil Жыл бұрын

Good review, and unbiased...mainly 😉. I think you're right when you say buying a GS is like fulfilling a childhood dream, and thats why, I guess, when on balance both bikes are evenly matched, a lot of people still come down in favour of the GS - the 'X factor' you talk about. Who'd have thought that a decades old engine design, matched with a quirky front suspension design (also very old), could come together to make the GS still the bike to beat!? Its like the 911 of the bike world. I'll come clean, I took delivery of the Tiger 1200 GT Pro a couple of weeks ago, and am loving it. Why the Tiger and not the GS, well, partially because its not a GS, partially because for some reason I've become invested in the brand (its my 3rd Tiger), but more than that, and as you say, its a really good bike.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Not following the crowd here may just as well be a very good reason to choose a Tiger. There isn't much to sacrifice, in some areas it's visibly more modern and simply better, so sure, one cannot go very wrong with it I think. I'm glad that you're enjoying yours as it's really a bike with a lot of potential. If Triumph would gave it a lifting soon and fix some of the annoyances that are present in it, it may just be quite close to perfection.

@ScragNath Жыл бұрын

Had a GSA and now a 1200 Rally Explorer. Both great bikes but I guess it really is a personal taste.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

So the question is which one you are enjoying more having spent a lot of time with them and all their pros and cons.

@ScragNath Жыл бұрын

@@VToldsMotoShow Spent 4 years on my 2018 R1200 Triple Black GSA, I thought that I would never change it. I looked at the 1250 GSA but the difference did not justify the extra cost. Swapped the BMW for a new KTM 1290 Super Adventure S last year but that had too many problems and so swapped it for the Tiger. Had the Tiger now for around 5 Months and just about to tour North West Spain and all of Portugal in 4 weeks time. I will know the bike better after that 3,000 mile 2 week trip.

@jdiggy1195 9 ай бұрын

@@ScragNath did you take your trip? How you feel about that Tiger now? Thanks

@ScragNath 9 ай бұрын

@@jdiggy1195 Took the trip with two friends, they were both on GS's. My Tiger performed excellently, every bit as good as the BMW's. I was a little concerned about the top heavy weight of the Tiger with the high up 30 litre tank. The BMW has a low slung boxer engine that compensates but the Tiger triple was a little more of a challenge especially with a full tank and a full top box at walking speed. Very pleased with it. Looking to do the Balkans next summer.

@garthmctavish7335 Жыл бұрын

Look like you where having fun. Glad the Canadians didn't drive you crazy 😉👍

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

A lot of fun indeed. But Canadians, damn, I'm still trying to process that ;)

@shegocrazy Жыл бұрын

I'd agree that the BMW ride is great on good roads but it's rubbish on rough roads. The rear skips all over the place and is rather unsettling. Not so on the Tiger.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Thanks for mentioning that, I haven't tried the Tiger off the road, so cannot compare.

@shegocrazy Жыл бұрын

The Tiger is better looking but I wish their paint scheme was more interesting.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

I totally agree!

@ahmedawad563 9 ай бұрын

100%. I think the Tiger looks better, but their paint needs to be more "lively". In terms of looks, I would pick the Honda Africa Twin over anything else, followed by the Tiger.

@Sharpey76. 11 ай бұрын

love how people think the BMW telelever suspension is so good and go on about fork dive on any other bike but seem to gloss over the fact it takes away from the feel from the front end and makes you kind of feel disconnected. having ridden both i found the GS overrated and put my money on the Tiger

@VToldsMotoShow 11 ай бұрын

I feel much more confident on a BMW with Telelever up there in the front than anything else without it. I've heard before that some claim the lack of the front wheel feel but either I don't understand the "feel" the same way, or so much more of us feel much better on a bike that's this way. It may, however, present some disadvantages when riding in deep sands, but that would be it as far as I am concerned.

@Alibarberyork 10 ай бұрын

Triumph has snatchy throttle. Lacks smoothness of a v4 IMO. Very jerky. Not mentioned in review.

@julescesario7384 Жыл бұрын

Then the triumph is better (without considering the brand)...

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

In many smaller or larger places it appears so - it's a much newer bike. Then the huge difference in handling in favor of a GS may be a justified game-changer.

@chrisoz4929 Жыл бұрын

My dilemma is the 1200, 900 or the GS. I know it’s heresy, but the GS is ugly

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Ask any group of women who have got a pretty decent design taste and likely they'll tell you the same - that a GS is ugly. I we'd not take into the account what bike it is but call it let's say "a Yamaha", likely not many of us would find it pretty either. No such thing as heresy here!

@fuelerr 9 ай бұрын

Why have an adventure bike vs a street bike? Not a good comparison imo

@VToldsMotoShow 9 ай бұрын

Which one is which then?

@peterszigetvari6458 Жыл бұрын

I own a Tiger 1200 Rally Pro. Buying it was one of the worst decision what I made. Terrible build quality, corrosion on crash bar. The stock tire last for 4000 km, plastic spare parts do not fit to the place place of the original, leaking oil from the shaft drive. the revolutionary joystick fails to transmit signals when I move it right and down. I think the exhaust sound designed to suppress the terrible engine sound. It is good looking, but that is all. The only good thing on my bike is the new tyre what I bought. Will be difficult to sell it, because my problems are general problems as I saw queueing riders in the service and they were frustrated on the same was as I am. No other choice, but go for GS.

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

Very, very interesting and thanks for sharing it. I believe that it may be the first voice of criticism towards the Tiger 1200. The "Rally" part I'd understand but the rest is new for me. I hope that statistically it's not as bad though as the GT variant is really nice to ride for me.

@martynasgrigaliunas5896 Жыл бұрын

It is something about the looks of gs, this factor alone kills triumph..

@VToldsMotoShow Жыл бұрын

It looks like a GS and knowing that may generate a lot of appeal thanks to its name and history. And I do agree. Someone somewhere mentioned that it's like with a Porsche 911 that may not be a beauty but recognising what it is, changes our overall perception.