QBTO....I understand exactly what you mean here, but just have a look at Touring Teds signature......specifically where he works. It does add a bit of weight to his argument.

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The electric monk always has faith.

Hi Monk,
I did notice Ted's signature I have been in that dealership quite a few times, (got friends in North Wales) I am only going on my own experience of 6 years on a R1100GS and being an active member of the UKGSer forum. I used my GS all year round in all weathers

You could argue that Ted see's all the unreliable GS's because he works in a BMW dealership, the reliable ones don't need repaired. If you pop down the local Triumph dealer I'm sure they see plenty of Tigers in the work shop. [IMG][/IMG]

[QUOTE=QBTO;422040]Hi Monk,
I did notice Ted's signature I have been in that dealership quite a few times, (got friends in North Wales) I am only going on my own experience of 6 years on a R1100GS and being an active member of the UKGSer forum. I used my GS all year round in all weathers

You could argue that Ted see's all the unreliable GS's because he works in a BMW dealership, the reliable ones don't need repaired.

I do far more routine servicing of one's that don't need repairing than fixing those which do...

If you take reliability out of the argument completely, I'd still have the Tiger. However, I do have to point out that the Tiger is a ridiculously reliable bike. I don't know anyone who's ever broken down on one, ever !!

The Tiger is just a far better ' day to day' bike in my opinion. It's really fun to ride and handles great. There is loads of grunt and power from the dreamy Triple. The 1150 feels like a tractor in comparison.

The one thing is really hated on the Tiger is the heavy clutch. If you're a two finger clutch user, you're going to have aches and pains. And the gearboxes are pretty clunky but you do get used to them and they always work.

However, if I were to go off tarmac, I'd pick the GS any day. Even if it is a lumbering beast. The Tiger is crazy top heavy (even on road) and the GS boxer engine with telelever suspension is far nicer on the rough stuff..

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I would be happy with either, I'm currently enjoying myself hacking around the local back roads on a 26 year old Transalp

I loved my R1100GS never ridden a bike that feels so planted, even a huge black Labrador that charged into the side of it as I was passing at 30mph couldn't move it off line. Or the time I misjudged my speed over a hump back bridge on a bend and took off both wheels of the ground while cranked over, GS landed without a wobble or a weave, but your right Ted their a heavy beast, but then I've rarely ridden anything under 500lbs in the last 15 years GPZ900R ZZR1100 Trophy 1200 x3 Daytona 1200 GSX1135EFE and GSX1400.

I always fancied the early Tiger 900 (Steamer) now that is a top heavy bike, with the same frame as the Trophy etc only on higher suspension and skinnier wheels.

Just an update on this thread, I'm now actively looking for a 955i Tiger

Just need to sell my GSX1400 first

+ 1 for the Triumph Tiger 955. I agree with everything Touring Ted says in the thread.
Touring Ted knows his stuff and whenever he posts on here, I always take time to look at what he says.

I'm afraid my opinion of KTM bikes is not great - overpriced, highly strung, plentiful and expensive servicing and parts.

I will concede they are well put together and that the 990 is rapid compared to most other big adventure tourers.

I'd take a BMW before a KTM but I think big BMW's are way too heavy, cumbersome and ultimately damn expensive.

Yes KTM's are great BUT they are not cheap to buy, own or run.

Anyone looking for a BUDGET bulletproof reliable, robust CHEAP bike should stay well clear of German bikes as you pay a huge premium for the badge (just the same as their excellent but overly expensive cars). I guess if it says made in Germany you pay a premium. Some of us refuse to do so.

I apply the same rule to most aspects of my life not just riding bikes (and I have owned and ridden many in 30 years plus riding).

My best (and oldest) mate has a Triumph Tiger 955 and we both agree that it does almost everything well without breaking the bank.

Another mate has a KTM 600? trail bike and he spends most of his time changing oil and servicing it instead of riding it.

Plus the Triumph is BRITISH designed and made.

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Triumph Bonneville 800 (2004), Yamaha XT600E (1999), Honda XBR500 (1986).

Cheques in the post.....

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Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

I believe most of the parts are manufactured in Thailand nowadays with final assembly here so that "the flag can be flown" in the labelling.

A mate of mine visited the UK factory quite a few years ago and he was very impressed with the hand finishing work, such as painting the pin-stripe onto the tanks of Bonnevilles, all done by hand, and no robot needed.

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Dave

The Tiger handles well enough in my view, which is based on a shortish test ride at the time I was thinking of buying one.
It also has all the power that anyone needs on real roads (rather than the race track).
Certainly it is top heavy with a big fuel tank perched up high above an engine that is also high in the frame.


Ted has earned a crust with BMW for about 6 months: prior to that he was on the road to conversion, but it took many, many years.

BMW must be working hard on the brain washing (errrr, induction training)!

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Dave