BMW GS Adventure or Triumph Explorer??

[Roadrunner]

Hi Everyone!

I'm 43 and I've been riding for three years. I ride every day (or moment possible) and I currently ride a 2015 Triumph Daytona R 675. My bike is great fun but as you can guess it's inadequate for longer rides or rough terrain. It is also very cramped with all my winter gear on! I've decided to buy an Adventure bike (I'm keeping the Daytona for track days) but I really can't decide between a BMW R1200GS Adventure or a Triumph Explorer (I'd wait for the new model being launched in the spring of 2016).

In your opinions, what would you choose, and why (money no object)? It would be used as and every day, all-rounder bike. Commuting, Motorway. Weekends away and light off road.

Would I be better off with the standard GS or the Adventure?

The bike would be a keeper, a very long-termer

Thanks in Advance!

Adie

[lancashirelad]

Welcome to the forum.
How about a Tiger800 I loved mine..do you really need 1200cc??

[Roadrunner]

Thanks for the welcome, appreciated! A very good point, I've ridden a few new 2015 Tiger 800s and taken an off-road course on one. They are absolutely superb machines but a few owners (two who have switched to a 1200) have told me that they found the 800 too high revving for Motorway cruising and not quite so great for pillions on longer trips (partner would be joining me sometimes).

Also, the Tiger 800 has a chain and would be higher maintenance.

[Flintlock]

Choice between the two, based on the type of riding described, would be the BMW-only reason being that I would not have to fill up as often.

[V_King]

doesn't matter they both are agrucultural. whichever you buy, just some proper mileage on the bugger

[Redmurty]

money no object....

buy both (thumbs) the one your not using I can keep for you (thumbs) :whistle:

Try both on a long term test, write down what you want to do with the bike ie lot's of 2 up touring ect. if your planning to do some off road look at the 800 in both marques

get the one you enjoy best and if you end up hating it flog it and go buy the other

cheers Spud

[SteveW]

If you get the Triumph you'll always be wondering.....did I make the correct decision? Everywhere you go (Especially overseas) you'll see GS/GSA's.
If you buy the GS/GSA you'll never think about a Triumph again.
I'd say get the GSA, because if you bought the GS you'd always be wondering.....did I make the correct decision?
If you buy the GSA you'll never think about a GS again.

[jonny955]

Whilst I would prefer a larger tank too, the engine characteristics are quite different between the two beasties and if you prefer the triple experience, this could sway you towards the Explorer.

I was VERY close to buying an Explorer after test riding the WC GSA and the Tex. In the end I bought something else but only a test ride will do.

If you like a bit of excitement from your bike, then don't listen to the folk who tell you that you have to keep riding the GSA for a few days/weeks before you 'get it'. To my mind, a bike should give you the right buzz as soon as you ride it. I'm sure you'll know when you do get to test them both. They are both great bikes.

Jon

[boatman]

Seeing as how you have been riding for only 3 years, I would be inclined to lose the notion of buying something with the idea of it being a "keeper" . Peculiar thing riding bikes ,even the best bike (BMW ADV12

[DaveCon]

Thanks for the welcome, appreciated! A very good point, I've ridden a few new 2015 Tiger 800s and taken an off-road course on one. They are absolutely superb machines but a few owners (two who have switched to a 1200) have told me that they found the 800 too high revving for Motorway cruising and not quite so great for pillions on longer trips (partner would be joining me sometimes).

Also, the Tiger 800 has a chain and would be higher maintenance.

I felt the same about the Tiger 800, it's a bit high rev/frantic for me. I went for the 800GSA but the down side is I'm finding it (the engine) a bit dull. It shifts and cruises at high speed very nicely but something's missing.

As to "high maintenance chain", I fitted a Scottoiler years ago and on all my bikes I generally adjust once in the generally 14,000 mile life. Hardly a big problem (thumbs)

I think people who carry pillion usually go for the bigger engine.But as someone else pointed out the GSA fuel tank is something I wouldn't be without now :woohoo: 300 miles between fill-ups gives so much flexibility for planning stops and routes etc.

As always though - test rides are important (thumbs)