BMW GS Adventure or Triumph Explorer??

[Mac 60]

I was in the same position last June. I,d test rode both bikes a couple of times. Once the same day. In the end the dealers made the decision for me. Triumph dealers where gents, BMW where dicks. I was tradeing in a 2012 KTM 990r and the Beemer dealer actually said Quote "our sort of customers wouldent ride a bike like that" Fecking snobs. Plus the Triumph guys gave me a grand more than BMW offered so a no brainer for me. If it haddent been for that i honestly dont know how id have chose. Never had any intention of takeing such a heavy machine on anything more than single track roads anyway so iam enjoying the TEX. (The free panniers where total crap though).

[yoda]

http://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum ... ughts.html

Hi had a gs and tried the explorer, got an s10 in the end, try them all and you'll know which one suits you best, they're all pretty good, enjoy (thumbs)

[Moorso]

Well....I'll throw my 2p's worth in....sure why not!? :silly:

I have driven the BMW's and previously owned a smaller cc (885) Triumph and I went for the 1200 Explorer (a 2013 model). My reasoning was thus:

1) I use the bike for roads - sometimes there might be a gravel(ly) track to get somewhere like a campsite or site of interest, but the roads are my main modus operandi

2) On the above point, I prefer the triple engine, in my opinion it is smoother and more powerful through the rev range, including top-end, although this is my personal preference.

3) I have had nothing but bad experiences with BMW dealers here (although many from Norn Iron might agree), the Triumph dealer (McCallen) experience was, genuinely, a pleasure. I got the panniers thrown in in the price of the bike, as well as half price on all items (including service parts if my memory serves) for the first year.

4) I think there were build quality issues on both models, and recalls on both models. However, for my money, Triumph have sorted their issues out quicker, and the build quality (including paint and shut-lines) on my Explorer are/is faultless. I believe there might still be a recall on the new 1200 GS series (but I couldn't swear to this).

5) Although the gearboxes on both models are somewhat agricultural, I think the Triumph's is slightly less 'clunky'.

6) I like that the Explorer is a little different (although becoming more common).

In short, though, I don't believe there is much to choose between the two, and I would go with your gut instinct and feeling after test riding them. I genuinely believe that all new and modern 'adventure' type bikes have similar performance and each has their pro's and con's, but overall there probably isn't much to choose between all models (including the Super Tenere and KTM).

Hope it helps.....and you enjoy whatever you choose! (thumbs)

[catcitrus]

I have owned a few BMWs over the years--and had about 4 terminal driveshaft failures--never broken a chain--but to be fair BMW are converting to chain where there is power, weight, or offroad involved!
I think the 1200 is a bit of a lump with relatively high C of G. I wouldn't touch the GS simply because of the shaft drive fragility. I have actually bought a 1050 Tiger (I have a proper offroad bike that will load up and do distance --at a slower pace of course!). I've lowered the 1050, it has Hyperpro suspension, and is a peach to ride on the road--great handling, comfy, and a great, well proven motor--you really don't need much more than a litre and 100 bhp?

[quikbrew]

I'd considered and compared all of the big adventure bikes last year. The Tiger was very good, but just not quite right for me. GS / GS ADV - great bike, but everybody's got one. Just didn't excite me enough. Also, tried Honda Crosstourer, but a V4 adventure bike? Na.

Went for KTM 1190 in the end and absolutely love it. Seems to be able to do everything. Super-fast on the road, comfortable, nimble and decent off-road too. Stuck a Scott oiler on to look-after the chain.

In the end though, they're all good bikes. It just depends what you like the most, how much you want to pay and what deals can be had. Try a few.

New Africa Twin looks decent...! And the new Multistrada Enduro....and.....!

[Deuce]

GS for me every time, but it's not for me, it's for you, two good long test rides needed! Both good bit trailies.......

[Hacksaw]

I have owned both, and they are both superb bikes. Both have pros and cons. But, I am sure you will be happy with either. Personally, I think the Triumph has the edge on road and the Beemer the edge off road, especially in sand. Having said that the Trumper is competent enough to get you in as much trouble as the BMW off road.
For me it would come down to my local dealer, see who you like, meet them, chat with the staff, manager etc. my local BMW shop are not easy to deal with at all, and it has put me off owning a BMW.
If you already have a good rapport with your Triumph dealer, buy the Triumph.

[Moorso]

One other point....according to Triumph, their service intervals are double that of the GS. Maybe something to take into consideration.

[johnnyboxer]

One other point....according to Triumph, their service intervals are double that of the GS. Maybe something to take into consideration.

Double?

10000 miles or 10000kms?

Better to change the oil regularly, cheap engine protection

BMW is 6000 miles

[Moorso]

Double?

10000 miles or 10000kms?

Better to change the oil regularly, cheap engine protection

10,000 miles as far as I am aware...so not quite double, but longer.
But I agree (and I'm anal about my bikes)....I get a full service (with all fluids changed etc) once a year, plus ad hoc work if needed.