BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

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Overview - BMW R 1250 GS 2020 vs Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

In terms of engine and drive train, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 is equipped with a Boxer engine, while the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 has an in-line engine. The BMW has a larger bore and stroke, resulting in a displacement of 1254cc, compared to the Triumph's 1160cc. The Triumph, however, boasts a higher engine power of 150 HP, while the BMW offers 136 HP. The torque is also higher in the BMW with 143 Nm compared to the Triumph's 130 Nm. Both motorcycles have electric starters and use a prop shaft for transmission.

In terms of suspension, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features a Telelever front suspension with a diameter of 37 mm and a travel of 190 mm. The rear suspension is a single swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. The suspension on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 consists of an upside-down telescopic fork with a diameter of 49 mm and a travel of 200 mm. The rear suspension is a swing arm with a monoshock and a travel of 200 mm. Both motorcycles offer adjustment options for preload and rebound.

In terms of chassis, both motorcycles have steel frames. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has a load-bearing engine frame, while the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 has a tubular frame. The rake and trail are slightly different, with the BMW having a rake of 62.9 degrees and a trail of 109 mm, while the Triumph has a rake of 65.9 degrees and a trail of 120 mm.

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

In terms of brakes, both motorcycles have double disk brakes at the front. The BMW R 1250 GS 2020 features advanced rider assistance systems such as ABS, anti-slipping control, riding modes, and ride by wire. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 offers additional advanced rider assistance systems including hill start assist, electronically adjustable suspension, collision warning, cornering ABS, ride by wire, shift assistant with blipper, cruise control, blind spot assist, and traction control.

In terms of dimensions and weights, both motorcycles have a front tire diameter of 19 inches. The BMW has a rear tire width of 170 mm and a rear tire diameter of 17 inches, while the Triumph has a rear tire width of 150 mm and a rear tire diameter of 18 inches. The wheelbase is slightly longer in the Triumph with 1560 mm compared to the BMW's 1525 mm. Both motorcycles have a seat height of 850 mm, which can be adjusted up to 870 mm. The kerb weight of the BMW with ABS is 249 kg, while the Triumph weighs slightly more at 255 kg. The fuel tank capacity is larger in the Triumph with 30 liters compared to the BMW's 20 liters.

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

In terms of equipment, both motorcycles offer LED headlights and adjustable windscreens. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 has additional features such as Bluetooth connectivity, heated grips, a keyless system, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, a heated seat, a TFT display, and a larger fuel tank capacity.

In terms of strengths, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has an extremely high-torque boxer engine, a comfortable seating position suitable for long distances, stable braking performance, good weather protection, a color TFT display as standard, and LED headlights. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 has a powerful engine, a high-quality electronics package, a semi-active chassis that regulates finely, extensive standard equipment, long-distance comfort, excellent wind and weather protection, agility, and a better model spread between on- and off-road capabilities compared to its predecessor.

In terms of weaknesses, the BMW R 1250 GS 2020 has manageable standard equipment and a long surcharge list, as well as a jagged appearance with little elegance. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 has minor load change reactions on Explorer models, the blind spot assist is not available on Pro models, and the high pillion seat restricts freedom of movement for sporty off-roading.

Technical Specifications BMW R 1250 GS 2020 compared to Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

BMW R 1250 GS 2020
Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

Engine and Drive Train

Engine typeEngine typeBoxerEngine typeIn line
BoreBore102.5 mmBore90 mm
StrokeStroke76 mmStroke60.7 mm
Engine powerEngine power136 HPEngine power150 HP
Rpm at Max. PowerRpm at Max. Power7,750 rpmRpm at Max. Power9,000 rpm
TorqueTorque143 NmTorque130 Nm
Rpm at TorqueRpm at Torque6,250 rpmRpm at Torque7,000 rpm
Compression RatioCompression Ratio12.5 Compression Ratio13.2
Fuel systemFuel systemInjectionFuel systemInjection
StarterStarterElectricStarterElectric
Clutch TypeClutch TypeAntihoppingClutch TypeMultiplate in oil-bath
TransmissionTransmissionProp shaftTransmissionProp shaft
Transmission TypeTransmission TypeGearshiftTransmission TypeGearshift
Number of gearsNumber of gears6Number of gears6
CylindersCylinders2Cylinders3
StrokesStrokes4-StrokeStrokes4-Stroke
Valves per cylinderValves per cylinder4Valves per cylinder4
ValvesValvesDOHCValvesDOHC
CoolingCoolingliquid-airCoolingliquid
DisplacementDisplacement1,254 ccmDisplacement1,160 ccm

Suspension Front

Front suspensionFront suspensionTeleleverFront suspensionUpside-Down telescopic fork
DiameterDiameter37 mmDiameter49 mm
TravelTravel190 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreloadAdjustmentCompression, Preload, Rebound

Suspension Rear

SuspensionSuspensionSingle swing armSuspensionSwing arm
Shock absorberShock absorberMonoshockShock absorberMonoshock
TravelTravel200 mmTravel200 mm
AdjustmentAdjustmentPreload, ReboundAdjustmentPreload
MaterialMaterialAluminiumMaterialAluminium

Chassis

FrameFrameSteelFrameSteel
Frame typeFrame typeLoad-bearing engineFrame typeTubular
RakeRake62.9 degreeRake65.9 degree
TrailTrail109 mmTrail120 mm

Brakes Front

TypeTypeDouble diskTypeDouble disk
DiameterDiameter305 mmDiameter320 mm
PistonPistonFour pistonsPistonFour pistons
ActuationActuationHydraulicActuationHydraulic
TechnologyTechnologyradialTechnologyradial, Monoblock

Brakes Rear

TypeTypeDiscTypeDisc
DiameterDiameter276 mmDiameter282 mm
PistonPistonDouble pistonPistonSingle piston
Shock mountShock mountFloating caliperShock mountFloating caliper

Assistance Systems

Advanced Rider Assistance SystemsAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsABS, Anti-slipping control, Riding modes, Ride by WireAdvanced Rider Assistance SystemsHill start assist, Suspension electronically adjustable, Riding modes, Collision warning, Cornering ABS, Ride by Wire, Shift assistant with blipper, Cruise control, Blind Spot Assist, Traction control

Dimensions and Weights

Front tyre widthFront tyre width120 mmFront tyre width120 mm
Front tyre heightFront tyre height70 %Front tyre height90 %
Front tyre diameterFront tyre diameter19 inchFront tyre diameter19 inch
Rear tyre widthRear tyre width170 mmRear tyre width150 mm
Rear tyre heightRear tyre height60 %Rear tyre height70 %
Rear tyre diameterRear tyre diameter17 inchRear tyre diameter18 inch
LengthLength2,207 mmLength2,256 mm
WidthWidth952.5 mmWidth982 mm
WheelbaseWheelbase1,525 mmWheelbase1,560 mm
Seat HeightSeat Height850 mmSeat Height850 mm
Seat Height up toSeat Height up to870 mmSeat Height up to870 mm
Kerb Weight (with ABS)Kerb Weight (with ABS)249 kgKerb Weight (with ABS)255 kg
Fuel Tank CapacityFuel Tank Capacity20 lFuel Tank Capacity30 l
License compliancyLicense compliancyALicense compliancyA

Equipment

EquipmentEquipmentLED-Headlights, Windscreen adjustableEquipmentBluetooth, Connectivity, Heated grips, Keyless System, Cornering lights, LED daytime running lights, LED-Headlights, Heated seat, TFT display, Windscreen adjustable

Pros and Cons in comparison

Pros and Cons in comparison

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

BMW R 1250 GS 2020

The BMW R 1250 GS is the logical further development of the R 1200 GS - logical above all because one should not expect such a popular motorbike to be radically changed. Accordingly, the design has been changed cautiously, and the familiar options for the chassis and electronics have been retained. The new name R 1250 GS, however, promises a new engine - and it really is something! 136 hp at 7750 rpm and a whopping 143 Newton metres of maximum torque at 6250 rpm are an absolute blast! BMW has thus renovated the big GS almost perfectly: it remains clearly recognisable, has a little more electronics as standard, a still long list of surcharges (which customers like to tick from A to Z) and a now even better and more sovereign power plant - what more could you want?!

extremely high-torque boxer engine

good sound

comfortable seating position, suitable for long distances

stable braking performance

good weather protection

colour TFT display standard

LED headlights

Manageable standard equipment, long surcharge list

jagged appearance with little elegance

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022

With the slimmer Tiger 1200, Triumph has now joined the ranks of the very best in the top enduro touring class. The Rally models also convince in practice with real off-road competence, the GT models with exemplary agility, both with power and sovereignty in every situation thanks to the three-cylinder engine full of character. It won't knock the BMW R1250 GS off its throne as the best-selling motorbike, but it certainly doesn't have to hide from it or other contenders. Our comparative tests will reveal whether it has what it takes to be the best "big adventure bike" of 2022. Especially since the cat of prey manages the balancing act between long-distance and off-road capability, which a touring enduro always has to master, really well, more in one direction or the other depending on the model choice.

Powerful engine

High-quality electronics package

Semi-active chassis regulates finely

Extensive standard equipment

Long-distance comfort

Excellent wind and weather protection

Agility

Better model spread between on- and off-road than the predecessor model.

Minor load change reactions on Explorer models

Blind Spot Assist not available on Pro models

High pillion seat restricts freedom of movement for sporty off-roading

Price Comparison Avarage Market Price BMW R 1250 GS vs Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer

There are a few key differences between a BMW R 1250 GS 2020 and a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022. In terms of price, the actual average price of a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 is about 6% higher. A BMW R 1250 GS 2020 experiences a loss of 600 GBP in one year of ownership. This is offset by a loss of 520 GBP for a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022. Compared to Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer 2022 there are more BMW R 1250 GS 2020 bikes available on the 1000PS.de Marketplace, specifically 71 compared to 7. It takes less time to sell a BMW R 1250 GS with 43 days compared to 117 days for a Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer. Since model year 2019 1000PS.de editors have written 50 reviews for the BMW R 1250 GS and 8 reviews for the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer since model year 2022. The first review for the BMW R 1250 GS was published on 19/09/2018 and now has more than 305,600 views. This compares to more than 62,100 views for the first review on Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer published on 07/12/2021.

Price BMW R 1250 GS

Model year
Current average market prices

Price Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Explorer

Model year
Current average market prices

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