BMW R 1300 GS vs. Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro Test 2024

In total, 10 new adventure bikes were tested in our large Adventure Bike Road Comparison 2024, including the BMW R 1300 GS and the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro. In the Lower Austrian foothills around the Pfaffensattel, we encountered all the conditions that adventure riders appreciate on on-road tours—from grippy spirited riding asphalt to undulating tracks, everything was included.

With 145 hp, the BMW R 1300 GS delivers linear, controllable power and impresses with good modulation. The boxer engine offers a confident, harmonious riding performance. It feels neither aggressive nor overwhelming, making it versatile and beginner-friendly. The 150 hp three-cylinder of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro excites with rev-happiness, precision, and commanding torque. It is particularly suitable for sporty riders, but shows weaknesses in load change reactions and seems less ideally tuned for an adventure bike. The engine is dynamic but less harmoniously integrated. Overall, the BMW offers a more harmonious setup between engine and motorcycle concept, while the Triumph stands out with peak performance and dynamics - albeit with slight limitations in everyday usability.

The semi-active Dynamic ESA suspension of the BMW R 1300 GS sets new standards. Thanks to automatic adjustment to load and preload, the GS is surprisingly agile and offers impressive stability, even at high speeds. The Telelever ensures precise steering, although it provides less direct feedback than a traditional upside-down fork. Despite its high weight, the GS is easy and playful to maneuver, willingly leans into corners, and remains stable throughout. Comfort and handling make the GS an ideal companion for both twisty roads and long tours. The semi-active suspension of the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro offers extensive adjustment options and comfort. The lowering function is a helpful feature, especially when maneuvering. However, in normal mode, the suspension is too softly tuned, which makes steering more difficult and requires more effort, especially on twisty roads. In sport mode, the riding performance becomes firmer and more precise, but the bike still feels overall more cumbersome. The handling is stable when the machine is in the corner, but changing direction requires more effort, which diminishes riding pleasure. The BMW R 1300 GS excels with a harmonious interplay of agility, comfort, and precision. It sets benchmarks in handling and stability. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro offers a lot of comfort and versatility but lags behind the GS in terms of agility and lightness.

The electronics of the BMW R 1300 GS are almost perfectly integrated. All systems are lean-angle dependent, and the optional Pro modes allow for precise adjustments. The interaction between the chassis and engine electronics is excellent. The operation via the intuitive wheel and the well-placed cruise control are convincing. Although the display could look more modern, overall, the electronics are well thought out and user-friendly. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro offers many features and a large, easy-to-read TFT display with illuminated controls. However, playful animations in the menu hinder quick access. The high-quality finish and tidy design are plus points, but the sluggish menu navigation is disappointing given the high price. Thus, the BMW R 1300 GS impresses with seamless electronics and easy operation. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro also offers many features but has weaknesses in menu navigation. Overall, the BMW leads in electronics.

The touring capability of the BMW R 1300 GS is excellent. The (optional) electrically adjustable windshield provides optimal protection against wind and rain, making long distances comfortable even in bad weather. Comfort features such as the adaptive cruise control and the comfortable seating position make the GS ideal for marathon rides. Despite its high weight and size, it remains surprisingly agile and allows for sporty riding. Those who want to combine long distances with comfort and sportiness will be well served with the GS. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro also impresses in terms of touring capability. The manually adjustable windshield, good ergonomics, and high seating comfort make it an excellent companion for long tours. It particularly shines on road trips. The heated seat for the rider (and optionally for the pillion) and the powerful engine performance emphasize the comfort. Thus, it is a solid touring motorcycle with all the necessary features for frequent travelers. Both models offer outstanding comfort for long journeys, but in different ways. The BMW R 1300 GS scores with high-tech comfort like the electric windshield and sporty agility, while the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro convinces with solid ergonomics and classic comfort features. Both are top adventure bikes, with the BMW offering a slight advantage through technical sophistication and dynamics.

The braking system of the BMW R 1300 GS elicits mixed opinions. The Combined Braking System, where the rear brake automatically activates the front brake, can be unfamiliar for riders transitioning from other motorcycles. Particularly in tight corners at low speeds, it feels disconcerting. The emergency brake assistant, which detects obstacles, is considered potentially helpful on highways but intrusive on twisty roads. Nevertheless, the brakes deliver a solid performance overall with good delay and control. The brakes on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro are among the best in their class. They offer an excellent combination of powerful grip and fine modulation. The required hand force is pleasant, allowing for both gentle deceleration and hard braking with ease. Due to the shorter suspension travel compared to the Rally version, the braking system excels with precise and sporty trail braking. It is a highlight of the Tiger and provides impressive control in every situation. The BMW R 1300 GS delivers solid braking performance but is slightly limited by the Combined Braking System and the emergency brake assistant. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro offers one of the best braking systems in its class and impresses with precision, sportiness, and control, clearly leading in this area.

The BMW R 1300 GS stays true to its tradition, continuing to offer an impressive all-around package. It combines touring comfort, sporty agility, and robust versatility at the highest level. With its modern design, linear and powerful engine, and numerous comfort features like an adjustable windshield and quickshifter, it truly is a "jack of all trades." Criticisms mainly concern its alignment with other adventure bikes, which has led it to lose some of its original uniqueness as a torque marvel. Nevertheless, it remains a top choice for almost all applications. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro impresses as a comfortable touring motorcycle with a strong triple engine, generous space, and top-notch craftsmanship. It is particularly suitable for long tours and comfort-oriented riders. However, sporty agility and dynamic handling fall short of expectations, especially noticeable in twisty sections. Despite the strong engine performance, the experience is diminished by the soft suspension and sluggish steering response. Comfort and long-distance capability are the strengths of the Tiger, while it is less suited for sporty riding. The BMW R 1300 GS combines versatility, dynamics, and comfort, remaining the universal choice for those seeking a motorcycle for every situation. The Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro excels in outstanding comfort and touring capability but has weaknesses in sporty handling. Those who value agility and dynamics will be happier with the GS, while the Tiger is ideal for comfort-oriented tours.

For those of you interested in the SPIDI gear worn during the test, here is a detailed list in the following lines.

Amelie & Gregor:

• Net H2Out Jacket & Crossmaster H2Out Pants: Summer jacket with mesh sections and removable membrane for flexibility in various weather conditions. The Crossmaster pants offer ventilation openings on the thighs.
• Seamless Compression Shirt & Leggings: Seamless functional underwear for high wearing comfort under protective clothing.
• Back Protector (Warrior Lady for Amelie, Compact Warrior 510 for Gregor): Protects the back individually adjusted with Velcro.
• SPIDI NEO-S LADY Shoes (Amelie) and SPIDI X-GT Gloves (Gregor): Comfortable touring gear.

Ewald:

• SPIDI Frontier Jacket & Pants: Flexible, lightweight summer clothing with large ventilation openings, but without waterproofing.
• X-GT Gloves, Compression Underwear, Compact Warrior 510 Protector & Warrior Chest: Protection and comfort for long tours.

Patrick & Valentin:

• Super Net Tex Jacket & Protectors (Compact Warrior 510 & Warrior Chest): Lightweight protective layer with protectors attached directly to the body for optimal fit.
• Patrick: Enduro Pro Jacket (with removable sleeves); Valentin: 3L Shell H2Out Jacket (waterproof, with ventilation openings).

Vauli:

• Tech Armor Tex Jacket & SoftShell Mission-T Jacket: The Tech Armor carries protectors directly on the body, complemented by the warm and flexible Mission-T Softshell Jacket.
• Crossmaster H2Out Pants with large ventilation openings.
• Compression Underwear & G-Warrior Gloves: Protection and comfort for long rides.

All testers wore seamless functional underwear for high comfort and a pleasant body feel.

For this test, the entire crew opted for the new HJC RPHA 91 Carbon. This helmet presents itself as a high-quality flip-up helmet, particularly standing out with its lightweight compared to the regular RPHA 91. Notably, the large field of view provides excellent all-around visibility—a real advantage both in urban traffic and on longer tours. The ventilation systems work flawlessly, and the washable, antibacterial lining significantly contributes to comfort, especially in warmer temperatures. Naturally, the helmet meets the ECE 22.06 standard, offering a current safety standard, while the homologation as both a jet and full-face helmet promises flexibility and versatility.

The design offering is diverse and caters to different tastes, with the standard Pinlock insert effectively preventing visor fogging. The ratchet closure allows for quick and easy opening and closing, which is practical for everyday use, though it doesn't quite offer the security level of a double D-ring closure. At higher speeds, especially on the highway, the helmet becomes quite loud, which can affect comfort on long rides. Although it is lighter than the regular RPHA 91, it is still not a lightweight in the traditional sense. Overall, the HJC RPHA 91 Carbon remains a good choice for motorcyclists looking for a lightweight and comfortable flip-up helmet with versatile applications. The combination of good visibility, ventilation, and current safety standards makes it a solid companion.

On the BMW R 1300 GS, alongside the Xceed luggage system, we also used the Hepco & Becker EPIC 6 tank bag and on the Triumph Tiger 1200 GT Pro, the Epic 3. Here, our essential small items (water bottle, wallet, documents, GoPro, etc.) found a secure and accessible place. The Hepco & Becker EPIC 6 tank bag impresses with its shape stability, ensured by high-density EVA foams. The tank bag not only offers lockable zippers and a sturdy carrying handle but also water-repellent outer material that protects it in bad weather. For rides in heavy rain, a weather protection cover is included, which can be slipped over the tank bag. Inside, a mesh pocket in the lid provides additional storage options, while reflective details on the outside increase visibility in traffic. The waterproof inner lining and practical loops for attaching optional accessories like map or smartphone pockets complement the thoughtful design. The pre-mounted threaded plate allows for easy installation without drilling and fits on basic tank rings as well as sport and mini racks.