2018 Triumph Tiger 1200 XCA vs BMW R 1200 GS Adventure: Spec Comparison

Triumph is going to launch the Tiger 1200 in India. The adventure-tourer drops its ‘Explorer’ moniker and gets cosmetic as well as technological upgrades for 2018. Globally, the Tiger 1200 is offered in six versions, although we expect either of the two off-road-biased XC variants to be launched here. While we await its launch on 11 May, we check out how the Tiger 1200 XCA, the top-of-the-line variant, fares against its biggest rival, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure.

Design

The Tiger 1200 XCA’s design language is identical to the previous model; although the bike now gets LED headlamps with cornering function, a taller, electronically adjustable wind screen, new tank extensions and new knuckle guards. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure too gets LED lighting for the headlamp which continues to sport an asymmetrical design. 

However, both bikes, being adventure touring motorcycles get similar design characteristics. They sport the ‘beak-like’ extension, spoke wheels, upswept exhausts and engine sump guards to boost their off-roading capability.

Electronics

Both bikes come equipped with a full-colour TFT instrument console. The Triumph’s electronics package includes cornering ABS, shift assist, keyless ignition, traction control, cruise control system and six-riding modes. The Tiger 1200 XC variants also include a new ‘Off-Road Pro’ mode that turns traction control and the rear wheel's ABS off.

Meanwhile, the BMW R1200 GS Adventure is loaded to the brim with electronics. It gets two riding modes- rain and road, Automatic Stability Control and ABS as standard. As part of its Pro package, BMW also offers the bike with Automatic Traction Control (ATC), ABS Pro, Hill Start Control (HSC) and the Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Gearshift Assistant Pro and cruise control.

Cycle Parts

The Tiger 1200 XCA rides on fully-adjustable semi-active WP suspension setup, with 48mm inverted forks up front and a monoshock at the rear. Braking duties are taken care of by twin 305mm discs with Brembo callipers at the front and a 282mm disc with Nissin calliper at the rear.

The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure  rides on 37mm BMW Telelever forks for the front and a preload and rebound adjustable monoshock at the rear. It uses twin 305mm discs held on by Brembo calipers up front, similar to the Tiger 1200. However, a smaller 276mm single disc takes care of braking for the rear.

The seat height for the Tiger 1200 XCA is set at 850mm which can be lowered to 835mm. The bike sports a 20-litre fuel tank and a dry weight of 242kg. On the other hand, the R 1200 GS Adventure  sports a 840mm seat height and fuel tank capacity of 20-litres.

Engine

Powering the Tiger 1200 range is a 1200cc three-cylinder engine with an output of 139bhp and 122Nm of torque.

The R 1200 GS Adventure uses a 1170cc boxer-twin engine that produces 125bhp and 125Nm of torque. Both bikes are mated to a six-speed gearbox and final shaft drive.

Pricing

Triumph has given no indications as to which Tiger 1200 variant will be launched in India, or the price. However, of the six variants, the XCA seems most likely to reach our shores with a price tag between Rs 17 lakhs and Rs 19 lakhs. Meanwhile, the BMW R 1200 GS Adventure  is priced at Rs 17.10 lakhs for the standard variant and Rs 20.80 lakhs for the ‘Pro’ version.