Another S10 VS GSA Article

[GrahamD]

Unfortunately, the ties and victories may be short lived (not that I really care) with the impending arrivals of the 1250GS and the Tiger Explorer. I just hope Yamaha keeps this bike in the line up and continues to one up the competition with their capability, low maintenance, and reliability.

Frankly, I am not certain more displacement will benefit anyone. I feel more benefits can be made focusing on weight, and balance, something the KTM 990 excels in (too bad it seems to be very high in the maintenance dept).

The initial impressions of the Big Tiger is TOP HEAVY, with an empty fuel tank. The poms will want to love them bit we will see what the rest of the world thinks.

The new BMW apparently a has the motor mounted even higher and I don't know what they are left to play with to lower the COG.

BUT since the Europens seem to use them as tarmac tourers, then it's probably not that much of an issue.

 

[kgfire]

I saw the new Triumph Explorer at the Long Beach show and my initial impression is that the bike is HUGE and very top heavy. Still, having owned the Tiger 1050 I know that 1200cc triple is going to be one sweet engine!

I owned a '11 GS1200 and I would have to agree with the Rider magazine review of the two machines; too close to call. Based strictly on performance they're great bikes with no real advantage going to either one. But ... factor in the huge price difference ( at least here in the states ) and the Yamaha is the clear winner plus the BMW's have developed a reputation for being a little fragile.

What sold me on the Yamaha was the engine character and the fact that I've owned several Yamahas over the years and they were all very easy to maintain and built to last a long time.

 

[switchback]

The initial impressions of the Big Tiger is TOP HEAVY, with an empty fuel tank.

I was afraid of that and the overall weight of the Explorer. That was the one thing I didn't like about my Tiger (885 girlie).

 

[colorider]

I wouldnt have bought a super tenere if i wanted a gs....

That's probably a safe statement for most of the owners here.

As for the article, although I didn't read it, I subscribed to Rider for MANY years, starting when they first sprung up until about 5 years ago when I finally let my subscription lapse as I found myself enjoying it less and less. I know personally one of the staff riders/writers and can usually pick up good evaluation input from him directly. As a rule, they seem to be very neutral in their recommendations when it comes to bikes.