Triumph Tiger 900 Pro or 2016 RT1200 for touring?

[Singlin]

Hi!,
I currently have a 2017 T100 Bonneville.
I am looking for a touring bike for 2 up touring as I am going to Norway with the wife next year.
I can't decide between a BMW RT 1200 from 2016, A Vstrom 1000 or the Triumph Tiger 900 Pro.
We are both 57 years old and live in the Italian Alps.
My wife does 6hr trips on my Bonneville but is not very comfortable.
Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks
Simon

[wr6133]

Not ridden any of them but from looking at the pillion positions your wife will be wanting the BMW.

Sounds like an awesome trip.

[Freddyfruitba...]

I know quite a few two-up tourers, and pretty much everyone says the RT is unbeatable for that specific use
____________________
KC100->CB100N->CB250RS--------->DL650AL2->R1200RS->R1250RS

[ThunderGuts]

The RT is the "full dress" tourer out of that list. It's going to be best for "full on" touring. It's a big heavy bike though if you're going to be day-to-day moving it about by hand on a gravel drive etc.. though.
____________________
TG.

[Polarbear]

If it was me I'd go for the Tiger Explorer rather than the 900 as it's shaft drive.

Then the BM. Sod chain drives when touring with a female. Chain lube on her pristine jeans or dripping off the panniers when you take them into a hotel foyer.
____________________
Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[Enduro Numpty]

I've got a V-Strom 1000 and an R1250RT.

The V-Strom is a superb bike. Just so pleasant to ride: nice easy handling, good brakes, decent suspension and lovely V twin grunt. It's my first choice for long solo days out on Scottish Highland roads. Wife says it's comfy but she prefers the BMW. While it is more than capable of long distance touring it's weather protection is negligible.

I've had the Beemer from new in 2019 and we did 5000ish miles around Europe that year. Weather protection is superb, it handles well, it brakes well it has more than enough grunt and it is surprisingly nippy on a twisty road. Much more carrying capacity than the V-Strom. Standard BMW panniers and a 56l Givi top box gives us more than enough capacity for a European trip (we don't camp).

If 2up touring is your objective then I think I would have the RT but for a real fun ride then the V-Strom takes some beating.

[Singlin]

Thanks for the feedback.
I am 1.75cm tall and have eliminated the Tiger,Gs etc for that reason.
I am leaning more to the RT now.
I already have a watercooled Bonneville for solo riding here in the Alps.
THanks,
Simon

[to v or not to v]

[photoman]

There really is no argument. The RT 1200 would be my bike of choice. In southern Europe the barndoor of a fairing on the BMW will be a bit too protective and you would quickly overheat in summer temperatures. I know, I have done it in Switzerland and came close to dehydration.

The fairing would be a benefit in Northern Europe and especially as Norway is prone to a fair bit of rain in summer that 'barn door' will give you protection like no other. Having trained with the Royal Marines in Norway I know even in June it can get quite chilly, especially in the mornings.

Any big bike used for touring will be heavy so I would not let that put you off, you just have to be careful and if you are manoeuvring on loose gravel, do it on your own and then get you passenger on board before continuing..

On another note. The Norwegian Police are particularly vigilant for speeding motorcyclists and you could even be deported for a serious infringement.

[TaffyTDM]