As much good as I hear about Triumph I'd have real trouble paying money for anything with a British heritage. BMW.
I haven't ridden a Tiger 1200 or a 1300GS, so I probably shouldn't be commenting at all... but I do own a Tiger 800 and a 1200GS. Both are great bikes. I would really like to try a big Tiger, but I don't know anyone who has one and the local dealer is notoriously stingy about test rides. That said, neither of my bikes has had any major reliability issues (and I have pounded the Tiger through some pretty rough terrain for extended periods), so I'm not too worried about that. I would guess that the BMW might be slightly better in that regard, but not sure. I will say that the BMW GS Adventure is significantly better protected if you drop it than the straight GS, so if that's a concern, I would go for the Adventure. My Tiger is pretty good on protection and has been on it's side a few times with no issues. Dale, for you specifically, you want a Triumph Scrambler 1200: https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/classic/bonneville-scrambler-1200 I have ridden the Scrambler a bunch, and it is a fantastic bike. It gives you the Triumph nostalgia that I know you like in a rugged and modern package. The wind and weather protection is minimal, but it's a lot of fun. And it has character.
Oh yes. I've been on a 7 day trip with my friend Mike (who you met), who has a Scrambler. https://www.triumphmotorcycles.com/motorcycles/classic/bonneville-scrambler-1200/accessories
If youre going touring its a BMW. Over in the retro sprt category, while I liek the loos of he R9T it nevr quite fir me right. Triumph makes the speed twin and thuirxton which are just standout and knockout. there's nothing else like the rocket, and the speed/street Tripple owns the naked class imo. Triumph is emotional and style, BMW rational and clinical.
I have to say, by the way, that I'm afraid if I rode a big Tiger, I would probably like it more than my GS. And I really don't need another bike.
I was out on my Sprint ST today, and man that Triumph triple is a great motor! And what a great bike, all around!
What has really caught my eye these days is a BMW R1250 RS. Logically, I figure I don't need two adventure touring bikes (but for some reason I do need two sport touring bikes? Let's not go too far with the logic thing), so if I trade my Tiger 800 in, it could work! https://www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/sport/r1250rs.html
