2019 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2019 BMW R 1200 RS 2019 BMW R 1200 RS

All-Round

Engine
Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
520.3 pounds
2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer

All-Round

Engine
In-line three, four-stroke
Power
148 hp / 110.4 kW @ 9,000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
562.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsSwitchable ABS.Ride by Wire. 5 ride modes. Traction control. Cruise control. Windscreen. Heated grips. Heated seats. Phone connectivity.
Year-2022
ColoursLight Grey Metallic/Magellan Grey Metallic MattSnowdonia White, Snowdonia White, Lucerne Blue
Warranty-3 years, unlimited mileage warranty
Dimensions
Seat Heigth -Alternate (mm)-877 mm
Seat Heigth -Alternate (in.)-34.5 inches
Seat Height820 mm / 32.3 in.850 - 870 mm / 33.4 - 34.2 in (adjustable)
Wheelbase1527 mm / 60.1 in.1560 mm / 61.4 in
Height1250 mm / 49.2 in.1436 - 1497 mm / 56.5 - 58.9 in (adjustable screen)
Length2202 mm / 86.7 in.2256 mm / 88.8 in
Width925 mm / 36.4 in.849 mm / 33.4 in (with handlebars)
Weights & Capacities
Oil Capacity (Quarts)-4.23 US quarts
Oil Capacity (l)-4.00 litres
Fuel Capacity18.00 litres / 4.76 US gallons30 Litres / 7.9 US gal
Wet Weight236.0 kg / 520.3 lbs255 kg / 562 lbs
Performance
Max Power-148 hp / 110.4 kW @ 9,000 rpm
Max Torque125.0 Nm (12.7 kgf-m or 92.2 ft.lbs) @ 6500 Revolutions"130 Nm / 96 lb-ft @ 7,000 rpm
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)4.0 x 2.9 inches-
Displacement (cc)1170.0 cc-
Displacement (ci)71.39 cubic inches-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer, four-strokeIn-line three, four-stroke
Fuel ControlDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Bore x Stroke (mm)101.0 x 73.0 mm-
CO2106.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)113.7 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement-1160 cc / 70.7 cub-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Digital engine management with electronic fuel injectionInjection. Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Bore x Stroke-90 x 60.7 mm
Compression Ratio12.5:113.2:1
Cooling System-Liquid-cooled
EmissionsClosed-­loop 3-­way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-­4Euro 5
Engine LubricationWet sump-
ExhaustChromeStainless steel 3 into 1 header system with underslung primary silencer and side mounted secondary silencer
Fuel Consumption4.60 litres/100 km (21.7 km/l or 51.13 mpg)4.90 litres/100 km (20.4 km/l or 48.00 mpg)
Fuel Induction-Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection with electronic throttle control
Fuel Reserve3.00 litres / 0.79 US gallons-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchWet eight-disc clutch with anti-hopping function, hyrdaulically operatedHydraulic, wet, multi-plate, slip & assist
Final DriveShaft drive (cardan)   (final drive)Shaft
Gearbox6-speed6-speed
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTwo-section frame, front- and bolted on rear frame, load-bearing engineTubular steel frame, with forged aluminium outriggers. Fabricated, bolt-on aluminium rear subframe
Suspension - FrontUpside-down telescopic fork, diameter 45 mm, travel 140 mm, silver-anodizedShowa 49mm USD forks with semi-active damping
Suspension - RearBMW Motorrad EVO ParaleverShowa monoshock with semi-active damping and automatic electronic preload adjustment
Rake27.7°24.1°
Swingarm-Twin sided "Tri-Link" aluminium swingarm with twin aluminium torque arms
Trail115 mm / 4.5 in.120 mm / 4.7 in
Wheel Travel - Front140 mm / 5.5 in.200 mm / 7.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear140 mm / 5.5 in.200 mm / 7.8 in
Electrical Systems
Instrumentation-Full-colour 7" TFT instrument pack with My Triumph Connectivity System
Lighting system-All LED lighting
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers.2 x 320 mm floating discs, Brembo M4.30 Stylema monoblock radial calipers, Magura HC1 span adjustable radial master cylinder with separate reservoir
Brakes - RearSingle disc. ABS. Floating disc. Two-piston calipers.Single 282 mm disc, Brembo single piston caliper, rear master cylinder with remote reservoir
ABS-OC-ABS
RimsCast aluminiumCast aluminium alloy. Metzeler Tourance tires.
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR17Metzeler Tourance 120/70R19 (M/C 60V TL)
Tyres - Rear-Metzeler Tourance 150/70R18 (M/C 70V TL)
Wheels-Cast aluminium
Wheels - Front-19 x 3.0
Wheels - Rear-18 x 4.25

Verdict

Winner on specs

2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer

The 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer edges out the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS thanks to its liquid cooling, standard ABS, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2019 BMW R 1200 RS - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 820 mm vs 850 - 870 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2019 BMW R 1200 RS vs 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS and 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer?
The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS uses Two cylinder boxer, four-stroke, while the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer is powered by In-line three, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer?
The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS has the lower seat at 820 mm, making it more accessible. The 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer sits higher at 850 - 870 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS or 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer have ABS?
The 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer is listed with ABS as standard. The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2019 BMW R 1200 RS or the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer?
Both are strong choices. The 2019 BMW R 1200 RS has the edge in lower seat height, while the 2022 Triumph Tiger 1200GT Explorer stands out for liquid cooling and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.