2008 BMW R 1200GS vs 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2008 BMW R 1200GS 2008 BMW R 1200GS

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Two cylinder boxer
Power
77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm
Top Speed
208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph
Weight
504.9 pounds
2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Power
85 kW / 113 hp @ 9400 rpm
Top Speed
215.9 km/h / 134 mph
Weight
235 kg / 517 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year20082009
Make ModelBMW R 1200GSTriumph Tiger 1050
Dimensions
Seat Height850 mm - 870 mm / 33.4 in - 34.2 in835 mm / 32.8 in
Wheelbase1506 mm / 59.3 in1540mm / 60.6in
Height1450 mm / 57.1 inwithout mirrors 1310mm / 51.5in
Length2210 mm / 87.0 in2150 mm / 84.6in
Width915 mm / 36.0 in(handlebars) 835 mm / 32.8in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight199 kg / 439 lbs198 kg / 436.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity20 Litres / 5.2 US gal20 Litres / 5.3 US gal / 4.4 Imp gal
Oil Capacity-3.5 Litres/ 0.9 US gals / 0.77 Imp gal
Wet Weight229 kg / 505 lbs235 kg / 517 lbs
Performance
Top Speed208.4 km/h / 129.5 mph215.9 km/h / 134 mph
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)3.6 sec-
Acceleration (100-140 km/h)4.1 sec-
Acceleration (140-180 km/h)4.8 sec-
Acceleration (60-100 km/h)4.0 sec-
Acceleration (60-140 km/h)8.1 sec-
Max Power77 kW / 105 hp @ 7500 rpm85 kW / 113 hp @ 9400 rpm
Max Torque115 Nm / 11.7 kgf-m / 84.8 ft/lb @ 5750 rpm98 Nm / 9.99 kgf-m / 72 ft.lbs @ 6,250 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.5086 HP/kg-
Standing Start 0-1000 m-22.1 sec / 212.3 km/h / 132 mph
Standing Start 0-140 km/h5.9 sec-
Standing Start 0-200 km/h16.0 sec-
Standing Start ¼ Mile12.3 sec11.5 sec / 191.7 km/h / 119 mph
Engine
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Stroke2-
Engine TypeTwo cylinder boxer-
Displacement1170 cc / 71.4 cub in.1050 cc / 64.1 cu in
Engine DetailFour stroke, two cylinder horizontally opposed Boxer, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMS-K digital engine management with overrun fuel cut-off, twin spark ignition-
Bore x Stroke101 x 73 mm79 x 71.4 mm
Compression Ratio12.0:112.0:1
Cooling SystemAir/oil cooledLiquid cooled
Engine Oil Specification-Synthetic, 10W/40
Exhaust-Stainless steel 3 into 1, high level brushed stainless steel silencer
Fuel Consumption5.8 L/100 km / 17.2 km/l / 40.5 US mpg5.7 L/100 km / 17.5 km/l / 41 US mpg / 49 Imp mpg
Fuel InductionElectronic intake pipe injection/digital engine management: BMS-K with overrun fuel cut off, dual ignitionMultipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Reserve4L / 1.1 US gal-
IgnitionBMS-KDigital
Lubrication-Wet sump
Spark Plug-NGK, DPR8EA-9
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System4-
EV Specifics
Battery CapacityBattery 12 V / 14 Ah, maintenance-free-
Drivetrain
ClutchSingle plate dry clutch, ∅180 mm, hydraulically operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveShaftX ring chain
Gear Ratios1st 2.37 / 2nd 1.64 / 3rd 1.29 / 4th 1.06 / 5th 0.93 / 6th 0.84:1-
Gearbox6-speed-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular space frame, engine load-bearingAluminum beam perimeter, swingarm: braced, twin-sided, aluminum alloy
Suspension - FrontTelelever, stanchion diameter 41mm, central spring strut, spring preload 9 times mechanically adjustable.43 mm Showa upside down forks with adjustable preload, rebound and compression damping adjustment
Suspension - RearDie-cast aluminium single-sided swinging arm with BMW Motorrad Paralever, WAD strut (travel-related damping), spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable to continuously variable levels by means of handwheel, rebound damping adjustable.Showa Mono-shock with adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rake25.7°22.8°
Trail101 mm / 3.97 in89.7mm / 3.5 in
Wheel Travel - Front190 mm / 7.5 in140 mm / 5.5 in
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in
Electrical Systems
AlternatorThree-phase alternator 720W-
Instrumentation-LCD multi-functional instrument pack
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.4 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.0 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)305 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)265 mm-
Brakes - Front2 x 305 mm discs, 4 piston caliper2 x 320 mm Discs, 4 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 265 mm disc, 2 piston caliperSingle 255 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Tyres - Front110/80 ZR19120/70 ZR17
Tyres - Rear150/70 ZR17180/55 ZR17
Wheels - Front-Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke, 17 x 3.5in
Wheels - Rear-Cast aluminium alloy, multi-spoke, 17 x 5.5in

Verdict

Winner on specs

2008 BMW R 1200GS

The 2008 BMW R 1200GS edges out the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 thanks to its higher torque, higher rear wheel travel, higher front wheel travel and larger displacement. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2008 BMW R 1200GS - Advantages

  • Higher torque: 115 Nm vs 98 Nm - more pulling power across the rev range.
  • Larger displacement: 1170 cc vs 1050 cc - more cubic capacity means broader torque delivery and greater low-end pull.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 190 mm vs 140 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 - Advantages

  • More power: Produces 85 kW vs 77 kW - a meaningful performance advantage.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.

2008 BMW R 1200GS vs 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2008 BMW R 1200GS and 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS uses Two cylinder boxer, while the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder..
Which is lighter, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050?
The 2008 BMW R 1200GS is lighter at 229 kg compared to 235 kg for the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 - a difference of 6 kg. This is a small difference unlikely to be a deciding factor in everyday riding.
Which has more power, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050?
The 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 produces more peak power at 85 kW, compared to 77 kW for the 2008 BMW R 1200GS.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050?
The 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 has the lower seat at 835 mm, making it more accessible. The 2008 BMW R 1200GS sits higher at 850 mm - 870 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2008 BMW R 1200GS or the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050?
Both are strong choices. The 2008 BMW R 1200GS has the edge in higher torque and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2009 Triumph Tiger 1050 stands out for more peak power and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.