THE RiDE VERDICT

At the risk of catastrophically offending our F800gs-owning deputy editor, we’re siding with the Triumph on this one. Both are excellent all-round adventurers but the Tiger is smoother and more sophisticated, with better suspension, greater comfort and a larger fuel tank. The BMW is stronger in places — fuel economy, dirt dexterity, cornering ground clearance — but the Triumph is the superior road bike overall.