Here is my story:
Last year, I was getting ready to purchase an adventure bike, so I rented an R1200GS, then an F800GS last, actually I had never looked into an 800XC. The 1200 was great on the road, and was actually handling like a road bike (by far better than the 800, more power, more stable). Then I switched to the little one, I first found it a bit less stable on the expressway, but nothing serious, what disturbed me more was the heavy buffeting I got while riding with a crosswind, my head was all over the place. On winding roads, I found it ok, even though not that accurate in the turns, it lacked a bit of rigidity (I had a passenger and cases with me). The off-road experience was good, even though I didn't push it much; one thing though, the seat is HIGH. The 1200 being too big for what I wanted to do, I set my sights on the 800GS. Actually, I went as far as locating a used one for sale, and got ready to buy it. Meanwhile, doing more research, I found out about the 800XC. I believe I read everything there is to read over the internet about the two competitors, and I just made up my mind to buy the Triumph even without riding it (pretty crazy, right? but all those people can't be wrong).
So, I received my brand new '12 800XC, which by the way is cheaper than the BM, especially if you take into account the accessories.
The first contact unsettled me a little because of the engine, it would stall easily if you wouldn't give it enough throtle, not exactly ideal for an off-road; but after a few hours riding, I got used to it.
After riding the bike for a few thousand kms, this is what I have to say:
- the windscreen protects better on the XC for my height (1m73), no buffetting ever
- I hate the BMW turn signal controls, so the ergonomics are better for me on the Triumph.
- the 800GS I had rented had a low seat with very little foam (it was needed, the standard one was too high for me), would have been impossible to ride for 8-10 hours a day like I have on my recent trip, and that seat is still higher than the XC with its nice thick and cushy one in the low position. So for me (measuring 1m73), the Triumph is much more comfortable while allowing me to get both feet flat on the ground. Doesn't sound like much, but it is very important.
- The triple, even tough high reviving, is fabulous, and it is fun (unlike the the GS), you can definitely feel more power, and your ride will be sportier.
- I found the suspension better on the XC, especially the front even (stiffer), I took some potholes at 120 kph, thought I was gonna break something, but the bike handled perfectly well.
- the paniers are definitely better designed on the BM, no doubt, but the XC's are not a disaster.
- the XC is definitely thirstier than the GS (add a good 1l/100), but gas is cheap in Angola (60 US cents a liter), so in my case that's ok.
- the two bikes look nice, but I think the XC is slightly better
- I will have the opportunity to do some heavier off-road soon, and will post on my findings.
In conclusion, I am sure that I made the right choice, and have not regret at all that I picked the XC.
