2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge vs 2011 Triumph Tiger 800

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
165.0 km/h / 102.5 mph
Weight
343.9 pounds
2011 Triumph Tiger 800 2011 Triumph Tiger 800

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Power
69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
209.6 kg / 462 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2011
Make Model-Triumph Tiger 800
Dimensions
Seat Height930 mm / 36.6 in.810 mm -830 mm / 31.9 in- 32.7 in adjustable
Wheelbase1,500 mm / 59.1 in.1530 mm / 60.2in
Height1,915 mm / 75.4 in.1350 mm / 53.1 in
Length2,205 mm / 86.8 in.2215 mm / 87.1in
Width-795 mm / 31.3 in
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight144 kg / 317.5 lbs-
Fuel Capacity9.50 litres / 2.51 gallons18.9 Litres / 5.0 gal / 4.2 Imp gal
Wet Weight156.0 kg / 343.9 lbs209.6 kg / 462 lbs
Performance
Top Speed165.0 km/h / 102.5 mph-
Max Power-69.1 kW / 93.9 hp @ 9300 rpm
Max Torque60.00 Nm (6.1 kgf-m or 44.3 ft.lbs) @ 525079 Nm / 8.1 kgf-m /58 ft.lb @ 7850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3631 HP/kg-
Engine
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Displacement (cc)652.00 cc-
CO283.5 CO-
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 83.0 mm-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.3 inches-
Displacement (ci)39.79 cubic inches-
Displacement-799 cc / 48.7 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder
Fuel SystemInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMW engine management, twin spark ignition-
Bore x Stroke-74 x 61.9 mm
Compression Ratio11.5:112.0:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
ExhaustEuro 3Stainless Steel, 3 into 1, high-level stainless steel silencer
Fuel Consumption3.60 litres/100 km (27.8 km/l or 65.34 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Multipoint sequential electronic fuel injection
Fuel Reserve2.00 litres / 0.53 gallons-
Ignition-Digital CDI
Lubrication-Wet sump
Starter-Electric
Drivetrain
ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operatedWet, multi-plate
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed-
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeBridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on cast aluminium side elements, bolted-on aluminium rear sectionTubular steel trellis frame. Swingarm: twin-sided, cast aluminum alloy wheels
Suspension - FrontUpside-down front fork, Ø 45 mm, rebound and compression damping adjustableShowa 45mm upside down forks
Suspension - RearCast aluminium dual swing arm, Air Damping System, spring pre-load and damping continuously variable by air pressureShowa monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment
Rake27.5°23.9°
Trail118 mm / 4.6 in.92.4mm / 3.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front270 mm / 10.6 in.180 mm / 7.1 in
Wheel Travel - Rear270 mm / 10.6 in.170 mm / 6.7 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - FrontSingle disc. Optional ABS2 x 308 mm Floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating caliper (ABS available), Nissin master cylinder, 14mm diameter
Brakes - RearSingle disc. Optional ABSSingle 255 mm disc, Nissin single-piston floating caliper (ABS available)
Tyres - Front90/90-21110/80 ZR19
Tyres - Rear140/80-18150/70 ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Triumph Tiger 800

The 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 edges out the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling and dual front discs. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 270 mm vs 170 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 270 mm vs 180 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 Triumph Tiger 800 - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 810 mm -830 mm vs 930 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge vs 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge and 2011 Triumph Tiger 800?
The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 is powered by Four stroke, transverse three cylinder, DOHC, 4 valve per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge or the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800?
The 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 has the lower seat at 810 mm -830 mm, making it more accessible. The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge sits higher at 930 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge or the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800?
Both are strong choices. The 2009 BMW G 650 X Challenge has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800 stands out for lower seat height 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.