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I've tested both versions of the new Tiger and I tested the BMW F800 GS a couple of weeks before. I did a write-up for the local RAT group and dealer's Facebook page which also got printed in MCN's letter page just before Christmas. I wanted to compare all three bikes because I was originally thinking about buying the GS back in July 2010 but then I heard about a mid-sized Tiger waiting in the wings! I'm glad that I waited as, even though the GS is a good bike, the XC Tiger is so much more. I felt none of the "coughing" below 3,000 rpm (town riding at 30mph is 3,000 rpm in 3rd gear) - a triple is going to have more oomph (did I spell that right?) than a twin every time! At the end of the day, I tested all three bikes so that I could make a valued decision on where to spend my hard earned cash. Even though I thought that the road version of the Tiger (they need to call it something - XC is so easy!) might be better because of the 19" wheel and lower suspension, I have placed an order on the XC vesion as it just felt more substantial that the other two bikes. - OB1