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BMW F700GS Is The Ride That Will Take You Anywhere

Last Update: 1 April 2023

BMW F700GS Is The Motorcycle To Take You Anywhere - MOTORESS
BMW F700GS Will Take you Anywhere!

If you’re new to motorcycling or an experienced woman (or male) rider, and are searching for versatile and carefree motorcycling fun, then the BMW F700GS – the direct successor to the F650GS is the answer! This motorcycle feels similarly comfortable on and off the pavement, and if you take a closer look,  the BMW F700GS is fitted with a long list of advanced technologies to keep you as safe as possible. Its price tag also gives you way more than expected at a manageable price.

BMW F700GS Ride Review - Vicki Gray MOTORESS
BMW F700GS Ride Review

It all started with the F650GS “Funduro” – a nice street bike with an all road-like appearance and a single-cylinder power source. BMW decided to continue making a product available to a younger buying public which is also why the F650GS was born. The BMW F700GS is, after all, an advancement over the BMW F650GS. The BMW F700GS therefore has a lower seat height (than the 800cc seat height is like that of the 650), more all-round abilities for each day, more power and a better efficiency.

At first look the F700GS appears unchanged, but up close you can see that the dials have been given a new layout. If you need to compliment the designers at BMW, it is also on the fact that they’ve given the GS a fabulous finish. The attention to detail is at a high level. That you see, such as, of the shields; sealing the space around the fork so as not to dirty water can splash up to the dashboard. The digital display has a clear indicator also of water temperature meters and fuel gauge.

BMW F700GS Advancements Over The  F650GS

It is also possible via a button on the steering wheel or a button on the dashboard image conjure up all kinds of information, such as the time, mileage, the trip, the average fuel consumption, instantaneous fuel consumption, outside temperature, tire pressure or the average speed.

The asymmetric headlight is equipped with multi facet reflectors-is unchanged and front is also the characteristic beak. If you look closely you see that the fender has altered slightly. Also the side panels to the tank are now made of one piece.

Still the same parallel twin, but now the BMW F700GS is a water-cooled, 4 stroke, in line, two-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder and dry sump lubrication. A shorter gear transmission ratio in the 75bhp engine enhances agility while at the same time guaranteeing the bike’s familiar top-class handling. New is the tail lighting that now shines with the help of LED technology.

Compared to its F650GS predecessor – the BMW F700GS now has a 2 mm thinner front fork, with a diameter of 41 mm. That can, since the fork now less skewed. This is because the single disc brake now has been replaced by double disc brakes operated via a two-channel ABS system, which once again has become more compact and lighter. The system uses new, improved wheel sensors, which is also the distance between the sensor and the sensor wheel automatically check.

Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and Anti Spin Control (ASC), two popular options on larger BMW models are offered in this model sizes. The optional BMW Motorrad ASC (Automatic Stability Control) makes motorcycle even safer. As a supplement to the BMW Motorrad Integral ABS, the rider assistance system acts as a traction slip regulator. When required, it effectively reduces uncontrolled spin of the rear wheel – as an option, the ride is not just safer but also offers especially high comfort.
My test review challenged the rear wheel ASC on many occasions and was entirely impressed with performance and the results!

BMW F700GS  Comfort Package

The F700GS makes a good impression right from the start. What’s termed as the ‘comfort package’ includes heated grips, an on-board computer, a centre stand and saddlebag mounts.

I feel right at home on this motorcycle and control incredibly easily also with feet 75% flat to the ground. The bike has a pleasant seating position in that everything is actually reachable, available from a very good place. I sit almost upright, slightly bent over easily with the hands resting on the handles, which are newly designed, ergonomically shaped. The handles are narrow, despite the fact that they are equipped with heating. On the handlebars are oblong, angular mirrors – easily adjusted. The windscreen is rather transparent sitting just above the headlamp, and offers quite effective deflection against the wind.

Unfortunately, and I was surprised at the discomfort from the seat after ninety minutes riding time. It may be too soft. And though narrow its lack of breadth is what caused me a discomfort specifically, pressures in the wrong places. Of course the pros of a narrow saddle, especially as a woman rider are truly an advantage including the narrow construction of the engine. This ensures that you are well on the footrests, when wanting to ride off-road.

Fortunately, there are four seat versions to choose from which makes the BMW F700GS an ideal fit for any body type:

  • Seat, high, black: 820 mm / 1810 mm; Standard seat.
  • Seat, low, black: 790 mm / 1760 mm; Optional extra (ex works) or accessory. Easier for rider to put his/her feet on the ground, so motorcycle easier to balance when stopped.
  • Rally seat, black/grey: 860 mm / 1870 mm; Seated position considerably higher and seat much harder for off-roading. Slimline silhouette helps off-road riders reach the ground with their feet.
  • Comfort seat, black/anthracite:  835 mm/1840 mm; More comfortably padded; broader seat surface. Considerably more seated comfort for rider and passenger.
BMW F700GS
BMW F800GS Optional Seat Heights

Conclusion: I Love The F700GS- So Will You!

A terrific motorcycle which I feel continues to sustain the ‘funduro’ factor. It is truly a superb model for city, freeway, off-road or any combination thereof. Thanks to its nice smooth engine character and his sharp, reliable and light handling – like me you’ll enjoy huge amounts of riding performance pleasure. It is ideal for a new or experienced rider.

It’s power most riders will find more than adequate. For real sportive riders, it is perhaps a little too tame, but that can choose the F800GS or F800GS adventure versions.
If you like the BMW F700GS and plan to be in the seat longer than an hour, you will want to replace the seat with a more comfortable one.

Highlights for me were its dual purpose as I rode it for four hours straight on freeway and then enjoyed riding off-road and through trails on Manitoulin Island. It performed excellent on both surfaces. I also really like the technical features such as ABS, ESA and optional ASC. This made the F700GS ready to deal effortlessly with anything you throw at it! Oh and those heated hand-grips …perfect riding on cool summer nights.

Who is The BMW F700GS For?

This is the perfect first bike for new riders, it is also a terrific commuter and weekend tourer. It will handle all terrains, and those secondary roads in the wilds of  Ontario’s north! Equally perfect for lighter built bodies – there’s really no muscling around to do on this model. It turns and steers easily on any surface and is a dream to balance.

You can select various accessories and options on the F700GS; and is available in three colour variants: muted Red Apple Metallic, Ostra Grey metallic matt and dynamic Glacier Silver metallic.

BMW F700GS Ride Review - Vicki Gray MOTORESS
Available in three colour variants: muted Red Apple Metallic, Ostra Grey metallic matt and dynamic Glacier Silver metallic.

 

BMW F700GS Specifications

Engine

  • Water-cooled 4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine, two overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, dry sump lubrication
  • Capacity    798 cc
  • Rated output    55 kW (75 hp) at 7,300 rpm (output reduction to 35 kW (48 hp) at 7,000 rpm possible)
  • Max. torque 77 Nm at 5,300 rpm (with output reduction; 60 Nm at 5,000 rpm)
  • Maximum speed 192 km/h
  • Performance / fuel consumption; Fuel type Premium unleaded, minimum octane rating 95 (RON)
  • Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 90 km/h    3.9 l
  • Fuel consumption per 100 km at constant 120 km/h    5.1 l
  • Electrical system
  • Alternator three-phase alternator 400 W
  • Battery 12V/ 12Ah, maintenance-free
  • Power transmission
  • Clutch Multiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
  • Gearbox Constant mesh 6-speed gearbox integrated into crankcase
  • Drive Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub

Chassis / Brakes

  • Frame Tubular steel space frame
  • Front wheel location / suspension Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm
  • Rear wheel location / suspension Cast aluminium dual swing arm, central spring strut, spring pre-load hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at hand wheel, rebound damping adjustable
  • Suspension travel front / rear 170 mm / 170 mm
  • Wheelbase 1,562 mm
  • Castor 95 mm
  • Steering head angle 64°
  • Wheels: Cast aluminium wheels
  • Tyres, front  110/80-19
  • Tyres, rear 140/80-17
  • Brake, front: Dual disc brake, diameter 300mm, double-piston floating calliper, ABS
  • Brake, rear Single disc brake, diameter 265 mm, single-piston floating calliper, ABS
  • ABS Standard

Dimensions / Weights

  • Length 2,280 mm
  • Width (incl. mirrors) 880 mm
  • Height (excl. mirrors) 1,215 mm (Serial wind shield)
  • Seat height, unladen weight    820 mm (low seat: 790 mm, lowered suspension: 765 mm, comfort seat: 835 mm)
  • Inner leg curve, unladen weight 1,810 mm (low seat: 1,760 mm, lowered suspension: 1,710 mm, comfort seat: 1,840 mm)
  • Unladen weight, road ready, fully fuelled 209 kg  ; Dry weight: 186 kg
  • Permitted total weight : 436 kg (with lowered suspension 349 kg)
  • Payload (with standard equipment): 227 kg (with lowered suspension 150 kg)
  • Usable tank volume: 16 L
  • Reserve approx. 4 L
  • Technical data relate to the unladen weight (DIN)

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1 comment

John Schraader 18 November 2020 at 10:18

Nice bike all-round, way better than the Moto Guzzi 1100 California Stone I also have, in most aspects.

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