BMW F700GS vs rivals

The new BMW F700GS replaces the old F650GS for 2013, although capacity remains at 800cc.
We tested it against the Kawasaki Versys, Suzuki V-Strom 650 and Triumph Tiger 800too see which is the best mid range adventure bike.
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[@jigrodrigues]

My f700gs gave me 3 years and 100k kms without missing a beat. And I pushed that bike hard.

[@rgorell]

THE MUSIC IS TERRIBLE. MAKE IT STOP.

[@bsimm1234]

Test rode the Vstrom, Versys and F650GS (F700GS was not available then) last year and settled on the Versys. Didn't expect much from it at the time but once I rode it was hooked. It feels much lighter, has great quick turn in and flexible power. Forget the specs - it is about the riding. Definitely the most fun in the corners.

[@Ferralyt]

My V-Strom 650 has now 60,000 km. Purchase new in autumn 2004- first series- No issues with the bike since then! It performs well in all weather conditions. Good protection in heavy rain. Fuel efficient, several possible configurations and accessories. Easy to find Generic replacement parts on the market. Lots of maintenance informations on the web. Easy to change brake pads ( i don't know with ABS ), oil and his filter. Good position and comfortable for the back for a long day trip. But begin tired after 800 km. Safe to. You can relax on it : 68 hp is enough power for today's roads. Not too high either. Minimum 5.7 feets with the strandard bench. You can go fewer if you want. Not too heavy also. If it falls, you can lift it easily Last thing: Quiet bike. You do not wake up the whole neighborhood when you start the engine at 6.00 am. I So, n one word: versatile. After that, i ask myself: how to think about buying another model?

[@NaudanX]

Versys FTW -- God I love it. Cant beat the price/fun ratio... It amazes me every day!

[@twodozeneggs]

I rode 6,000km through very rough roads in Patagonia on a F700GS and it took everything thrown at it, pure joy. I doubt the other bikes would have stood up to the rigours. Too much plastic by the looks of them. A couple of guys here look they're about 16 y.o. so what the hell do they know? The Vstrom are not suitable for Australian conditions it seems.

[@SlayerofFiction]

So you rented a bike in Argentina and believe in your bias that the BMW is the only bike which can do this, what a surprise. It may shock you to know that the Wee strom (650) has several people riding around the world. Sjaack Luccaasan did so on a R1, the world record for circling the world goes to a man on a R1 as well, he did so not once, but twice. Many bikes fit the bill properly, people who pay the "well my brand is better game" are dim witted trolls, no offense.

[@twodozeneggs]

SlayerofFiction I actually own a F700GS now and I've ridden the V-Strom too (BTW, V- NOT Wee!) * Nice bike but "world records" come and go. I stand by what I say, the Beemer is far better than these plastics but then again, it is your choice. I know a few guys who own V-Stroms and THEY agree with me. The thing is too clumsy. I used to ride a 1200GS which I now regret selling. The 700GS can do much the same except for touring at speed. The 700 GS is much more fun and can easily be picked up after I drop it in sand or mud. *Nothing shocks me anymore except when people can't spell the name of the bike they're hollering about. Fact not fiction!!

[@SlayerofFiction]

eric gibson Im not a fan of the Vstrom myself, the wee I love however opinions very and the rock solid dependable aspect of it cannot be denied. All the bikes have plastic on them but I realize this is something the elites of the GS crowd has to put out there to distance themselves from other riders. Talk about ignorant and childish.

[@anthonycook8703]

I guess two things I liked about my 2009 Versys were its sportiness - it'd wheel-stand as soon as look at you - and its nimble feel carving through winding stretches of country road, of which there is an abundance where I live. Things I prefer about my new VStrom are it's lower and feels lighter, I'd be more confident of picking it up with my golfer's elbow if I ever lay it down; it doesn't have the annoying mystery vibration/rattle the Versys had; yeah it keeps the rain off better than the Versys did I suppose; the big mirrors are great, if a little dawky looking, but if I was worried about looks I wouldn't've got a Strom; and I love having the gear number displayed on the screen. But the main reason I went for the Strom was the 19" front wheel, that gives me a lot more choices for semi-off-road tyres than the 17" on the Versys. I bought it to do long-distance touring on and I've kitted it out with a lot of extras so I'm very happy with it. But I still wouldn't want to dis the Versys. (Except for that rattle.) The F700GS's is a very nice ride too and I might think about switching to a 2nd-hand one in a couple of years when it's time for a change. 'probably wouldn't get a Tiger, I test-rode one on the road and it was a lovely ride, but I later heard from a guy who'd just sold one that they're top-heavy and prone to going down off-road, and not that easy to get back up (he had a tennis-elbow and could sympathise with my infirmity). All the reviews I've read about their off-road ability has been along the same lines - sorry Triumph.

[@greggjarvis133]

Have a weestrom 650 strom and love it--cheap paid 7k cash for a white Euro model in florida great mirrors, mpg, torque. comfy -have done 700/miles/day -nimble off road for a heavy bike -added knobbies and skid plate

[@mriegger]

I like it when the British stand around argue over which vehicle is best. It's that Top Gear sort of thing, I could watch it all day.

[@SkullLikeASecret]

That Tiger looks tough!

[@bdbrinkley5504]

I owed the 2011 Triumph Tiger 800, great bike , very nice ride, I sold it, BMW F700GS is my next bike !

After 8 Years, I'm going through the same transition, just reversed. Have you gotten to the GS700 and how was it? I just sold mine and thinking about the Tiger

[@nigo1787]

@ the Tiger has 20 more hp and you definitely feel it. I don't know what they're on about with the lack of top end that said it's only a big difference when you rev it, on casual driving I suppose the F700 with it's torquy engine is pretty close both great bikes, can't get it wrong

[@maxflight777]

History proves the Japanese pair to be the fastest depreciating ! The Triumph and BMW are sought after even as six or seven year old bikes....

[@drewmorg.]

Idk about that. The Vstroms with low mileage (apples to apples) sell for damn near what they cost brand new back in 2012. You are correct that low mileage F700/F800GS retain value very well.

[@roadwarrior8560]

triumph and bmw are shite

[@mesmerizeme]

I have a Suzuki Vstrom 650 New shape one year old 900 miles on the clock scott oiler and original suzuki heated grips £4750 pristine condition I LOVE IT

[@Sloppify]

Totally agree. I rode a Suzuki GSX650F for four years. Great bike! Sold it and picked up a 2013 V Strom. Different bike, but a great machine. Heaps better than a Versys.

[@Sloppify]

Doesn't slow down? All I know is that the Strom is smooth as silk and comfy to ride. Aluminum frame, gear indicator, ambient air temperature gauge, upright riding position, proven reliability, accessories galore... great bike. If you're not looking to go 200 km/h at 10,000 RPM the Strom is very likely the bike for you.

[@Speedytrip]

I own a Versys and it's awesome but he's right about the seat, the slope is bad and uncomfortable. I put a Seat Concepts on mine, and I can now ride all day in great comfort. Its a cheap fun bike that can handle some sporty riding. And don't be fooled by it's power numbers, it's a great little engine that will make you think it has 15-20 extra pony's :)

[@879doogie]

great video. for me, i would choose the suzuki v-strom. i like the price, the versatility, and the suzuki looks like a comfortable bike to ride.

[@miguelstingray]

Vstrom, best all around. Reliable, safe, solid, stable

[@MotorcycleExtremist]

When it comes to all around versatility with a focus primarily on paved road riding, long distance travel, relative overall affordability, and above all reliability and longevity, the V-Strom 650 is truly in a class by itself.

[@YouMotorcycle]

like... a weight class?

[@brujo1273]

Interesting to hear that the V-Strom is "a lot older" while it's the newer model based on the Gladius and it was not fair to put in the mix the Adventure Model which is the pricier model of the 650's. In many reviews I've seen, this bike it's really a great but if you want a commuter + weekend adventure touring bike since it has enough power to carry two people and loaded panniers and a good fuel range in the 5.3 US gallon tank at 50+ mpg. Not excluding cheaper maintenance expenses and the proven japanese reliability of their vehicles.

[@corbelius6]

I love Adventure bikes they are great to get off and do some camping. I'm a big KLR fan.

[@trbaron1]

20.000km on vstrom 2012 - great bike

[@stephenbushway9885]

I've had my Vstrom to Newfoundland twice and Labrador, almost 30k miles in 2 years. I wouldn't hesitate to take it anywhwere. I must admit though, the new '15 Tiger has caught my fancy. I want to keep my bike for a couple more years until this Tiger model comes on the used bike market and is more of a known quantity. I'm pleased the reviewers seemed to favor the Vstrom. I wonder how another review of the latest models would shake out. The Tiger comes with switchable ABS and Traction Control. The Vstrom is a little like a Honda Accord: the Tiger, well, I could say Jaguar and keep the wild cat theme going, but its not quite that exotic - and more dependable for sure. I guess I'd like a little more character and something British for my next bike - at least right now.. More and more great offerings in the adventure touring market. Love it!

[@cowtipper84]

I have the 2012 v strom... I love it!!

[@markh3]

The Versys is my choice in this lot, and also when I bought one last year. Fantastic, fun bike particularly for the price. I wouldn't buy a V- Strom for the bore factor, the Triumph looks interesting but sounds weak for the size, and the BMW isn't the right BMW if I had to be a Beemer Guy.

[@Premises187]

Great video!

[@MadOgre]

Adventure Bikes are huge.... Not necessarily because they are "Adventure" but because they are great Jack of All Trades machines... 2 Wheeled SUV's. They can do anything. Get Sporty, they can get Dirty, and they have good range... so they can Go Anywhere. This is where it's at. Get used to them.

[@carlo12910]

I had a day ride with the F800GS and the tiger 800. plus a 10 minute on the versys. Well, the triumph is absolutely better in the paved road. full of torque and power, and ready in all situations, good brakes and very easy to drive. The BMW is better on unpaved road but who drive on unpaved road? Believe me, triumph is the best bike in the test.

[@Sloppify]

If a paint mixer makes a good engine, then Kawasaki nailed it. Unlike the Versys, the Strom has a gear indicator and can be outfitted with a center stand. Its V-twin engine is vastly superior to the Kawi's parallel twin. And the Strom's mirrors are virtually vibration-free. I couldn't see anything in the Kawi's mirrors, they shook uncontrollably in every gear at every speed.

[@markh3]

Oh no, I haven't ridden the 800, it's just what these said in this review. I must admit that it's the one I'd have out of these if I didn't know and love the Versys.

[@MrBradfordbiker]

Test rode a vstrom the other day,really good bike overall but abit slow

[@Joos2000]

Don't discredit the vstrom; the engine has great character. Also not that old; same engine as the Gladius from this year which is a lot more refined in comparison to the old v-twin.

[@mike-the-bike]

all filmed on your camera phone, well done!

[@zhiqin87]

Can you gentlemen from MCN do a review on the Honda NC700X or put it against other rivals?

[@geoffadam5118]

I love my V Strom DL650A .. only complaint is lugage cases are a little to wide for lane splitting. . Remedy with a decent trunk case and use side boxes for long jurneys or by without the lugage and purchase some after market ones that suit your needs.. other than that the bike is a workhorse. .makes me giggle

[@CESARMTB]

Suzuki V-STROM 650 XT is the best!

[@roadwarrior8560]

spokes are shite

[@trialsta1]

It felt like there should be a second part to this....

[@KingOfBanks]

Have a look at the MSRP on these bikes in Australia...

[@dahveed284]

Ah, where's the second part of the review?

[@teoshaker]

Some say the V-Storm doesn't slow down. Is that true? What is your feeling when you ride it? I am thinking to buy one in 2014.

[@A7XBilly]

i think the best bike (value for money) is the kawasaki! good quality, good engine, good suspension etc! But if i had the euros, the triumph will be the best for me!

[@dry509]

Which is the most maneuverable, nimble, fun?

[@chrishart8548]

The bmw or the kawasaki.

[@Riku0990]

I really hate the staggered eyes on the GS bikes(having worked with them for the past summer)! BMW Motorrad - Get your head out of your ass

[@hamishk0707]

Nice video

[@DrummingBiker34]

I agree, second hand bikes need to be video reviewed more, however, they do have written reviews on their website - just Google 'Top 5 400cc used bikes' :)

[@johnnysash1052]

And what this review proves... as so many other/most MCN reviews.... Absolutely nothing! Oh wait actually, if it's not "fun" it's basically crap.

[@orik7]

it can be a chalange for the fittest to a short driver (wemen maybe). i am quit short and all 4 are on my list.

[@wsbygt]

BMW is completely lost about what to do with its entry level bikes. I remember back in the 90´s when F650 didnt have so much sufixes and it was one best choices you could make even if it was your first bike.

[@3dg3y15]

Rukka Kalahari Jacket, he did a review on it somewhere on MCN's website. Google "Rukka Kalahari Jacket review", first link.

[@DoNotClickUFreak]

whats the jacket mr guy is wearing?

[@officerockstar]

Yes, as at least one other has stated, the music selection is rather bad. Sounded like a cheap horror flick. I know you only had four guys, but since you included the Triumph 800 you could have also included the F800GS to compare the two BMW models. Keep up the good work.

[@df3yt]

Stupid question, why do most of the reviews talk about longevity and reliability mention BMW. When this says otherwise? www.autoblog.com/2014/02/22/consumer-reports-motorcycle-reliability-report/

[@posapie]

True - the brand that comes out tops is the Yamaha.

[@VictorLombardi]

The problem with pieces like this is you're just getting opinion from a few people. How about determining some criteria that are appropriate to this segment (even if they are subjective) and review the bikes on those?

[@JULK23]

very sincere

[@turbo311]

How in the hell are you fools picking a V-strom 650 and a Versys over a Tiger 800? Down on power??? It's the most powerful one there by 20hp compared to the BMW, more for the others! It has the best fit and finish, the best handling, best engine, by far the most for your money, and it's BRITISH, you should be swooning over how amazing it is on that fact alone! Unbelievable.

[@matjazjustin5169]

Forgot Honda honda transalp xl700v ??

[@turbo311]

Have you ridden the 800? It is by no means weak.

[@percussion44]

As per Sloppify's comment: He is of course completely out to lunch. How does one define vastly superior? 66 vs 63 hp? As far as vibration goes, there is some vibe at 3500-4000 ish rpm and yes the mirrors blur. It is unfortunate that this is right at hwy rpm cruise speed but I don't, you know, set myself on fire over it. Yeah I own a Versys and yeah the 'Strom take it in the 1/4 by .2 of a second or so. So what? These 2 bikes are more similar than they are different. So all you V'strom guys that say the Versys is crap...what does that say about your bike?

[@aywang67]

I don't know about completely out to lunch, as he does have a point about the engines although he tends towards hyperbole. While the numbers on paper make for very similar bikes, the engines really are quite different, which is simply a function of one being a parallel twin and the other being a V-twin. I currently own a '12 V-strom with the Gladius engine, which replaced an '06 Ninja 650R, which has the same engine as the Versys, and I have to say that I was very surprised at just how much smoother the V-strom's engine runs, as well as how much stronger it feels like it pulls. Does that mean the Versys is a piece of crap? Certainly not. I really enjoyed riding the Ninja 650R, but despite all the similarities, the engine is a significant difference, considering you always feel its presence while riding. Another significant difference for me, and granted I am comparing an '06 with a '12, is the Ninja's suspension was pretty much horrible -- too hard up front, too soft out back, and would cost about 1/3 of the bike's original value to fix it with aftermarket parts. I understand the current 650R's suspension is better, so that may be a wash these days. The biggest difference for me, however, is my legs don't feel as cramped on the V-strom as on the Ninja 650R. The smoother engine was a pleasant surprise, and the 5.3 gal tank + 50+ mpg combination doesn't hurt either. In the end, everyone thinks their bike is the best and all the competitors suck. My biggest issue with the Versys is that I think it fell out of an ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Just my $0.02. :-)

[@Depp500]

F 700 GS the best😉

[@chrishart8548]

It has the most torque and the most features.

[@williamkerner]

Kind of stupid. These guys drove on the road, the versys couldn't keep up with the others off road. The Kawasaki is misplaced with these bikes, it looks kind of like a dual purpose but is is 95% road built. The bmw and Tiger are vastly superior off road. How can these guys give their opinions and not do some serious off road riding?

[@dannyaustin84]

super tense music. I'm biting my fingernails!!!!

[@blackavar]

Except the KLR sucks on the highway. Can BARELY manage 70mph.

[@DjMarkyBatch]

so you compare the cost with a DL650 with a box on it... nothing like a like for like comparison...

[@bdbrinkley5504]

Owned that is not owed, LOL !!

[@M4nowar13]

And what about off road ?? Triumph 800XC is the best in this category ... I cant believe tha you like the dead V-strom .

[@MotorcycleExtremist]

I think the new one looks a lot better the the old one, but it definitely "different" looking, lets just say that! lol

[@IansDrumsandBass]

Next time CAN the cheesy music - spoilt the whole vdo. (and it overpowered the narration)

[@AIBETTSYIA75]

Ktm is the real answer if you want to go on an adventure :P

[@jmpicturefly]

parallel twins are soooooo dull

[@fedgshhsgdjk]

I'm sick of all these adventure bike videos

[@KevinNaegele]

You really need to step up your videos. You post comparison videos and really NO good info. It was my fault for wasting time watching.

[@JesseBaker121]

bad mcn video is bad.

[@MainstoneMedia]

TURN THAT STUPID MUSIC OFF!!!

[@Toroloko444]

bmw it's a great brand....but ugly as hell

[@GeordiLaForgery]

I'm thinking the same about the vstrom, it's an amazing bike just wish it looked sexier.