GasGas ES700 Review | Adventure, sand and single trail

This bike makes a lot of promises. To properly review the GasGas ES700, we rode across the terrains that are a struggle on bigger bikes to see how much enduro is in the formula.
Then we head off on a ride on a typical adventure route to see how it handles the wide-open dirt roads.
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[@richardsimpson3792]

I just got one myself, and I wouldn't argue with a word of that. Also worth mentioning that it's commendably quiet. A 70bhp+ single that's as quiet as a commuter scooter...what an acheivement.

[@advlife]

Good point - it is very quiet which ain't a bad thing at all.

[@T30-z5w]

I’ve had a 690 since 2016. Had to lower it 1.5 inches, respring and revalve for me. It’s 358 lbs on the scale with a full tank and a small tool bag. Doesn’t replace my dirt bikes or my adventure bike but it’s great to clock many miles on all types of dirt and gravel roads here in the mountains where I live. Mine has 13,000 trouble free miles on it now.

[@advlife]

Love to hear it mate! Keep on rolling.

[@JCF69700--]

À 56000 km ma 690 Enduro-R de 2015 a juste subi un problème de ressort de fourchette de sélection (je n'avais plus que 2 rapports fonctionnels). Aucun autre problème mécanique ou électrique à part ça.

[@HogRider-vc8ke]

I love this title because I ride the ES700 and this title is how the bike feels! It’s definitely more enduro for me than “adventure” I take it with confidence to places I wouldn’t ride my adv bikes!

[@Nickvdb93]

I NEED more videos from you! The level of quality, content and entertainment on these review vids are truly beyond anything else I've seen so far

[@advlife]

Wow! Thank you so much. If you keep watching I’ll definitely keep making them 😃

[@taking57460]

Excellent review. Had mine 18 months now and very pleased with it. Tackled many very gnarly tracks on the TET in Spain. Pyrenees, Sierra Nevada, Picos etc it’s light, nice and tall and powerful and to date very reliable. Goes places that my GSA 1250 has wet dreams thinking about. Adventure? O yes. Rally fairing, new exhaust, some protection, decent luggage, upgraded the tyres and it goes pretty much anywhere.

[@XRakkgruntX]

I've got a 2020 KTM690 Enduro r, the controls appear to be the same, I added Wings slip on and every bolt on I could find from Vanasche, Seat Concepts and plenty of other manufacturers. I have really wanted to ride the GasGas 700 to see if ergonomics are that far apart. One thing that I did that really made things better for riding was to get the Dual5 headlight. Makes night riding safer and daytime i'm far more visible now. Your bike is beautiful, safe rides my friend.

[@motosafari]

Great review, but even better cinematography. Really impressed with angles, lighting and mix of cameras/tools used. Inspirational. Thanks.

[@ToriMoto]

Solid review, Damien. I appreciate the effort you've taken to produce such a polished edit - lots of shots & setups that take time. Bloody good job!! Now - onto the bike . . . the Red KTM. I've got the Orange one. This red one is pretty much the same as the orange one, or the blue and white one. Industry homogenization . . . don't you love it? I don't 😑 Once PIERER Mobility (parent company of KTM/Husky/GasGas - thanks below commenter!!!) has bought up all the other manufacturers, we'll have an orange, red, white/blue, pink, green, magenta 693cc to choose from. 😬 Anyway, your review is accurate. And I still tell people that if they must have only one bike in the shed to do all their single track/trail/adventure/longer tours . . . then you really can't go past the LC4 single. I've got a love/hate relationship with mine. Some rides, I love it. Others, I hate it. Sometimes I am riding it, thinking - 'what a heavy pig, why am I not on my 390RR today?' or 'not another bloody false neutral, can't PIERER Mobility make a decent gearbox?' Other days, with the right mix of terrain, I love it. If I didn't have other bikes in the shed, I'm sure I'd be riding the LC4 all the time 🤣But the fact is, often it's a better choice to go with a more enduro focused light-weight dirt weapon . . . or a more road focused twin ADV bike. If you already own a touring adv bike - don't buy the 700. Get an enduro bike, a proper one. If you already own an enduro bike, don't buy the 700. Get a twin adv bike. The Gas Gas, the KTM or the Husky versions of the same bike are really good machines that fit a very particular niche : the-one-bike-to-do-it-all-but-not-amazingly-well-niche.

[@jimmiller1510]

Awesome production! The perfect blend of informative content and entertainment. Great soundtrack as well. 👍

[@kyledawsey1358]

What a riding area! Wow. Huge and private.

[@tracythorleifson]

Nice review! The ES700 is what my DR650 wants to be when it grows up! 😉😃

[@CWhite-fp3eo]

My DR keeps pissing on my new 690.....I'm fairly sure the KTM is HP shaming the bush pig. I had to put the ZX14 in charge of the garage

[@tracythorleifson]

@@CWhite-fp3eo 🤣

[@rellik53977]

I have to say me and my wife are cracking up at your comments while riding. you are hilarious and make watching the video amusing and fun to watch!! thank you for the good laughs!!

[@dustydelmar]

Fantastic video, really well made, well narrated and well presented. Well done 👍 Love your work👏🏻keep up the good work 📺🍿🙏🏻

[@CykloGamonie]

I really enjoyed your video, thank you (and I appreciate the work you put into it). I ride one of those modified 701s Enduro. The most versatile bike I ever owned and a real endorphin machine. Can't get enough of it.

[@advlife]

Nice one! Pretty amazing what the 701 can be transformed into!

[@antonsusakovs1096]

I think you nailed it in the thumbnail - "confused enduro" 😮😅 (In my humble opinion) (From a norden 901/indian scout owner)

[@gonegliding2966]

Love the dry humor. nice job!

[@stevehicks616]

Just traded my Africa twin on a 2023 ktm 690 , loving it so far! I think it will make a great bdr bike here in the U.S. not many gas gas dealers, I like the looks of the gas gas better

[@ADV_Agenda]

You make some of the best videos on the net! Thank you brother 🍻

[@advlife]

Thank you mate!

[@orlandoberry4031]

Slightly more entertaining than a kick in the stones.

[@brendan18861]

Love your work! Hilarious video and so relatable "...a salad that I will completely ignore" 🤣

[@advlife]

It's all about the steak! ha ha!

[@bikeaction.]

I like the theory of this platform but the reliability for its intended purpose is what has always held me back whether it be this version or its other two siblings. Always enjoy the way you put your videos together mate. Look forward to the next one....

[@kloppskalli]

aren't they quite reliable? at least its light so you could push it to the next main road and wait for the recovery truck 😅

[@advlife]

Cheers mate - I know where you're coming from. I've done heaps of pretty full-on riding on the 701 and never had a problem. But I know the stories and they can't all be ignored.

[@ferkuzuel]

I have the 2019 690 Enduro and it has been as reliable as my previous DR650

[@bikeaction.]

@@ferkuzuel Glad to hear. How many Km's have you chalked up on your 690?

[@bikeaction.]

@@advlife Don't talk me into one🤣

[@Kelly-oq9nh]

Excellent review. Thanks for putting it together. 23 701 owner…😊

[@zm12341]

I need one of these to go with my EC250, think it's time to post the F900XR for sale.

[@bretts8430]

- Great product mate, well shot, & edited with a good bit of humour along the way. - I’m happy to live vicariously through ur adventures for now and I celebrate every new and or similar product from any company. Keep ‘em coming. - Oh and thanks to Mr Capp who proved he has google like the rest of us - whinge whinge & complain. - Stick to ur format mate

[@mike.thomas]

Entertaining vid. Great videography, scenery, and script. But … the question remains why would someone choose the GasGas “flavor” over the KTM or Husky, or why not? Is it just down to color selection and what dealer is nearest (though in the US at least two of the brands are almost always combined at a dealer, IME). Why does the GasGas version exist? Thanks :-)

[@hinterlandrider5300]

'Drunken riverboat captain' bahahahah yep I rock that style too!

[@ADVBrett]

Damo, if everyone did a bike review like you, I'd never have time to ride. Neat little machine, love your take on it. Two testicle references, nicely done! 🤙

[@advlife]

Thanks mate. The pressure is on to up the testicle reference count in the next video!

[@ADVBrett]

@@advlife hahaha!! Good work indeed! On a serious note, it feels like there's a bit of a sway from the big heavy bikes to these enduro's / dual sport. Is the general ADV interest moving away from the 240+ kg bikes?

[@TwoWheelerSparky]

@@ADVBrett You're at the heavy weight ADV end with your AT and I'm in the lower weight with my CRF300 rally. My little 300 has proven itself to literally go anywhere. But there isn't much excitement in a straight line on tarmac. If i won lotto.... either orange, red or white; these would be the prefect middle ground for me! It would explore your local bush no worries ;)

[@ferkuzuel]

Exelent review !

[@deanwaring6100]

Awesome review 👍🏻👍🏻

[@OnThrottle]

Haha "Non-binary motorcycle". Love that as a descriptor of the LC4 platform! XD

[@HowToGetMoreMetal]

Great review

[@jasoncee666]

1st time here had to sub for the humour 🤣🤣

[@advlife]

You will be rewarded with more testicle jokes. ha ha

[@jasoncee666]

@@advlife 😅

[@sodurlu88]

What is the purpose of selling the same bike under different brand. Is this how we're gonna choose the color now ? Are we gonna say KTM instead of orange, Husky instead of white and Gasgas instead of red ?

[@jasoncee666]

Well they got all these colours and I still can't pull the pin 😑

[@Eddie_Turbo]

Gday mate, great review! These are currently on sale for around 14-15k ride away atm for a 23 plate. My question is, would you get a newie or get a well setup 2019 Ktm 690 with 9,000kms for 12k?

[@the_rocky_mountain_rider]

Would you recommend any gearing changes to support a more responsive lower end for trail riding?

[@wcolef]

I always contemplate selling me 18’ Africa twin adv sports for a 690~ I’m not sure when it’ll happen but I’m sure these videos are shortening the time:

[@stavencapp]

5:25 DRZ and most enduro bikes be like "hold my beer" whilst u access the air filter toolessly with tooless D-clip bolts in 5 seconds.

[@andrewbozhozr]

DR 650 some 25 years later... World sure made a long way...

[@Duken4evr29]

@@matthew3136 The reason they don't is likely emissions standards. Updated engines mean they would have to add FI and a CAT, and there goes the low price points for the old school 650s. That is alright though, the old dinosaur 650s are proven to be stone reliable and make enough power for their mission by virtue of their displacement. Tuning them to run properly is also simple, especially compared to FI equipped bikes. I would like to see the DR and XR650L with modernized styling, chassis and suspension though. The least Suzuki could do is give the poor DR properly tuned DR-Z 400 forks and shock - it is odd that the smaller of the two has better suspension. Funny thing is I own a 701 and still feel a strange desire to get a clean DR 650 and mod the Hell out of it to make it as much like my 701 as possible. It is totally irrational 😆

[@Gren83]

Two testicle references in one video!? Subscribed!😄

[@Chip49599]

Good video man

[@advlife]

Cheers mate, appreciate it

[@WadeMade]

Does your ES 700 motor sound super loud and noisy if you kill it and restart it or shut it off when warm and restart it right away. I find mine gets super loud like scary loud like you'd think it was coming apart. I was told it has a hydraulic can chain tensioner and that might be the noise. But on my bike the loud engine can last for 10-20 seconds. Have you experienced this? Thanks

[@bretleversha]

Does the ES 700 come with an endo sensor like the husky 701 enduro? Thanks, great vid!

[@advlife]

They're basically identical aside from bodywork, but I'll call GasGas and get back to you ASAP.

[@advlife]

I've spoken to GasGas/Husky. Neither bikes have an endo sensor.

[@bretleversha]

@@advlife was told husky had…..thanks

[@dalemawby8717]

Great editing and filming! So KTM can make this but Suzuki stopped making the DR 650 cas of the Pommy emission laws?? This is a big dirt bike that's perfect for the "Adventure" crowd,,, but maybe not flash enough to have in their driveway?

[@advlife]

Thanks mate! Suzuki still makes the DR650 but some countries choose not to import it for reasons often pertaining to the EU emissions regulations. Here in Australia, we can't import anymore it because it doesn’t have ABS. Which is mental because if they fitted shitty ABS - which is dangerous - it would then be deemed safer and therefore legal. Non-riders passing laws about bike safety is as stupid as a vegan choosing which steak I get to eat.

[@MatthewBrigham-1]

How does it compare to the 701? Any different?

[@advlife]

Different bodywork to the Husky (same shape as the KTM 690 Enduro R) but the same from there on.

[@DirkCannon]

Would this be a good bike for a first time rider?

[@advlife]

Not really ideal. It has a very high seat which makes it quite difficult to reach the ground.

[@DirkCannon]

@@advlife im 6'1" 250 lbs

[@MotoPassport]

Amazing scenery! tell us where?

[@advlife]

The Hunter Valley in New South Wales. Amazing part of Australia to ride.

[@brianglendenning1632]

My home, thought I recognised bits. Nice review, thanks.

[@woutervanteerling]

What about service intervals? I’d just be afraid to take my 530 to a big trip because simply every night when my mates drink beer I’m doing oil changes

[@hinterlandrider5300]

10000 kms

[@RitaElaineHeltonBarker-uz4sz]

Sounds as if it needs be regeared for bottom end torque gains to improve trail sprint speeds

[@welditmick]

I would gladly exchange some top end hp for more grunt down below. - Far more useful, but people like the numbers and not the practicality!!

[@stavencapp]

5:59 Of course it will, its the same engine as a 690 DUKE, a ROAD BIKE.

[@plokmko0]

Wheelie thru that puddle !!! 😛

[@advlife]

I would have but I'm hopeless at wheelies! ha ha

[@johnshropshire3399]

👍👍👏

[@vnohelix]

Looks like my old 2001 KTM 640

[@tuskenridertv2678]

Let me just correct a statement. The AJP PR7 is the closest to the 690/700/701!

[@darrellbarry3402]

When the warranty is out, get the ECU flashed, these bikes are choked up by Euro 5 settings. From 21 on, the 690 motor won't respond to a fuelling dongle.

[@izom]

...wow a red ktm 690- im impressed 😆😔

[@異端ネロ]

😊

[@leooneill1693]

It's a bit like a modern KTM Super Enduro.

[@stavencapp]

12:24 "no other manufacturer makes a bike like the ES700". Im quite sure KTM and husqvarna will have something to say about that, as they are all the same bike. You would be better off saying PIERER Mobility makes a bike like no other, as that is the parent company that all 3 virtually identical bikes come from

[@pauldavies5541]

Sat on one in the dealer and instantly realised it wasn't for me. Ridiculously high seat that feels like a 4x2. Bars are too close and low. I went with a t7 and have no regrets. Imo the 690 platform is way overpriced.

[@advlife]

Agree. The seat height is off the charts and the price is high.

[@darrellbarry3402]

Yeah the price is high especially after modding. I had the T7, the top heaviness gave me the shits. My 690 makes similar power and the suspension is better. I was always afraid of getting stuck on the T7, she is a heavy beast.

[@vernlochtefeld1626]

I’ve been comparing the two. I like the lighter weight and lower center of gravity of the ES. I’m tall with 36” inseam so I don’t mind the seat height. For me it’s an acceptable tradeoff to get the extra 1.2” of ground clearance. I just found a leftover 23 that I’m hoping they’re ready to deal on. it’s already a little better priced than the KTM or Husky. There is also a local KTM dealership that I can have it worked on should I need to. I’d like to ride the Tenere though to compare ergonomics, etc.

[@jootai]

Why does ktm make 3 exactly the same bikes?

[@nevadahardenduro]

They’re actually different. Husky has a smaller tank capacity by .5 liters and it also has linkage.

[@lostinpa-dadenduro7555]

I know about water like that. Some puddles smell like rotten doo doo. 🤣

[@advlife]

But they're so fun ha ha!

[@MrEtnorb]

This bike should never have been named an enduro. It’s an Austrian DR with good suspension and class topping power. You would be insane to ride it in any competition or tight single trail on a regular basis due to its weight and inappropriate gearing.

[@stavencapp]

people who actually ride proper enduro would not buy this simply because the bike has enduro in the name PMSL. So whats it matter the word enduro is in the name? What do u mean by "Australian DR" anyway? I hope u are not refering to a DR650, because they are not australian for a start, and are in a completely different class to this bike.

[@perryburns6515]

@@stavencapp Steveie. He said Austrian to be fair. As in European country, where KTM are from. Anyway I'm sure both your points are valid but didn't read it all 🙃

[@stavencapp]

this is literally a rebadged 690 or 701. slight differences, SAME BIKE. whats the bet that the stock muffler and most of the parts have KTM stamped on them just like the 701.

[@jonathancooke2431]

Of course they do... But i dont think anyone is trying to hide that fact

[@kloppskalli]

it's "Hüsqvarna" 😉

[@advlife]

You are correct, but Aussies sound stupid trying to say it properly haha!

[@tommac215]

That one comment about the low end stalling on the dirt track between the trees is enough for me not to want this bike thanks for your help

[@johnthompson9896]

A red KTM..... hoo-ray.

[@scannorse]

“No other makes….” Not correct….AJP makes a more versatile bike, and more comfy in the same time. Or Kove…

[@jonathancooke2431]

But no one is buying an AJP... Look at their resale values, no dealer network, parts hard to find, money down the drain

[@scannorse]

@@jonathancooke2431 Utterly nonsense….All parts are available, havent been waiting for any parts at any time. And btw best part list of any bikes

[@erkful]

@@scannorserubbish the AJP is an orphan with no backup and very few dealers and even less resale value. Yes there are a few around but I’d bet there won’t be for much longer.

[@scannorse]

@@erkful you are writing without insight, i can see…

[@Eldon95084]

Confused Enduro

[@allistairneil8968]

It's neither. It's just a ktm/husqy... yawn!

[@TheWanderingGeezer]

I wouldn't call that a ADV bike, it's a dual sport.

[@advlife]

Yeah I agree - but the term dual sport has just about disapeared here in Australia. Maybe it's time to bring it back. We started calling enduro racing just offorad racing too which I can't stand.

[@ianjaeger4178]

My 250 has more power

[@kevintalbot8341]

Yo Hoss...😂 You're awesome, some good shit right there.!!!🤘😎🤘🇺🇲

[@jamescox4823]

Thanks, what treads are on your test bike?

[@advlife]

I'm pretty sure it was Pirelli RallyCross rear and Pirelli Scorpion Rally front.