We Need to Talk About the bmw f700gs

[@anneominous7172]

So few things to mention as an owner of one of these. On riding at night: The stock headlights are abysmal. Probably competent, but I always felt as though I wasn't getting enough light and the odd shape affects how the light covers the road (even on high beam). I added an aftermarket LED headlight (not bulbs, the entire assembly - took 15 minutes to install) and the difference is night and day. Pun unintended. On height: My previous bike was the V Strom 650 which is much higher up, slightly heavier, and top heavy. No issue for me at all on road or in most light offroad situations, however I live on a boat and so ride down towpaths beside canals a lot and turning the bike around in a tight space, whilst doable, can be a NIGHTMARE on uneven ground when the front wheel ends up JUST over a hump that you have to heave the bike back over (three times) to turn it around. Also, I had no problem flat-footing the V Strom with knees bent slightly, but as much as I don't mind going to put a foot down and finding nothing on uneven ground in regular offroad situations (ADV bikes are meant to be dropped, right?) having that happen beside a body of water is less than ideal. I'm 6 feet tall with a 32 inch inseam and felt perfect when sat on on the V Strom and the same when on the Beamer. At first I felt my knees were maybe a hair too high up the bike - which can be alleviated by the removable rubber parts on the stock pegs, by the way - but after a while I really settled into the bike. I have the comfort seat as well which adds I think another inch and a half or so to the stock seating position, so that may be a factor. In conclusion on this front if you're my height or over, you might feel perhaps a little more comfortable one the 800, but I in no way feel UNcomfortable on the 700. On power: Honestly, it's fine for what it is. It pulls very well but acceleration gets sluggish past 90. I haven't found it to be much of a drawback in all honesty. It's not as exciting as a sports bike in a similar category (or more of an all-rounder like the Versys) but I rarely find myself getting bored. A lot of that is in how it handles; another of the reasons I went with the 700 over the 800 was the claim that it's slightly more geared toward road riding than offroad whilst maintaining offroad capability due to being nippier in bends etc. I've not ridden the 800 but I can confirm you can throw the 700 into corners far better than you'd think you ought to be able to for an ADV bike. Offroad: Mine had a brand new set of road tyres on it when I bought it so I couldn't justify changing them until the time comes (it's coming close) so I haven't done any hardcore mud riding yet but on dirt and gravel it responds VERY well even with road tyres. The weight distribution and suspension are just very, very impressive for a bike that isn't 100% dedicated to offroad riding. The low centre of gravity due to the under-seat fuel tank really does a lot for that. You can really throw it around like a much smaller bike. Few other points: The brakes are far and above the most impressive I've ever felt - especially on the front. Seriously, in combination with the ABS and the bike's balancing you can come from 60 to a complete stop in no time flat. On the screen: Upgrade it. Trust me. If you're taller, raise the bars an inch or so. They're perfect where they are when sitting but if you're going to head offroad and be stood on the pegs you may find yourself JUST reaching down for them a little. I disagree with nothing said in this video except for the ease of maintenance. It's a small annoyance because you likely won't need to get to the battery often, but JESUS is it annoying when you do - especially if like me you also have an adaptor harness to fit a quick-lock tankbag. The one thing that really annoys me is the lack of storage. If you have the BMW alarm (that is stored in the only few square inches of storage under the seat in an alcove in the tail) you have to get VERY creative looking for places to store things that you might want with you on every ride: tyre repair kit, spare spark plugs etc. I myself ended up cutting into and strapping a bunch of things to the underside of the seat which have held up alright after a couple thousand miles but there are other options. In summary, I love this bike. It was one of three options and I was a little unsure about it but one came up for a VERY good price and I dove in. I regret nothing, and I will not be selling this bike. If it was stolen or something I MAY be tempted to replace it with the 800, but if I was offered an 800 tomorrow as a straight swap in similar or even better condition I wouldn't take it. If you're thinking about buying this bike, buy it. Great video, in any case. Thoroughly enjoyed.

[@mylesmerola4750]

Excellent overview. I have one and got a new windscreen immediately made a massive difference. I put knobbys on mine and if you want to off-road I’m telling you do it. I have taken it up some knarly stuff and it has handled itself very well. Loose gravel steep with big rocks around no problem. Almost like a big dirt bike.

[@anneominous7172]

@@mylesmerola4750 The stock windscreen really makes no sense whatsoever. I've never had one (mine had an after-market screen when I bought it) but it really looks like it does nothing whatsoever for wind resistance. Out of interest, have you felt much notable drag since switching to a more effective screen?

[@soonverysoon1465]

I've had my 2015 since 2017 with 700 miles on it. Now with 57k , I would never part with it. Perfect commuter bike. Stops on a dime and lets me squeeze between the cars on the freeway with ease. 53 mpg going 70 mph in the car pool lane. Plenty of power for my 250 lbs 6 ft frame. Sounds great with a Dan Moto slip on exhaust . I top out at 115 mph,fast enough for me. So smooth. I could go on and on...

[@sindeecharlton8857]

I have a 2013 F700gs, I love it and it has an 800 cc Engine.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Respectfully and totally disagree. Parts for a Honda bike are so much easier and cheaper to acquire than parts for a Beemer. Or so has that been my experience. Other people's mileage/opinion/experience may differ, of course.

[@peterday9054]

I have a 2013 model from new , i do a lot of dirt/fire trails and tar touring = just to get to the dirt. 72,000 kms (No Dramas at all) 1st gear is way too tall but i make it work . After 35 + bikes , this is my pick . More torque than a 750 transalp at less revs . Torque Matters . Weighs the same as a transalp - 20 mm less suspension travel , thats okay , and 30 plus kms per litre . Fabulous on the tar if you want to scratch = you will shock a lot of sport bike riders. When it wears out , i will rebuild it and go again. NUFF SAID

[@jimmybishop9816]

50 hp? Try 75

[@timhorner7452]

Just rode this bike in Colombia for six days with myt daughter on the back. This bike did it all. It was equal to the challenge. This bike can get around a truck on a mountain road in under four seconds! Just lovely. I would put my life in the hands of this bike any day.

[@kennypool]

I can't ride anything without a windshield. Just takes the fun out of it , fighting the wind.

[@mr.solitude3352]

Noraly has also said, on numeroud occasions, that she prefers riding on dirt to riding on asphalt. Worse thing for a dirt rider to have is a bike that is too heavy for dirt riding.

[@clayfarnet970]

I think the Honda is the better choice for here. Honda has better support and more parts availability around in third world countries. Even here in southern U.S. BMW dealerships are few and far between. That said, it works for me. :)

[@everythingisIAM]

I have this bike, mines a 2017 & its epic. Its powerful, yeah no vibrations, its been perfect. very smooth & FAST. Last year, late in season I tried to sell it but only got 2 offers and I still have it. I weighs 442, which is light considering the 798 cc, if anyones interested in it let me know. Been perfectly maintained and low miles. Will give amazing deal.

[@chalky64efa]

@elynn9801 What's your email? I might be interested.

[@everythingisIAM]

@@chalky64efa aw man, I traded it in like 4 days sog, sorry

[@chalky64efa]

@@everythingisIAM no worries! Thanks for the reply

[@everythingisIAM]

@@chalky64efa I traded it to Rods powersprts in Roca Nebraska you can probably reach out to them on Monday to inquire. It low miles runs amazing well taken care of

[@chalky64efa]

@@everythingisIAM thanks!

[@AdventureGlide]

Agreed this is this would be an excellent bike for Itchy Boots. You just don't know until you know. ;) But I love my GSA I can't imagine going back to something else. I'm way to big of dude to be riding around on a little f700. I make the GSA look like a avg size bike LOL.

[@IansDrumsandBass]

The R1200gs is only 8,5km/h faster, and it's MUCH heavier.

[@AdventureGlide]

@@IansDrumsandBass Is that top speed faster? I bet the 700 doesn't make that top speed with me on there. I'm not very arrow dynamic. LOL

[@IansDrumsandBass]

@@AdventureGlide the 700 does 191 km/h and the 1200 does 200.

[@IansDrumsandBass]

@@AdventureGlide yeah, if you're a bit round then your top speed will less than us average okes. 😊

[@borisbommen]

Nice video, can you tell me the brand of the crash bar you have on it? Thanks! 😊

[@lpete531]

Too heavy for her and the type of riding she does, her Honda 300 suits her well.

[@RayCis1]

I agree, still, there's only a not too great difference in dry weight between the CRF300L (337lbs) and the F700GS (410lbs) and then there's the huge power that the GS produces, compared to the Honda. In some of her YT movies, she clearly admits 'that she could've used some more hp in tackling steep hills'.

[@Depp500]

Good bike, bad foglights position 😉

[@chrishart8548]

Least they may protect the crash bars

[@pa4tim]

HItch Boots ? I think you mean Itchy boots

[@clg_pro2009]

I looked up 2014 HP its 75 so you were WAYWAYWAYYYYY off lol 40 or 50 lol

[@j.eicher9017]

I take a 650 V-Strom any day over this. But it is still a nice bike. If you give it to me I wouldn't spit on it, I would drive it! The NC has a better gas mileage 😉, but might also be heavier. "Kseniia ADV" has that particular bike and I think it is a good touring bike for a small woman like her, but not for Itchy boots, the minute you go off road a little, the lighter the better. This being said I could easily picture Itchy boots on a 400DR.... ....

[@arnohag1]

Had the 2019 Vstrom 650xt. It was a little top heavy and less capable off road compared to the f700gs. Both are fun to ride.

[@nickbenfell4327]

OK come on you cannot be serious.

[@chrishart8548]

50hp i thought it was 75hp

[@VehicleHunter]

Feels like it has 30hp

[@chrishart8548]

@@VehicleHunter how fast does it go ? Probably be better with the F800R engine instead. Think they were either 87 or 91hp up in the higher rpm though.

[@IansDrumsandBass]

​@@VehicleHunterThe 700 does 191 km/h and the R1200GS 200 - PLUS the 1200 weighs MUCH more. I'll settle for the 700 any day.