BMW F700GS (2013 - on) Review

Rode it for a 7,000+ mile trip last summer, Washington state through Alaska to the Arctic (via Dempster highway) and back. Stable at highway speeds, handles well on gravel and dirt roads, nimble in urban environs. I have the 'comfort seat' on this one, had a Seat Concepts on my previous F700gs - I think the SC was an improvement over the stock seat on the previous bike, but on par with the Comfort seat on this one. I can easily ride 2 hours at a time. A slight slide down toward the tank feeling, that would be corrected with a rally style seat. Brakes are good - twin discs on the F700gs are better than the single disc on the F650. Calipers were locked up on the rear - I think the previous owner did not grease the pins. No problems since. Honestly, part of the ride quality of this bike is the easy handling, and what it can do with that easy handling - it inspires confidence because it is well-balanced, predictable, and can handle the unexpected without breaking a sweat (I've scraped the pegs in a tight corner at speed).

Solid. Power band is consistent through the range, and torque enough to pull a low rpms in 1st. Powerful enough, but not scary get-you-in-trouble-fast power. Engine vibration is tolerable (keep in mind it is a twin, not 3/4 cylinders)

Headlight bulbs... you're going to go through a few of them. Always have a spare. Not sure why this occurs, but I'm on my third one in two years.

Annual costs are an estimate - as I ride this for long trips, (X-America RT, WA-AK-Arctic RT) - so my maintenance all comes at once, and I do it myself. I don't find the maintenance costs any higher than previous Yamaha, Suzuki bikes I've owned. Fuel-injection makes carb work obsolete - recently replaced brake pads, no big deal. The forks are really expensive to replace ($1,100 per side!), if certain parts break, yes, it is an expensive bike to fix. But general maintenance, not exorbitant at all.

Overall, I like the standard equipment, but with two exceptions: Expandable luggage is pretty heavy (empty) and 'expansion' is somewhat difficult, especially after the bike has lain on a pannier for any reason, or dirt gets in between the two sections that overlap. Panniers are pretty easy to take on and off. Secondly, the standard windscreen is too short to be effective at anything, except maybe skipping bugs off directly to your face shield. Needs a higher 'touring' windshield. Minor point: The back fender has to be removed to get the rear wheel off if the bike is on the factory center stand - or stand needs to be on a 2" board to elevate the bike enough to remove the wheel. (or, you could totally deflate the wheel). For roadside wheel removal, this is annoying.

I have added BMW's excellent comfort seat, hence 5 stars. Would have been 3 for comfort with the original item. I've also added 30mm handlebar risers & a slightly taller screen, these alterations have hugely improved the ride quality. Brakes are ABS as standard, and perform very well.

The 75bhp is just fine. The Rotax made 800cc parallel twin is a peach. Unlike the newer Chinese made 750/850 GS engines with an 'offset 270degs' crank (to make it feel like a V-Twin), the 700/800GS's use a traditional 180degs crank, making it much smoother. Power delivery is smooth throughout the rev range, it loves to rev & makes a fantastic sound over 6500rpm. I replaced the 17t front sprocket with a 16t, this simple & inexpensive modification transforms the bike. The gears are all a little closer together, which not only improves acceleration, but helps low speed maneuverability, and actually increases the bikes top speed. Mpg is unchanged at a phenomenal 72mpg, Shell V Power is worth every penny.

Never let me down, so far it's been 100% reliable. No signs of any corrosion anywhere. I fitted new chain & sprockets a couple of weeks ago at 10,000miles.

Serviced & mot'd at local BMW dealer yesterday, total cost £158, very reasonable.

Superb handling, always puts a smile on my face. All day long comfort with the minor modifications i have made. Michelin Tourance tyres (the originals, not "Next") suit the bike perfectly, I've tried others & these are by far the best. Mine has tyre pressure monitors, on-board computer, heated grips, ABS, centre stand, all of which are a huge benefit.

Very decent all-rounder, capable of light off-roading and excellent on the road. Very nimble and stable at high speeds. Comfortable, though mine is equipped with the comfort seat (mandatory).

Torquey bike, not much at the top end but pretty consistent up to such point. I don't miss any power on my daily commute, perhaps only on long distance motorway driving. The noise from the stock exhaust is not the best, I must confess.

Excellent finishing details, the bike feels solid as a whole and hasn't give me any reliability problems. The fifth star is missing because of the annoying noise coming from the front brake discs on harsher terrain. You eventually get used to it but at first is really upsetting. BMW says it is normal because of the floating discs, but other bikes with the same feature do not present us with the referred noise.

The annual servicing would depend on the amount of miles you put in. Services every 10.000 kms, between 200 and 300 euros each. 5.0 l/100km.

It is not a "buy-standard" bike. Comfort pack (central stand, heated grips, onboard computer, pannier bars) and the comfort seat are mandatory. You don't really need the upgraded suspension modes and traction control.

Must change the standard seat for a comfort seat and put a higher windshield if you ride a lot - Nice all-round bike if you are honest with yourself (i.e. you're buying an ADV bike but you know you will be riding 90% on roads) - Lightweight and very nimble, it could take you from the UK to the Alps in a day and let you party once you get there.

It does a great job - but it is just without character - I still don't understand why they didn't give the 85bhp of the F800GS. Anyway, 75bhp available soon and with a good progression

From a non-BMW fan I have to admit that the standard is high - built to budget, it is still few steps ahead of the competition

Reasonably OK - with 160-180 GBP per annum you can service it - Avoid BMW official dealers though!! There are lots of qualified BMW mechanics to do the job

The panniers are the best ever (in less than 10 secs they are on/off) - not too keen on the ESA but it's a nice-to-have - If you have a chance look for a Scottoiler for the chain

Usable flickable bike. Great cornering speed and just soaks up road shortcomings. I added the comfort seat which I considered an absolute necessity as the standard seat is too uncomfortable. Comfortable with great high riding position.

More than adequate for my needs with a distinctive buzz over 65mph and nice engine note. Not exciting but just good. My first fill up indicates in excess of 70mpg

Everything screwed nicely together as one would expect. Finish is superb

Relatively expensive to buy although I managed to get a reasonable discount from BMW. The Rallye edition came with nice extras included especially as I did not want the adjustable ride option that I considered to be a gimmick. I bought vario panniers and a high screen via EBay as BMW prices were rather high. To date I have not bothered fitting the high screen as I find the standard small screen adequate for my needs.

I did not bother with the adjustable suspension but the Rallye came with everything I wanted...............centre stand, computer, heated grips and luggage rack. For £100 I added the comfort seat, which was money well spent. It is also very pretty!