Got one last year as my first “big bike” and absolutely love it. Enough power and easy to ride. Taking it touring to Europe this summer, all being well.
Funny, I’m 5-10 and liked the triple black low sus/extra low seat version so much I bought it yesterday, unplanned. So easy to get on and off, and no problems putting a foot all the way down on an uneven surface. Had two first gen F650GSTwins years ago and, while not super exciting, they were the best all-rounders I’ve ever had (way better for me than even the Wee-Strom). And they could actually hustle in the curves, contrary to what you may have heard. Sold the second one in 2014 because I got tired of the height, especially after putting a Corbin on it. I was hung up on wanting more ground clearance than the low version (never needed it), and a center stand at the time (chains don’t have to be cleaned as often as I used to clean/lube them). I just won’t put a bash plate on this one and it’ll be the same clearance as the last standard-height F650GST I had. This low sus version still has a lot of clearance, compared to regular street bikes. Didn’t even test ride this one because I already know what this model is about. However, I was amazed after my ride today at how good this bike is. I wasn’t expecting to be at all impressed, but I am thoroughly impressed. Though I’m old and normally shy away from lots of tech beyond ABS and cruise control, (this is my first whiz wheel BMW lol), I fell in love instantly with the quick shifter (my first one), TFT (also my first), and keyless. Cruise control is a huge bonus on this model, and is the main reason I went with BMW again. The engine is fantastic; so much usable power low and mid. The stock wind screen is way better than the first gen’s, and is surprisingly effective-pushes the wind much higher than what I recall on the first gen. The twin front disks are such a welcome improvement. Much sharper looking in-person; quality and substantial look to it. Sounds good, but pretty neighborhood friendly. Still only requires 87 AKI gas! All I do is urban and country road/gravel road riding, with some interstate, so no need for an 850 or 1200 for me (had an R12GS; wasn’t impressed and way overkill and too tall for my needs-easy to pick up, though). ESA would have been nice, but low height is my priority, and I don’t carry a passenger. Happy to be back on the lowly updated 650 twin. The first gen was a good bike; this current gen is a great bike, in my (worthless) opinion.
Another great review. As im about the same hight I like you show yourself sitting on the bike showing footing. I am working my way through all of your vids. this particular bike may well be my next. Great to see a completely unbiased opinion and ride. Many thanks 👍🏻
Great to see you riding this as we are the same height with the same leg length. I'm just fatter than you. I keep looking at the 750gs as an upgrade from my 2018 CB500X. I just need to save up harder, but it's difficult as, according to my selfish missus, I should be spending my money feeding the kid.
Had one a month now and love it but at 5'8 I find it too top heavy, and very hard to move about off the bike. Very likely to drop it in a crappy lay by or car park. Having tried a 1250 it's like night and day. Very easy to move around and weight low down and dropping it in normal use is never a fear. Saving up now.
Interesting pov, I would have expected it to be the other way around. In my opinion the 1250 would have been more difficult to move around manually. I am in the market and almost zeroing in on a new 750, but perhaps I should also look a bit wider and experience 1250 first hand before making a decision.
Many people have said the 1250 is the best of the GS range but they are all good apparently, i am also thinking about owning one, i guess one has to try them and not be shy to ask the staff to get one out so you can push it around, for what its worth my KTM 790 Duke is easier to push around than a Honda CB125F but its crazy fast and just wants to go, i feel im always holding it back to keep my license (well not always 😉)
There's a reason most of the driving schools here in Norway use these bikes. They're extremely easy to ride, and the loading capacity is the best in class for the 700cc segment. I took my license on a F700GS, and the 750GS is way better than that bike. It's an extremely strong competitor to the Tracer 7 and other bikes in the same class.
@@mickleblade You're correct on that. It would actually be a good alternative to the Tracer 9, when it comes to price. Without the tech-packs, the Tracer 7 is a better option.
Think ive said before but your reviews are brilliant, ive been riding the KTM 790 Duke for a while now, lovely reliable bike for me so far, its a cracking light naked bike for ripping around town or short journeys is great. Im doing a fair bit more motorway than i used to and am thinking of going heavier, im eyeing an Africa Twin, have looked a Pan America but quite fancy a GS i am amazed at how affordable the 750GS is, would love a 1250 but not sure my piggy bank will stand for it. I prefer the road going version, so the 750 GS 🤔 gonna have to try one, thanks for the review
Hi Chris I recently bought a 790 duke aswell and also had it remapped by junction 33 it's now even better :) I'd go for the 750 GS over the 1250/1200 it's more than powerful enough for everyday riding...they are very quick through the midrange....it's a great engine....also look at the KTM 790 adventure Best wishes mark
@@markpulling12 the remap defo helps i had my 790 done at Dave Woods Racing in Buckingham a really prof outfit, in all honesty its just to fast for everyday riding for me
Wondered where the next video was!! I think it should be nicknamed "The Pulling Height Model"!! Perfect! 😉 Nice bike - looks like it would be a good tourer. (And 11C - I knew you'd get some better weather soon!)
Great review again Mark.I really love my Triumph Bonneville. But if I can convince my wife , this would be the touring bike to look for. Cheers Mark…great job!!
I know what you mean. I love the Bonnevilles too but these BMWs, including the XR are better for touring two-up. I’d hang on to the Bonny as well though, I miss mine.
At about Minute 3 it sounds like a magpie in the background 😊... And the bike is pretty cool as well 😎... Of course, like always, an excellent review on this great bike, I also took my license on its predecessor, the F 700 GS, and enjoyed my testride on the F 750 GS a lot 😎
Good review Mark, I have a 1200 anniversary edition 1250 and 750 and probably ride the 750 the most. It really only makes sense in dynamic mode it’s just too soft in road and rain. On my own it doesn’t make so much difference but on occasion with my wife on pillion it feels like it’s about to stall bit scary going left at the lights. In dynamic the problem goes away and as it states in the user handbook there is more popping from the exhaust 👍
Nice Mark, especially dipping into the nearly new market because that is where in my opinion one can get true value machines! Your horizons are limitless and also you are finding things out about bikes/dealers the fresh off the production line models cannot show you!
Seems a lot of bike and great spec for the money. You just have to be a shorter rider for this particular bike. Looks in really nice condition as well. I think if I was in the market for something like this then it would be a serious contender. The TFT is very nice. Do enjoy your videos. You have the pace just right. Nice delivery as well. You bring a lot of real world motorcycling advice as well, comparing it with other bikes and models. Was looking at your number of subscribers and cannot believe after the years you have had your channel you don't have a lot more subscribers as your reviews are really good. They are go tos if you are looking at buying any bike imho. A really handy resource for getting an idea of what a bike is like. Many thanks.
Just another great vid from you mark!and a bike which belong to my list of next bike! If not for anything elses just because the cool option of different seat height!!!
Nice review thanks. Sounds similar to the F900XR TE. This GS is probably a tad more comfortable than the XR with more off road capability. Re windshields, I’ve found the MRA Vario is good for me.
Hadn’t looked at this before but certainly looking at it now as my next bike. Certainly got good 2nd hand prices with lots of kit on them. Will have to take one for a test ride soon.
Great review. The 750 GS is a little hard to find here in the mountain west (USA).I have the option of picking up a low suspension, low seat which might be good for my 29” inseam. My question is how long can you ride with a low suspension and low seat before your butt starts to hurt. I remember back in the day that after 30 minutes on my old Honda Shadow I often had to pull over and give my backside a rest.
Thanks Chris ...tough choice ..if touring is your thing then definitely the BMW ...that would have been my choice a few years ago ...but tbh these days me personally I do smaller fun rides so I'd go KTM ...or the 890 Duke r if you can stretch to it Best regards mark
Thats a nice looking bike! Im always keeping an eye out for a potential upgrade bikes from my Versys 650. Something still in the middleweights and not 1000cc territory. I like this one a lot! Though i love my versys too. 😆 Some day!
Excellent one again Mark I am thinking that this bike is a better option the the new Triumph Tiger 660 actually because by the time you have specked up the 660 it´s are around £10,000 and one of these for around the £7,000 mark is better value like it : )
Thanks for that Mark. Food for thought for my next bike. I don't need a sports bike anymore, I want something comfortable. and that is a lot of bike for the money. Have you bought a new camera?
Fantastic video as always Mark! What are your thoughts between this bike and the Honda NC750X? Both are roughly the same price. Mainly looking at in town use, touring, and fuel economy. No off road (except for potentially a gravel parking area). Any thoughts between one or the other or they are both equally good? Thanks!
Hi Harrison funny enough I was thinking about the nc750 when I was riding this ...I love the NC s fantastic fuel economy and the frunk ,it's engine is super low revving too which I like but for me the BMW would just win because I like cruise control so much if the Honda had cruise I think that would be my choice:) Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 The cruise control was the deal breaker for me too. If the Honda had that I would have probably gone for that but so glad I got the GS now. it's so well balanced and although it can be chuggy sometimes around town, I find that I rarely have to put my feet down even at my low skill level. I think it must have a pretty low centre of gravity too, as moving it around on the drive I never feel I'm going to drop it.
Great review What screen has that bike got? Does it give good protection, is it noisy. I’m thinking of stepping up from a 650 Interceptor. Not sure whether to go for 850cc or r1250rs that I really fancy. Also fancy Kawasaki 1000sx or the new Suzuki 1000 sport tourer. Only been riding a year, do you think a 1250 would be too much of a leap
Hi Beverly ,as I said in the video it's a powerrbronze screen ,and yes it give much better protection than the standard screen,,all those bikes you've mentioned are fantastic ,if you've been riding an interceptor for a year then weight and size wise you should be ok as the interceptor is quite a weighty machine,but quite a low seat height,the ninja and Suzuki are a bit taller so try them for size ,I think the r1250;is maybe lower ,power is 150 hp on the Suzuki and Kawasaki ,125 hp ish ? on the BMW ,best thing to do is try and demo as many as you can ,they are all brilliant bikes ,but i think these f750gs are great value used at £7k ish used Good luck with your choice 😃 Mark
Great review as always Mark! Do you think you could fine a Triumph Tiger 660 to test out? I'd really love your opinion on that. I'm really wanting a new bike and kinda in between a few models.
Hiya Mark , great review , I have a 2020 Versys 650 GT , unfortunately I like to tour with my partner and she finds the pillion position, very high on the Versys so much so Iam looking at the BMW F850 GS , same year and colour as your review, I think that is also the low seat, I also believe the passenger seat height on the BM is approximately 10cm lower than the Versys ? In your opinion would you believe the BM is a good alternative to the Versys ? Steve
Hi Steve definitely yes ...the engine is much better...smoother and lots more power and they handle and brake well ..and they have nice options like tft cruise and quick shift I really like the bmw cheers mark
Good review. You don’t see too many of these about which says something. Daft the fact it’s on a par with the 850 engine wise yet named 750, I didn’t know that! Engine is made in China which puts me off a bit, for various reasons. Excellent screen display. Bit too heavy frankly and would probably prefer a Tracer for better value.
ive got the older rotax powered f650 gs low with wlburs rear shock a very nice road come dirt road tourer I was thinking about one off these but the shineray motor was an unknown quantity
G'day mark, great around look a the BMW, I'm a fan of the classic look when it comes to bikes but each to there own, even have a mate that owns one, l call his the transformer because it looks like you touch a button and it turns into a robot 🤖 or something, cheers mate, Neil 🤠.
Hi Joey many thanks...first off all make brilliant tourers ....the nc750 has a fantastic low revving high torque engine...but for touring I'd go for the BMW for its cruise control option and slightly higher power should the need arise Best regards mark
i read the new 800gs for 2024 is a 750gs copy with a tweeked 10 hp extra. addd a new tft and its the same. Do you need it ? 2024 750 has color tft but all else the same. ? weight has not been reduced.
I see you have the satnav adapter for phone. I have the GS1250 but would seriously think about the 750 if and when i want to get a smaller bike. The chain is the only thing i dont like..They should have kept the belt imo.
@@markpulling12 gotcha I’m 5-8 and shopping for a low adventure bike as well, does it scrape much on a rougher rocky off-road? Do you need an engine guard?
Really watchable review Mark. 3.58 mins.. The 750 denomination is just to denotes its slightly lower bhp (70 odd vs 80 odd) than 850. Confusing I know haha.
I really love your reviews Mark. But can I say overall height of a person isn't really the critical factor. Inside leg measurement is. We are all built differently. I]m 5´´8 but my inside leg isnt enough for some bikes you seem to be very comfortable on. Just a constructive remark. well done Mark keep the great reviews coming.
Coincidentally, only yesterday, I bought a 2019 BMWF800GT so the "Sports Touring" version of the same bike/engine. You certainly seem to get a lot more "tech" kit with the GS but I suppose they were phasing out the GT so not bothering to upgrade. The seat height is always a factor for me though that particular GS is particularly low so would be a sensible alternative for the "shorter" rider I suppose. I didn't get the TFT but did get the luggage and mine was a fair bit cheaper (but higher mileage). I'm a bit "old skool" (frankly, just old) so all the rider modes are a bit pointless to me but each to their own. Nice looking bike though. I suppose the big question is... Would you be better off buying a brand new Voge DS (for instance) for only two thirds of the money you would pay for the three year old Beemer? Anyway. If you want to do a comparison vid GS to GT, let me know.
Thanks Dave I'll keep your gt in mind ...I rode a f800st years ago and really enjoyed it ....tough choice re the voge ? I guess it depends if you fancy a shiny new bike for not much money or a dependable bmw ...can I have both . .... :) Regards mark
Hi Mark, I have one of these, but find as I’m getting older (60) now, I’m finding it a bit heavy pushing it in and out the garage, slight up hill out of the garage. I’m thinking of chopping it in for the 2022 Honda CB500F. Being as you’ve ridden both lately, do you think I would be making a big mistake? Cheers Karl.
Hi Karl I know exactly what you mean with the weight of the f750gs the cb500f is much lighter to push about and it's still a lovely bike to ride ...I think you'll enjoy the Honda ...try and get a demo if you can cheers mark
Might be worth trying a Honda NC750-X the DCT version is particularly good) They are a cracking bike, with a really low down centre of gravity. Easiest big bike I have ever had to move around...
@@markpulling12 the 650 single is like a cement mixer and my mate 400 Rotax origin is , well when he starts it there no more conversation unless we 60 metres from the bike
@@fredblogsmac.5697 l had a GS 650 with the Rotax engine and didn't find it to be noisy, maybe your mates engine is on the way out. These new engines are BMW designed and built by Loncin in China. My 2 year old 750 is no noisier than anything else around.
Hey Mark, could you comment on how heavy it feels when maneuvering in the garage? I had heard that they felt very top heavy. Cheers Sorry I should have waited for the end of the video. You did cover that.
Rented one for a two week tour through the Alps in 2022. It was a bit heavy at times when moving it around with full luggage. Also, I would have preferred a lighter bike when negotiating many of the amazing twisty mountain passes that I encountered across 5 countries. It was a comfortable bike and it performed well during the less demanding portions of the routes I chose. I think I would prefer a lighter, more nimble bike for my next ride on similar roads.
Hi Colin agreed the Suzuki is benchmark reliability ...I owned a vstrom years ago but given the choice I'd go for this BMW for its cruise control and bit more power but if your on a bit of a budget a used vstrom for say £4 k is brilliant value Cheers mark
@@markpulling12 I just bought a gs 750 a week ago; I love it but I wish I was just a little taller. Lol. I’m 5’9”; I feel comfortable on it cuz I’ve ridden all my life but if I could shave an inch off and not lose any comfort I’d change the seat but one problem is that there are no bikes close to me with the seat that I can try. I rode the bike 3 hours home after I bought it and the stock seat was fine so I guess I’ll just stick with in
bad design to get at the water tank; esepecially with crash bars over the fairing. Your modes listed; heated is not the 2019 for sure. NO tft anywhere in euro-asia; was all still half analog. Did not have the roller wheeel; but a button for 3 menu's to show it all.
Hey Mark, do you know how to tell the difference between a low ride height model and a standard ride height. I am looking at a used 2019 online and want to make sure I get the standard height
I think the standard height should or may have a center stand the low can't have a center stand. You can kind of spot the low ones they really do look low . Failing that measure the seat height maybe ? Good luck cheers mark
@@Denis-gk8dj 790 mm on these ...I put a picture up at 2:45 ..but the seat height can be from 765 to 845 mm on these so a huge choice of different seat heights Best regards mark
Good review mark , however the Chinese engine built by loncin (which makes lawnmowers) would put me off , save a packet and get a Himalayan, both bikes are made in 3rd world
