BMW F700GS Long Term Owner Review & Competition Comparison 

That is by far one of the best and fairest reviews that I've heard. Nice bike bro. Ride safe.

Good, good and good review, this is how all reviews should look like. Very thoughtfull and helpful. Cheers mate! Enjoyed it.

I've been obsessed with the F800GS for a while... Until I actually saw one. I'm 5'7 with a 30" inseam and that bike is TALL, this F700GS seems like a better choice since I won't be doing much offroading aside from dirt country roads. Saves a few bucks too. This was a very good, objective review and I think I'm sold on the F700GS.

The 2014-2016 BMW 700 GS is an absolute BEAST in an urban environment. Especially if you live in a developing \ semi developing country sporting less than perfect roads. Mine has been at home in Bangkok Thailand for the last 5 years and there simply is nothing out there that equals as a daily commute on the heavily congested Bangkok roads. Its the base model GS - Not a single mod. Ive always been really happy with the raw bike as is... And boy -what a pleasure it is to commute. Undoubtedly the highlight of my day. This is thanks to a few things - decent seat height that allows you to look over the cars and read the traffic. High handlebars that sit higher than most car mirrors you will pass. At walking speed you do not have to take your foot off the pegs. Its balanced with almost Spacecraft precision. When its time to open up there is always a little snow leopard beneath you - ready to lurch... With this killer combo - regardless if the road is open or bumper to bumper for miles - she can go wherever a little standard scooter can. Except the fun factor is through the roof. A Fresh cup of coffee gets me up in the morning - the GS 700 gets me out of the door and rewards me a smile on my face whenever I arrive at work. What more could I ask for in a bike...? I sometimes even hug her telling her how special she is... When we are alone - of course...

Great review of this bike. I'm in the early stages of looking at the bike. Your voice so suits the review. You had me from the start.

Boy - thanks for the big clue-in to a great in-between solution. I thought it was a single going into the video. Now I understand - I am so enlightened.

Your review format is perfect, first time buying going to check out your other videos thanks!

A proper review! THANK YOU

Got one, based in part on your review. I freaking love it! :-)

LOVELY presentation , nice to see other bikes summed up too . Great soundtrack and accurate summaries. Thank you . Couldn't agree more with your comments Sir.

Great comprehensive review!!!

Yes! This is a great review! Thanks man :)

Very articulate, conversational style review. Nice job.

Great review. My dream and possibly my first bike!

For sure, your review was the best I have heard in years. Those pro dealers and drivers a miles behind you. Finally an American who is better than the other countries reviewers. Love the bike as well. Went to the bike shop and found a 2012 G650GS with 326 km on it for USD 860. But I guess new would be better, I.e. 700 version. Happy new year to you from Japan JR2FJI KJ6ARR

One of the most underrated motorcycles of all time ! A truly fabulous all-rounder that can be ridden off road (unlike the Suzuki V storm ) and will depreciate slower than rivals.

Great review, I am already considering to buy this bike, thank you.

very, very good review mate! probably the best I ever saw, so informative and logically directed. plus it helped me to determine that I need 700 over 800 one :))

One of the best review s that i ever seen. People tending to make 7min video to 15min for some stupid reason. Thank you. Also i think that every nike vid should start with hight and weight of driver so we can get a picture is that made for short or tall people.

A very good sensible review. Thanks for posting! I swapped my F800GS for an R1200GS (and then R1250GS) but I still miss the playful nature of the parallel twins (F650GS/F700GS/F800GS) They truly are rewarding bikes to own. (Ignore those that criticise them) If you want a mid-range bike , try these and (as the reviewer noted the excellent Triumph triple)

Very Honest review thank you!!

Great honest review and thank you as I really enjoyed it. I was looking at the F700GS at one of the local BMW dealers and loved it but I reckon it looks so much better with the engine and sump guards fitted. Some time soon in the future I will hopefully own one.

Awesome review. Thank you!

Great practical review. Have just bought a fresh 700 GS and was having doubts re 700 v 800GS. This review reassures me I have made the right choice. Grest review. Thanks

Excellent review!!!

great review. Thanks

Nice byke! Here in Brazil I look for a F650GS but is had to find because this model was imported only 3 years: 2008, 2009 and 2010. Enjoy!!!

Great review. This is close to a standard that more YT reviewers should adhere to.

Thanks for this review. It's very helpful. I am seriously considering a used 2013 F700GS. Having come from full street and wanting to get out to the woods a bit, I was thinking this might be a good choice. Though I don't plan on going full dirt-happy, I'm still kind of wondering if it's just too street-oriented for my rural purposes.

I enjoyed your review! I bought a F700GS and I have found it can do OK on off road as well. I took it through a couple fordings and the the thing went through it like a champ (with stock tires too!) My wife has the F800GS, and I can tell on our rides she can't enjoy those curvy roads as much as me. Also, that 10hp can cause 8 or more miles per gallon differences in fuel economy. I am very happy with the F700GS.

Good review, thank-you.

Well put together review,thks

Hi, I just bought two F700 GS. One for my wife. We are in canada and the spring is not coming fast enough. We are so looking forward to riding them since we purchased them in December and the dealer agreed to store them for the winter.

Nice review!

My friend also bought one of these in Oct 2017. He also feels that the different riding modes doesn't feel much different between the settings. He also struggles with engaging Neutral while stationery at a traffic light. I have a Yamaha XT660R and everything is so smooth compared to the BMW, apart now from my single cylinder vibrations. We have exchanged bikes on some our trips together, and still prefers my thumper :-). But the Beemer is a gorgeous bike. There I must agree 110%. Oh, and the Beemer seat is more comfortable.

Damn good review mate, I've had my F700GS for a year now with 11,000 miles and you said it all. You almost make me regret not getting the candy red option. I had to go with the 800GS's aluminum panniers, I didn't want the plastic varios and I also wanted panniers that were top loading.

Great review. Very well done.

Ended up buying an 09 1200GS a few weeks back for seriously touring the USA and commuting on the interstate in Phoenix. Im totally loving it! Man oh man, I just rode about 450 miles in 7 hours on the way to CO Springs and am in Albuquerque wading out the snow storms closer to CO.

Nice job. Your comments and reflections of the bike mirror mine. This was my first street bike, and it was great to learn on the "underpowered" machine, however now, I'd kill for the full power of that 800 motor. I call this bike BMW's "dirty little secret". It does everything another bike could do, not quiet as well as a specific bike, but the 700 does it all. Touring, mild off-road, twisties, even track days. If you are new to motorcycling, or a male under 5'9 this is the bike for you. Couple of tips. If you plan on doing any off-roading at all, do not go with the Vario Panniers. They will break at the first drop. They are great if you keep it on the street. This is NOT a dirt bike. Fire roads are fine. Remember to turn off the ABS and the ESA and you will have a blast on this bike.

Nice review. I was debating between the Tiger 800 and BMW F700, ended up with the F700 more because a great opportunity presented itself. I agree with all your comments on the handling, comfy seat, ESA placebo, Vario top box too small & why the power reduction from the off road F800 - it's like you read my notes. I'm really please with the bike and as someone who also owns one this is the best review of it I've found so far...Cheers.

Very nicely done and practical review. Even I am thinking about this bike. Other bikes which are also in choice for me are the tiger 800 xc and the Ducati hyperstrada. More power and less weight of Ducati is tempting just the high maintenance and less fuel economy of Ducati are the negatives for me

I don't plan on buying a new bike. But I really enjoyed that review, I wish more reviews were like that. RSM8

Excellent review. I toured southwest Ireland on on one last month and really enjoyed it. I found it very maneuverable in the villages, great on the narrow roads (paths) and with enough power (but it did leave me wanting a bit when trying to catch my buddy on the straights) . Headed your way over Thanksgiving hopefully for a desert ride (never done it) and looking forward. If any advice for me pl let me know. Taking out form Phoenix for 5 days on 11.25.--karl

I own a bmw F700 for about roughly 30k km now and the bike is all that is promised in this video. I previously owned a vstrom 650 2008 and the difference is huge. The f700 outruns the vstrom in weight, brakes, maneuverability, suspension, fuel consumption and high end torque, it really is a far better ride than a 2017 650 vstrom, because I previously tested that bike. The downsides for the f700 are as follows: higher purchase price and to some extend, higher accessories price compared to vstrom, lower fuel range, a bit more vibration than a v twin engine motor and a slight lower wind protection. This is for the stock accessories, you can easily overcome some of the downsides with aftermarket stuff. But the f700 is easier to maneuver it in off-road conditions, because of the weight, weight distribution and far better suspensions. Also, the lower levels of torque are comparable to the v twin models, but the high end torque will let you ride another joyride, compared to the v twin models. I had a run with someone who owned an r1200 gs on the twistes and the owner just couldn't believe when I told him the bike has only 75 hp. Not that the hp counts for on the twistes, but overall, he was just amazed to what this little beauty can do when pushed to its limits.

Just done 1500 miles tour on a similar Bike. It has the comfort and speed needed for a the long rides. Did use it off road for a little while and standing on the pegs and it felt very comfortable. i did use an additional seat pad though. overall I will give it 9/10. The 10 extra HP you might get on the F800 is only electronic and the only difference I could feel was when the speed was less than 3000 rpm. Excellent bike!!!

I had watched your video several months ago while I was trying to decide whether or not to trade in my BMW G310GS for a 2016 BMW F700GS that was in "like-new" condition, with just 7,000 street-only miles on it. I watched your review, and it's sealed the deal for me. THANK YOU❗I live in New England, so I have access to a lot of State Forest dirt back roads and such. I also am blessed to have great blacktop backroads almost right out My back door, so-to-speak... My F700GS has been rock solid and is absolutely perfect for these types of roads. I have actually ridden my motorcycle more this summer than my truck! If I may ask, where are you riding? The countryside, and mountains are awesome. What is the seriously blue lake that is seen @ the 6-minute mark in your video ? I'd sure like to ride that area you are riding in, someday. 🙂 Best regards from Southern Massachusetts... Rob

Great review. I'm a shorter rider looking for a used low chassis model.

Changed the front sprocket to 16 teeth and installed a Powerplug really a transformation.

I use the BMW case on the rear platform to store my helmet. Fits well

more about riding than brand. a refreshing look at what is real versus the marketing / magazine bullshit. thanks.

Very well done review. My wife is looking at moving up to one. Has knee pain on longer rides on her Triumph 900 street twin. Looking for a better leg position.I have an NC750X but she is too short to even try it.

Nice Bike.. nice color man.. enjoy ..

Good video. Love this bike.

Thanks for this review. I'm considering this bike used. Looking at the F800GT and R as well. Maybe the extra juice would be nice.

Grear review, i have the same bike, the only dis so far is the windbraker...it could have beek higher.. there are aftermarks but the factory breaker is simply poor. cheers from greece buddy keep up

ESA not noticeable between sport/norm/comf ... I quite agree. I love the brand and I love the bike , but BMW are naughty here , either its a sales Con trick , or it needed calibrating to a wider setting that we would actually notice. Completely agree with everything else you said . What a great review and nicely narrated .

Thanks for the great review! I ride the same bike with same color. However I would say the BMW vario cases are really small. Givi 46 liter side cases are bigger and cheaper.

Thanks -- best review I've seen. I have the 2012 F650GS, and I'm getting the 700 for my wife (a used 2015 model with low miles). I'm not too sure about it's abilities off road at all, but part of that is undoubtedly me -- only off road bike I've ever had, and I can't flat foot it so I get nervous when the front wheel wants to be squirrely in sand or gravel. Mostly I just love the bike for commuting, logging roads and such -- I especially like that it's quiet, smooth, good fuel economy and comfortable (I have a low stock seat, but I used to cycle tour for months on a regular bicycle, so I totally don't understand all these motorcyclists complaining about the luxurious seats of motorcycles -- the stock low seat is totally fine for me). Only things I've changed on mine are a touring windshield (higher so that the wind isn't in my face) and a cyclops headlamp (stock headlamps are way too anemic for night riding).

thanks.

I bought the 2016 F700 GS with the ESA package, I can really feel the difference in rebound of the back suspension, between the sport mode and the comfort mode, and the difference is higher with the passenger. You've really need to follow the instructions on the suspension adjustment with the knob . At the beginning I did not feel any difference, once i've adjusted with the instructions, it really worked, not as good as the R1200GS k50 which is awesome, but still bang for the buck

For a second i thought the right upper corner of my screen was cracked!!!

i bought this instead of HONDA. yeah honda is cheaper. even automatic option. But BMW quality and BRANd is what i am looking for. i test rode both. HONDA feels lke a BIKE. but BMW feels different. Good video.

great review - named each of the contenders for my next and possibly last motorcycle. For me, i think i've arrived at the same conclusion as you - and to think this is less than their 650 scooters. I think i'm going to wait till May and get the 750 Thanks 2 Wheel Lifestyle

I've never ridden an F700GS, but I'll rent one for a few days in Ireland next month. I think it might be very well suited to riding conditions there: relatively short distances, modest speeds and tight roads. Probably a better choice for that environment than a bigger/heavier/more powerful bike like my FJR.

I rented one. Really loved it, it will do bad dirt roads. The only thing I didn't like was the seat

Did I get a dud? I owned the F650Gs 800cc uk 2009 reg. Used to be incredibly snatchy off the throttle in 1st. I fitted a electronic bit of wizardry from bmw motorworks....this made it liveable. Would randomly cut out at traffic lights......might ride 100 miles fine, then just cut out. If I stopped and used the red switch to turn off it wouldn’t start back up for a while......so justused key and it was fine with that. Last time it cut out at the lights the abs stopped working. Give the constant electrical gremlins I decided to part with it. Now the flip side......it covered distance very easily compared to other bikes of same or lower cc. It ironed out the bumps lovely, heaven and earth compared to the Cb500x I bought after selling it ( the Cb500x felt like a cheap toy after the bmw......it was reliable though). I really miss 800cc bmw....but not the problems that came with it. I am here however because I’d love another just not with the problems mine brought with it. So I ask regardless of the 700 model or 650gs 800 have you had any electrical problems and were they easily sorted and the cost.....anyone?

How it handles on the highways? Side cross wind? And when truck passing beside you?

I like the looks. I just wonder if it is worth the extra cost over a Yamaha MT07.

One of the best Motorcycle's for touring in the world. I love this bike.

nice review thank you! .. You should try GIVI accesories, they are roomier, look better and are light

First, I enjoyed the clear and understandable voice. Then, review in order. Very nice presentation. However, 2 years past now. Now is July 2017. So, I like to hear an update now. Do you still own the bike? Any breakdown or any regret or dissatisfaction? Not that anything lasts forever, but I just hate going to dealers for repair.

Great review mate :D.

Man, your reviews are excellent, nearly a pro level. Some Motorcycle Magazine should pick you up to do some freelance review work.

Hi enjoying this vvvery much. I own the F650GS 2008 model bought second hand. It was the concept bike to produce the new range of 800s. New to riding choose this as an entry to biking. Never regretted it . Since starting to ride I have done over 14000 miles in two years. In that time I also completed the ,Institute of Advanced Motorist test.This is what most people should complete in order to prove to yourself that you can ride . The test is a 1 1/2 hour ride followed by a police officer who wants a smooth controlled dynamic and progressive ride whilst being in control at all times . He road the 1200gs and was very complimentary of my bike and riding. I ride with various people on diverse bike types ,I never, never get left behind even with only 72 hp against most with up to 120hp. Once off the straight line freeway stuff it is they who have the issues . Until I can ride this bike within an inch of its strength I shall'nt buy a more powerfull one Power is no substitute for control . cheers tj

Three (3) year late BMW listened to your open letter in a way and as you know have released the all new F750 GS & F850 GS motorcycles. - 77 horsepower at 7500 rpm on the F 750 GS - 95 horsepower at 8250 rpm on the F 850 GS Two horses more on the new F750. Well they kind of listened to you. Anyway, I'll buy a BMW F700 GS or a Honda NC700x DCT on sale these days since this is their last year of manufacture.

Nice Review, looks like my kind of right for sure. Do you also have the better GS?

Nice video, thanks. Unfortunatly the BMW doesn't bring de 700GS to Brazil, just the 1200GS, 800GS and 650GS (bike that I have).

Found one with 11k miles for $5,000. Going to look at it tomorrow

Great review! I was wondering if you think this bike would be a good choice for cross country trip. You mentioned it is similar to V-Strom which is the other bike i am considering.

Great video! Just curious, how did the battery hold up?

Nice review man. I rode my friend's brand new F700 for 6mo, so I'm pretty well acquainted with it. As for the helmet, depends on the helmet, my Large HJC fit fine in the top case when it was expanded - maybe I put the helmet on its side? I don't remember -try that. So I also had a chance to put about 20 miles on the tiger 800, and I really enjoyed the extra low end grunt it had over the F700, but the fit and finish on the tiger 800 wasn't as good. I think the differences between the F700 and the other bikes listed here are pretty big, but for the tiger 800, what do you suggest as for why I'd buy one over another? They seem to be aiming at a pretty damn similar target, where as the other ones have slightly different focuses.

I want to ask please, if this model has slipper clutch and Tubeless tyres?

So been given back and forth advice as to whether to get a 600 for my 1st bike and 1 of the bikers I know suggested this (or the old 650 if I can get it) as it easy to handle. Anything you could add would be greatly appreciated :)

Very well done! I test road an 800 GT twice and found the throttle response to be very twitchy. It desparately needs a ride by wire with various modes. How is the throttle response of the 700 GS?

What road is that? Excellent review.

Thank you for your review it was great. I went in to a dealership today to check out the Suzuki gsf1250fa. Then he showed me the bmw f700gs sat on that and there was no turning back. Didn't manage to get a test ride, but I'm a little concerned this bike will feel underpowered for me as I currently ride a 1981 Harley sportster with a s&s carb and all the mods, the dealer is assuring me that this bike will be much quicker and powerful and just in general better (no doubt about that part you have to ride the Harley for 30 minuets to get numb enough to enjoy it(also its scary when it comes to breaking and cornering)) Just wondering on your thoughts on the power, I've spent the day watching and reading reviews and no one seems to say if its overly fast or slow Cheers Jordan

I'm considering either F800R or the F700GS.

I'm a newbie on this and was just about to buy a G650GT as my 1st bike. My dealer and a couple of friends told me, the F700GS could be a better option for me. Would be very helpful if you share your thoughts about it. Thanks in advance and great review BTW!!!

Hi, I noticed in another video of your F700GS you had installed a windscreen from CA Scientific. I'm trying to decide on one for my 2015 F700GS. Your thoughts on your decision?

How is this bike for tall people? I'm 6'6 thinking of a 700gs

i'm going straight to the local BMW dealer

Heya, How Extraordinary! cloistered question What's your opinion about that, guys

hi will a powercommander give this bike more for hp

Dear BMW, Please send me a new bike. I'm not picky.

Well guys I own a 2013 F700gs for over 3 years now and am planning on selling it as its a piece of crap. When the gas tank cracked the first time the bike was under warranty so no out of pocket money was wasted. After it cracked a second time, my dealer fessed up that it was a recall on all F700fs and F800gs bikes. It's a design flaw. With that said, I will never own a BMW bike again. BMW is aware of this flaw yet does nothing to correct the design of the bike. FYI I owned a R1200 two years prior and they have gas tank issues with the strip that measures gas in the tanks. You fork out all that money for a great bike only to constantly have issues. Iced owned JAP bikes for over 30 years and never had as many issues that BMW has on their bikes. They just keep you coming back to buy extended warranties as your bike is in the shop more than on the road. My BMW will be sold by the end of summer. Good riddance!

I have the f650 with 32000 miles and I love it. I've driven it to Alaska. I was amazed I put 27k on it before replacement. Other than a hard seat there isn't much I don't like. The only reason I would want a Adventure 800 for the extra large gas tank.

At the beginning of the video going up the mountain, is this by any chance Corsica?

Is that bike suitable for 190 cm /6.23 person?

Hi from Australia. Friend has a f700gs that is overheating regularly. Any experience or feedback re overheating issues and dyi repairs would be appreciated.

Torn between the 700 and the Triumph :(