BMW F 700 GS 2015 — Specifications

When BMW decides to overhaul its trail range, it’s not just about changing a sticker on the fairing. The F 650 GS had been struggling for too long, caught between a bigger sister that was becoming increasingly ambitious and a competition that wasn’t idle. Triumph Tiger 800, Kawasaki Versys 650, KTM 690 Duke: the segment was moving fast, and Munich wasn't used to watching the peloton pass by from the side of the road. The BMW F 700 GS was born out of this necessity, not a revolution.

Don’t be fooled by the badge. The twin that powers this machine has 798 cm3 of displacement, exactly the same as the F 800 GS. The difference lies in the engine mapping, recalibrated to produce 75 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 77 Nm at 5,300 rpm, four horsepower more than the previous generation. It’s honest without being spectacular, and the F 800 GS retains a comfortable lead with its 85 horsepower. What mainly changes on the BMW F 700 GS 2015 is accessibility: the engine can be restricted to 48 horsepower for A2 license holders, which opens the order book to a younger clientele. With a kerb weight of 209 kg and a saddle at 820 mm from the ground, it’s not a lightweight machine, but the weight distribution remains reasonable for the category.

On the road, the vocation of this trail quickly becomes clear. Spoked wheels, 19-inch front rim, contained suspension travel: the BMW F 700 GS isn’t trying to play the adventurer of bad roads. Its natural playground is asphalt, winding national roads, the daily commute made bearable by a high and unobstructed position. Those who dream of river crossings would do better to aim directly for the F 800 GS, or even the R 1200 GS if the budget allows. On the other hand, for the urban globetrotter who wants to get everywhere without dirtying his knees, this machine ticks all the boxes. The 41 mm telescopic fork and the aluminum swingarm do their job without ostentation, and the six-speed gearbox absorbs the kilometers regularly. The announced consumption of 3.9 liters per hundred, coupled with a 16-liter tank, gives a theoretical range exceeding 400 km: it's a concrete argument for those who make trail their tool of daily movement.

The safety chapter deserves to be highlighted. The dual-disc front brake with two-piston calipers, assisted by a series-standard two-channel ABS that can be disconnected, represents a real improvement. And for those who want to push the electronics further, the BMW F 700 GS accessories catalog offers options that once were the exclusivity of premium displacements: tire pressure monitoring, ASC traction control, ESA electronic adjustment suspension. At 8,990 euros in basic version, the BMW F 700 GS price remains competitive compared to its direct rivals. Note that these optional equipment can quickly make the bill climb, and that the essential debates on the BMW F 700 GS forum revolve precisely around this question: how far should you go with the options to get your money's worth?

The aesthetic retouching of 2013 modernized the line without betraying the DNA of the GS range. The new design of the front, the reshaped fairing flanks and the redrawn instruments now displaying the fuel gauge and engine temperature give this motorcycle a less dated appearance. On the BMW F 700 GS used market, the 2013 to 2017 model years benefit from these improvements and remain safe bets for those looking for a versatile trail without major mechanical issues. It’s not the motorcycle that will make you vibrate when browsing the technical specifications, but it’s exactly the one that won’t disappoint you in everyday use.