BMW F 700 GS 2016 — Specifications

When Munich decides to refresh a model without touching its internals, it's called a cosmetic update. For the 2016 model year, the BMW F 700 GS presents with metallic finishes on the tank flanks and a redesigned upper fairing, subtly enhanced by a Sport White color scheme with red frame. It's not a revolution, and BMW doesn't claim it is. However, the competition doesn't sleep in this segment of accessible trail bikes: the Kawasaki Versys 650, the Suzuki V-Strom 650, and the Honda CB500X are jostling for position to seduce the same buyers. Facing them, the Bavarian brand relies on the legitimacy of a lineage rather than an unbeatable price-equipment ratio.

The number "700" is a deliberate marketing liberty. Under the steel tubular frame, the parallel-twin engine actually develops 798 cm3, with a bore of 82 mm and a stroke of 75.6 mm, a compression ratio of 12:1. The engine mapping extracts 75 horsepower at 7300 rpm and a torque of 77 Nm from 5300 rpm, which places the machine in a frank dynamic without being brutal. The BMW F 800 GS, its big sister, retains 85 horsepower and a real difference in temperament. The interest of this intermediate positioning is clear for those preparing for their A2 license: a restriction kit to 48 horsepower is available, and the motorcycle can regain its nominal power once the restriction is lifted. At a reference price of €9450, the BMW F 700 GS price is clearly above the Japanese alternatives, but it carries range arguments that the latter struggle to match as standard.

The seat deserves particular attention. With a basic height of 820 mm, the machine is not intended for short riders, but BMW has planned ahead for this model year: four seat configurations and an optional lowering of the chassis allow adjustment from 765 mm to 860 mm. For a versatile trail bike intended for drivers from various backgrounds, this is a practical detail that counts on a daily basis. The 209 kg when fully fueled remain manageable when maneuvering, and the balanced riding position is suitable for both urban commuting and weekend rides on mountain roads. The top speed of 191 km/h with a 16-liter tank and a consumption announced at 3.9 liters per 100 km outline a correct autonomy of just over 400 kilometers.

The safety chapter owes much to the 2013 evolution, which owners of a used BMW F 700 GS seeking a model prior to this date should note. The upgrade integrated a double front disc with two-piston calipers and a dual-channel ABS disconnectable as standard, whereas many competitors still charge these features as an option. The 41 mm telescopic suspension at the front and the aluminum swingarm at the rear have a deliberately reduced travel compared to the 800 GS; this is a choice consistent with the machine's asphalt vocation, but which penalizes it as soon as the surface disappears. The 19-inch front wheel symbolically recalls the trail DNA, without convincing on dirt tracks.

For those who want to personalize their BMW F 700 GS, the BMW F 700 GS accessory catalog is one of the most developed on the market: ADC tire pressure monitoring, ASC traction control, ESA automatic suspension adjustment, Vario cases, heated grips, hand guards. The list resembles a configurator for a premium car, and the final bill can climb noticeably. This is the true positioning of this compact GS: a motorcycle that is built to measure, for an audience of experienced drivers seeking an effective daily tool, or new A2 license holders who already see the motorcycle in the long term. Not an adventurer, but a reliable companion.