BMW F 700 GS 2017 — Specifications

What are we really looking for when we look at a BMW F 700 GS? Not a hardcore off-road machine, that’s for sure. Rather, a versatile mount, capable of devouring national roads without straining, weaving through the city with the confidence of an adventure bike, and reassuring the rider who is still hesitant to leave the pavement. The 2017 version hasn't revolutionized the formula, but it has digested the Euro4 constraints with a certain elegance. Along the way, the twin gained three kilograms, bringing the wet weight to 212 kg, a figure to keep in mind when comparing this machine to a Kawasaki Versys 650 or a Suzuki V-Strom 650, which are noticeably lighter.

The engine remains the heart of the matter. Despite its commercial designation, the twin-cylinder has a displacement of 798 cm3, with a bore of 82 mm and a stroke of 75.6 mm. The announced power is 75 horsepower at 7300 rpm, with a torque of 77 Nm available from 5300 rpm. Munich simply revised the mapping to meet emissions standards, and the torque delivery has even slightly improved in the mid-range. The concrete result on the road is a smooth, jerk-free engine that is perfectly suited to intensive daily use. Those seeking the grunt of the hurried motorcyclist will look to the F 800 GS and its 85 horsepower. And A2 license holders will note that the BMW F 700 GS can be restricted to 48 horsepower, making it a serious candidate for young riders.

The major technical novelty of this BMW F 700 GS 2017 is the switch to electronic throttle. Ride-by-Wire opens the door to riding modes: Rain to smooth out progression in the wet, Road for a more responsive feel in everyday use. Traction control ASC is associated with these mappings. An Enduro mode can also be ordered as an option, which softens the throttle response and reconfigures the ABS to allow for some leeway on easy tracks. These are technologies that were previously found only on machines like the R 1200 GS, and their democratization in this segment is a real selling point. The dashboard has been slightly revised to display active modes and an engine diagnostic indicator.

Regarding aesthetics, BMW has played the card of cosmetic changes without revolution. The tank sides receive a metallic coating that gives the whole thing a more premium look. It's visible, perhaps a little too much, but the market for mid-displacement trail bikes is now very competitive and every argument counts to convince at the dealership. The BMW F 700 GS accessory catalog remains a considerable asset: Vario cases, heated grips, a taller screen, a lower seat, an engine guard. The seat, just so, is available in a range of adjustment from 765 to 860 mm, which makes the machine accessible to a wide range of heights. With a standard height of 820 mm and 186 kg dry weight, the apprehension at a standstill remains moderate.

Priced at €9,605 in its 2017 version, the BMW F 700 GS positions itself without complex feelings against its European rivals. Spoked wheels with a 19-inch front rim and a 110/80 tire size betray its road-oriented rather than adventurous nature; no one will take it to challenge an Africa Twin on rocky paths. But that's not its purpose. This Munich mid-displacement trail bike is primarily an intelligent compromise machine, built for riders who want to do a little bit of everything, without compromise on reliability or electronic equipment. Lovers of BMW F 700 GS used bikes will find a well-supplied market, particularly in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 vintages, each evolution having improved a specific point without distorting the whole.