BMW F 750 GS 2018 — Specifications

Born in the shadow of a giant, that’s the fate of many machines that nonetheless deserve attention. The F 750 GS 2018 isn’t a R 1250 GS, doesn’t have the stature of its big sister, and yet it establishes itself as a coherent proposition for a category of riders often underserved. When BMW decided in 2018 to rename and rethink its F 700 GS, it was a repositioning with the A2 license holders and touring riders who don’s need a 1300 cm³ beast to chart their path firmly in mind.

The engine, first of all. The parallel twin goes to 853 cm³, which makes the BMW F 750 GS a real 850 disguised as a 750 for commercial reasons that are not always understood. The bore and stroke are increased to 84 x 77 mm, and the crankshaft timing at 270° changes the game: where the old 700 purred in a fairly neutral way, the new version adopts the irregular character known on the Yamaha MT-07. As a result, 77 hp at 7500 rpm and 83 Nm at 6500 rpm, modest figures on paper but sufficient to carry 224 kg up to 190 km/h while consuming 4.1 liters per 100 km. Autonomy is around 300 km with a 15-liter tank, which is honest for this size. Two balance shafts limit high-frequency vibrations, a welcome attention for those who chain kilometers.

The silhouette has also changed. The tank, formerly located under the seat in an atypical arrangement, returns to its conventional position above the engine. The centralization of masses is improved, the rear is lightened and recovers an integrated luggage rack as standard, which makes the BMW F 750 GS for sale even more attractive. The steel double-tube frame replaces the old tubular trellis for increased rigidity. The 41 mm telescopic fork, non-inverted, with 151 mm of travel, confirms that this machine does not aim for off-the-beaten-path trails: the F 850 GS retains the monopoly of true off-road with its inverted fork and 21-inch front wheel. The seat height at 815 mm remains accessible for a trail of this format, lowered by 5 mm compared to the previous generation to facilitate handling. An A2-restricted BMW F 750 GS at 48 hp remains a credible option for young licensees who want to progress on a serious platform.

The electronics follow the general trend of the range. As standard, two riding modes Rain and Road, the ASC traction control and ABS. But BMW excels in the art of selling options, and the list is long: Dynamic ESA electronic suspension, DTC traction control, quickshifter, ABS Pro active in curves, 6.5-inch color TFT screen, emergency call. For a BMW F 750 GS base price of €9,950, the bill quickly increases if you want to fully enjoy the potential of the machine. The BMW F 750 GS high screen, the BMW F 750 GS vario top case and the BMW F 750 GS accessories represent as many additional lines on the order form. A BMW F 750 GS 2020 or BMW F 750 GS 2021 model purchased used with the right packs already installed will often be much more financially interesting.

This mid-range trail is aimed at riders who want the GS badge without the complexity of the large displacement, urban riders who regularly go on weekend trips, and anyone looking for a versatile machine without sacrificing German finish. It is not an engine designed for rocky trails, and it does not claim to be. Its playground is varied tarmac, mountain roads at a sustained pace, crossings of Europe without mechanical drama. Where a Kawasaki Versys 650 or a Suzuki V-Strom 650 offer softer prices, BMW plays on finish, onboard electronics and solid resale value. An assumed choice, not always rational, rarely regretted.