BMW F700GS, road test

There were once two categories of BMWs, the real ones and the entry level ones. The rules for attacking the market did not allow too expensive solutions to be brought to the brand's entry model. Thus the 650 of the 90s was practically a reinterpretation of the Aprilia Pegaso 650, with which it also shared the Rotax engine. The BMW F700GS marks the end of this idea, with a qualitative leap upwards. The engine is the same 798cc parallel twin as the F800GS, but above all at the front we now find two 300mm brake discs, assisted as standard byAbs , components of the motorbike is very respectable.

Aesthetics and finishes:

rating:  

Simple but really high quality

Il front headlight assembly represents the trademark, with 2 elements asymmetrical to each other, particular, but which fans of the German company like. The plastics are of good workmanship and quality. The couplings between them are impeccable. THE commands, divided into two blocks on the handlebars, are of excellent quality as well easily accessible and intuitive. The instrumentation è Assessment, with analogue speedometer and tachometer, as well as a display to have all the information under control, including average and instantaneous consumption. There saddle è very comfortable for both the pilot and the passenger , distance from the ground è quite small for a motorcycle of this type. At no additional cost it is possible to further reduce the height. Compared to her older sister, gifted with fork with upside down stems, here we find a cheaper one traditional but of excellent quality.

Engine and performance:

rating:  

Everything perfect but some more emotion is missing

The 800 4 valve twin cylinder, here in the step from 75 horses, 10 less than the 800, is water-cooled and equipped with electronic injection and catalytic converter. The engine is a marvel of elasticity, fluidity and progression. From two thousand rpm up to the limiter the “pull” is continuous, so much so that you can hardly hear the couple coming together, all accompanied by one of the most civilized "sounds" ever heard. You can allow yourself to enter a corner in the wrong gear without even realizing it. The gearbox clutches are always precise, even finding neutral with the bike stopped is always easy. The accelerator is very progressive and without surprises. Perhaps the flaw of this engine lies precisely in its linearity. In our opinion the a hint of malice is missing in the last two thousand rpm of the usage range, perhaps accompanied by a more captivating sound. However, many buyers of the BMW F700GS are probably not looking for this.

Ride and handling:

rating:  

Record-breaking handling and it drives itself

The distance from the saddle to the handlebars/footpegs is the most natural it can be, it makes the bike suitable for long journeys, with or without passenger, and allows you to have everything under control even at happy speeds alone. Once in motion the bike really feels very easy to drive ed extremely agile, at the expense of a weight exceeding two quintals. In the city it drives almost better than a scooter, you don't feel the weight of the motorbike at all and thewide rotation angle of the handlebar makes all maneuvers easier. On extra-urban roads it is a pleasure to drive it without the slightest effort, comfortably directing it where you see fit. Well suited to beginners, who will appreciate his never challenging cycling andoptional ASC for traction control, which can be deactivated, which the sample we tested is equipped with. It's part of the package."safety 360” that BMW offers to its customers. It is very useful especially in case of rain and low grip conditions, especially for inexperienced riders new to the world of two wheels. It obviously also prevents the front wheel from lifting, whether involuntary or not. The braking is always safe, even in the event of sudden stops the system demonstrates excellent efficiency and the bike never breaks down. Even an experienced driver will hardly be able to do better. Falling while braking becomes practically impossible. In the first phase of braking, the fork sinks quickly, as obviously happens for an Enduro motorbike, and then makes you feel greater resistance and a positive sensation of solidity. If you really want to find a flaw, braking is a little spongy at the lever, without compromising modulation. There cycling really excellent for the type of motorcycle. It absorbs all the irregularities of the asphalt, including the most treacherous potholes or even the rapid climb up a sidewalk or step. However, as the pace increases it offers a solid support when cornering. You find yourself bending extremely naturally, using all the rubber without almost realizing it.

Price and consumption:

rating:  

Consumes little, reasonable price

Even at a brisk pace, and with a passenger, it's easy to ride more than 20 km with one liter of petrol. The starting price is 9.500 euros, while the example we tested is equipped with almost 1.300 euros of accessories, including traction control (315 euros), heated grips (215 euros), anti-theft device (225 euros) and tire pressure control (225 euros). In conclusion we can say that the BMW F700GS is aexcellent bike for those who want to enter the BMW world, having a level components, record-breaking handling in the city, very low fuel consumption and which can be easily driven in any situation, without surprises. On the motorway the only limit is the reduced aerodynamic protection, which can be improved with a larger windscreen.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Ease of driving, excellent components and low consumption.

We do not like it:
Excellent engine but few emotions.

BMW F700GS: the Motorionline Report Card

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