The Accessible Adventurer: A Comprehensive Review of the BMW F 700 GS
In the world of adventure touring, the BMW GS series is legendary. Yet, not every rider needs the immense power and long-travel suspension of a top-tier adventure bike. For those seeking a more accessible, manageable, and urban-friendly machine that still carries the spirit of adventure, the BMW F 700 GS emerges as the perfect choice. Positioned as the entry point to the GS family, the F 700 GS is designed to be a versatile all-rounder, combining the rugged DNA of its siblings with a friendly demeanor that appeals to a wide range of riders. This detailed review explores how the F 700 GS successfully delivers on its promise of an authentic adventure experience without intimidation.
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| The Accessible Adventurer: A Comprehensive Review of the BMW F 700 GS |
Design and Ergonomics: Approachable and Functional
The BMW F 700 GS carries the unmistakable visual language of the GS family, with a rugged, utilitarian design that looks ready for any journey. The high fender, asymmetrical headlight, and minimalist bodywork give it a purposeful and adventurous stance. However, its most defining characteristic is its approachable size. The F 700 GS has a lower seat height than its more off-road-focused sibling, the F 800 GS, making it far more accessible for shorter riders or those who simply prefer a more confident footing.
Ergonomically, the bike is designed for comfort and control. The upright riding position is natural and relaxed, perfect for both long highway stretches and navigating city traffic. The handlebars are wide enough for good leverage, and the footpeg position is well-balanced. The bike feels light and nimble, a quality that belies its adventure-touring capabilities.
Engine and Performance: A Smooth and Willing Partner
At the heart of the F 700 GS is a liquid-cooled, 798cc parallel-twin engine. While it shares its displacement with the F 800 GS, it is tuned to be a more user-friendly machine. The engine produces around 75 horsepower and a generous amount of torque, which is delivered in a smooth and predictable manner. This power delivery makes it an ideal engine for a variety of riders, as it’s strong enough to be exciting without ever feeling overwhelming.
The engine’s character is a major selling point. It has a distinctive and pleasing sound, and the power delivery is linear, making it easy to manage both on-road and on light off-road trails. The smooth-shifting six-speed gearbox complements the engine perfectly. The F 700 GS is perfectly capable of cruising comfortably at highway speeds, and its quick acceleration makes it agile in city traffic.
Handling and Ride: Confidence-Inspiring Versatility
The F 700 GS’s handling is defined by its well-balanced chassis and excellent suspension. The bike feels light on its feet and responds eagerly to rider inputs. The suspension, while having less travel than the F 800 GS, is more than sufficient for absorbing road imperfections and providing a stable, comfortable ride. Its cast-aluminum wheels, typically paired with a 19-inch front, are optimized for on-road stability, making it a brilliant commuter and a confident tourer.
The bike's lower center of gravity and more forgiving suspension setup also make it a fantastic learning platform for riders new to adventure-style bikes. Braking is handled by strong dual disc brakes at the front and a single disc at the rear, with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) as a standard safety feature, providing powerful and safe stopping in all conditions.
Key Features: The Essentials of Adventure
While the F 700 GS is designed to be a more accessible model, it doesn’t skimp on essential features.
ABS and Optional ASC: BMW's excellent Anti-lock Braking System is standard, and many models come with optional Automatic Stability Control (ASC), a form of traction control that adds a crucial layer of safety on slippery surfaces.
Heated Grips: A premium feature that significantly enhances comfort during cold weather riding.
Onboard Computer: A small but useful display provides essential information, including fuel consumption, outside temperature, and gear position.
Lower Seat Height: The defining ergonomic feature of the F 700 GS, which makes it an excellent choice for riders of all sizes.
Conclusion: The Perfect Starting Point for Adventure
The BMW F 700 GS is a testament to BMW’s understanding of the adventure touring market. It is a bike that recognizes that not everyone wants or needs an intimidating, oversized machine to explore the world. Instead, it offers a well-rounded, user-friendly, and highly capable package. It’s a brilliant commuter, a comfortable tourer, and a confident off-road explorer on light trails.
For riders new to the GS family, or for those who simply want a more manageable adventure bike for daily use, the F 700 GS is an excellent and intelligent choice. It delivers the same spirit of adventure as its bigger siblings, but in a more accessible and confidence-inspiring package. The F 700 GS proves that the journey is just as important as the destination, and it makes every ride an adventure.
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