Cal Moto.....I just wanna say you probably have the most honest and best reviews that I have personally seen of BMW motorcycles!! Thanks 4 the awesome vid's man. I really enjoy watching them! ;)
I've owned this bike for just over a year, I got 21,000 miles on it. And I thought it was a very good review, I understand it's got a slightly clunkIy transmission but when you have a model lineup that uses the same engine I don't see how you can down fault just the F700 for that. I have not ridden the F800GS but I take it on faith that standing up on the F800GS would be better but I have taken this bike on some offroad tracks that most would not dare to on a smaller more capable bike. My biggest gripe which does not bother me but would bother others is it is not as fast as a lot of similar displacement bikes including others in the BMW's lineup. Overall good job Cal Moto on a good honest review as always..The overall truh and awesomeness of this bike is it is truly a dual sport and it will last you forever if you want it to.
I think those F700's are really great "do it all" bikes. Friend let me borrow his for 6mo and before that I would have never considered a BMW, but now I'm probably going to get one as my next bike..
I think they're beautiful. I sold my 2016 brand new DL650A last December so I could get a 2013 F700 and I like it heaps better. Smoother and a lot better acceleration, and the exhaust note and engine sound are a big improvement. I test rode F800GSs a few times and this is a much nicer bike on the road. 'love it!
I just got my license, took my lessons on an F 650 GS... which I suspect is pretty similar to this bike. It's rock solid and forgiving, nice flat torque curve, so it pulls nicely. But, I did wish it had a little bit more oomph, especially for longer stretches of highway riding.
I think the F700 is a bit better there with regards to highway oomph. I mean it's still not going to win any races but I'm on the fatter side of things and it hauls me just fine at 80 for a 12 hour sprint.
Just placed an order for the 2016 F700GS to use as a commuter/touring bike. Its not the most exciting bike to ride but that's why I have a Triumph Street Triple for the weekends and when the mood takes me, which is pretty often!!! Think the GS will see me through the winter and save me fortune on train fares!! Planning a tour around Europe in 2017 so it will be perfect for luggage etc. Happy riding folks
I'm 17, about 5'10 5'11. I was wondering if this would be a good first bike for me or the tiger 800xrx, I love BMW's though. I would mainly use it for street
+Malik Robertson I think this would be a great first bike that you could ride for years to come. The Triumph is taller and more aggressive and better for a more experienced rider.
hey cal moto, for a first time rider that is using a bike for commuting to just school and work would you suggest i get the f700gs or wait till the g310r comes out, i kno u havent ridin the g310r yet cuz its not out, but i just wanted to kno ur advice 8)
+gonzalo castro You sound like a young guy and I'd have say wait for the 310 because it will be way sexier and cheaper. It will be easier and cheaper to get laid;)
+Wen0110 In an earlier review, CalMoto rode an f700 with the factory lowered suspension. He said that there was some peg grinding during the review. I'm guessing that he was thinking of that. Otherwise, I don't think that peg grinding is a problem on this bike with the regular suspension. I have one and have yet to grind the pegs, but that might just be me.
+jap338kx That really depends on you. Do you ride off road? Are you young & athletic? The is tall and will not inspire confidence in most beginners. If you are questioning whether it's the right bike for you, I'd suggest the F700GS.
+jap338kx You'll be just fine on any bike you like. I would suggest riding a few demo bikes before you pull the trigger. The BMW 800 twins are slow; you may be disappointed. Try a Triumph Tiger 800 while you're at it....cheers!
I've heard this motor described as boring before...is it really that bad? Too linear, with no pleasant surprises to be found?? Beautiful machine though. I saw one at the BMW dealer in downtown SF the other day. Matte blue looked killer. I want to see the BMW F800R when it comes out. That one has my eye. It doesn't have the asymmetrical headlamp, which I really like and will miss. It looks much more like the Japanese competition. I did try one of the KTM Duke 690's and thought it was a shitload of fun...but I want something a little more well rounded. How are the Beemers on the typical reliability issues. Thanks for the great vid as always.
savagemako17 I've had a 700GS for almost 2 years and the only thing I would change if I could would be the engine. The best term I've heard to describe it is "agricultural". It's like a tractor engine and is only comfortable for me between in the 3000-4500rpm range. Below that it feels like it's lugging and above it it's quite buzzy. The torque is nice and useful but it's not at all smooth and has a pretty abrupt and jerky "on/off" throttle response which definitely kills the fun on the twisties. Enjoy the bike, hate the engine...
Frank Bama I owned an F650GS and an F800GS. I never noticed the on/off response you describe. I wonder if there will be a fault with yours? These bikes are so much fun. I greatly miss mine (even though I currently run an R1250GS) I’m thinking of buying an F700GS as a second bike just to leave at my holiday home.
BMWs are very expensive to own. Keep that in mind. Any time you go to the dealership for work you are looking at about $500-$1000 bill. If you want fun and cheap stay with the Japanese.
That hasn't been my experience Goru, I get it serviced at the local bike shop and it costs less than my TDM900 used to. I've only just bought my first BM but I find it's got it all over the Japanese bikes I've had previously - better balanced, smoother gears and much less engine clatter, feels more engaged with the bitumen when fanging it through the twisties over the mountains. Also, much more effective head-light, nicer exhaust note, the frame seems to fit my long Ozi legs better . . . Just a sweet bike. I'm over the Japanese, tho I might try Italian in a few years. For now I'm just enjoying my Bavarian love affair.
I bought my 2014 F700 GS in May. I love it more and more everyday. I commute over an hour here in So Cal. Great all around motorcycle.
Picking mine up this weekend...cant wait. I have had the 650 since 2002.
Cal Moto.....I just wanna say you probably have the most honest and best reviews that I have personally seen of BMW motorcycles!! Thanks 4 the awesome vid's man. I really enjoy watching them! ;)
I appreciate the kind words...thank you.
Great vid; fantastic road just outside the dealer, perfect light. Wish that moment of the day could last 3/4 hours... :)
I've owned this bike for just over a year, I got 21,000 miles on it. And I thought it was a very good review, I understand it's got a slightly clunkIy transmission but when you have a model lineup that uses the same engine I don't see how you can down fault just the F700 for that. I have not ridden the F800GS but I take it on faith that standing up on the F800GS would be better but I have taken this bike on some offroad tracks that most would not dare to on a smaller more capable bike. My biggest gripe which does not bother me but would bother others is it is not as fast as a lot of similar displacement bikes including others in the BMW's lineup. Overall good job Cal Moto on a good honest review as always..The overall truh and awesomeness of this bike is it is truly a dual sport and it will last you forever if you want it to.
I think those F700's are really great "do it all" bikes. Friend let me borrow his for 6mo and before that I would have never considered a BMW, but now I'm probably going to get one as my next bike..
Saw this one at IMS. Does look much better now, love that blue with black rims.
I think they're beautiful. I sold my 2016 brand new DL650A last December so I could get a 2013 F700 and I like it heaps better. Smoother and a lot better acceleration, and the exhaust note and engine sound are a big improvement.
I test rode F800GSs a few times and this is a much nicer bike on the road.
'love it!
Slow, easy to handle, comfy and last forever. Exactly what I need as my first bike.
I just got my license, took my lessons on an F 650 GS... which I suspect is pretty similar to this bike. It's rock solid and forgiving, nice flat torque curve, so it pulls nicely. But, I did wish it had a little bit more oomph, especially for longer stretches of highway riding.
I think the F700 is a bit better there with regards to highway oomph. I mean it's still not going to win any races but I'm on the fatter side of things and it hauls me just fine at 80 for a 12 hour sprint.
Just placed an order for the 2016 F700GS to use as a commuter/touring bike. Its not the most exciting bike to ride but that's why I have a Triumph Street Triple for the weekends and when the mood takes me, which is pretty often!!!
Think the GS will see me through the winter and save me fortune on train fares!! Planning a tour around Europe in 2017 so it will be perfect for luggage etc.
Happy riding folks
I like the way you think!
If you had to run down the freeway all day, how fast could you comfortably run?
Cal moto, where do you place the go pro? You use the chest gopro mount?
Thank you!
On the street, I mount on the chin bar. Dirt bikes and MTB I use the chest mount.
For mainly street usage would you recommend the F700 or the 800? Also regarding the motor
I like the 700.
I'm 17, about 5'10 5'11. I was wondering if this would be a good first bike for me or the tiger 800xrx, I love BMW's though. I would mainly use it for street
+Malik Robertson I think this would be a great first bike that you could ride for years to come. The Triumph is taller and more aggressive and better for a more experienced rider.
+Cal Moto thank you for your fast reply I'll definitely be getting this now!
+Ali Can Metan Sorry for the late reply I just happened to see this, but what bike would you recommend?
hey cal moto, for a first time rider that is using a bike for commuting to just school and work would you suggest i get the f700gs or wait till the g310r comes out, i kno u havent ridin the g310r yet cuz its not out, but i just wanted to kno ur advice 8)
+gonzalo castro You sound like a young guy and I'd have say wait for the 310 because it will be way sexier and cheaper. It will be easier and cheaper to get laid;)
+Cal Moto exactly what i wanted to hear hahah thanks mann !
Would you rate this or the F800R better for commuting & light touring?
I prefer the 800R because it has a bit more power and a bit less weight; the 800GS is far more practical.
I'm thinking of getting one of these. Is the ESA worth it or just nice to have?
+MaxM It's very worth it. You new have to adjust the shock manually. It's a very convenient and effective feature.
ok, thanks!
What are your thoughts in the mt07 ?
+fish and banana I like it; that said, I think the brakes and suspension are suspect.
what is your gloves model ?
Alpinestar Octane glove.
what does he mean when he says "It's easy to grind the parts on this bike. You need to be careful."?
Wen0110 take it easy during engine break-in period ? I dunno
Yes, I wondered the same thing--at 2:55.
+Wen0110 corners good.. easy to get leaned over a little to far and grind pegs on pavement
+Wen0110 In an earlier review, CalMoto rode an f700 with the factory lowered suspension. He said that there was some peg grinding during the review. I'm guessing that he was thinking of that. Otherwise, I don't think that peg grinding is a problem on this bike with the regular suspension. I have one and have yet to grind the pegs, but that might just be me.
would the f800gs be a good first bike?
+jap338kx That really depends on you. Do you ride off road? Are you young & athletic? The is tall and will not inspire confidence in most beginners. If you are questioning whether it's the right bike for you, I'd suggest the F700GS.
+Cal Moto been riding dirt for 20 years but never street I'm 30 yrs old
+jap338kx You'll be just fine on any bike you like. I would suggest riding a few demo bikes before you pull the trigger. The BMW 800 twins are slow; you may be disappointed. Try a Triumph Tiger 800 while you're at it....cheers!
+Cal Moto thanks!
I'd like to see the S 1000 XR.
I can't wait to make a video on that beast.
Christ , you didn't ride over the plants !
I've heard this motor described as boring before...is it really that bad? Too linear, with no pleasant surprises to be found?? Beautiful machine though. I saw one at the BMW dealer in downtown SF the other day. Matte blue looked killer. I want to see the BMW F800R when it comes out. That one has my eye. It doesn't have the asymmetrical headlamp, which I really like and will miss. It looks much more like the Japanese competition. I did try one of the KTM Duke 690's and thought it was a shitload of fun...but I want something a little more well rounded. How are the Beemers on the typical reliability issues. Thanks for the great vid as always.
The BMWs are reliable; so are the Triumphs. You might ride before a Street Triple before you commit.
savagemako17 I've had a 700GS for almost 2 years and the only thing I would change if I could would be the engine. The best term I've heard to describe it is "agricultural". It's like a tractor engine and is only comfortable for me between in the 3000-4500rpm range. Below that it feels like it's lugging and above it it's quite buzzy. The torque is nice and useful but it's not at all smooth and has a pretty abrupt and jerky "on/off" throttle response which definitely kills the fun on the twisties. Enjoy the bike, hate the engine...
Frank Bama I owned an F650GS and an F800GS. I never noticed the on/off response you describe.
I wonder if there will be a fault with yours?
These bikes are so much fun. I greatly miss mine (even though I currently run an R1250GS)
I’m thinking of buying an F700GS as a second bike just to leave at my holiday home.
700 still a capable offroad machine?
Yes it is; much better than most would give it credit for.
Cal Moto
Great! Still toying between the 700 and 800.
BMWs are very expensive to own. Keep that in mind. Any time you go to the dealership for work you are looking at about $500-$1000 bill. If you want fun and cheap stay with the Japanese.
+Goru Minosyan Not everyone wants and likes cheap....enjoy.
+Cal Moto True that. I just wanted to warn all the newbies out there.
That hasn't been my experience Goru, I get it serviced at the local bike shop and it costs less than my TDM900 used to. I've only just bought my first BM but I find it's got it all over the Japanese bikes I've had previously - better balanced, smoother gears and much less engine clatter, feels more engaged with the bitumen when fanging it through the twisties over the mountains. Also, much more effective head-light, nicer exhaust note, the frame seems to fit my long Ozi legs better . . . Just a sweet bike. I'm over the Japanese, tho I might try Italian in a few years. For now I'm just enjoying my Bavarian love affair.
Not true.