BMW Motorrad presents the new F 700 GS and F 800 GS, which are bound to replace – respectively – the F 650 and F 800 launched back in 2007.
The main goal of the Bavarian house is to offer two ‘entry level’ bikes that can provide performance, comfort and fun in all conditions, but updated to the highest standards of GS family in terms of reliability, technology and, thus, prestige.
The new F 800 GS continues in the footsteps of the outgoing model, combining tourism and road use with excellent off-road skills, while the F 700 GS is more geared towards those motorcyclists who are not that interested in off-road use, boasting between its strengths lower seat height, versatility for everyday use and a good power/fuel consumption ratio.
In compliance with the new internal policy called “Safety 360″, BMW has provided both the F 700 and F 800 with ABS as a standard feature, adding others safety related innovations on the top of it that we will discuss later.
For both models power will come from the already known and reliable 798 cc flat twin with 4 valves per cylinder, liquid-cooled with electronic fuel-injection, still coupled with a 6-speed transmission and a catalytic converter.
For the F 800 GS this engine will still deliver 63 kW (85 hp) at 7,500 revolutions per minute, producing a maximum torque of 83 Nm at 5,750 rpm, while for the F 700 the power goes up to 55 kW (75 hp) at 7,300 rpm with a maximum torque of 77 Nm at 5,500 rpm, registering a +2 hp and +4 Nm over the claimed output of the F 650 GS.
In terms of chassis, the new F 700 GS and F 800 GS draw freely from the wealth of experience gained by BMW in this segment of the market: the sturdy tubular steel frame integrates the engine as a load-bearing element, while rear frame in square steel tubing, the steering head connection via gusset plates and the single-section chill-cast double-sided swing arm made of aluminium remain unchanged.
Like the F 800, F 700 is now also equipped with a double disc brake with an effective diameter of 300 mm and dual piston floating calipers on the front wheel, while a system of electronically controlled suspension is available ‘ex works’ for both models with the usual three modes: “Comfort”, “Normal “and” Sports “.
View the full BMW F 700 GS and F 800 GS photo gallery Among the other optional extras that BMW Motorrad offers for these two new members of the GS range, surely worth mentioning is the ASC (Automatic Stability Control) which is a ‘first’ in this category.
This particular traction control system prevents unwanted slippage of the rear wheel during acceleration, which would lead to a loss of lateral grip by the tire, thus increasing seafety for the rider as well as the efficiency of the transmission to the rear wheel itself.
However, this particular electronic system can be disabled at any time if it is not desired – for example on the track – all the rider needs to do is pressing a button, even while traveling.
In terms of aesthetics, the new BMW F 700 GS and F 800 GS has been updated in an attempt to provide them with a design more in keeping with the character of the model: the areas most affected by this ‘makeover’ are the side sections, which are now sharper.
BMW also introduced new smoke covers fumee for the direction indicators and rear LED light, while also offering new color schemes and graphics.
The instrumentation got revised too: analog speedometer and tachometer are now placed vertically for better readability, while fuel gauge and coolant temperature indicators are still there.
The new F 700 GS and F 800 GS also comes with the latest generation of hand levers and controls developed by BMW Motorrad, which are distinguished by a compact construction and improved ergonomics.
One of the most frequent criticisms raised against the previous GS 650 and 800 related to the excessive height of the saddle, a small inconvenience that BMW did not neglect while re-thinking its new models: the Bavarian house will in fact offer a lower set-up that will be made available upon request.
Speaking of which, BMW has proceeded to significantly expand the range of optional extras and special equipment available for both models in order to meet the different needs of its customers.
Technical specificationsTechnical specification for the BMW F 800 GS model.
BMW F 700 GS’s specs reported in brackets when different.
EngineCapacity: 798 ccBore/stroke: 82/75.
6 mmOutput: 63/85 kW/hp (55/75) at engine speed 7,500 rpm (7,300)Torque: 83 Nm (77) at engine speed 5,750 rpm (5,500)Type: Water cooled straight two cylinder engineCompression; fuel 12.
0 : 1 / premium unleaded (95 RON)Valve actuation: DOHC (double overhead camshaft), rocker armsValves per cylinder: 4Ø Intake/outlet: 32/27.
5 mmØ throttle valve: 46mmCarburetion: Electronic manifold injection, engine engine management BMS-KPEmission control: Fully controlled three way catalytic converterElectrical systemAlternator: 400 WBattery: 12/14 V/AhHeadlight: High/low-beam: 12 V/55 W, halogenRear light: LED brake/rear lightStarter: 0.
9 kWPower transmission gearboxClutch: Multidisc oil bath clutch, mechanically actuatedGearbox: Claw-shifted six-speed gearboxPrimary ratio: 1.
943Gear transmission ratioI 2.
462II 1.
750III 1.
381IV 1.
174V 1.
042VI 0.
960Rear wheel drive: ChainTransmission ratio: 2.
625 (2.
471)ChassisFrame construction type: Tubular stell frame, load-bearing power unitSuspension, front: Upside-down telescopic fork, Ø 43 mm (Telescopic fork, Ø 41 mm)Suspension, rear: Double-strut swing arm, aluminium cast in one pieceSpring travel, front/rear: 230/215 mm (180/170)Wheel castor: 117 mm (95)Wheelbase: 1,578 mm (1,562)Steering head angle: 64°Brakesfront: Hydraulically actuated double disc brake, Ø 300 mm, dual piston floating caliperrear: Hydraulically actuated single disc brake, Ø 265 mm, single-piston floating caliperABSBMW Motorrad ABS, ON/OFF (standard)WheelsType : Spoked wheels with aluminium rims (Aluminium cast wheels)front: 2.
15 x 21″ (2.
50 x 19″)rear: 4.
25 x 17″ (3.
5 x 17″)Tyresfront: 90/90 R21 (110/80 R19)rear: 150/70 R17 (140/80 R17)Dimensions and weightsTotal length: 2,320 mm (2,280)Total width with/without mirrors: 920/890 mm (880/855)Seat height (without rider): 880 mm, optional equipment 850 (820 mm, optional equipment 790)DIN unladen weight, ready for road: 214 kg (209)Permitted total weight: 443 kg (445)Fuel tank capacity: 16 litresPerformance figuresFuel consumption@ 90 km/h: 3.
8 l/100 km (3.
9)Fuel consumption@ 90 km/h: 5.
2 l/100 km (5.
1)Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 4.
1 seconds (4.
3)Max.
speed: > 200 km/h (192)The main technical differencesLeaving aside the obvious gap between these two models in terms of sheer power, the main differences between the F 700 GS and F 800 GS are different front fork – with the former adopting a conventional telescopic fork and the second that uses an upside-down one – and the different choice for the wheels, with the first that uses cast wheels with a 19″ rim at the front and the second one equipped with more classic spoked wheels witha 21″ at the front.
Besides, the hadlebars of the 700 are made of steel while the 800’s are made of aluminum.
The height of the saddle is also different: it its standard configuration the saddle of the 700 is 820 mm high (790 mm with optional lowered suspension which we discussed earlier) while for the 800 it is roughly 880 mm (which would go down to 850 with the ‘other’ set-up).
The kurb weight of each bike is obviously different as well: 209 kg for the 700 and 214 kg for the 800.
Overview of new technical features• Increased output and torque in the F 700 GS as compared to predecessor model: 55 kW (75 hp) at 7,300 rpm (F 650 GS: 52 kW [71 hp] at 7,000 rpm).
• The latest generation of BMW Motorrad two-channel ABS as standard.
• Double disc brake system at front – now also for F 700 GS.
• Automatic Stability Control ASC (ex works option).
• Electronic Suspension Adjustment ESA (ex works option).
• Rear spring mount can be adjusted via optimised handwheel.
• Newly designed body features in a more dynamic, masculine look.
• New paint finishes for the F 700 GS:Red apple metallic, Ostra grey metallic matt and Glacier silver metallic.
• New paint finishes for the F 800 GS:Kalamata metallic matt, Cordoba blue and Alpine white 3.
• New handlebar switch units and brake fluid containers, front.
• New handlebar clamp for F 700 GS.
• Cockpit with new dial faces for speedometer and engine speed display and an extended range of information.
• New windshield for F 700 GS.
• Smoke grey turn indicators and smoke grey LED rear light glass covering.
• Lowered suspension for F 800 GS (ex works option/special accessory).
• Power reduction to 35 kW (48 hp) (ex works option).
• Engine map adjustment for regular fuel (RON 91) (ex works option).
• Comfort seat now available as an ex works option too.
• Case carrier for Vario case now also available as an ex works option.
• New centre stand as ex works option.
• Comfort package: on-board computer, heated grips, case holder, centre stand (ex works option).
• Safety package for F 800 GS: ASC and ESA (ex works option).
• Safety package for F 700 GS: ASC, ESA, RDC (ex works option).
• LED auxiliary headlight for F 800 GS (special accessory).
• Enduro footrests, wide (special accessory).
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