2013 BMW F 700 GS and BMW F 800 GS – First Look Review

BMW’s F-series model family includes four motorcycles powered by the company’s 798cc parallel twin engine: F 800 R, F 800 ST, F 650 GS and F 800 GS. When BMW decided to update the two models in its popular GS enduro line, it also looked to clear up some confusion over model names. Despite being powered by the same 798cc engine, though in different states of tune, BMW’s street-oriented enduro is called the F 650 GS and its more offroad-oriented enduro is called the F 800 GS. Displacement hasn’t changed, but the F 650 GS will now be called the F 700 GS, though it does get a small boost in power and torque.

The transverse, liquid-cooled parallel twin that powers the F 700 GS and the F 800 GS has four valves per cylinder, electronic fuel injection, a closed-loop catalytic converter and a 6-speed gearbox. It features an additional connecting rod that serves as a counterbalancer to smooth out vibration. In the F 800 GS, the engine is tuned to deliver the same claimed 85 horsepower at 7,500 rpm and 61 lb-ft of torque at 5,750 rpm as before. The F 700 GS generates a claimed 75 horsepower at 7,300 rpm and 57 lb-ft of torque at 5,500 rpm, up 4 horsepower and 2 lb-ft from the F 650 GS. The F 700 GS also features a shorter overall gear ratio for quicker acceleration. The steel tubular frame that uses the engine as a stressed member, steel subframe, aluminum swingarm, wheels (cast on F 700 GS, spoked on F 800 GS) are unchanged.

The new F 700 GS gets a second disc brake on the front wheel, like the F 800 GS, and both models are fitted as standard with BMW Motorrad two-channel ABS. Two popular options have been added for the first time in this middleweight segment—Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) and Automatic Stability Control (ASC), or traction control. ESA allows the rider to conveniently set rebound damping of the rear shock at the press of a button on the handlebars, with the settings “Comfort,” “Normal” or “Sport” available. Unlike other BMW models where ESA is offered, spring preload for the rear shock is set by hand, using a remote adjuster knob. ASC prevents unwanted spinning of the rear wheel while accelerating, which could result in the loss of lateral grip and a slide.

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The new F 700 GS and F 800 GS also feature the latest generation of BMW Motorrad switchgear, which is more compact and offers improved ergonomics. They also get new instrumentation that’s easier to read and offers more information, including fuel level and coolant temperature. Styling updates include new side trim, a new handlebar clamp and windscreen for the F 700 GS, and smoke gray turn signals and LED taillight covers. BMW has also increased its range of options and accessories, including a low suspension kit for the F 800 GS.

F 700 GS, formerly the F 650 GS, has been updated with new styling, features and options. (Euro spec, accessorized model shown)
F 700 GS, formerly the F 650 GS, has been updated with new styling, features and options. (Euro spec, accessorized model shown)
The F 700 GS gets more power, a second front brake disc and more.
The F 700 GS gets more power, a second front brake disc and more.
F 800 GS has been updated with new styling, features and options. (Euro spec, accessorized model shown)
F 800 GS has been updated with new styling, features and options. (Euro spec, accessorized model shown)
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), Anti Spin Control (ASC) and lower suspension are new options on the F 800 GS.
Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA), Anti Spin Control (ASC) and lower suspension are new options on the F 800 GS.

The F 700 GS will be offered in Red apple metallic, Ostra grey metallic matt and Glacier silver metallic, and the F 800 GS will be offered in Kalamata metallic matt, Cordoba blue and Alpine white 3. Pricing and availability have not been released.

9 COMMENTS

  1. “The new F 700 GS and F 800 GS also feature the latest generation of BMW Motorrad switchgear, which is more compact and offers improved ergonomics.” If this means the switch layout won’t jeopardize your life when you frantically flash your left signal at a car violating your right-of-way, that’s a good thing.

  2. Got to test ride the Gs700 yesterday. Great bike it does what it’s built for.
    Local or day trips even touring if you fit all the extras.
    It’s going to be a winner with intermediate riders.

  3. As a favour I just rode a friend’s 2010 650. It’s a long story, but his wife bought it for him and he is without a licence… so I just doubled it’s travelled kms to 90. Yes. 90.

    What a great friend I am, I know… please don’t embarrass me by putting me up for a nobel.

    ANYWAY… the thing that struck me was how good it actually is. My nearest comparison was riding a 1200 GS through Europe a couple of months ago (3700kms, 3500kms on corners… stop hating me) …

    What has this to do with the 2013?

    Let me tell you:
    On the way back here to home, with a grin that almost made me swallow my chinstrap, the only thing I would wish for to make it a near perfect bike was the ESA/Suspension control that was on the 1200.

    So I came to almighty google with a view of seeing what 800’s (if it weighs the same, why wouldn’t I go for the uptuned thing?) were on the market – this post came up and it was as if my prayers were answered.

    I love the robust look of the 1200, but after having punted it about through Slovenia/Croatia/Bosnia I came to the conclusion that while it is a supremely well manufactured bike, if Msrs Boorman and McGregor hadn’t have ridden them on television there is no way that they would be as popular as they are.

    No, after having ridden the little guy, and now knowing that the 2 gadgets that I would want on it are now available, I think I might have found my perfect “gonna keep this thing for years” bike.

  4. 800GS,purchased Nov of 2013. Fell in love at first sight.I have been riding M/Cs for 40 years,all kinds and shapes.Ups-price is ok,it is a BMW>it looks really cool in green,i am into military industrial look>will run and handle like a heavy motocross bike,kinda,I have a YZ450 ,need to change tires for dirt.handles good on street>fuel mileage ok>works great for dirt touring>good top speed, can run 80 all day>light weight or at least feels like it>powerband is good> basic layout is very good but needed some tweaking to suit me. Downs-feels loose at highway speeds,lightweight and higher ground clearance the cause,but thats good for dirt>front suspension to lite for me>seat sucks,>tires only good for street> brakes work almost too good,run ABS all the time>first warranty check with BMW and maybe more later,$275. Improvements: had to change seat to Sargent-$380,really irks me>windscreen $200> adjustable shift lever>forksprings,if you ride hard>handguards>unbreakable mirriors, if you drop it,which I did>smaller front sprocket,it is geared to high>back fender ext. if you want keep mud off engine and shock-$85 this irks>added LED turn signals and extra rear light> needs more lights up front,I am into lots of lighting for safety>handle bar risers>needs bigger foot on kick stand,I bolted on 3in washer>better skid plate for off road>back luggage plate>rear boxes,”expensive”>louder horn>engine guard and hiway pegs. I would have to add most of this more or less on any bike I would have purchased. Have lots of undiscretionary funds to play this game like I have.

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