BMW F 700 GS: specifications, pros and cons, compatible accessories
The softened F 800, with a 19-inch wheel and low seat
The same twin-cylinder engine as the F 800 GS with less power, lower-spec chassis, and road-focused use. Today it is one of the most affordable used bikes in the range, and its accessories benefit from its relationship with the F 800: the handguard kit, cruise control, and luggage are shared.
- In summaryUsed at a low price, with a short but focused catalog centered on hand protection and comfort.
- Do immediatelyHandguard kit, instrument protection, cruise control.
- Good to knowThe BHG-040 kit fits the F 700 GS, F 800 GS, and Super Ténéré.
- AttentionF 750 GS part numbers do not fit: it is a different motorcycle.
- BrandsBarkbusters, Eazi-Grip, Kaoko, LOBOO.
Who it is recommended for
It is the right bike if
- You are looking for a BMW touring bike at the lowest possible cost
- You are shorter: 820 mm seat, with low-seat option
- You want simple mechanics, without electronics to repair
- You ride roads and gravel roads, not technical off-road terrain
- An essential setup is enough for you: handguards, luggage, and cruise control
Look elsewhere if
- Do serious off-roading: the 19-inch wheel and short-travel suspension are limiting
- Often ride two-up with luggage: 75 hp is noticeable
- Want modern instrumentation
- Looking for a skid plate, engine-case protection, or a kickstand base: they are not in the catalog
- Planning to use F 750 GS part numbers: they are not compatible
In short: this is the least expensive BMW touring bike, and everything needed to use it can be found without spending much. If you want the same ease of use on a newer motorcycle, the F 750 GS is its direct successor; if you are looking for a 21-inch wheel and genuine off-road capability, the classic F 800 GS is the sister model to consider.
Technical specifications
| Engine | 798 cc parallel twin, 360-degree crankshaft |
|---|---|
| Power | 75 hp at 7,300 rpm |
| Torque | 77 Nm at 5,300 rpm |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain final drive |
| Chassis | Steel trellis frame, telescopic fork |
| Wheels | 19 inches front, 17 rear |
| Weight | 209 kg in running order |
| Fuel tank | 16 liters |
| Seat height | 820 mm standard, with low-seat option |
| Production | 2013-2017, evolution of the twin-cylinder F 650 GS |
Pros and cons
Pros
- Low seat and light weight: easy for everyone
- Among the lowest used prices in the BMW range
- Handguard and cruise control kits shared with the F 800 GS
- Simple mechanics, without complex electronics
- Low fuel consumption in everyday use
Cons
- 19-inch front wheel and short-travel suspension: limited off-road ability
- 75 hp that you can feel when riding two-up with luggage
- Accessories catalog limited to a few items
- 360-degree parallel-twin vibrations
- Dated instrumentation
What to fit, in order of priority
On an affordable touring motorcycle, what matters is protecting your hands and reducing fatigue.
- 1
Barkbusters BHG-040 handguard kitThe dedicated mount for the F 700 GS, F 800 GS, and Yamaha Super Ténéré: two-point crossbar, real protection for levers and hands. Bars and shells are selected separately. - 2
Instrumentation protection, 2011-2017Dashboard-cut film: prevents scratches and clouding, which matter when reselling a used motorcycle. - 3
Kaoko mechanical cruise controlIt mounts on the handlebar end and maintains the throttle position: on long trips, it changes the day. Version for use with the original handguards. - 4
BHG-055 handguard kit, alternativeThe second mount in the F 800 range, available in black or aluminum: it changes the mounting geometry, not the protection. - 5
Wanderer semi-rigid casesLightweight and waterproof, with strap fastening: the most sensible luggage solution on a 75-hp motorcycle.
Compatibility table
The F 700 GS is related to the F 800 GS, not the F 750, despite the similar name.
| Accessory | Classic F 800 GS | Twin-cylinder F 650 GS | F 750 GS |
|---|---|---|---|
| BHG-040 handguard kit | yes, with Super Ténéré | no | no |
| BHG-055 handguard kit | yes | no | no |
| Mechanical cruise control | yes, including Adventure | no, codes up to 2007 | no |
| Instrumentation protection | no, different dashboard | no | no |
| Soft and semi-rigid luggage | yes | yes | yes |
Brands with dedicated accessories
BarkbustersHandguardsTwo mounts for this motorcycle, BHG-040 and BHG-055, to be paired with the bars and shells in the range.
Eazi-GripFilmsLaser-cut instrumentation protection for 2011-2017.
KaokoCruise controlMechanical throttle stabilizer, in the version compatible with the original handguards.
LOBOOLuggageSoft and semi-rigid luggage, tank bags with a ring, and waterproof tail bags, without dedicated frames.
Frequently asked questions
Can the F 800 GS accessories be fitted to the F 700?
The handlebar-mounted ones do: the BHG-040 handguard kit is listed for both, and the same applies to the mechanical cruise control. The instrumentation protection is specific to the F 700 because the dashboard is different.
What about those for the F 750 GS?
No. The 2018 F 750 GS has a new frame and engine, with a 270-degree firing order: despite the similar name, it shares practically nothing with the F 700.
What's the difference between the two handguard kits?
The mounting geometry and the listed motorcycles differ: the BHG-040 covers the F 700 GS, F 800 GS, and Super Ténéré, while the BHG-055 is the shared alternative for the Honda CB, KTM Duke, and others. In both cases, bars and shells are purchased separately.
Does the mechanical cruise control really work?
Yes, and it's a simple solution: a ring on the handlebar end that, when friction-adjusted, maintains the throttle position. The catalog version is for use with the original handguards.
Do you have skid plates or engine-case protectors?
No, they are no longer in the catalog for this motorcycle. What you find here concerns handguards, instrumentation, comfort, and luggage.