question about BMW's new models - F700 & F800 GS

[T.Wesley]

I understand the redesign aspect of it, but does BMW really think they're going to sell a whole bunch of F700GSes? Maybe there's more differences than I can see from the corporate website, stuff I'm missing.

Already knowing the 800 & 650 are the same engine, just with different cams & computers, is the 700 going to be an all-new engine or will it simply be a modified-performance version of the 800 like the 650 is? If so, what's the point?

Didn't BMW learn this lesson with the R850-series bikes? AMERICANS WANT POWER!!!

Of course, they may not be aiming the 700 at the US market, so I could be just whistling in the dark.

[bdimon]

From what I read on the web site, the 700 uses premium instead of regular gas and makes a little more power. ABS is standard and traction control is optional on the new 700. Other than that, it's paint and marketing.

[cliffy109]

My wild guess would be that they are trying to make a better distinction between the G650 single and the F650 (now 700) twin. Probably there was market research that showed confusion on the G versus F series and the solution was to re-launch the F as a 700, even though it is still the 800cc engine that is in both the 800 and 650 currently. Not confusing at all, right? LOL

[Unity]

Thanks for the alert -- Flash Cards duly updated.

--John
(Uh, marketing folks, can we talk?)

[RJP3579]

My guess is its an F800 without the F800 height and off road looks or the F800GS street version.

[ERC Scott]

Following is taken from a South Africa web site -- I assume it is true in our hemisphere as well. I've highlighted a few items.
FWIW, I think their marketing is still off the mark a little -- F800 GS and F800 ADV would make things simpler for people who are not versed in the peculiarities of BMW models. At one time a BMW carrying a label of 650 (or 700) actually had an engine displacement in that ballpark. They have stopped that in some ot their car line, looks like bikes will be similar. Just goofy to me. Scott
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
F800 GS has been re-focused as a true dual-purpose bike, as much at home on a footpath as a freeway, while new F700 GS is geared more towards road riders who see gravel roads as a way to get to the fun rather than as a reason for riding.

When BMW resurrected their venerable Rotax-engined dual-purpose single as the G650 they found themselves in the difficult positions of having two 650's in their range - one a 654cc single and the other a detuned 798cc twin (which, incidentally, also has a Rotax engine).
Now the Blue Propeller Boykies have sorted out the inevitable confusion with a masterstroke of mix-'n-match marketing - and invented a new model in the process, as well as seizing the opportunity to upgrade the existing F800 GS at the same time.

The F800 retains the full-strength version of the 798cc parallel twin, delivering an unchanged 63kW at 7500rpm and 83Nm at 5750.
The new F700 GS, however, has been retuned from the 52kW at 7000rpm of the 2007 F650 to 55kW at 7300 and from 75Nm at 4500rpm to 77Nm at 5500rpm.

F700-- GS more user-friendly for less-experienced or vertically challenged riders, with its lower seat, street furniture and smooth-running engine tuned specifically for economy and linear power delivery.

The F800 GS has a 21” front rim, spoked wheels, inverted long-travel forks, progressive damping on the a rear monoshock, an aluminium handlebar and a seat height adjustable between 850 and 880mm. Kerb weight is 214kg.

The F700 GS, by contrast, boasts cast wheels with a 19” front rim, conventional telescopic forks, a gas-charged rear monoshock, a steel handlebar and a seat height adjustable between 790 and 820mm. Kerb weight is 209kg.

However, in response to requests from existing F 800 GS owners for a lower seats, BMW now also offers a lowered suspension kit and cutaway seat for the F800 as an ex-works option or as a special accessory.

SAFETY FIRST
Both models now have dual front disk brakes with ABS as standard; traction control and electronic suspension adjustment are available as ex-factory options. The handlebar switchgear has been simplified and the two models share a new instrument pod with analogue speedometer and rev counter vertically laid out, a bank of warning icons on the left and an LCD data screen on the right, now displaying fuel level and coolant temperature as standard.
The two models share a new instrument pod with analogue speedometer and rev counter vertically laid out, a bank of warning icons on the left and an LCD data screen on the right, now displaying fuel level and coolant temperature as standard.
Styling has also been revised, with new, more clear-cut side trims designs, new paint colours (candy apple red, metallic grey and metallic silver for the F700; matte metallic gunmetal, blue and white for the F800) and what on a Japanese bike would be called Bold New Graphics, but being as how these are BMW's we'll call them restyled logos.

The new F700 GS and revised F800 GS will be released in South Africa in the fourth quarter of 2012; prices, as always, when they get here.

[T.Wesley]

Thanks for digging that up, Scott. Clears it right up - even for me

[shelion]

Having just glanced at the BMW US site, they have tweaked a few things on the 650 twin and are relaunching it as the 700GS. Probably to combat the starter/girls bike BS that surrounds the current model. Their model development people need to be spanked.

[T.Wesley]

Their model development people need to be spanked.

They're Germans. They'd probably enjoy that

[Wild Pig]

Well, the 650s are a bit under powered............

[Maria V]

Their model development people need to be spanked.

They're Germans. They'd probably enjoy that

That's some funny stuff, right there. Even if you are German.

[T.Wesley]

BTW I have suggested the F650 to people as a first/beginner's bike, but I would never refer to it as a "girl's" bike.

Now a Sportster 883 ... THAT is a girl's bike

[stevebmw]

From what I read on the web site, the 700 uses premium instead of regular gas and makes a little more power. ABS is standard and traction control is optional on the new 700. Other than that, it's paint and marketing.

When you read press releases and such from BMW, you have to remember they use European nomenclature. "Premium" in Germany refers to RON (research octane number) 95 fuel, which in the U.S. means 89 pump octane, or mid-grade.

And I think Cliffy is correct about BMW wanting to create more of a difference between the G 650 single and the current F 650 twin. This will make it easier for us to talk to customers about the bikes.

And I disagree that the F 650s are underpowered. The current 71 hp is enough to cruise at over 100 mph with full saddlebags. When I had my F 650 Funduro, with its 50 hp, I would ride all day at 70-80 mph with full saddlebags, duffel bag on the back, and a tankbag on top. More power can be fun, of course, but you don't really NEED all that much.


2013 F 700 GS and F 800 GS.

[henwin]

From what I read on the web site, the 700 uses premium instead of regular gas and makes a little more power. ABS is standard and traction control is optional on the new 700. Other than that, it's paint and marketing.

FYI, BMW has committed to ABS on all their bikes from 2012 onward...

[stevebmw]

ABS is standard and traction control is optional on the new 700. Other than that, it's paint and marketing.

Oh yeah, electronic suspension adjustment is an option, too. There is a new, low version of the F 800 GS, and new switchgear for both.