F700GS Loan Bike

[Grip Fast]

I borrowed an F700GS today, and have to disagree with the online MCN review, which said that the engine felt unexciting and the speed muted. It seemed astonishingly grunty and a bit of a hooligan bike to ride. It encouraged much bad behaviour on my part, and I was pleased to hand it back in one piece, but also disappointed to be handing it back so soon.

I once again wonder if we need big capacity, mega-hp bikes when these smaller bikes can be so much fun (I speak for myself here, of course). The blast back home on the R12S was pretty grin-inducing too, though.

[Al]

I have just bought an xt660x for that very reason, the GS is great for two up rides/trips but I missed my supermoto as soon as I watched the guy ride away on it.

Al.

[slparry]

When I bought my F800GS I test rode an F700GS first and found it a nicer ride than the 800GS, however, I wanted the more aggressive off road styling and the 21" wheel hence buying the 800GS. The 700 has taller gearing with an extra tooth on the gearbox sprocket, I have the sprocket to pop on at some point

[Grip Fast]

I did notice the tall gearing, Steve. In a 30 limit, I was often in 2nd, whereas my tiger 800 would be happy in 4th and the R12S in 3rd. But the 700 has amazing go in spite of the gearing.