26
NOVEMBER 2020
By Margreth Van Aartsen, Member #4496 UPGRADING FROM A 700GS TO A 750GS – WAS IT WORTH IT? From the perspective of a vertically challenged female rider.
T
he Editors have asked me to give a write up on my impressions of the new 750GS, as I have recently upgraded from a 700GS. Having been a pillion rider for most of my adult life, I have come into motorbike riding well into my 30’s. Though I am sure there are many females out there who are all over torque and revs and other things technical, I am not. This review will therefore be purely based on personal user experience. Before we do, I’ll tell you a bit more about myself. My motorbike exposure during my childhood years was limited to some school friends who owned bikes. In South Africa you were legally allowed on a 50cc bike or scooter at age 16 years. Those who owned these prized items were the envy of all, as they were not only deemed to be very ‘cool’ but it also gave them a means of freedom going around town. This was also my first time ever attempting to ride a bike. As you do at age 16, you get together with a bunch of friends and go hang out in a back street while the boys with bikes try to do fancy tricks and give us non-bikers a go at riding. I was game, hopped on, was given basic instructions and off I went. Didn’t get out of first gear by the time I hit the end of the road, but with new-born confidence I turned it around and I was adamant to master gear shifting on the way back to the group (who were cheering in support). I fixed my eyes on the road, pulled away, dropped the clutch and up came the front wheel. I am sure it was only a few millimetres off the ground but it was enough to scare the hell out of me. As I had absolutely no idea what I was doing I magically managed to put it down and come to a safe stop without stacking. I was only halfway
THE 750 UPGRADE back up the road but too scared to go again, walking away without managing the gear shift. Fast forward a few years when I met Nic (my now husband). Motorbikes have always been a feature in his family and it wasn’t long before my love for riding was reborn, albeit as a pillion. So, how did I eventually get my own licence? Long story short – in 2014 Nic and I went on a South America trip with Compass Expeditions. A week before our departure I made an off-hand comment to Nic, saying: “you know what, maybe I should learn to ride myself when we come back from this”. We didn’t really talk about it again but two weeks after our return (from what was an amazing holiday, which hooked us on long distance motorbike touring!), Nic popped me in the car and drove me to the bike dealership. He had done all the research and selected a few options deemed great beginners’ bikes. Home we went with a KTM Duke390 and the rest is history. So, yes. I have not been riding all that long and am by no means a riding expert. I see myself as a cautious female rider but like to challenge my own limits. Though I mostly stick to bitumen, I enjoy going on the dirt roads off the beaten track and therefore I very much enjoy the BMW F700 series, as it is perfectly suited for what I like to get out of riding on a very reliable machine.
