Source: Cycle World
[[{“value”:”The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a 692.7cc single-cylinder supermoto making 66.4 hp and 48.7 lb.-ft. of torque, and pulls third-gear wheelies. Need I say more? (Jeff Allen/)Images of Pedro Acosta sliding, cutting, and wheelying the GasGas SM 700 are aspirational to riders of any level. The control, composure, and explosiveness to slide into a corner, turn the bike, and wheelie out in a fluid motion is a dance few riders can do. So when I was informed my next assignment is the GasGas SM 700 (the red equivalent to a KTM 690 SMC R), I thought, “Here’s my chance!” Not to compete with Pedro’s ridiculous talent, but to feel a similar sensation—the kind only a supermoto can deliver.The GasGas SM 700 might just be the easiest motorcycle to wheelie. In second gear, the clutch is not required. Just snap it up! (Jeff Allen/)GasGas was acquired by KTM and is positioned as Pierer Mobility’s most accessible brand. Red bikes are manufactured from the same bones as KTM and Husqvarna but with lower-quality parts, such as cast triple clamps, Braktec brakes, and no map switch. The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is different; it shares nearly every part with the KTM 690 SMC R (other than wheels and plastics) so the choice is one of color and brand identity.The 2023 GasGas SM 700 ($12,699). (Jeff Allen/)The 692.7cc LC4 single-cylinder engine has been a staple across the Austrian maker’s middleweight platform. Introduced in the KTM 690 Enduro R, the big thumper has benefited from years of development in the Enduro R, 690 SMC R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, and 701 Supermoto. We have ridden this engine and platform before, but never in this new flavor, red.On the Cycle World dyno, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 produced 66.4 hp at 7,570 rpm and 48.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,590 rpm. (Jeff Allen/)The BikePowering this spicy devil is the aforementioned 692.7cc liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine. A 50mm throttle body feeds a whopping 105mm x 50mm bore and stroke and dual spark plugs ensure consistent power delivery, according to GasGas. Dual counterbalance shafts and a rubber-mounted bar clamp minimize vibrations. Its six-speed transmission is complemented by a bidirectional quickshifter with an auto-blip function and an Adler power assist/slipper clutch.Red hot! There is something particularly sexy about the GasGas. (Jeff Allen/)Supporting the engine is a beautiful, cherry red chromoly steel trellis frame. A self-supporting polyamide subframe holds the 3.6-gallon fuel tank. Suspension action is controlled by a separate function 48mm WP Apex fork with compression and rebound adjustment providing 8.5 inches of travel. Out back a WP Apex shock with high- and low-speed compression, rebound, and preload adjustment offers 9.4 inches of travel. Where the rubber meets the road is a pair of 17-inch aluminum wheels with Continental ContiAttack SM EVO tires. Stopping power is provided by a four-piston CNC-machined Brembo caliper with a single 320mm rotor up front. A single-piston Brembo caliper with a 240mm disc handles the rear.Located on the left side of the handlebar is a map switch for traction control and ride modes. A button near the dash disables ABS. (Jeff Allen/)Electronic aids include a map switch offering two ride modes (Mode 1: Street, Mode 2: Supermoto), switchable traction control, and switchable ABS. Mode 1 provides a crisp throttle response with cornering-sensitive traction control. Mode 2 offers a smoother throttle response with Supermoto traction control, allowing wheelies and drifts. A TC button on the map switch can deactivate traction control in either mode. An illuminated button near the information display disables ABS on both wheels. An optional dongle is available for purchase enabling rear wheel ABS to be deactivated while maintaining ABS at the front wheel.The information display offers very little. There is no fuel gauge, just a fuel light. Oh, and that illuminated triangle, that’s the ABS switch. Make sure to hold it down for nearly 10 seconds. When the light is on ABS is disabled. (Jeff Allen/)Riding ImpressionsOn the Cycle World dyno, the GasGas SM 700 produced 66.4 hp at 7,570 rpm and 48.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,590 rpm. Peak power and torque are high in the rev range, but once revs hit the midrange, the engine roars to life. Explosive power rips at the rear wheel and throws your weight back. Grippy Continental ContiAttack tires generate so much drive that warp speed seems like a real thing.2023 GasGas SM 700 Dyno Chart. (Robert Martin/)A quick glance at the GasGas SM 700′s dyno chart proves the engine does its best work after 5,000 rpm. The combination of a relatively unresponsive bottom-end and a short rev range of 9,000 rpm reduces engine flexibility. During spirited riding on twisty backroads, riders only have a 4,000 rpm window to work with. Pulling hard off an apex, the engine roars through the midrange and into the top-end but quickly hits the rev limiter. Getting the most out of the 700 requires running into the limiter before grabbing the next shift. The LC4 is an exhilarating engine, but if peak power was shifted closer to the midrange, riders would have an easier time connecting corners.With so much midrange torque, it’s easy to lift the front wheel off an apex. (Jeff Allen/)On surface streets, the GasGas SM 700 can behave like a tame dual sport. Adjusting the rider aids and short-shifting will keep the supermoto well mannered. If you can resist the temptation of being an absolute hooligan, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a decent in-town commuter—long haul, not so much. Vibrations are noticeable through the footpegs and handlebar, wind protection is absent, and the suspension and chassis are stiff and sporty rather than soft and comfortable. But when it’s time to pop a wheelie, slide a corner, or do a stoppie, all that other stuff is quickly forgotten.On the GasGas SM 700, wheelies are so easy you only need one hand. (Jeff Allen/)Fully adjustable WP Apex suspension provides plenty of holdup during spirited riding. Clicker adjustments are easily noticeable. Initially softening the front end to increase comfort during commuting miles causes excessive fork dive under hard braking and quick transitions through corners. Finding a fork setting that performed well during spirited riding was easy and toolless thanks to the clicker dials. Adjusting the shock requires tools to do so. Once finding a comfortable shock setting, I left the rear alone. But no matter how much fiddling was done with the fork, the SM was still missing a little confidence and comfort. Road imperfections and rider inputs continued to upset the chassis and make the bike feel twitchy.On smooth surfaces, the SM 700 provides positive front end feel. (Jeff Allen/)Handling is extremely light, agile, and direct on the GasGas SM 700. Its wide moto handlebar provides plenty of leverage to muscle the bike from one side of the tire to the other. But at times, the light steering makes the GasGas nervous. The extremely direct throttle response is hard to modulate midcorner and unsettles the bike. The GasGas SM 700 tends to stand up when applying throttle midcorner. Between the stiff chassis, light handling, and aggressive throttle response, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 feels very reactive to rider inputs. Riding smoothly can elevate some of these sensations, but during spirited riding it just feels like the bike is on edge. Also, the seat is slippery which causes the rider’s contact patch to slide backward when exiting a corner on the gas.Modulating the abrupt throttle midcorner upsets the bike. It’s best to stay off the gas and maintain roll speed before screwing on the throttle at the exit. (Jeff Allen/)Shedding speed is light work for the GasGas SM 700′s brake system. The large 320mm disc, Brembo caliper, and master cylinder provide strong and progressive stopping power. A sharper initial bite would be nice, but once the rider progresses into the lever stroke the bike stops quickly. The rear brake system is plenty strong. Cutting skids is easily achievable. And for those who like to back it in, the slipper/assist clutch helps find the balance between a full lockup and a peeling hack.Stop! Supermoto time. (Jeff Allen/)Everything seems to be easier on a supermoto, right? Bigger wheelies, larger lean angles, and longer slides. It is really a big dirt bike with 17s and street tires, we should be able to muscle it into position. Well, that’s not exactly the case. Except for Pedro Acosta.I mean, really, this thing should come with a “get out of jail free” card. (Jeff Allen/)The GasGas supermoto is sharp, raw, and focused. It’s easy to ride moderately, but its wicked power (for a single), razor-sharp handling, and extreme responsiveness requires a lot of skill to control at the limit. If you are anything like me and expect to swing a leg over the GasGas SM 700 and instantly create an highlight reel, think again.Seriously, how many more wheelies? Just two more. (Jeff Allen/)For many, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a beautiful big-bore supermoto with hooligan spirit. Very few riders can squeeze all the juice out of a bike like this. Riders looking for a sexy supermoto with big power and legs to run, the GasGas SM 700 is your bike. But for those who want a supermoto to take to a cart track or practice skills in a parking lot, something like a Kawasaki KLX300SM or Suzuki DR-Z400SM will offer less bark and no bite. If you were learning to ride a dirt bike, would you start on a GasGas MC 450F or a Kawasaki KLX230R? The same applies here. The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is focused and serious, you need to be too.On our automotive scales the SM 700 weighed 349 pounds. (Jeff Allen/)The 2023 GasGas SM 700 comes standard with a bidirectional quickshifter. (Jeff Allen/)Just like the other models from this platform, the 3.6-gallon fuel tank is located in the polyamide subframe. (Jeff Allen/)The 48mm WP Apex fork is an open-cartridge separate function fork. (Jeff Allen/)Front end setup: 320mm rotor with a CNC-machined Brembo four-piston caliper, Bosch ABS system, and a 17-inch wheel with a Continental ContiAttack SM EVO tire. (Jeff Allen/)At the rear is a single-piston Brembo caliper with a 240mm rotor. (Jeff Allen/)The additional weight of the gas tank at the rear of the motorcycle loads the chassis in unfamiliar ways during wheelies, stoppies, or under hard acceleration. (Jeff Allen/)WP’s 48mm open-cartridge Apex fork provides compression damping in the left leg. (Jeff Allen/)The 48mm WP Apex fork offers damping adjustment via turn-by-hand clicker dials. (Jeff Allen/)The GasGas SM 700 is equipped with a halogen headlight and CNC-machined triple clamps. (Jeff Allen/)2023 GasGas SM 700 Specs
MSRP:
$12,699
Engine:
SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:
693cc
Bore x Stroke:
105.0 x 50.0mm
Compression Ratio:
12.7:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Cycle World Measured Horsepower:
66.4 hp @ 7,570 rpm
Cycle World Measured Torque:
48.7 lb.-ft. @ 6,590 rpm
Fuel System:
Keihin EFI w/ 50mm throttle body, ride-by-wire
Clutch:
APTC slipper/assist, hydraulic actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:
Keihin EMS, twin ignition
Frame:
Chromoly tubular space
Front Suspension:
WP Apex 48mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 8.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
WP Apex shock, Pro-Lever linkage, fully adjustable; 9.4 in. travel
Front Brake:
4-piston CNC-machined Brembo caliper, floating 320mm disc w/ Bosch cornering ABS
Rear Brake:
1-piston Brembo caliper, 240mm disc w/ Bosch cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Aluminum; 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
Continental ContiAttack SM EVO
Rake/Trail:
26.4°/ 4.3 in.
Wheelbase:
58.1 in.
Ground Clearance:
9.3 in.
Seat Height:
35.4 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.6 gal.
Average MPG:
33.2 mpg
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight:
349 lb.
Contact:
gasgas.com”}]]
Full Text:
[[{“value”:”
The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a 692.7cc single-cylinder supermoto making 66.4 hp and 48.7 lb.-ft. of torque, and pulls third-gear wheelies. Need I say more? (Jeff Allen/)
Images of Pedro Acosta sliding, cutting, and wheelying the GasGas SM 700 are aspirational to riders of any level. The control, composure, and explosiveness to slide into a corner, turn the bike, and wheelie out in a fluid motion is a dance few riders can do. So when I was informed my next assignment is the GasGas SM 700 (the red equivalent to a KTM 690 SMC R), I thought, “Here’s my chance!” Not to compete with Pedro’s ridiculous talent, but to feel a similar sensation—the kind only a supermoto can deliver.
The GasGas SM 700 might just be the easiest motorcycle to wheelie. In second gear, the clutch is not required. Just snap it up! (Jeff Allen/)
GasGas was acquired by KTM and is positioned as Pierer Mobility’s most accessible brand. Red bikes are manufactured from the same bones as KTM and Husqvarna but with lower-quality parts, such as cast triple clamps, Braktec brakes, and no map switch. The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is different; it shares nearly every part with the KTM 690 SMC R (other than wheels and plastics) so the choice is one of color and brand identity.
The 2023 GasGas SM 700 ($12,699). (Jeff Allen/)
The 692.7cc LC4 single-cylinder engine has been a staple across the Austrian maker’s middleweight platform. Introduced in the KTM 690 Enduro R, the big thumper has benefited from years of development in the Enduro R, 690 SMC R, Husqvarna 701 Enduro, and 701 Supermoto. We have ridden this engine and platform before, but never in this new flavor, red.
On the Cycle World dyno, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 produced 66.4 hp at 7,570 rpm and 48.7 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,590 rpm. (Jeff Allen/)
The Bike
Powering this spicy devil is the aforementioned 692.7cc liquid-cooled SOHC single-cylinder engine. A 50mm throttle body feeds a whopping 105mm x 50mm bore and stroke and dual spark plugs ensure consistent power delivery, according to GasGas. Dual counterbalance shafts and a rubber-mounted bar clamp minimize vibrations. Its six-speed transmission is complemented by a bidirectional quickshifter with an auto-blip function and an Adler power assist/slipper clutch.
Red hot! There is something particularly sexy about the GasGas. (Jeff Allen/)
Supporting the engine is a beautiful, cherry red chromoly steel trellis frame. A self-supporting polyamide subframe holds the 3.6-gallon fuel tank. Suspension action is controlled by a separate function 48mm WP Apex fork with compression and rebound adjustment providing 8.5 inches of travel. Out back a WP Apex shock with high- and low-speed compression, rebound, and preload adjustment offers 9.4 inches of travel. Where the rubber meets the road is a pair of 17-inch aluminum wheels with Continental ContiAttack SM EVO tires. Stopping power is provided by a four-piston CNC-machined Brembo caliper with a single 320mm rotor up front. A single-piston Brembo caliper with a 240mm disc handles the rear.
Located on the left side of the handlebar is a map switch for traction control and ride modes. A button near the dash disables ABS. (Jeff Allen/)
Electronic aids include a map switch offering two ride modes (Mode 1: Street, Mode 2: Supermoto), switchable traction control, and switchable ABS. Mode 1 provides a crisp throttle response with cornering-sensitive traction control. Mode 2 offers a smoother throttle response with Supermoto traction control, allowing wheelies and drifts. A TC button on the map switch can deactivate traction control in either mode. An illuminated button near the information display disables ABS on both wheels. An optional dongle is available for purchase enabling rear wheel ABS to be deactivated while maintaining ABS at the front wheel.
The information display offers very little. There is no fuel gauge, just a fuel light. Oh, and that illuminated triangle, that’s the ABS switch. Make sure to hold it down for nearly 10 seconds. When the light is on ABS is disabled. (Jeff Allen/)
Riding Impressions
On the Cycle World dyno, the GasGas SM 700 produced 66.4 hp at 7,570 rpm and 48.9 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,590 rpm. Peak power and torque are high in the rev range, but once revs hit the midrange, the engine roars to life. Explosive power rips at the rear wheel and throws your weight back. Grippy Continental ContiAttack tires generate so much drive that warp speed seems like a real thing.
2023 GasGas SM 700 Dyno Chart. (Robert Martin/)
A quick glance at the GasGas SM 700′s dyno chart proves the engine does its best work after 5,000 rpm. The combination of a relatively unresponsive bottom-end and a short rev range of 9,000 rpm reduces engine flexibility. During spirited riding on twisty backroads, riders only have a 4,000 rpm window to work with. Pulling hard off an apex, the engine roars through the midrange and into the top-end but quickly hits the rev limiter. Getting the most out of the 700 requires running into the limiter before grabbing the next shift. The LC4 is an exhilarating engine, but if peak power was shifted closer to the midrange, riders would have an easier time connecting corners.
With so much midrange torque, it’s easy to lift the front wheel off an apex. (Jeff Allen/)
On surface streets, the GasGas SM 700 can behave like a tame dual sport. Adjusting the rider aids and short-shifting will keep the supermoto well mannered. If you can resist the temptation of being an absolute hooligan, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a decent in-town commuter—long haul, not so much. Vibrations are noticeable through the footpegs and handlebar, wind protection is absent, and the suspension and chassis are stiff and sporty rather than soft and comfortable. But when it’s time to pop a wheelie, slide a corner, or do a stoppie, all that other stuff is quickly forgotten.
On the GasGas SM 700, wheelies are so easy you only need one hand. (Jeff Allen/)
Fully adjustable WP Apex suspension provides plenty of holdup during spirited riding. Clicker adjustments are easily noticeable. Initially softening the front end to increase comfort during commuting miles causes excessive fork dive under hard braking and quick transitions through corners. Finding a fork setting that performed well during spirited riding was easy and toolless thanks to the clicker dials. Adjusting the shock requires tools to do so. Once finding a comfortable shock setting, I left the rear alone. But no matter how much fiddling was done with the fork, the SM was still missing a little confidence and comfort. Road imperfections and rider inputs continued to upset the chassis and make the bike feel twitchy.
On smooth surfaces, the SM 700 provides positive front end feel. (Jeff Allen/)
Handling is extremely light, agile, and direct on the GasGas SM 700. Its wide moto handlebar provides plenty of leverage to muscle the bike from one side of the tire to the other. But at times, the light steering makes the GasGas nervous. The extremely direct throttle response is hard to modulate midcorner and unsettles the bike. The GasGas SM 700 tends to stand up when applying throttle midcorner. Between the stiff chassis, light handling, and aggressive throttle response, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 feels very reactive to rider inputs. Riding smoothly can elevate some of these sensations, but during spirited riding it just feels like the bike is on edge. Also, the seat is slippery which causes the rider’s contact patch to slide backward when exiting a corner on the gas.
Modulating the abrupt throttle midcorner upsets the bike. It’s best to stay off the gas and maintain roll speed before screwing on the throttle at the exit. (Jeff Allen/)
Shedding speed is light work for the GasGas SM 700′s brake system. The large 320mm disc, Brembo caliper, and master cylinder provide strong and progressive stopping power. A sharper initial bite would be nice, but once the rider progresses into the lever stroke the bike stops quickly. The rear brake system is plenty strong. Cutting skids is easily achievable. And for those who like to back it in, the slipper/assist clutch helps find the balance between a full lockup and a peeling hack.
Stop! Supermoto time. (Jeff Allen/)
Everything seems to be easier on a supermoto, right? Bigger wheelies, larger lean angles, and longer slides. It is really a big dirt bike with 17s and street tires, we should be able to muscle it into position. Well, that’s not exactly the case. Except for Pedro Acosta.
I mean, really, this thing should come with a “get out of jail free” card. (Jeff Allen/)
The GasGas supermoto is sharp, raw, and focused. It’s easy to ride moderately, but its wicked power (for a single), razor-sharp handling, and extreme responsiveness requires a lot of skill to control at the limit. If you are anything like me and expect to swing a leg over the GasGas SM 700 and instantly create an highlight reel, think again.
Seriously, how many more wheelies? Just two more. (Jeff Allen/)
For many, the 2023 GasGas SM 700 is a beautiful big-bore supermoto with hooligan spirit. Very few riders can squeeze all the juice out of a bike like this. Riders looking for a sexy supermoto with big power and legs to run, the GasGas SM 700 is your bike. But for those who want a supermoto to take to a cart track or practice skills in a parking lot, something like a Kawasaki KLX300SM or Suzuki DR-Z400SM will offer less bark and no bite. If you were learning to ride a dirt bike, would you start on a GasGas MC 450F or a Kawasaki KLX230R? The same applies here. The 2023 GasGas SM 700 is focused and serious, you need to be too.
On our automotive scales the SM 700 weighed 349 pounds. (Jeff Allen/)
The 2023 GasGas SM 700 comes standard with a bidirectional quickshifter. (Jeff Allen/)
Just like the other models from this platform, the 3.6-gallon fuel tank is located in the polyamide subframe. (Jeff Allen/)
The 48mm WP Apex fork is an open-cartridge separate function fork. (Jeff Allen/)
Front end setup: 320mm rotor with a CNC-machined Brembo four-piston caliper, Bosch ABS system, and a 17-inch wheel with a Continental ContiAttack SM EVO tire. (Jeff Allen/)
At the rear is a single-piston Brembo caliper with a 240mm rotor. (Jeff Allen/)
The additional weight of the gas tank at the rear of the motorcycle loads the chassis in unfamiliar ways during wheelies, stoppies, or under hard acceleration. (Jeff Allen/)
WP’s 48mm open-cartridge Apex fork provides compression damping in the left leg. (Jeff Allen/)
The 48mm WP Apex fork offers damping adjustment via turn-by-hand clicker dials. (Jeff Allen/)
The GasGas SM 700 is equipped with a halogen headlight and CNC-machined triple clamps. (Jeff Allen/)
2023 GasGas SM 700 Specs
MSRP:
$12,699
Engine:
SOHC, liquid-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves
Displacement:
693cc
Bore x Stroke:
105.0 x 50.0mm
Compression Ratio:
12.7:1
Transmission/Final Drive:
6-speed/chain
Cycle World Measured Horsepower:
66.4 hp @ 7,570 rpm
Cycle World Measured Torque:
48.7 lb.-ft. @ 6,590 rpm
Fuel System:
Keihin EFI w/ 50mm throttle body, ride-by-wire
Clutch:
APTC slipper/assist, hydraulic actuation
Engine Management/Ignition:
Keihin EMS, twin ignition
Frame:
Chromoly tubular space
Front Suspension:
WP Apex 48mm inverted fork, fully adjustable; 8.5 in. travel
Rear Suspension:
WP Apex shock, Pro-Lever linkage, fully adjustable; 9.4 in. travel
Front Brake:
4-piston CNC-machined Brembo caliper, floating 320mm disc w/ Bosch cornering ABS
Rear Brake:
1-piston Brembo caliper, 240mm disc w/ Bosch cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear:
Aluminum; 17 in.
Tires, Front/Rear:
Continental ContiAttack SM EVO
Rake/Trail:
26.4°/ 4.3 in.
Wheelbase:
58.1 in.
Ground Clearance:
9.3 in.
Seat Height:
35.4 in.
Fuel Capacity:
3.6 gal.
Average MPG:
33.2 mpg
Cycle World Measured Wet Weight:
349 lb.
Contact:
gasgas.com
“}]]
