colodak
Adventurer
I'm 5'11 with a 33" inseam, I can straddle a stock height GS650 with my feet flat on the ground, the Sertao, is about 1.5" taller so I'm on my toes. My wife is 5'2", she could not get on the GS650.
BMW riders - Thoughts on G 650 GS Sertao?
- Thread starter Christophe Noel
- Start date
I'm 5'11 with a 33" inseam, I can straddle a stock height GS650 with my feet flat on the ground, the Sertao, is about 1.5" taller so I'm on my toes. My wife is 5'2", she could not get on the GS650.
I have owned a 1200GSA, F800, F650 Dakar, and rode the Sertao a few weeks ago at our local BMW shop, and it's a decent bike. Having seen a few of your other bikes (Didn't I catch a glimpse of a nice Duc 900 SS in one shot?) I would definitely suggest you ride a Sertao before you pull the trigger. It seems that the Sertao is just a tarted up version of the standard 650 with a little longer legs - not that it is a bad bike, but if you love to be a bit of a hooligan there just isn't a lot of snot there, and no really good way to get to it.
How soon are you looking to jump in? I may be moving my 990 ADV as soon as I make a run out to Colorado the end of June, and would make you a smoking deal on it - the hooligan factor is DEFINITELY there (Say wheelies in second and third while ripping up a gravel road) and it makes short work of long pulls of pavement.
This, was dropped off by this yesterday, and I don't think the 990 will see much use this year after my trip to the mountains.
Either way good luck, and let me know what you end up with!
How soon are you looking to jump in? I may be moving my 990 ADV as soon as I make a run out to Colorado the end of June, and would make you a smoking deal on it - the hooligan factor is DEFINITELY there (Say wheelies in second and third while ripping up a gravel road) and it makes short work of long pulls of pavement.
This, was dropped off by this yesterday, and I don't think the 990 will see much use this year after my trip to the mountains.
Either way good luck, and let me know what you end up with!
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
Thanks, Bullsnake.
I've got such a busy summer ahead I'm not likely to pull the trigger until mid fall. I'm so eclectic with my bike selections, I'm all over the place. Yes, I've owned a few Ducatis and loved them all. I think I have cured myself of that now that they're far out of financial reach for me.
I do like the idea of the KTM, largely because I've yet to own one. I also understand what you're saying about the sedate nature of the Sertao.
So the question is: Jekyl or Hyde?
I've got such a busy summer ahead I'm not likely to pull the trigger until mid fall. I'm so eclectic with my bike selections, I'm all over the place. Yes, I've owned a few Ducatis and loved them all. I think I have cured myself of that now that they're far out of financial reach for me.
I do like the idea of the KTM, largely because I've yet to own one. I also understand what you're saying about the sedate nature of the Sertao.
So the question is: Jekyl or Hyde?
Being an avid cyclist, I would compare the Sertao to some sort of a 105 Gruppo hybrid (stepping into flame suit...), and anything by Katoom to a full on,hair on fire downhill bike sporting full XTR or Red. The Bimmer, while neat, is very sedate, and becomes quickly overwhelmed with anything more technical than gravel lanes and level B roads. It is crazy heavy for what it has under the hood, and is corked up an unbelievable amount (that "cool" dual exhaust is actually a single exhaust with a side mount catalytic converter, and weighs enough to keep an aircraft carrier stationary at sea). A stock KLR will hand it it's hat, and will also feel like a mountain goat in comparison out on the trail. All said though the Sertao is a neat bit of kit, and they are a comfy ride for a smaller bike.
The KTM isn't all sunshine and lollipops either though - rear tires can become prohibitively expensive if you ride it at anything approaching half it's potential, and you want to make sure you have a good set of goggles as June bugs will cave in a lesser pair at 110 mph+. Joking aside it is a big beast, but once you have the hang of it it's a lot of fun.
If you were just starting to ride I would suggest the Sertao, but with your riding experience I would sure think you'd have a lot more fun on a 950 or 990!
The KTM isn't all sunshine and lollipops either though - rear tires can become prohibitively expensive if you ride it at anything approaching half it's potential, and you want to make sure you have a good set of goggles as June bugs will cave in a lesser pair at 110 mph+. Joking aside it is a big beast, but once you have the hang of it it's a lot of fun.
If you were just starting to ride I would suggest the Sertao, but with your riding experience I would sure think you'd have a lot more fun on a 950 or 990!
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Why does it have to be "or"? You know you want two bikes. Or three. Maybe four. (five???).
Really, comparing a Sertao (which is really just a modern version of the older F650GS Dakar) to a 950 or 990 Adventure won't get you anywhere - they're different bikes for different (although slightly overlapping) purposes. Your best bet is to decide what you want the bike to do - then go from there.
If you want a giant dirt bike with a ton of suspension, a ~37" seat height that is hard as a brick, 35mpg, and is a b**** to move around in tight spots - the 950/990 will leave you with a big-assed smile on your face.
If you want an efficient (70+mpg), easy to maneuver bike with a seat that is 3 or 4" closer to the ground, has enough power to get out of its own way (but not enough to eat tires like the big KTM), to run around town & hit light to medium roads/trails with - well, the 650 (Sertao or standard GS) is a better bike.
Comparing price of a used KTM to a new BMW is hardly fair either.
And why just those two? Why not a 690? Better economy than the big KTM, better suspension & lighter than the BMW...or maybe an older Dakar? Prices have come down . . .
Christophe Noel
Expedition Leader
Two words: Couples Therapy.
My cycling habits test my dear wife's limits with toy buying finances as it is. The KTM is just a funky wrinkle in my selection process. It's only because a good friend has given me first take at his pristine 950 when he sells it in the spring. It's seriously showroom. We swap deals on bike bits and favors, so it would be a very cheap entry into that bike and that is what tempts me.
She's a naughty monkey, that 950. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'm fully aware my two options are at odds with each other.
grahamfitter
Expedition Leader
Two words: Couples Therapy.
A Triumph Scrambler would be therapeutic for the both of you?
goodtimes
Expedition Poseur
Two words: Couples Therapy.
Ah - smart man.
Indeed.
Of course, you can always buy the 950 & ride it for a bit to see if it fits. If it doesn't - sell it and move on. Just be aware that a 950 can get you in trouble - fast. They're not nearly as portly as the big R-bikes - but they aren't lightweights either. The difference is that the 950 doesn't tell you how heavy it is, so you end up flying down the road at speeds that you shouldn't be - then you see the corner . . .
Sleeping Dog
Adventurer
The Sertao is a very nice bike and will do everything that you anticipate and more. A lot of bikes will meet your spec, but if the BMW calls your name, get it.
Jim
Jim
desmocruiser
Observer
Very nice, congratulations! Did you already own the scrambler or do it turn key?
I look forward to a review on the Jack Pine, interestingly it and the Sertao were both on my current short list.