2012 Honda XR 650L vs 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda XR 650L 2012 Honda XR 650L

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
346.0 pounds
2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Top Speed
169.0 km/h / 105.0 mph
Weight
423.3 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Blata is from the Czech Republic.
Year-2012 - 13
ColoursRedRed, white
Make Model-BMW G 650GS Sertao
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches-
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm-
Seat Height940 mm / 37.0 in.860 mm to 900 mm / 33.9 in. to 35.4 in.
Wheelbase1,455 mm / 57.3 in.1484 mm / 58.4 in.
Height1,220 mm / 48.0 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in.(excl. mirrors)
Length2,250 mm / 88.6 in.2185 mm / 86 in.
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.920 mm / 36.2 in. (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight310 kg / 683.4 lbs177 kg / 390 lbs
Fuel Capacity10.60 litres / 2.80 gallons14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Wet Weight156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs191 kg / 421 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-169.0 km/h / 105.0 mph
Max Power-37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque129.00 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.2 ft.lbs) @ 8750 Revolutions60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2743 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.2 inches-
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 82.0 mm-
Displacement (cc)644.00 cc-
Displacement (ci)39.30 cubic inches-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel ControlSOHCDOHC
CO2104.9 CO74.2 CO
Displacement-652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.
Engine Detail-Four stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetorInjection. Electronic intake pipe injection/BMW engine management, twin spark ignition
Bore x Stroke-100 x 83mm
Compression Ratio8.3:111.5:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards. California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine LubricationDry sumpDry sump
Fuel Consumption4.52 litres/100 km (22.1 km/l or 52.04 mpg)3.20 litres/100 km (31.3 km/l or 73.51 mpg)
Fuel Induction-Fuel induction
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionSolid-state CD with electronic advanceCapacitor Discharge Ignition system
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchElectronic Dual ClutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45TEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Transmission / Drive-5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Bridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear section
Suspension - Front43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability41mm telescopic fork with stabilizer bridge
Suspension - RearPro-link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustabilitySpring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustable,
Rake27.0°28.1°
Steering Head Angle-61.9°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in.123 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front295 mm / 11.6 in.210 mm / 8.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in.210 mm / 8.3 in
Electrical Systems
Lighting system-12V 55W headlight
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches11.8 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm300 mm
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Twin-piston caliperSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 240mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off)
RimsDie cast aluminiumWire spoke wheels
Rims - Front-1.60 x 21"
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR1790/90 S21
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17130/80-17
Wheels-Wire spoke wheels
Wheels - Rear-3.00 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao

The 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao edges out the 2012 Honda XR 650L thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, standard ABS and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2012 Honda XR 650L - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More front wheel travel: 295 mm vs 210 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 860 mm to 900 mm vs 940 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
  • More rear wheel travel: 210 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Honda XR 650L vs 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao - FAQs

Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda XR 650L or the 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
The 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao has the lower seat at 860 mm to 900 mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda XR 650L sits higher at 940 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2012 Honda XR 650L or 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao have ABS?
The 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao is listed with ABS as standard. The 2012 Honda XR 650L does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda XR 650L or the 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda XR 650L has the edge in dual front discs and higher front wheel travel, while the 2013 BMW G 650GS Sertao stands out for lower seat height and liquid cooling. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.