2014 Honda XR 650L vs 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2014 Honda XR 650L 2014 Honda XR 650L

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
43.6 hp / 32.1 kW @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
346.0 pounds
2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao 2015 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
425.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
CommentsModel ID: XR650LHigh windscreen. Heated grips.
Year2013 - 142014 - 15
Make-BMW
Model-G 650GS Sertao
ColoursRedBlue/white
Make ModelHonda XR 650LBMW G 650GS Sertao
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches-
Storage-Luggage rack
Seat Height940 mm / 37 in860 mm to 900 mm / 33.9 in. to 35.4 in.
Wheelbase1455 mm / 57.3 in1484 mm / 58.4 in.
Ground Clearance330 mm / 13.0 in-
Height1,465 mm / 57.7 in.1440 mm / 56.7 in.(excl. mirrors)
Length2,300 mm / 90.6 in.2185 mm / 86 in.
Width-920 mm / 36.2 in. (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight147 kg / 324.1 lbs177 kg / 390 lbs
Fuel Capacity10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal14 Litres / 3.7 US gal
Oil Capacity1.9 Litres-
Wet Weight158 kg / 348 lbs191 kg / 421 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-169.0 km/h / 105.0 mph
Max Power43.6 hp / 32.1 kW @ 6000 rpm37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque51.9 Nm / 5.3 kgf-m / 38.2 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio0.3789 HP/kg0.2826 HP/kg
Engine
Displacement (cc)-652.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-39.79 cubic inches
Stroke-83.0 mm
CO2104.9 CO73.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-strokeSingle cylinder, four-stroke
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.2 inches3.9 x 3.3 inches
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 82.0 mm100.0 x 83.0 mm
Fuel ControlSOHCDouble Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement644 cc / 39.35 cu-in652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder SOHC, 4 valveFour 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 Stroke100 x 82.6 mm100 x 83mm
Compression Ratio8.3:111.5:1
Cooling SystemAir cooledLiquid 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)3.18 litres/100 km (31.4 km/l or 73.97 mpg)
Fuel Induction40 mm Diaphragm-type CV carburetorFuel induction
Fuel Reserve4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons
IgnitionSolid-state CDI Capacitor Discharge Ignition system
LubricationDry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System44
Drivetrain
ClutchHeavy duty multi-plate clutchMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final Drive#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45TChain
Gear Ratios1st 2.66 2nd 1.64 3rd 1.25 4th 1.00 5th .84-
Gearbox5-speed5-speed
Primary Drive#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45TEndless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Transmission / Drive5 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Bridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear section
Suspension - Front43 mm Showa forks, 16-way adjustable preload41mm telescopic fork with stabilizer bridge
Suspension - RearPro-link Kayaba fully adjustableSpring setting and rebound stage damping continuously adjustable,
Rake 27°28.1°
Steering Head Angle-61.9°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in123 mm / 4.8 in
Wheel Travel - Front294 mm / 11.6 in210 mm / 8.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear280 mm / 11 in210 mm / 8.3 in
Electronics
Tachometer-Standard (Digital)
Electrical Systems
Alternator-Three-phase alternator 400W
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)256 mm240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.1 inches9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)296 mm300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)11.7 inches11.8 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 240 mm disc 2 piston caliperSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 240 mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle 240mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off)
RimsHollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminiumWire spoke wheels
Rims - Front-1.60 x 21"
Tyres - Front80/100-2190/90 S21
Tyres - Rear110/100-18130/80-17
Wheels-Wire spoke wheels
Wheels - Rear-3.00 x 17"

Verdict

Winner on specs

2014 Honda XR 650L

The 2014 Honda XR 650L edges out the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao thanks to its lighter kerb weight, higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2014 Honda XR 650L - Advantages

  • Lighter: 158 kg vs 191 kg - easier to handle and less fatiguing on long trips.
  • More rear wheel travel: 280 mm vs 210 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 294 mm vs 210 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 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.

2014 Honda XR 650L vs 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao - FAQs

Which is lighter, the 2014 Honda XR 650L or the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
The 2014 Honda XR 650L is lighter at 158 kg compared to 191 kg for the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao - a difference of 33 kg. This is a meaningful difference that affects handling and rider fatigue.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2014 Honda XR 650L or the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
The 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao has the lower seat at 860 mm to 900 mm, making it more accessible. The 2014 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 2014 Honda XR 650L or 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao have ABS?
The 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao is listed with ABS as standard. The 2014 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 2014 Honda XR 650L or the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
Both are strong choices. The 2014 Honda XR 650L has the edge in lighter kerb weight and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2015 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.