MotoSpecs

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F vs 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao vs 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
2018 KTM 500 EXC-F 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs
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
2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
169.0 km/h / 105.0 mph
Weight
425.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-High windscreen. Heated grips.
Year2017 - 182014 - 15
Colours-Blue/white
Make ModelKTM 500 EXC-FBMW G 650GS Sertao
Dimensions
Storage-Luggage rack
Seat Height960 mm . 37.7 in860 mm to 900 mm / 33.9 in. to 35.4 in.
Wheelbase1482 ± 10 mm1,483 mm / 58.4 in.
Ground Clearance355 mm / 13.9 in-
Height-1440 mm / 56.7 in.(excl. mirrors)
Length-2185 mm / 86 in.
Width-920 mm / 36.2 in. (incl. mirrors)
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-177 kg / 390 lbs
Fuel Capacity8.5 Litres / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal14.00 litres / 3.70 gallons
Wet Weight106.5 kg / 234.7 lbs192.8 kg / 425.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed-169.0 km/h / 105.0 mph
Max Power-37 kW / 50 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque-60 Nm / 6.1 kgf-m / 44.25 lb-ft. @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.2826 HP/kg
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 3.3 inches
CO2-73.8 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission)
Displacement (cc)-652.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-100.0 x 83.0 mm
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement (ci)-39.79 cubic inches
Displacement510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in652 cc / 39.8 cub. in.
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder, DOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel System-Injection. Electronic intake pipe injection / BMW engine management, twin-spark ignition
Bore x Stroke95 x 72 mm100 x 83mm
Compression Ratio11.9:111.5:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledLiquid cooled
Emissions-Closed-loop 3-way catalytic converter, emission standard EU-3
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption-3.18 litres/100 km (31.4 km/l or 73.97 mpg)
Fuel InductionKeihin MX FCR 39Fuel induction
Fuel Reserve-3.79 litres / 1.00 gallons
IgnitionContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type KokusanCapacitor Discharge Ignition system
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMultidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activatedMultiple-disc clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4"Chain
Final Drive Ratio13:50-
Gear Ratios1st 14:36 / 2nd 17:32 / 3rd 19:28 / 4th 22:26 / 5th 23:24 / 6th 26:21-
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary Drive-Endless O-ring chain with shock damping in rear wheel hub
Primary Drive Ratios32:76-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeCentral double-cradle type 25CrMo4Bridge-type steel section frame with bolted-on rear section
Suspension - FrontWP Performance Systems MXMA 4860 upside downABS. Telescopic fork, 41 mm, fork stabilizer
Suspension - RearWP Performance Systems 4618 PDS DCCABS. Box-section steel dual swing arm, central spring strut operated by lever system, spring preload hydraulically adjustable (continuously variable) at handwheel, rebound damping adjustable
Rake-28.1°
Steering Head Angle63.561.9°
Trail-122 mm / 4.8 in.
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in210 mm / 8.3 in
Wheel Travel - Rear310 mm / 12.2 in210 mm / 8.3 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-240 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.4 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-300 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.8 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 260 mm discSingle 300mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm discSingle 240mm disc, 1 piston caliper
ABS-BMW Motorrad ABS (can be switched off)
Rims-Wire spoke wheels
Rims - Front-1.60 x 21"
Tyres - Front90/90 - 2190/90-21
Tyres - Rear120/90 - 18130/80-17
Wheels-Wire spoke wheels
Wheels - Rear-3.00 x 17"

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F and the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 310 mm vs 211 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 300 mm vs 211 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 861 mm vs 960 mm . 37.7 in - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Standard ABS: A meaningful safety advantage in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.

2018 KTM 500 EXC-F vs 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F and 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F or the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
The 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao has the lower seat at 861 mm, making it more accessible. The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F sits higher at 960 mm . 37.7 in. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Does the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F or 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao have ABS?
The 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao is listed with ABS as standard. The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F does not list ABS. ABS provides a meaningful safety benefit in emergency braking on wet or loose surfaces.
Which should I buy, the 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F or the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao?
Both are strong choices. The 2018 KTM 500 EXC-F has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2015 BMW G 650GS Sertao stands out for lower seat height and standard ABS. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.

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