You were extremely lucky to even find one of these for sale. I’ve been looking for any Dakar 650 single and for the past two years haven’t seen a single one for sale here in the US. So, what I’m trying to say is, if you like this bike, do not sell it, there’s a good chance you’ll never see another. Enjoy your new bike!
i have had my BMW g650gs sertao for 8 years and just under 60k on the clock and i will never sell it. the only upgrades i would recomend is a aftermarket exhaust to save ALOT OF WEIGHT and some progressive springs on the front hyperpro or touratech there both the same spring its just down to the box it comes in. also maybe get some better hand guards barkbuster do a good set. solid bike cant really fault it at all
i passed up the chance to get a brand-new Dakar-badged Sertao years ago, and always regretted it. So when I got a chance to pick up a pristine, low-mileage FGS650 - the 800 cc twin version, for considerably less than a brand-new Honda CB500X, I jumped on it. I have been delighted with the bike, even in comparison with the Honda which I had been considering. It is marginally heavier than the Sertao, but has still more power and wonderful road manners. It also has a more comprehensive instrumentation than the Sertao, including a fuel gage and gear indicator, as well as other switchable functions. Either bike wins easily over the original Himalayan in both power to weight and suspension travel. I think you would be disappointed in even the new Himalayan once you get used to BMW build quality, durability and handling. The only downside I have discovered is the price of factory parts like brake and clutch levers (don't ask how I know, haha) , but an upside is the wide variety and superb quality of German-manufactured, model-specific SW Motech accessories that are available for them
Love my Sertao. I suggest a Seat Concepts seat, Race Tech emulators (with proper springs for your weight), 15t sprocket up front for off road (I actually have 15t/49t on my F650GS for street), Barkbusters, fork guards to protect the seals, aux lights and/or Cyclops Ultra LED headlight bulb. Enjoy!
Thanks for the update, fwiw I also have high hopes for the 450 Himalayan - and nearly 2 years after I bought my 411, although it’s also done everything I’ve asked of it (since discovering small adv bikes and camping, partly courtesy of your early vids) and has been great fun to own, as I travel further it’s lack of performance on bigger roads and travelling further afield is becoming more of an issue.. Looks like you’ve got a nice bike there, keep the videos coming, and maybe we’ll meet at some random camping spot sometime. All the best to you.
I had a Triumph Tiger 885i, thats now gone and I bought the F650gs version, it’s a totally different beast but I love it, its so much lighter and the low centre of gravity inspires confidence.
Welcome to a better bike. Just got back from 25 days touring around Italy on my G650GS (new series will be coming up in Feb.). Loved it so much I decided to leave it with a dealer there, fly home, and buy myself a second one. If you think that seat is comfortable (I hated it), I'm glad it works for you, but, I got the Seat Concepts Tall seat for this bike and it's so much better. If you start to get sick of your seat, I highly recommend it.
Nice one Sam, keeping my eyes open for some good deals on the 411 Scrams or Himi's when the 450 comes out, or maybe a 450 if reasonably priced... Best of luck to you and the new BMW, don't forget though, this one DOES come with the optional extra indicators, i seen them right there on the bike ;) Keep the vids coming!
Been kicking around the idea of picking one up. As they are pretty cheap. Make a good cummuter to work and weekend offroader. Current ride is a built custom DRZ400. But want to add something else. As you said, this one checks a lot of the boxes off. And for around $5k US, for several that have under 10k miles, one with under 5k for $5500 US, not a bad price
Great choice. I've just finished around Aust on a DR650. A brilliant agricultural bike that is easy to fix 1000km from a dealer but I need a little more comfort. Sertao's are relatively cheap and my super remote travel days are way behind me. Plus my two funduro's are getting a little long in the tooth
Totally get it sam. This weekend at ABR I loved every minute on my himi. I lead ride outs, made her swim, made her fly and she took everything in her stride....but, because of the low peg height, 3ven with my lift kit on, I dragged my size 12 feet off the pegs 4 times. Really hurt my ankle especially the last time. I'm contemplating a change because of this......then again folks will just say slow down 😂
For years I wanted a Sertao but I was between bikes at the time. When I bought a bike for my 60th birthday, I looked at the Himalayan but they were all allocated in the US three years ago, so I bought a BMW G310GS and it's been great. No regrets. I wanted a lightweight thumper ADV bike as I'd always ridden smaller single cylinder dual sport bikes. 450 cc would probably be my sweet spot to be less wound out at highway speeds but I seldom ride on the highways and when I do, the little G310GS doesn't seem to mind being wound up to 110 KPH indefinitely. I still want a Sertao but I love the modern features of my baby GS - 6th gear, fuel gauge, gear indicator, tubeless tires, etc. I wish BMW Motorrad would make a G310GS Adventure, with a 17+ liter fuel tank, tubeless spoke wheels, and maybe another inch of suspension travel and upgraded suspension with rebound adjustment and preload front and rear.
@@chrishart8548 - The difference in cost for a larger fuel tank, spoke wheels instead of alloy, and upgraded suspension would cost BMW maybe $300 and they could easily charge another $1000 for the upgraded bike in the US. Apparently, they don't offer an upgraded G310GS because it would cut into sales of their more lucrative mid and full size ADV bikes. The baby GS is their beginner bike for those who won't spend 900GS or 1300GS money, and to get us on the upgrade path.
You probably made the right choice. I'm worried that the second-hand market is going to be flooded with 411 Himalayans when the 450 comes out & the value will drop
Maybe not. A lot of 411 owners are very sceptical of the new 450. It’s gonna have to be a damn good bike to make me swap my 411; especially as it’s getting touted as a KTM beater.
@@mrgrizzlyrides depends what you’re looking for I suppose. The 411 suits a lot of people down to the ground, for some it’s a stepping stone adv bike and for some it’s just too slow.
@@thatwelshman4518 I always say to anyone that says the 411 “is too slow” then you bought the wrong bike. Yes, it is slow, I have been in first gear on steep banks like Hardnot in Cumbria when two up, but I and many others just accept that, that is simply the way it is. Sure, I’ll have a test ride, but that Gameboy dash the 450 allegedly has might be no deal for me; it will have to be a substantially better bike than the 411; not just have more power but not have lost any of the things that make the 411 a cult bike. Just because it’s newer with more power doesn’t make it a better bike; ask Yamaha when they changed the 4LO LC into the Power Valve.
i have G650GS few year now, never let me down. Just keep eye on the battery - the place it is located is not very lucky... the battery hasa tendedncy to die quickly...
@@thatwelshman4518 the location of the battery (above engine = hot) cause that you have to check liquid level more often than you think... 2-4 time / sezon
One important difference is that the Serrano has a 21 inches front wheel and so it's more forgiving in the dirt than the GS 650 and definitely better in the dirt than the Hymalayan
@@thatwelshman4518 The GS650 is better in every way from the KTM390A- including the ease of lifting. The only advantage of the Himalayan over the 650 is the buzz the GS has in the pegs and seat at high rpms, and I think the cockpit is a bit nicer on the Himi. If the Himi could sit at 80mph on thr highway, I might have kept it
It’s a big difference, nice to know that there’s another 30mph available when you’re sitting at 70 rather than being right at the limit. Also feels a little more protected from the weather and a more comfortable seat. Only thing that’s not as good is there’s quite a lot of vibrations on the GS.
I would love this bike...BUT, the tall seat height maybe a problem, i have a 30" inside leg and i fell more comfortable with feet down. The older 650GS maybe the option for me, it as a seat height of 31" (there abouts) but then i'm looking at an older machine with most likely starship miles.. The Himalayan to me is just too heavy for what it is and the top speed is a major let down for me, Having said that the RE does have a lot of positives. Thanks for the review 😊
The shorter G650 GS isn't any older. The Sertao and it both stopped production in 2016 (I think) so you should be able to get a relatively recent second hand one.
how much did you pay? I want one too but don't want to pay too much; people are crazy asking $6,000 for a 12 year old mid mileage bike with 20k miles and needing maintenance in my opinion
Its not sir towel its sir tone . Listen to how its pronounced. If your going to have a bike you need to know how its pronounced . Listen to how to properly pronounce it at 2:04 in this video ua-cam.com/video/ph5ELUGizxQ/v-deo.html
Hmm 🤔 sounds like he’s saying it similar to me (but in a different accent)? 🤷🏻♂️ hear a lot of people call it sir-Tay-oh, at least I’m closer than that 😄 think it’s Portuguese or something?
Every bike, especially bikes in this category, are a compromise. You just have to figure out which is the best compromise for you. Before I bought a Himalayan I had a Africa Twin. It was a brilliant bike but it was too big for me off road. I am happy with my Himalayan but I still check out all the new bikes.
You were extremely lucky to even find one of these for sale. I’ve been looking for any Dakar 650 single and for the past two years haven’t seen a single one for sale here in the US. So, what I’m trying to say is, if you like this bike, do not sell it, there’s a good chance you’ll never see another. Enjoy your new bike!
Try the Internet bro 💀
I've got a 2004 F650GS Dakar.
It's bloody awesome!!!
i have had my BMW g650gs sertao for 8 years and just under 60k on the clock and i will never sell it. the only upgrades i would recomend is a aftermarket exhaust to save ALOT OF WEIGHT and some progressive springs on the front hyperpro or touratech there both the same spring its just down to the box it comes in. also maybe get some better hand guards barkbuster do a good set. solid bike cant really fault it at all
Hi I own a g650gs and I love it. Enjoy your Sertao😊
i passed up the chance to get a brand-new Dakar-badged Sertao years ago, and always regretted it. So when I got a chance to pick up a pristine, low-mileage FGS650 - the 800 cc twin version, for considerably less than a brand-new Honda CB500X, I jumped on it. I have been delighted with the bike, even in comparison with the Honda which I had been considering. It is marginally heavier than the Sertao, but has still more power and wonderful road manners. It also has a more comprehensive instrumentation than the Sertao, including a fuel gage and gear indicator, as well as other switchable functions.
Either bike wins easily over the original Himalayan in both power to weight and suspension travel. I think you would be disappointed in even the new Himalayan once you get used to BMW build quality, durability and handling. The only downside I have discovered is the price of factory parts like brake and clutch levers (don't ask how I know, haha) , but an upside is the wide variety and superb quality of German-manufactured, model-specific SW Motech accessories that are available for them
Always nice to get a new bike. Looking forward to seeing your travels on this one.
Cheers 🍻
Great bike! Enjoy the new ride 👌🏻
Love my Sertao. I suggest a Seat Concepts seat, Race Tech emulators (with proper springs for your weight), 15t sprocket up front for off road (I actually have 15t/49t on my F650GS for street), Barkbusters, fork guards to protect the seals, aux lights and/or Cyclops Ultra LED headlight bulb. Enjoy!
Thanks for the update, fwiw I also have high hopes for the 450 Himalayan - and nearly 2 years after I bought my 411, although it’s also done everything I’ve asked of it (since discovering small adv bikes and camping, partly courtesy of your early vids) and has been great fun to own, as I travel further it’s lack of performance on bigger roads and travelling further afield is becoming more of an issue..
Looks like you’ve got a nice bike there, keep the videos coming, and maybe we’ll meet at some random camping spot sometime.
All the best to you.
Sounds as though you feel similar to how I was feeling. 👍
Thanks for watching and sticking with the channel 🍻
I had a Triumph Tiger 885i, thats now gone and I bought the F650gs version, it’s a totally different beast but I love it, its so much lighter and the low centre of gravity inspires confidence.
Welcome to a better bike. Just got back from 25 days touring around Italy on my G650GS (new series will be coming up in Feb.). Loved it so much I decided to leave it with a dealer there, fly home, and buy myself a second one.
If you think that seat is comfortable (I hated it), I'm glad it works for you, but, I got the Seat Concepts Tall seat for this bike and it's so much better. If you start to get sick of your seat, I highly recommend it.
Happy new bike, enjoy 👍
Nice! Id love to be able to ride all three variants back to back to really feel the difference between them all.
Nice one Sam, keeping my eyes open for some good deals on the 411 Scrams or Himi's when the 450 comes out, or maybe a 450 if reasonably priced... Best of luck to you and the new BMW, don't forget though, this one DOES come with the optional extra indicators, i seen them right there on the bike ;)
Keep the vids coming!
Haha I’ll try and remember they’re there I promise 👌🏼
Now isn’t a bad time to buy one, loads around for sale. 👍
Been kicking around the idea of picking one up. As they are pretty cheap. Make a good cummuter to work and weekend offroader. Current ride is a built custom DRZ400. But want to add something else. As you said, this one checks a lot of the boxes off. And for around $5k US, for several that have under 10k miles, one with under 5k for $5500 US, not a bad price
Great choice. I've just finished around Aust on a DR650. A brilliant agricultural bike that is easy to fix 1000km from a dealer but I need a little more comfort. Sertao's are relatively cheap and my super remote travel days are way behind me. Plus my two funduro's are getting a little long in the tooth
Nice bike! I change bikes for the same reason. Just looking for a change :) Enjoy the Sertao!
Totally get it sam. This weekend at ABR I loved every minute on my himi. I lead ride outs, made her swim, made her fly and she took everything in her stride....but, because of the low peg height, 3ven with my lift kit on, I dragged my size 12 feet off the pegs 4 times. Really hurt my ankle especially the last time. I'm contemplating a change because of this......then again folks will just say slow down 😂
Haha ye but where’s the fun in that? 😁
@@thatwelshman4518 😄 you know it.
For years I wanted a Sertao but I was between bikes at the time. When I bought a bike for my 60th birthday, I looked at the Himalayan but they were all allocated in the US three years ago, so I bought a BMW G310GS and it's been great. No regrets. I wanted a lightweight thumper ADV bike as I'd always ridden smaller single cylinder dual sport bikes. 450 cc would probably be my sweet spot to be less wound out at highway speeds but I seldom ride on the highways and when I do, the little G310GS doesn't seem to mind being wound up to 110 KPH indefinitely.
I still want a Sertao but I love the modern features of my baby GS - 6th gear, fuel gauge, gear indicator, tubeless tires, etc. I wish BMW Motorrad would make a G310GS Adventure, with a 17+ liter fuel tank, tubeless spoke wheels, and maybe another inch of suspension travel and upgraded suspension with rebound adjustment and preload front and rear.
Motorrad don't even make the G310GS it's TVS but with those additions you mentioned it would probably double the price of the bike.
@@chrishart8548 - The difference in cost for a larger fuel tank, spoke wheels instead of alloy, and upgraded suspension would cost BMW maybe $300 and they could easily charge another $1000 for the upgraded bike in the US. Apparently, they don't offer an upgraded G310GS because it would cut into sales of their more lucrative mid and full size ADV bikes. The baby GS is their beginner bike for those who won't spend 900GS or 1300GS money, and to get us on the upgrade path.
You probably made the right choice. I'm worried that the second-hand market is going to be flooded with 411 Himalayans when the 450 comes out & the value will drop
Think it’s already happening, loads for sale everywhere. I had to drop the price a few times to get any interest. Thanks for watching 🍻
Maybe not.
A lot of 411 owners are very sceptical of the new 450. It’s gonna have to be a damn good bike to make me swap my 411; especially as it’s getting touted as a KTM beater.
@@mrgrizzlyrides depends what you’re looking for I suppose. The 411 suits a lot of people down to the ground, for some it’s a stepping stone adv bike and for some it’s just too slow.
@@thatwelshman4518 I always say to anyone that says the 411 “is too slow” then you bought the wrong bike.
Yes, it is slow, I have been in first gear on steep banks like Hardnot in Cumbria when two up, but I and many others just accept that, that is simply the way it is.
Sure, I’ll have a test ride, but that Gameboy dash the 450 allegedly has might be no deal for me; it will have to be a substantially better bike than the 411; not just have more power but not have lost any of the things that make the 411 a cult bike.
Just because it’s newer with more power doesn’t make it a better bike; ask Yamaha when they changed the 4LO LC into the Power Valve.
Im aboard an F650 GS. The Sertao is nice but I do like a centrestand
Picked mine up mid May and love it. I live in Swansea, where are you?
North east. Hope it treats you well 👍
i have G650GS few year now, never let me down. Just keep eye on the battery - the place it is located is not very lucky... the battery hasa tendedncy to die quickly...
Thanks for that, I need to get a optimiser cable fitted, left mine on the old bike when I sold it 🤦🏻♂️
@@thatwelshman4518 the location of the battery (above engine = hot) cause that you have to check liquid level more often than you think... 2-4 time / sezon
One important difference is that the Serrano has a 21 inches front wheel and so it's more forgiving in the dirt than the GS 650 and definitely better in the dirt than the Hymalayan
Ironic that i sold my Himalayan, got a KTM 390 and then decided that I needed the GS650 and found a Sertao- almost for the exact same reasons
I had a go on a ktm 390 adv, wasn’t for me either. Hope you’ve found what you wanted with the Sertao. I just wish I had more time to ride it!
@@thatwelshman4518 The GS650 is better in every way from the KTM390A- including the ease of lifting. The only advantage of the Himalayan over the 650 is the buzz the GS has in the pegs and seat at high rpms, and I think the cockpit is a bit nicer on the Himi. If the Himi could sit at 80mph on thr highway, I might have kept it
how did you find the difference in top speed for motorway cruising on the bmw verses the himalayan?
It’s a big difference, nice to know that there’s another 30mph available when you’re sitting at 70 rather than being right at the limit. Also feels a little more protected from the weather and a more comfortable seat. Only thing that’s not as good is there’s quite a lot of vibrations on the GS.
I would love this bike...BUT, the tall seat height maybe a problem, i have a 30" inside leg and i fell more comfortable with feet down. The older 650GS maybe the option for me, it as a seat height of 31" (there abouts) but then i'm looking at an older machine with most likely starship miles.. The Himalayan to me is just too heavy for what it is and the top speed is a major let down for me, Having said that the RE does have a lot of positives. Thanks for the review 😊
Yes it’s hard to find the sweet spot sometimes. This bike is a little tall for me too. 30 inside leg 5’7” but not too bad after some practice. 👍
The shorter G650 GS isn't any older. The Sertao and it both stopped production in 2016 (I think) so you should be able to get a relatively recent second hand one.
how much did you pay? I want one too but don't want to pay too much; people are crazy asking $6,000 for a 12 year old mid mileage bike with 20k miles and needing maintenance in my opinion
Can pick up a event one for about £3k in the uk but they don’t come up that often
BEH!
840 mm is 33 inches 😊
Yea it is. Lol. The sertao seat I mentioned in the video is 860mm 👍
I've got a g650gs, great bike but parts are expensive, mirrors, switch blocks, indicators etc easy to break and will wreck your wallet.
Cheers, I’ll keep that in mind and try not to drop it!
Chains on the wrong side!
Shit, I’ll send it back! 😁
@@thatwelshman4518 best thing for it. Hopefully the indicators work 😎
Its not sir towel its sir tone . Listen to how its pronounced. If your going to have a bike you need to know how its pronounced . Listen to how to properly pronounce it at 2:04 in this video ua-cam.com/video/ph5ELUGizxQ/v-deo.html
Hmm 🤔 sounds like he’s saying it similar to me (but in a different accent)? 🤷🏻♂️ hear a lot of people call it sir-Tay-oh, at least I’m closer than that 😄 think it’s Portuguese or something?
Every bike, especially bikes in this category, are a compromise. You just have to figure out which is the best compromise for you. Before I bought a Himalayan I had a Africa Twin. It was a brilliant bike but it was too big for me off road. I am happy with my Himalayan but I still check out all the new bikes.
Nothing wrong with a bit of window shopping 😁
Hopefully the fuel pump will not melt like mine