BMW G 650 GS Sertão (2012–2016): The Off-Road Oriented Adventurer Reimagined
Introduction: A Wolf in GS Clothing
The BMW G 650 GS Sertão isn’t just a motorcycle—it’s a declaration of intent. Designed for riders who crave dirt roads as much as asphalt, this single-cylinder adventurer bridges the gap between urban practicality and backcountry exploration. From 2012 to 2016, the Sertão carved its niche as the "wilderness" specialist in BMW’s GS lineup, borrowing its name from Brazil’s rugged hinterlands. But does it live up to its promise of dual-sport mastery? After a week of testing—from rocky trails to highway stretches—the answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats that make ownership an adventure in itself.
Engine Performance: The Thumper That Thinks It’s a Twin
At the heart of the Sertão lies a 652 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, a workhorse that defies expectations. With 50 HP at 6,500 RPM and a hearty 60 Nm (44.3 lb-ft) of torque peaking at 5,000 RPM, this DOHC powerplant delivers surprising refinement. The fuel-injected mill avoids the vibration harshness typical of big singles, thanks to a counterbalancer that lets you ride for hours without numb hands.
Key highlights:
- Fuel efficiency: BMW claims 3.18 L/100 km (74 mpg) at steady 55 mph cruising—a figure we matched during highway testing, even with knobby tires.
- Five-speed transmission: Smooth shifts, though a sixth gear would’ve been welcome for 70+ mph (113+ km/h) comfort.
- Twin-spark ignition: Ensures crisp throttle response, whether crawling through mud or overtaking on backroads.
The engine’s party trick? Its versatility. At low RPMs, torque builds linearly for technical trails, while the top end sings willingly up to its 105 mph (169 km/h) top speed. It’s not a fire-breather, but it’s reliable—a trait reinforced by the dry-sump lubrication system that avoids oil starvation during aggressive off-camber riding.
Handling & Ergonomics: Tall, Capable, and (Sometimes) Tiring
The Sertão’s chassis is where it diverges sharply from the standard G 650 GS. With 8.3 inches (211 mm) of travel at both ends, the suspension soaks up everything from washboard gravel to fallen logs. The 41mm telescopic fork and rear monoshock (hydraulically adjustable for preload) strike a fine balance between plushness and control, though heavier riders might crave rebound damping tweaks.
Standout features:
- 21-inch front wheel: The wire-spoked 90/90-21 front tire (with tube) floats over sand and ruts where 19-inch wheels falter.
- Steering geometry: A 28.1° rake and 4.8 inches (122 mm) of trail lend stability at speed without sacrificing low-speed agility.
- Seat height: The standard 33.9-inch (860 mm) perch is manageable for average riders, but the optional 35.4-inch (900 mm) seat transforms stand-up riding.
Drawbacks? The narrow footpegs (even without rubber inserts) punish boots during long off-road stints, and the non-adjustable front brake lever feels like a missed trick. Still, the Sertão’s 390 lb (177 kg) dry weight makes it forgivable when traction breaks loose—a godsend in technical terrain.
On-Road Manners: The Commuter Within
Don’t let the knobbies fool you—this BMW hustles on pavement. The switchable ABS (a rarity in its class during production years) inspires confidence, with a single 300mm front disc and two-piston caliper providing ample stopping power. At 55 mph (89 km/h), the tall windscreen and hand guards (heated grips on our test bike) create a serene cockpit, though crosswinds buffet the bike’s narrow profile.
Surprise-and-delight details:
- Fuel tank placement: Under-seat storage lowers the center of gravity, making the Sertão feel 50 lbs lighter than specs suggest.
- Instrument cluster: Analog speedo paired with an LCD screen (clock, dual tripmeters, odometer) keeps things simple but effective.
- Luggage rack: Pre-wired for BMW’s Vario cases, though aftermarket racks (like SW-Motech’s) offer greater versatility.
Competition: How the Sertão Stacks Up
1. KTM 690 Enduro R
- Advantage: 67 HP and 20 lbs lighter. A rocketship for expert riders.
- Sertão’s Edge: Better wind protection, lower seat (33.9” vs 35.8”), and standard ABS.
2. Suzuki DR650SE
- Advantage: Simpler air-cooled engine, cheaper maintenance.
- Sertão’s Edge: Fuel injection, liquid cooling, and modern electronics.
3. Honda XR650L
- Advantage: Legendary reliability, lower price.
- Sertão’s Edge: 6th-gen suspension tech, switchable ABS, and Euro3 compliance.
Verdict: The Sertão isn’t the most powerful or lightest in its class, but its balance of road comfort, off-road prowess, and BMW build quality makes it a unique proposition—especially on the used market today.
Maintenance: Keeping the Adventure Alive
Owners praise the Sertão’s reliability, but proactive care is key:
Critical Service Points
- Valve Adjustments: Every 12,000 km (7,500 miles). Intake: 0.03–0.11 mm (0.0012–0.0043”), Exhaust: 0.25–0.33 mm (0.0098–0.013”).
- Oil Changes: 2.3L of 15W-50 (API SJ) every 6,000 km (3,700 miles). Don’t skip the strainer screen clean!
- Chain Care: The 112-link O-ring chain needs regular cleaning and adjustment (1.6–2.0”/40–50 mm slack).
Common Upgrades
- Tires: Swap the Tourances for Metzeler Karoo 3s (90/90-21 & 130/80-17) for true 50/50 performance.
- Handlebars: BMW’s own risers (+1.2”) alleviate crouch for taller riders.
- Footpegs: Replace with pivoting, serrated pegs (Pivot Pegz or similar) for better boot grip.
Pro Tip: The Sertão’s 12V socket (optional) can power a tire inflator—essential for adjusting pressures between trail and tarmac.
Conclusion: The Gateway to Big Adventures
The BMW G 650 GS Sertão isn’t perfect. It’s tall, lacks a sixth gear, and its instrumentation feels dated. But these quirks fade when you’re carving a canyon road at dawn or picking through a rocky riverbed at sunset. This is a bike that rewards skill without punishing mistakes—a rare trait in modern ADV machines.
For owners, the aftermarket is your playground. From crash bars to custom seats, every upgrade at MOTOPARTS.store transforms the Sertão into your Sertão. Because in the end, this BMW isn’t just about reaching destinations—it’s about rewriting the map to include a few more detours through the unknown.
