RE Himalayan vs BMW GS 650 Sertao
 

Hi all,

Hoping for your kind help and advice.

My Honda NC700X unfortunately got stolen recently, and I’m after my next bike. Budget is £3-4K. Having gone through all sorts of options, I’ve limited it down to the 2018 RE Himalayan and a 2012 BMW GS 650 Sertao.

Both very different bikes, and I am a bit torn. I 60% commute, 30% do weekend rides, 10% long rides. Most is done on asphalt, though I always day-dream of green-laning around the UK (and beyond). I don't care about high speed, but I do need to get out of London. I frequently ride with a pillion.

I’ve test ridden the RE. I loved the look, how light it feels, and the many very positive reviews online. It’s durable, stylish, goes anywhere. But it did miss the extra bit of power and acceleration that gets you excited - certainly something to accept and get used to.

I’ve never ridden the GS650, and there aren’t many in my local area (London) to test, but I've found some decent offers elsewhere in the country. I always loved the bike from day one, and it also seems to be an all-rounder. Same price for an older bike, but certainly strong and faster. Not as pretty as the RE (in my opinion), but not ugly either.

What’s my question? I suppose I look for guidance for anyone who’s able to compare the two bikes, have strong opinions on them, maybe got similar riding experience as I, and can recommend why one may be favorable over the other.

Your advice is much appreciated!

All the best
Alex

I've not ridden a Himalaya but plenty have, just look up Nathan Millward he owned one for little over a year and put over 17k Miles on it, he seems very happy with them. Chris Scott has just completed a Saharan tour on his modified Himalaya. they don't seem to suffer many problems (head race bearings being a common one but probably just requires a good greasing when new to avoid this)

I have ridden the BMW but not owned one, yes its a good bike but its still not going to rip your arms off when accelerating. Plenty of people have taken them around the world.

Not that its much help but you can't really go wrong with either choice so if you are leaning towards the Enfield go for it added to the fact that there are some very low miles used ones about now that are near the 3k mark and only a year old.

i would and am seriously considering the Himalaya as my next bike and given it sits a bit lower it would be more suited to some fun on the dirt. Have a look at what FUEL motorcycles did to one for the recent Scram Africa tour, it looks ace

I hate to say it, but I definitely would not get the BMW for London unless you have VERY secure parking. That bike is like catnip to motorcycle thieves. My old 2004 BMW F650GS (non-sertao) got stolen twice. It's very easy to hotwire and then they use it to pop wheelies and snatch phones (which they did with mine until it broke down and they slashed the tyres and dumped it, which is how I got it back).

It's a shame though, its a brilliant bike for exactly the sort of thing you're wanting to do with it.

@hsinclai - I hear you buddy. As I mentioned, my own bike got stolen, hence the hunt for a new one. It was in the garage, secured and everything, but unfortunately in London it's often a matter of time. You make a good point tho - BMWs are arguably more of a target than the RE.

@stuxtttr - love the FUEL motorcycle conversion, quite fun! It's interesting to hear that acceleration and pace isn't going to differ too much in the end, and I seem to have done the right research. As you say, similar bikes for what they serve, may as well go for the newer one (and she's good looking!)

Thank you both - really appreciate your input, and shall update you when I've purchased the bike!

All the best
Alex

The Royal Enfield is cheap junk. It's slow and heavy. But it IS cheap and it does seem to be reliable.

The Sertao is not a bad bike at all. It's a proven design and been around for a long time.

The Sertao is an Asian built replica of the BMW F650 Dakar.

I'd look for one of those. Better build quality as they were made in Europe , not Asia.

You should find a very nice Dakar for around £2500.

Bummer, and why?
 

I'm the owner of a 2013 g650gs. Bought a year ago, 14000km, now at 21000. I weigh 125kg, and have no issues bringing up to 140 with power to spare. I can get it up to 160 with no issues. And that's loaded.

So in my humble opinion, power is not an issue. It's no 1200,no race bike, but it puts a smile on my face on tarmac, on gravel,on sand, in twisties, and at the pump (I also own a 5.7 v8 pickup....)

It's a great bike. The re Himalayan is great too, I almost got one as well instead of the bmw. However RE does not have a stellar long term reputation on other models, and this one is a new model. So the jury is still out as far as long term durability goes. If you plan on changing your bike in a few years and don't really care about resale value, the RE seems like a good choice.

If you plan on keeping the bike long, or want a predictable resale value, I'd go beamer.

As far as people giving the old... Made in China crap, seriously, I have read nowhere of people owning the newer Chinese made engines having any issues.

It's only the rotax engine that was made in China, and it's holding up well, and I believe they were strict with quality control. Show me evidence that this particular engine suffers issues.

The only weak point of the beamer, is the front shocks. I'll get them changed eventually for touratech, but will wait until they die naturally, which might be a while. Ah yeah, I hate the stock seat as well.

But the beamer has tons of luggage and aftermarket configurations, not do much with the RE.

My 0.02$

In case you haven’t already, look at what Nathan Millward has said about his.

Also look at Itchy Boots on YouTube for an idea of what the Himalayan can do as an over lander.

I’d urge caution with reports of breaking frames etc, ...

If you’re in the UK I’d have a look at the Himalayan owners groups on Facebook - lots of advice and real world experience.


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