In my opinion things like abs or traction control - (which i understand are there to try to protect you) - but can in fact reduce your skill level as they may stop you learning to feel the machine, the road, the tyres and brakes as well as if they were not there - as you become reliant to a degree and let the machine sort it out. (bit like people using GPS all the time instead of using maps and thinking about where they are going).
On the bike Abs etc make for more mechanical complications and expense, the bike will be a bit heavier and in certain conditions (off road or icy winter would need to be switched off anyway). Keep things simple learn to feel the machine and ride accordingly. You will put more into your riding and get more out of it. Personally I am not a great fan of Jap built bikes but have to say the w800 is a very good looking machine, no doubt well built and a probably a lot more simple and at least as (if not more ) reliable than the bmw. I would think with its simple low design it would be a very nice machine to ride more so for a beginner - you can easily in time upgrade suspension and brake parts with aftermarket bits and bobs which gives the bike a reasonable upgrade and a more personal feel. Good luck with whatever you go for and enjoy your travels be they short or long. Tchus jake.