• Welcome to the BMW Scooter Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

Talk me out of a C650GT ?

S

Super Dirt Dud

New member
Joined
Apr 20, 2020
Messages
11
Location
Northeast Pa
Visit site
Hello
I am looking at the BMW C650GT and have some questions .
1. How are they 2 up since my 2006 Scarabeo is my wife and my 2 up ride .
2. I like to do stuff to my bikes and wondered what this one is like to work on ?
3. Does it feel really heavy in the shop or being wheeled around ?
4 . Storage and add on like top box sand side bags ?
5. Is the seat a Air Hawk / aftermarket type of seat or easy on your butt ?
6. Does it have a great light or are Darla / Driving lights a must ? They do help with getting people to see you .
7. What years did they make big improvements if any ?
8. is there a lot of improvements to the newest model ?
9. Is there a year that has better stoplight speed without modding the engine .

I know there are a lot of questions but it is a big investment and we still like the Scarabeo but she is getting old so it maybe time to ride a German ?
Thanks Tom
 
Greetings,

Re: questions #7, 8 and 9, big changes were made to Generation 2 models, starting with 2016. They are listed below.

I owned a white 2016 and a black 2017, so I can't speak about Generation 1 models (2013 - 2015).

It's an easy bike to work on. The official service manual helps. It's only available on DVD and only for Windows-based PC's. There isn't a lot to do, oil + filter every 6,000 miles ... drive belt at 12,000 ... chain at 24,000 (plus a new belt). TORX screwdrivers and bits are a must.

It's easy to wheel around the garage and a breeze to put up on the center stand. It seems to boost itself up.

As for 2-up, it's been great the few times I've done that. But it's not nearly as comfortable and smooth for driver and passenger as a big Burgman 650 scooter. The BMW and the Burgman (imho) are the two best scooters in the world. The Burgman is a smooth, quiet cruiser, the Lincoln Town Car of scooters. The BMW is an alpha male, growly, fast and aggressive. Two very different rides. For long distances, I always take the Burgman. For short, spirited trips, I hop on the BMW C 650 GT.

Here is a summary of changes from Gen 1 to Gen 2, written by BMW ....


OVERALL

New suspension and damping set-up for an ideal compromise between sport and comfort.

In addition to ABS, now also ASC is standard for maximum safety when accelerating.

Completely new, dynamic design for the C 650 Sport.

Detailed stylistic fine-tuning for the C 650 GT.

New silencer. The new exhaust system is made of stainless steel as before, but does not have a front silencer. Fitted only with a rear silencer, it now offers a particularly full and sonorous sound and dynamic new look.

New instrument dial design.

New handlebar trim elements with chrome applications.

New, higher-quality surfaces (graining effects).

Automatic daytime riding light.

Revised kinematics of the center stand for easier use.

New rider assistance system Side View Assist (SVA) for the C 650 GT.

New paint finishes for the C 650 Sport: Valencia Orange metallic matt, Light White non-metallic and Black Storm metallic.

New paint finishes for the C 650 GT: Black Storm metallic, Frozen Bronze metallic and Light White non-metallic.

TECHNOLOGY

New CVT set-up and revised clutch linings for more dynamic clutch engagement and a more spontaneous set-off response (faster off the line).

Power transmission from directly integrated CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) which underwent extensive adaptations for use in the new C 650 Sport and the new C 650 GT.

Softer springs and optimized clutch linings used in the centrifugal clutch.

Powerful 2-cylinder in-line engine with new set-up, optimized CVT and new exhaust system.

In order to achieve a low mounting position and therefore a low center of gravity, the engine has a cylinder bank that is tilted forward by 70 degrees. The characteristic sound and low level of vibration are due to the 90-degree crankpin offset, 270-degree ignition spacing and two counterbalance shafts powered by spur gears.

The sophisticated cooling concept to BMW Motorrad standards ensures optimum thermal balance in the 2-cylinder in-line engine. Here, coolant flows transversely through the cylinder head, entering at the front of the cylinder head on the hot exhaust side. The intensive cooling effect rapidly dissipates the heat precisely at the point of maximum thermal stress, thereby ensuring excellent temperature compensation. The aluminum radiator with plastic water containers and integrated thermostat has the same high-performance radiator network as is used in BMW motorcycles. Due to its high degree of efficiency and excellent air intake and through-flow, a relatively small surface is sufficient for operationally reliable heat dissipation in all conditions.

Carburation of the 4-valve engine with two overhead camshafts is taken care of by an electronic fuel injection system. Meanwhile oil is supplied by a dry sump system with a dual oil pump, and an efficient cooling concept ensures optimum thermal balance in the 2-cylinder engine. Engine mapping was redefined for use in the new C 650 Sport and the new C 650 GT with a view to satisfying the requirements of the EU4 pollutant class.

In addition to increased roller weights, the transmission ratio spread of the CVT has been increased from 2.42 to 2.95. The long CVT ratio is now 0.82 instead of 1.00. The gear reduction ratio between the CVT output shaft and driven shaft has been shortened from 2.72 to 3.28. In addition to a more spontaneous set-off response, this also makes for an increased top speed (180 rather than 175 km/h), or 111 mph).
 
Hello Tom,

I'm on my second C650GT, so I can't talk you out of it. First was a '13 (Rev 0) so came with many flaws that are now fixed. This was the first year of production for this model scooter. My current bike is a '18 (Rev. 1). Much better design. If you are thinking of buying a used bike, only buy from '16 and newer (Rev 1). I also ride a '09 Honda Shadow 750, when I feel the need to shift ;)

To your questions:
Two up is good. You will just need to adjust the tension spring (suspension) with provided tool. Takes a minute or two. Old model required tire pressure change. New one does not. However - the seat on these bikes is high. Even at 5 feet 11 inch (180 cm), my feet barely touch the ground unless I come off the seat completely at stops. I feel this more with two up.
Working - I think it is very difficult to DYI so I have BMW do the work. Everything is under plastic farings. Oil changes can be difficult as there is an internal oil filter in addition to the external. That's enough for me to stay away from working on it,. The Honda on the other hand is very easy so that bike, I do a lot of DIY maintenance.
Heavy - yes. While walking it, it feels quite heavy. In fact it weighs the same as the R1200RT. Almost 600 pounds (270kg).
Storage is fantastic. I always have people amazed when they see the under seat storage. Two helmets or 4 grocery bags. I also added a GIVI top box for even more storage. It was easy to do on my own.
Seat is very comfortable (and heated!). No need for Air Hawk and the seat is so high anyway, that it would be difficult to add an Air Hawk. (There is also no place for the Air Hawk straps) This bike is great for a long day of comfortable riding, and is quite stable even on the highways. I put my feet way forward, lean back and ride the roads from my "easy chair".
Lighting is OK - not special. The more lights aftermarket the better, Models shipped to the US do not have the Euro running lights.
Improvements - as described above the Rev 1 bikes have many improvements. One of the biggest is the slow speed "modding" as you call it. In the States we called it shuddering. I had BMW install Dr. Pully rollers on my Rev 0 bike to make that better. The Rev 1 clutch is much better though not perfect. Other improvements were made to the center stand (much easier to get it up on its center stand on the Rev 1. Again, make sure to get a Rev 1 if you buy a used model. They designed out most if not all of the Rev 0 bikes. Adding gasoline still takes care. You must carefully line up the gasoline dispenser nozzle into the fueling port. Very different from a cruiser and the first time can be challenging. I wish they would have fixed this, but it's not a deal breaker.
General - This bike is quite expensive for its size (almost 12K USD) but it's a BMW and really a well designed and comfortable bike. I've bought two so that's a good endorsement from this person at least. Good luck!
 
Scorpion56 said:
Hello Tom,

I'm on my second C650GT, so I can't talk you out of it. First was a '13 (Rev 0) so came with many flaws that are now fixed. This was the first year of production for this model scooter. My current bike is a '18 (Rev. 1). Much better design. If you are thinking of buying a used bike, only buy from '16 and newer (Rev 1). I also ride a '09 Honda Shadow 750, when I feel the need to shift ;)
Click to expand...

Tom,

Thanks for the info. I hadn't seen any posts from folks who moved to the second generation so this is good. As much of a pain as BMW is, I'm comfortable on the bike, have some of the specialty tools and knowledge to work on it, etc. Having said that, it appears that the engine, transmission, etc. are the same from the maintenance perspective but incorporate some refinements from the first generation. Do have information to confirm or refute that?

--David
 
This is some great feed back and reason to keep on looking . My inseam is 34 inches and one of the reasons the BMW appeals to me along with power , technology , and the fact that it is a BMW .
Now I will wait till the virus passes and go take one for a spin .

Thanks Tom
 
Tom, I have a 32" inseam and can flat-foot it with sneakers. You won't have any trouble. The butt-bumper is easily removed with 3 allen-screws, and while what you're left with isn't pretty, it lets you take more advantage of the seat, and adds legroom. I was shocked to hear the weight comparison above, because the scoot can be moved round rather easily. I am talking about a rough asphalt parking lot at my condo, and not a nice smooth shop/garage floor.

The other poster was correct on the fueling. You want to make darn sure the nozzle is insert past the splash-back guard. Then, after the pump auto shuts-off, you can pull back carefully, and eek-in a bit more. Just watch that guard under the filler-lip and you can see what your limit is.
 
It’s well covered above. I would just add that she is a big fat lass. Weighs the same as a full size touring bike, as much as an RT. If you’re fine with that I won’t talk you out of it.
 
Hi Guys,

I'm waiting on my used 8000km C60 GT 2019 719 option to be prepped at the dealer, and should have it soon. I was planning on trading both my C650 Sport 2016+2015 K1300s...now I am having separation anxiety on both bikes....lol. Keeping the K1300s and C650 GT would make sense in terms of the obvious differences. Keeping the C650 sport would make sense (in my head) to practice maintenance on it and if the GT ever needs a part that takes forever to reach the dealer I can't afford not having a ride.

Help a brother out sorting this dilemma. Budget wise...? well the wife would be happier with both gone.....

Trade in value is £2170 for the C650 sport and £3250 converted from JPY
 

Attachments

  • IMG_2217.webp
    IMG_2217.webp
    106.5 KB · Views: 16
  • IMG_0763.webp
    IMG_0763.webp
    193.2 KB · Views: 14
  • IMG_1322.webp
    IMG_1322.webp
    211.6 KB · Views: 14
Sport has more space underseat, faster and more flickable due to lower weight, can accomodate your bent legs on passenger footpegs if you need a bit more feel, and is a great for shorter (sub-day) city rides.

GT beats it in multi-day trips, better wind protection, fantom handguards with those plastic flaps, and a bit more leg space with feet forward. No feet backward option. Can‘t fit two full helmets though, not even one large helmet…some models duh
 
RollaCosta said:
Sport has more space underseat, faster and more flickable due to lower weight, can accomodate your bent legs on passenger footpegs if you need a bit more feel, and is a great for shorter (sub-day) city rides.

GT beats it in multi-day trips, better wind protection, fantom handguards with those plastic flaps, and a bit more leg space with feet forward. No feet backward option. Can‘t fit two full helmets though, not even one large helmet…some models duh
Click to expand...
Yea… you’re spot on on both… I’ve enjoyed the K for a good 30.000km.. that back ache 😂…..having both Sport and GT would be best of both worlds …
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top