2015 BMW C650GT

chummy

New member
Can someone tell me the difference between a 2015 and a 2016 BMW C650GT?
I have a 2015 and its exactly the same as the updated 2016 Models onward.
When I read specifications about these models they are saying updated from 2016 onwards.
So I am confused to say the least.
Does the model I have have the Automatic Timing Chain Tensioner?
Help!
 

Delray

Well-known member
The following was published by BMW to highlight improvements in Gen 2.0 models, 2016 and later. What's most noticeable, viscerally, is 2016+ models take off faster and sound more like a BMW motorcycle.

No idea about Automatic Timing Chain Tensioner. They're all automatic. Major difference is mechanical or hydraulic, and hydraulic is better. If you have a Gen 1.0 model, 2012 - 2015, there is a recall on the Tensioner. You can check the VIN # with any BMW dealer to see if that work was done on your bike.

2016 ENHANCEMENTS TO BMW C 650 GT and BMW C 650 Sport.

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).
 

SJMike

Member
BMW updated a few things in 2016 model up the 2020 year. First they improved the variator for better response during acceleration from a stop. Then the center stand was redesigned for easier lifting up. Also the suspension was modified a bit for more comfortable ride. Finally BMW reworked the Cam Chain Tensioner into a hydraulic version . The mechanical spring loaded version had weakness issues & could fail without warning.

BMW actually made 2 versions of the mechanical Tensioner . Models 2012 - 2014 had version 1 & 2015 had version 2 . I called BMW customer service & was told the vendor who made the version 1 did a bad job so version 2 was made. Problems still continued & a recall was issued for years 2012-2014, but not 2015. The earlier models were converted the hydraulic version. I have a 2015 C650GT & was quite unhappy when informed I wasn't on the recall list. BMW customer service isn't fun to deal with. They're very rigid on any questions about fixing a manufacturing defect. No compassion for owners. Anyway, I learned it would cost me $450 in parts & $400 in labor to change to the hydraulic Tensioner.

I'm at 19,500 miles & still pondering if I should make the switch on the Tensioner. It's decent amount $ to fix a "possible" problem
 

Delray

Well-known member
"BMW actually made 2 versions of the mechanical Tensioner. Models 2012 - 2014 had version 1 & 2015 had version 2"

Great info, thank you. I bought a 2015 a month ago. Called BMW about the tensioner before I bought it and was told, "there are no open recalls on the bike." I figured that meant the recall work had been done. But it sounds like my 2015 was never recalled in the first place. Even learning that, I feel no urge to have my tensioner updated to hydraulic, for two reasons.

1. Yep, nearly $1,000 to address a "possible" problem is a lot of money.

2. I sold a 2013 GT with 21,600 miles a month ago that had the tensioner recall work done at 2,000 miles -- so it had the "new, improved" mechanical tensioner (same as my 2015, apparently). The 2013 ran like a Swiss watch the entire time I had it, and overall, ran for 19,600 miles without issue after the recall work.

I will just enjoy the 2015 and hope I never hear the cursed "clatter" from the tensioner. My next GT will almost certainly be a 2016+ so I won't have to think about the tensioner.

"BMW customer service isn't fun to deal with. They're very rigid on any questions about fixing a manufacturing defect. No compassion for owners."

Disagree, at least anecdotally. I have only talked to BMW seeking information before buying several BMW bikes. They were uniformly pleasant and helpful. If you search this forum, you can find quite a few examples of tensioner failure that resulted in destroyed engines and ruined GT's -- and an equal number of examples of BMW replacing the entire engine or bike at zero or minimal cost to the owner -- even when the bike was several years old or had many thousands of miles.
 

Ceesie76

Active member
To add to the story, my 2016 Sport, so presumably with the new hydraulic tensioner, developed the chain clatter on cold startup after maybe 2500-3000 miles and BMW had to replace it under warranty. So even the Gen 2.0 models can develop tensioner problems apparently.
 
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