BMW C600/C650GT vs TMax...2 Great Bikes

SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Forum member Cloud9 is a northeast Ohio guy who owns a TMax. He likes it but is considering moving to a BMW (hello Skutorr). Other what I have read on line and a quick look-see, I have no experience with the TMax. JaimeC owns a C650GT (plus another little BMW "trinket") and also owned a TMax. No doubt some real world comparisons available there. Anyone else?

Any of us who have been on a bike for awhile know that there is a give up to get this or that. So my question is...What is the give up the TMax owner has to realize to go to the BMW C600 or the C650GT? Sounds like the sport folks would move to the C600 and the cruiser/touring people would be more interested in the C650GT. Is the TMax and the BMW product really close? Should Cloud9 stay with the TMax?
 
JaimeC

JaimeC

New member
Compared to the TMAX, I find the C650GT more comfortable, more powerful, handles just as well, gets better gas mileage, has more range (better mileage + a bigger fuel tank), better weather protection and more storage. It also has a far better electrical system so that it can handle the ABS (not available on the TMAX), heated grips (available on the TMAX if you hunt for it on the Euro sites), and heated seat (not available on the TMAX).

The glove boxes on both scoots could be a lot better, but at least the left one on the GT is lockable. It also comes standard with a power outlet so you can store and charge up a cell phone. By the way, getting back to the TMAX's lame electrical system: If you install the heated grips, Yamaha does NOT recommend you install the optional power outlet in their glove box.

The electrical system is also strong enough to handle an electric jacket liner in addition to the above accessories; something I know first hand the lame electrical system on the TMAX can not handle.

Handling is about a wash. The TMAX weighs less, but the C650GT carries its weight well. I don't feel the front-end "pushing" as I did with the TMAX in hard cornering but I'd give the nod to the TMAX for changing direction more quickly.

The only thing I can think of that the TMAX wins "hands down" are the rear-view mirrors. They give you a solid view of what is directly behind you as well as what are in the lanes next to you. The BMW doesn't provide any clue at all what is behind you. Just a good view of the adjoining lanes and your upper arms.

Maintenance intervals make more sense on the BMW too. Every 6,000 miles. Yamaha recommends a 4,000 mile interval for maintenance; however the oil change light comes on every 3,000 miles and the belt-change light comes on every 12,600 miles (WTF??). In a typical year, I'd be taking the BMW in for service twice, but the Yamaha three times (I basically ignored the warning lights and just changed the oil at 4,000 miles and the belt at 12,000 miles). That also makes the BMW CHEAPER to maintain in my book.
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Yeah, those dang 650 mirrors. I am in the habit of touching my right shoulder with my left hand while viewing the left mirror on a pretty regular basis to get a good look directly behind me; so it's kind of a habit at this point. But I only own one bike and do not have to contend with comparisons to easier mirror positioning on any other rides.

Under what circumstances would the TMax be a better choice?
 
JaimeC

JaimeC

New member
SteveADV said:
Under what circumstances would the TMax be a better choice?
Click to expand...

If he's on a budget, a used TMAX is still better than any other "new" Maxi scooter out there. If I recall correctly from the Majesty forum (I haven't checked in there in quite awhile) all of the brand new left-overs have been sold, so you're not going to be able to get one with any kind of warranty either...
 
Skutorr

Skutorr

Active member
I wonder if we have and Canadian members who made the switch from the Tmax530 to the C600Sport? It would be interesting to see how they think they compare....

Trolling through the Euro forums, mainly Spanish and Italian, I get the impression that the main draw of the C600Sport was PERFORMANCE, as some of those people put almost as much into modifications on their Tmaxes as their purchase! Starting with the larger BMW motor gives them an advantage to begin with, in the NEED for SPEED!

Also, the Tmax 530 handlebars are modified in a more downward, sport bike aspect, and interfere with the KNEES of taller riders. Like over 5'10"-5'11"! The BMW has much more clearance available. It actually felt "Big" to me, with all 5'9" sitting on it. My Tmax fits me like a glove...

BUT: they all miss the smooth, reliable motorcycle-style wet clutch that the Tmaxes all have. The consensus is to send your brand-new BMW to a specialist in ROME, who puts in a Dr. Pulley HIT clutch, Malossi haul-butt variator, aftermarket exhaust and a performance computer remapping, to eliminate hesitation. (They gave up on replacement clutches from BMW...made no difference. Some of the dealers bite the bullet and put the HIT clutches in themselves.) Then it's a BEAST!!
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Now that looks like a deal. Probably fits the criteria for a lot of people looking for a super bike that do not want the expense of a new BMW. Important to note for some, while the setup on a TMax is a little tougher for 6 footers, the bike is pretty much the same size as the C600.
 
JaimeC

JaimeC

New member
Having just come off a sportbike when I bought the TMAX, I was a little annoyed that I wasn't able to position my feet directly below me. I either had to sit like I was on a standard (feet slightly in front) or a cruiser (feet way in front); neither position I found terribly comfortable for long periods of time.

I was pleasantly surprised to find on the C650GT that I could position my feet directly below me which made charging the twisties feel a lot more "natural." Also, the feet-forward position on the GT allows me to stretch out more than I could on the TMAX.

One final advantage to being able to place my feet directly below my body: I can STAND UP from time to time when the scooter is in motion. That allows me an opportunity to stretch out without having to stop. It also makes passing over obstacles and bumps a lot easier too.

I noticed that the C600 Sport's floorboards extend far enough back that it should allow the rider the same flexibility.
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
JaimeC said:
One final advantage to being able to place my feet directly below my body: I can STAND UP from time to time when the scooter is in motion. That allows me an opportunity to stretch out without having to stop. It also makes passing over obstacles and bumps a lot easier too.
Click to expand...

As a former dirt bike guy, I also have used the floor boards as pegs for standing. Grip location is more of a challenge for me but those big old floorboards are nice. In fact, I mount my C650GT using them.
 
SteveADV

SteveADV

Active member
Here's a the good looking TMax that belongs to Cloud9...
View attachment 309

No doubt he would point out the Cornerstone Christmas Ale (store in the background) is better than Great Lakes'. 50 degrees and sunny in northern Ohio lends itself to taste tests. Well, OK, doesn't take sun or any degree of warmth, but that was today's excuse. Unfortunately, I was riding in PA and missed the festivities.
 
JaimeC

JaimeC

New member
Figured I might as well post a photo of my old TMAX. I had the "Fast yellow one" too:
1018_01_CaseyTMAX.jpg

Just noticed that photo must've been taken shortly after I purchased it, because the only accessory is the Laminar Lip on the windscreen. Before I sold it, I'd added Throttlemeister grips, the Givi-made top box, the Yamaha passenger back rest and luggage rack, and the wind-deflector/tip-over protection trim.
 
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Skutorr

Skutorr

Active member
Here is the perfect answer for choosing between the Tmax 530 or BMW C600Sport. How to get the BEST of BOTH?
He got this after 15 years on BMW GS bikes and test-riding all the Maxis...

BMW530.jpg
 
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