Considering a C650

Jakeoster

New member
Hello,

I've been thinking about moving to a C650. Currently own a BMW S1000. It's a fun ride but it sits around a lot of the time.

Looked around a bit on the forums, anyone do all the maintenance on their scoot? I've done valve clearancing on my old Suzuki GS500 (parallel twin) and work as a CNC programmer/machinist for a living so I'm not too bothered by working on things. No way in heck could I buy this and pay what they charge every 12,000 miles to keep it operational.

Valves adjustable or do you use shims?

I ride a lot of freeway 65-70mph, is it well suited?

What kind of tire life is to be expected?

Thanks
 
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exavid

Member
Valves are shim and bucket. I don't think anyone is finding actual valve adjustment really necessary until somewhere near 50,000 miles. There were some bugs in first year engines such as the problem with the timing chain adjuster but that's been corrected in both the older and new models. I would expect a service life well in excess of 500,000 miles without excessive maintenance or rebuilding. BMW seems to go overboard a bit with their service intervals and parts changes.
Most of the work this bike will need isn't terribly complicated, the CVT drive is not complex like those on the Burgman 650, the rear chain drive is pretty much the same as any motorcycle chain drive except for the oil bath and slack adjuster parts. Basic maintenance on those components are pretty simple, there are three slack adjusters of different thicknesses that adjust for chain wear. They are not very expensive and easy to change. I would expect the chain to last at least 25,000 miles. I don't know yet since I only have a bit more than 10,000 miles on my GT. So far the chain slack is within original specs, the CVT is running smoothly, and the brakes haven't worn noticeably. If one does their own work on the bike I don't think it would be any more expensive to maintain than any other motorcycle or scooter.
The performance and handling is very good. I've owned a Honda Silverwing scooter and a Burgman 650 scooter than neither of them hold a candle to the BMW C650GT. The features on these scooters are great. The heated handlebars and seat are very nice in cold weather, the ABS performs excellently on wet roads and dirt and gravel. Overall I highly recommend these bikes.

Handling is very good nearly as good as my Goldwing was. No problem cruising 75-80 mph on the freeway. I got about 7000 miles out of my first set of tires but if you ride a bit more conservatively than I do 10-12K might be achievable.
 
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dukdukman

Member
... an interesting read, your post.
Me too wants to continue doing my own maintenance and go to a dealer at some major-major intervals, since I am not a motorcycle mechanic and DO HAVE - regrettably - some limitations re technical nous ...
On the plus side, I've done my maintenance in his mode on all my other bikes, always using the a manual as guidance.
Here I am reading that purchasing an OEM manual for the 650 Sport is a rather expensive option. Are there any - cheaper - alternatives to get one's hand on such a document??
 

SteveADV

Active member
I can't speak to the maintenance questions, but as far freeway travel is concerned, no problem. Plenty of passing power and very comfortable.
 

Grample

New member
... an interesting read, your post.
Me too wants to continue doing my own maintenance and go to a dealer at some major-major intervals, since I am not a motorcycle mechanic and DO HAVE - regrettably - some limitations re technical nous ...
On the plus side, I've done my maintenance in his mode on all my other bikes, always using the a manual as guidance.
Here I am reading that purchasing an OEM manual for the 650 Sport is a rather expensive option. Are there any - cheaper - alternatives to get one's hand on such a document??

A workshop maintenance and repair manual is readily available on DVD using Ebay. Mine came from a seller in Italy for £35 (February this year) and it seems to be a copy of the official workshop one.

Having said that, it is not that easy to use nor is it very comprehensive in the way that the old paper DIY manuals used to be.
You get no ‘how to use this manual’ info’ but eventually I have found most of the stuff I wanted - well except for any of the optional extras.

Also, it has no - repeat that as no - electrical info' at all. Apparently the wiring and electrical info' comes on a second DVD for loads more money even to the dealers.
 

dukdukman

Member
Great info! Thank you!
Does this site have an option to share such manuals? .... or would it break any law/s?
Otherwise I shall start my own e-bay search ....
 

Grample

New member
My guess would be that anyone who copies and distributes any manual on DVD would be liable under copyright and/or counterfeit laws. I was unaware that the DVD was a copy when I bought it and so as an upstanding and law-abiding soul then naturally I destroyed it.

If you find a seller and then buy one then I am sure that you also will destroy it if it appears to be a ripped copy.
 

justscootin

Member
I own one of the dvd disks and use it, save money and make money from it. I find it easy to use. (I am also by trade a machinist) and find it easy to follow manuals and make decisions using common sense. The only thing missing is a wiring diagram (that is where this forum and the Internet is for)

I have done a belt replacement
I have done my rear chain adjuster
I will do a shim and bucket check and adjust at the end of the season
I also own a gs 911 for the electronics.
 
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Orlando

New member
A workshop maintenance and repair manual is readily available on DVD using Ebay. Mine came from a seller in Italy for £35 (February this year) and it seems to be a copy of the official workshop one.

Having said that, it is not that easy to use nor is it very comprehensive in the way that the old paper DIY manuals used to be.
You get no ‘how to use this manual’ info’ but eventually I have found most of the stuff I wanted - well except for any of the optional extras.

Also, it has no - repeat that as no - electrical info' at all. Apparently the wiring and electrical info' comes on a second DVD for loads more money even to the dealers.
My scooter does not start. It does crank. Having an electrical schematic would help.
 
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