German Optimism

[Montimacabre]

I recently measured my top speed using GPS to determine how accurate the speedometer is on my CE04. The method was less than scientific so the results are close enough but not perfect.

Top speed on the speedo was 80 mph, GPS said 77 mph. When I measured velocity at different maintained speeds, the error was a 2 to 4 mph slower reading for the speedometer versus the GPS.

The main reason that I was curious was at 70mph on the freeway I was not keeping up with traffic and considered that my speedometer was much more inaccurate than it truly was.

My conclusion is people drive really F-ing fast around here.

😁

 

[Delray]

From your experience, is the range on the CE-04 also optimistic? I believe BMW says 80 miles but I've read lots of accounts from owners who say it's lower. I've seen ranges from the mid-40's to 60's. I'm very interested in this bike. Sat on one at a BMW dealer and it has nice heft and gravitas -- felt solid. I've heard the ride is great and the acceleration is ridiculous, instant response, like a Tesla.

For now, I'm thinking I'll enjoy the C 650 GT for a couple more years while CE-04 engineers learn to extend battery life (sodium batteries?).

As for Germans being optimistic, I'd offer logical, punctual, technical, hard working, organized, etc. before I'd say optimistic; full disclosure: third generation, double-German roots here, and proud of it.

 

[Montimacabre]

I used the title of optimism for the speedometer reading 3 to 4 miles faster than actual. My German scooter is being optimistic in it’s actual speed…..

As far as range well I am not one to squeeze economy from any of my vehicles. I subscribe to the “ride it like you stole it” mentally.

That said in dynamic mode my range is about 60 miles. In Eco my range is around 65 to 70 miles. I have ridden it 5 to 10 miles past a zero charge. When you get below 20% it goes into turtle mode and top speed is reduced and at 0% your top speed is 2 to 5 mph.

It is a fun bike, I really like the acceleration and lean angle in the long sweeping turns due to it’s wheelbase length. It is a good workhorse for around town.

The things I feel they need to improve on….

Most definitely the range, it has enough for around town but not something you can take very far without a lot of planning and anxiety.

Those stupid rear turn/brake lights which can easily be called break lights they are fragile and stick out so they are easily broken.

The thing that gets me the most aggravated is the helmet com interface. The interface doesn’t control my helmet volume at all. It is advertised as being able to but it doesn’t. This is not specific to this model. This is true for it’s use across the BMW motorcycle lines, so it is not only a CE04 problem.

I still like the scooter and I am very happy with my purchase. Definitely not disappointed at all.

 

[Delray]

Ha, "break" lights. Clever. Not laughing at you, but I've read about that and seen pics of the devastation on the CE-04 Facebook page. Terrible design!

Good overall insights on the bike, thank you.

Another big concern I have: the BMW sales person told me battery life was around five years, and then "kaput." It's dead. Can't be replaced. Not sure if this is correct but if so, it's troubling. I own a Prius and the hybrid battery is guaranteed for ten years but lasts years longer. If it gets near the end of its life, you can replace the cells -- not cheap, but much less expensive than a new hybrid battery for $4,000. I'd wrestle with spending $15k on a new CE-04 knowing it had five years of life with zero long-term potential or resale value.

 

[rongrimes]

Top speed on the speedo was 80 mph, GPS said 77 mph. When I measured velocity at different maintained speeds, the error was a 2 to 4 mph slower reading for the speedometer versus the GPS.

Any idea what top speed is if I don't wear speedos? 😂

 

[Montimacabre]

That will depend on if you decide to wear something else or nothing at all. If nothing at all is the option then depending on the volume of exposed hair there could be some wind drag. If you shave clean then you may be a hair faster……

Of course you should be wearing a helmet protection is very important.

 

[Mitleider]

When riding in ECO mode, with ambient temps in the 50Fs, around town, I'm getting around 60-65 miles on a full charge. A little disappointing. But for me, the upside outweighs the downside. Perhaps future software mods will improve this outcome..?