Greetings

[Ensignawesome]

Howdy there,

I'm new to the board. I'll be upfront that I don't have a BMW Scooter but I wanted to ask some questions of the group before I purchase.

I used to own a 250 GTV Vespa up until this past summer. I decided that I wanted to upgrade to something a bit bigger and grabbed a 2011 Bonneville t100. While I love the bike, I have to admit, I still have not grown accustomed to shifting gears as well as I would have liked. Specifically, my biggest problem is with acceleration off the line. Since I have driven automatic cars my entire life, I might attribute some of my own problems to that, however, I find that the act of shifting is an incredible pain in the ass while sitting in traffic.

So fast forward and I was talking to the BMW dealer about the scooters and he currently has a 2013 600 sport for $8500 new. He also has a 2014 650 GT, however it is certainly more expensive (to the tune of 2K more). I'd like to pick one up this week but my question is, what are the major differences between the two? From what I can tell the 600 is shorter by a couple inches and doesn't have an electric adjustable windshield. Also the handlebars are in lower, correct?

Does anyone have any wisdom as to if I think it is worth it to drop more money on the bigger and new model?

Thanks for any advice that you can lend!

-Jim

 

[Catbird]

Welcome!

I'm more or less in the same boat as you. I've been trying to figure out which model scooter is better for me. I've been riding various bikes since the early 1970s, so shifting is probably not as much of an issue for me, but I have grown very fond of the twist-and-go throttle on my Vespa. Anyway, I've pretty much decided that the C600 Sport is more appropriate for me for the following major reasons...
I (almost) never ride 2-up, I no longer ride for long distances (50+ miles), it's ~25 lbs. lighter and has a reasonable amount of under-seat storage. I really like the electric windshield on my current and previous BMW RTs, however I've decided I can live without it. Finally, since the Sport model offers a heated seat, heated grips and ABS, I think this model will suit me just fine.

Not to sound arrogant, but cost is relatively low on my priority list -- I just want to be happy with my decision.

 

[SteveADV]

Hey Jim,

Glad you signed up. The basic differences between the two is that C650GT owners are always gentlemen (and ladies if appropriate) while C600 owners are clearly more interested in constant partying while singing Irish drinking songs, riding their bikes too fast, and learning the latest crowd pleasing motorcycle daredevil tricks. So, the difference is obviously a lifestyle choice.

Ahem, other than that, the choice for me revolved around the more touring type set-up on the 650GT. I tried both and really liked both. No doubt you will really enjoy the CVT. I thought I might not have as much control but have not found that to be the case. Also tried other brands including the Honda NC700X automatic.

Both the 600 and 650 are good choices. Question is....How many Irish drinking songs do you know?

 

[Ensignawesome]

Thank you both for the input,

I'd like to say cost isn't an issue, however with a wedding this year in September, I'm trying to do both without breaking the bank. That said, if everyone here raises their hand and says, "Hey, dude, just go with the 650, it's a better bargain," than I think $1500 over the life of the machine is worth it.

I guess there are a few things to consider ...

1. When I had the Vespa, the missus would jump on. When I got the Bonne she said see ya later, sucker.
2. I like the idea of being able to take it up to Wisconsin or go touring on a whim, which does make me think the 650 might be a better decision.
3. I also like the heated seat so that brings me back to the 600.
4. Per SteveADV, I cuss like a sailor and drink whiskey like it's going out of style so maybe the 600 makes more sense

In regards to CVT, I sometimes think that I went over to get a motorcycle because I felt that most motorcyclist saw scooterist as goofy bastards that didn't get it. Well, after 6 months of riding the Bonnie I am happy to say that I'm over it. I understand the traditionalist aspect of it and that shifting gears makes you feel more in tune with your ride. Personally, I love the rush of the wind through my hair and/or helmet but when it comes to the reality of things, I need it to get me where I need to go and if it comes at the expense of someone saying I'm not on a real ride then they can go scratch.

 

[SteveADV]

Re:

#1...Comments elsewhere on this forum indicate either the 600 or 650 is great for two up.

#2...My idea also. In fact, i keep a bag packed (actually a large soft ice chest that fits perfectly on the back seat of the 650) ready to go for whenever I decide to head out without any real plan. Sometimes being able to fulfill just a desire to hit the road and get away is the best thing about a bike.

#3...My 650 has heated seats and grips.

#4...I like you. You are perfect for either the 600 or 650.

 

[Catbird]

scooterist as goofy bastards

Hey, I resemble that remark...

 

[Ensignawesome]

So what I'm gathering is 600 or 650, you really can't go wrong. If you want the extra oomph and ergonomics then go with the 650, otherwise either is a perfect ride.

 

[Ensignawesome]

Hey, I resemble that remark...

I'm not sure if that is goofy more than it is ... well ... let's just roll with relatively unhealthy.

 

[davidh]

So what I'm gathering is 600 or 650, you really can't go wrong. If you want the extra oomph and ergonomics then go with the 650, otherwise either is a perfect ride.

It can be argued that the C600 has more "oomph" because it's lighter -- both bikes have the same engine and transmission. I went with the C650 for ergonomics and storage.

 

[Doraemon]

Hey Jim,

Glad you signed up. The basic differences between the two is that C650GT owners are always gentlemen (and ladies if appropriate) while C600 owners are clearly more interested in constant partying while singing Irish drinking songs, riding their bikes too fast, and learning the latest crowd pleasing motorcycle daredevil tricks. So, the difference is obviously a lifestyle choice.

Ahem, other than that, the choice for me revolved around the more touring type set-up on the 650GT. I tried both and really liked both. No doubt you will really enjoy the CVT. I thought I might not have as much control but have not found that to be the case. Also tried other brands including the Honda NC700X automatic.

Both the 600 and 650 are good choices. Question is....How many Irish drinking songs do you know?

Oiiii the lepracaun voices in my head are yelling as I drag race a HD, and WIN bigorah! hic!?! I agree, taking my 600 thru curves right behind a r1 and dragging the kickstand I do! That is on "the rocky road to Dublin town 1,2,3,4,5".....

 

[Xian Forbes]

I'm two whiskeys in and its 2am so here I go...

I have a 600 and I love it.

and basically everything that SteveADV said.

Both bikes will achieve any mission that you throw at it. Add a tank bag and a top box or tail bag and you're good to go anywhere. Panniers are available for extra extra cargo space.

The thing about the 600 that drew me to it were primarily its aesthetics. I bought mine before any rebates or dealer discounts and I would buy it again.

Both bikes bridge the gap between city convenience and long legged travel very well.

The GT outsells the Sport

The bars are different between the two, as well as the tires

turns signals and glove box differs

600 has the expand case and the 650 is bigger in the tail without the drop down expander.

650 has electronic windscreen whereas the 600 has a 3 position manual windscreen .... neither has a great windscreen for anyone approx 6"
and over.

Now I'm four whiskeys intoit

there ya go,

Christian

 

[Oldscoot]

Welcome aboard. I own a Sport. I've been riding since 1964 and the Sport is one of the best PTW vehicles I've owned. I chose the Sport because: I do not tour; I like the looks of the Sport better; I like the lighter weight of the Sport; I like the lower height of the seat; I like the riding position better; and it was a lot less money (more to spend on accessories). I also drink a great deal down at the Irish tavern and do donuts in the parking lot.

 

[SteveADV]

650 has electronic windscreen whereas the 600 has a 3 position manual windscreen .... neither has a great windscreen for anyone approx 6'
and over.

And the windscreen issue has been resolved (if it is an issue for the rider) via aftermarket alternatives such as Aeroflow; bunch of comments on the forum.

 

[SteveADV]

...... I also drink a great deal down at the Irish tavern and do donuts in the parking lot.

See what I mean? For a good time, always look for C600's in the parking lot.

 

[Ensignawesome]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. Here's one more question, I had read in a review that on the 2013's there is a design flaw in regards to the gas cap and that it can be busted off. The only other quibble was that the glove box door felt a little loose or cheap. That said, those were really the only things he could say were negatives. On the difference sheets between the 2013 and the 2014, it looks like BMW may have altered this to make a fix.

 

[JaimeC]

Not JUST the 2013. Make sure you've snapped the fuel door COMPLETELY closed before you lift the seat or you will snap it off. I don't think this was changed in 2014 (but I haven't tried lifting the seat of the 2014 model on the dealer floor either). The only difference I noticed was that they changed the piece directly in front of the fuel door to plain, unpainted black plastic instead of color-matched to the rest of the scoot. It must've finally dawned on the legendary engineers of BMW that people are going to drag their heels across that piece no matter how careful they try to be, and it WILL get all scuffed up in no time.

 

[Edumakated]

Thanks for all the responses, guys. Here's one more question, I had read in a review that on the 2013's there is a design flaw in regards to the gas cap and that it can be busted off. The only other quibble was that the glove box door felt a little loose or cheap. That said, those were really the only things he could say were negatives. On the difference sheets between the 2013 and the 2014, it looks like BMW may have altered this to make a fix.

I'm in Chicago(oak park) and love the c600. Most of my riding is in the loop for daily commuting. The c600 seems to fit the bill better for stop n go loop traffic and being a little more agile. I also liked that it looks a little more sporty. I also have a Vespa 300. Loved my Vespa but it is like an expensive toy compared to my c600. Can't go wrong with either but it just depends on the type of riding you will be doing. I've done 100 miles on my c600 and it was fine for me. I don't do a ton of long highway rides but the 600 is fine for me when I do get on highway. My coworker also bought a c600 after seeing mine. He was on a fly150 and lives in west loop. Both of us thought the 650 was a bit big and cumbersome for intercity riding if that is what you do 90 percent of time.

The 2013 gas cap door will break off if you open the seat compartment at the same time the gas cap door is open. Not a big deal to me but I guess some people forget you cant do both and the heavier seat will break the gas cap door. The glovebox doors are cheap. The left side one locks but I would not leave anything of value in it. You can break it open barehanded.

Few minor gripes but nothing that is a deal killer. Trust me. Don't test ride one unless you are prepared to write a check. You won't want to give it back to the dealer. I rode my 300gts out to test ride one and was pissed I couldn't just take it home with me that day. Wrote a check for it two days later. The heated grips and seat are delightful in Chicago.

 

[Ensignawesome]

You guys are seriously awesome. Thank you for the wealth of info. I'm going to head over to the dealership tomorrow and see what I can finagle out of them. I think based on what I'm hearing is that I can't really go wrong with the 600 or the 650 - biggest thing is seat fit. Also, don't break the gas cap by being a dummy.

Honestly though - I'm very glad to have joined this board. Really, you have all made things a lot clearer for me.

Now to get to the biggest issue, the fact there is shit ton of snow on the ground and nowhere to ride. DAMN YOU CHICAGOLAND! *Shakes fist toward sky*

 

[justscootin]

With the price of scooters you should not look at the price between the 2013 600 and the 2014 650. The base bike is only 500 bucks apart. The large dollars you mentioned in an earlier post was because BMW has a price reduction on the 600 as there is an over stock they can not get rid of.
With the 650gt you can easily do a weekend on it with your partner or if you travel you can easily do a week or more.
If you look at the original price the 650gt it has it all for 500 more, the power windshield raise it in the rain on the go, gets to hot lower it on the go and more storage under the seat. You can go shopping for groceries if needed and not run out of space. The seat is wider and the girlfriend/wife will like it more.
When I bought mine I did not think twice when I bought it over the phone.

 

[Catbird]

Does anyone know for sure whether a broken gas cap door will be fixed for free under warranty?