Greetings,
Re: questions #7, 8 and 9, big changes were made to Generation 2 models, starting with 2016. They are listed below.
I owned a white 2016 and a black 2017, so I can't speak about Generation 1 models (2013 - 2015).
It's an easy bike to work on. The official service manual helps. It's only available on DVD and only for Windows-based PC's. There isn't a lot to do, oil + filter every 6,000 miles ... drive belt at 12,000 ... chain at 24,000 (plus a new belt). TORX screwdrivers and bits are a must.
It's easy to wheel around the garage and a breeze to put up on the center stand. It seems to boost itself up.
As for 2-up, it's been great the few times I've done that. But it's not nearly as comfortable and smooth for driver and passenger as a big Burgman 650 scooter. The BMW and the Burgman (imho) are the two best scooters in the world. The Burgman is a smooth, quiet cruiser, the Lincoln Town Car of scooters. The BMW is an alpha male, growly, fast and aggressive. Two very different rides. For long distances, I always take the Burgman. For short, spirited trips, I hop on the BMW C 650 GT.
Here is a summary of changes from Gen 1 to Gen 2, written by BMW ....
OVERALL
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).
