BMW C650 sport

Took a C650 sport for a test ride today. Bob took a new GS out so I took out the scooter.

I liked the larger wheels. The seat height was a bit to tall. The throttle was quicker. The seat was wider. I would of preferred a GT but one was not available. I would consider this scooter if and when the time comes to replace my Swing. Especially if Honda decides not to continue making them. Who knows maybe Honda will look to BMW and update the Swing. Bigger tires would be nice. It also sounded more like a motorcycle.

I rode about 30 miles a little under an hour. I enjoyed the ride.

Nice GT video here.
You can either turn on cc else sharpen up your French.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aW4qaOcB7iQ

Perhaps your findings match their findings, despite it
being a different model?

As BMW owner since 1958 and buyer of 10 new Maxi scooters since 1990-----I did test ride GT BMW scooter---over priced/Taiwan heart/expensive service/lack of dealers compared to Japanese/not good deal offered on trade=no thanks. Lots of BMW miles bikes and 2 cars helped me learn they have made some real junk.

SilverWing future surely not secure---expensive, short belt life, buffeting in standard form, etc and nowHonda has some decent bikes for at least $3000 less US.

I lived in Germany 20 years-----when I had lot of troubles with new RT bike---they said I rode too much!!

john grinsel wrote:

As BMW owner since 1958 and buyer of 10 new Maxi scooters since 1990-----I did test ride GT BMW scooter---over priced/Taiwan heart/expensive service/lack of dealers compared to Japanese/not good deal offered on trade=no thanks.  Lots of BMW miles bikes and 2 cars helped me learn they have made some real junk.

SilverWing future surely not secure---expensive, short belt life, buffeting in standard form, etc and nowHonda has some decent bikes for  at least $3000 less US.

I lived in Germany 20 years-----when I had lot of troubles with new RT bike---they said I rode too much!!

All very true John, I have thought about all of those points you have mentioned. Just figured I would test ride one since I was there. I don't have much experience with other bikes so I figured why not? Riding with the 15" wheels was really nice.

I've owned three of the Maxi scooters over the past five years, Silverwing, Burgman 650, and now the BMW 650GT. The BMW was nearly new about six months old with 69 miles on it. I don't want to denigrate the either of the other scooters but I have to say so far with 400 miles on the BMW I prefer it to the SW or Burgman.

Pros: Solid body, not a rattle to be heard both the SW and Burgy would rattle riding across rough ground. Excellent heated seats and grips. More nimble in handling, mileage computer and ambient temperature as well as tire pressure read out on the instrument panel. Better weather protection than the other two scooters. Faster acceleration with 60hp. Greater passenger carrying weight rating than SW.

Cons: Requires premium fuel. Not too much of a cost difference at fill up, about forty to fifty cents for the four gallon tank. But I preferred the other two bikes lower octane requirements. Not as smooth riding as the Burgman and not as quiet either. Somewhat higher cost than the other two bikes. Not easy to get a service manual for the BMW either. Less aftermarket stuff on the newer bike.

Overall I prefer the BMW first, Suzuki second and Honda third. All are very good, you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose. I sure wish Honda would bring out an updated Silverwing.

Doesn't sound like you have much buyer's remorse. I hope you grow fonder of it and it serves you well. (As you expect it to)

They sure are nice looking scoots.

Nope, no remorse. I just happen to be a Honda fan and wish Honda would have updated the SW to the level of this BMW. Honda in many ways reminds me of PCs while BMW is similar to Apple. Honda is a lot more open, manuals are easy to obtain for any of their products while BMW manuals aren't very easy to find. BMW's parts and services are more expensive. But all that being said I bought what I believe is the best current maxi scooters. I'm more than satisfied with it and purchased it nearly new for about the cost of a new SW. When I can get factory heated seats, ABS, electric windshield that really does the jobs and improved performance I'll take another look at the SW.
I'm not saying the SW is a bad machine. Far from it, they've built up a reputation for reliability and long trouble free service. The Suzuki Burgman 650 has a checkered history with its transmission. I am taking a bit of a risk with a newly released model. I just believe the BMW will serve me better for the next few years, if it holds up well.

I have it figured we live only once---action is better than talk---good experience getting another brand.

Like/no like comes with time and miles----I have purchased over 75 new bikes/scooters and some junkers,too----all I liked on the 1st day.

BMW scooter, my test maybe more buffet free than the other maxi scooters, no buffet =more enjoyable ride.

Be interesting to see operating costs/troubles 30,000 miles down the road.

Enjoy----Honda easier parts/shop manuals.

exavid wrote:

I've owned three of the Maxi scooters over the past five years, Silverwing, Burgman 650, and now the BMW 650GT. The BMW was nearly new about six months old with 69 miles on it. I don't want to denigrate the either of the other scooters but I have to say so far with 400 miles on the BMW I prefer it to the SW or Burgman.

Pros: Solid body, not a rattle to be heard both the SW and Burgy would rattle riding across rough ground. Excellent heated seats and grips. More nimble in handling, mileage computer and ambient temperature as well as tire pressure read out on the instrument panel. Better weather protection than the other two scooters. Faster acceleration with 60hp. Greater passenger carrying weight rating than SW.

Cons: Requires premium fuel. Not too much of a cost difference at fill up, about forty to fifty cents for the four gallon tank. But I preferred the other two bikes lower octane requirements. Not as smooth riding as the Burgman and not as quiet either. Somewhat higher cost than the other two bikes. Not easy to get a service manual for the BMW either. Less aftermarket stuff on the newer bike.

Overall I prefer the BMW first, Suzuki second and Honda third. All are very good, you can't go wrong no matter which one you choose. I sure wish Honda would bring out an updated Silverwing.

I saw this and thought - wow only $0.40 for the tank - but then i checked Gas Buddy for Medford Oregon - and confirmed that the Costco Regular gas price was currently $3.28 vs the Premium gas price of $3.48 - difference of $0.20 per gallon so i suppose the statement "about forty to fifty cents for the four gallon tank" while being a bit of a stretch isnt as bad as i initally thought - here in my home area the price difference is $0.30 per gallon - since i travel mostly back and forth to work and pass 1 gas station each trip i run an average of 3.6 gallons per fill up. Also note that some gas stations in my area have 91 octane (R+M)/2 method while others have 93 - almost all gas stations in my home area sell nothing but 10% ethanol blended fuel. What kind of gas mileage does the BMW get vs the Silverwing (for same driver in same conditions)?

if fuel economy is the goal get a regular bike or a smaller engine scooter (the burgman 400) they will get much better mileage (my china knock off burgman 250 gets an honest 78 mpg) but it wont go over 70 - and lord help you on major highways - dont even think about going on the interstate in florida - you will get run over!

I had the opportunity to rent the C650 for a day on a vacation trip to Honolulu last July. I managed to take a trip around the island starting and ending at the rental shop in Waikiki.
I encountered both freeway and winding coastal roads and found the BMW to be well mannered at all riding situations. Having ridden many motorcycles and a few maxi scooters over the years I now enjoy my days on my SW. Putting maintenance and cost of ownership aside the BMW would be the only machine to tempt me away from the SW.
The temptations in my mind are better handling, larger wheels, great windshield and overall styling. I would encourage a test ride if nothing more than to experience something new or to reaffirm your love for your current ride.

Motorcycle.com BMW C-600 review from March 3, 2014

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/2014-bmw-c600-sport-review.html

Just wired in an outlet and mount for my Gerbings heated jacket liner and gloves. I'll be ready for next year now. I just ordered a Sena Bluetooth for our two HJC helmets and will be installing a Sena SR10 Bluetooth adapter so I'll have an intercom, wireless access to the CB, iPhone and GPS. I plan on installing an Rostra electronic cruise control in the bike in a month or so. With all that I'll have almost as many goodies as my old Goldwing did.