2016 BMW C 650 GT review

Europeans love ’em, but there's just not the same level of affinity for maxi scooters in Australia.

The level of ownership may be low, but what you get from maxi scooters are plenty of neat touches and the ability to stick to the tarmac with an enourmous amount of composure.

BMW's C 650 GT touring-based maxi scooter is one of the finest exponents in the category, and Bikesales recently spent a week aboard the updated machine.

BMW C 650 GT IN BIKE SHOWROOM

BMW first launched its maxi scooter C 650 range in Australia in 2012, and the C 650 GT and C 650 Sport (which replaces the C 600 Sport) now come with Euro 4 compliant engines, upgraded CVT transmissions, a beefier bottom end and a higher top speed of 180kmh.

Both models share the same 59hp (44kW) and 63Nm 647cc twin-cylinder engine, and the gases are expelled via a new stainless steel exhaust.

Together with the drivetrain improvements, the C 650s also benefit from retuned spring and damper rates for the 40mm front upside-down forks and rear swing arm suspension. Suspension travel is 115mm. The bikes track on 15-inch light-alloy wheels.

The design of the C 650 GT has been fine-tuned as well with new rear side trim panels and rear LED light unit, while both models feature redesigned instruments.

Both models have adjustable windshields – electric on the C 650 GT – an automatic park brake that is activated when the side stand is folded down, and the centrestand is claimed to require "30 percent less effort".

There's always been somewhat of a "luxury" price to maxi scoters, but the C 650 GT is actually on sale for $14,990 ride away at the moment, compared to $15,999 (plus on-road costs) for the original model.

For that sticker price you get anti-lock braking and traction control, and it also has the 'Highline' package which includes heated seats, heated grips and tyre pressure monitoring.

That ride away deal should at least take some of the stigma away from the ticket price, as the C 650 GT is an exceptional maxi scooter in a number of ways. The 15-inch wheels, for a start, are close to 'adult' size so there's oodles of stability and you won't have to close your eyes when some heavier than usual road imperfections are impossible to navigate around.

With a wet weight of 261kg, the C 650 GT hits the scales about the same as BMW's R 1200 GS Adventure so there's a bit of carriage to work with.  However, it's still more than invigorating enough to eat up traffic in town and the effortlessly get up to highway speed as power is transferred through the clutchless CVT transmission. It's more than lively enough to still produce an incredulous look from passers-by.

The C 650 GT's brakes are top notch, and it handles with a remarkable level of poise – not with the absolute sharpness of the lighter C 650 Sport, but at a comfort level that far surpasses its sibling.

The C 650 GT has a roomy cabin, broad fairing, and the seat has plenty of lumbar support with an integrated backrest. There are also expansive footwells. I'd like to see the electronically adjustable screen a little taller still just to create a real bubble effect for the open road, but that's about the only brickbat.

BMW is a manufacturer that excels in the 'neat touches' department, and the C 650 GT is no different. Apart for the aforementioned Highline package there are a couple of glove departments, a centrestand and sturdy grab rails for the pillion. The mirrors are large, too.

In many other markets, BMW is offering 'Side View Assist' as an option on the C 650 GT, as blind spot technology makes it way to bikes. Australia doesn't offer it, and the GT's broad mirrors are probably good enough on their own without Side View Assist being required. Nevertheless, it's positive safety advancement.

BMW's major opposition in the maxi scooter class remains the Yamaha TMAX 530 ($13,999 plus ORC) and the Suzuki Burgman 650 ($13,590 plus ORC). All have their quality traits, with the Suzuki a match for the C 650 GT in performance, if not in fit and finish, while the TMAX isn't as powerful but handles better with a lighter aluminium frame than the BMW's steel unit.

The Yamaha and Suzuki don't have the standard specs of the C 650 GT though, and that alone makes the BMW a great buy at the moment. Try it out for size – you may just be very surprised.

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 60hp (44kW) at 7750rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 63Nm at 6000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Continuously variable
Final drive: Chain
Clutch: Centrifugal

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Rake: 25.4 degrees
Trail: 92mm
Claimed kerb weight: 249kg (261kg)
Seat height: 805mm
Wheelbase: 1591mm
Fuel capacity: 16 litres