BMW has revealed updates to its two maxi-scooters, the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT, including new suspension, traction control and a claimed sharper throttle response.
Revisions to the automatic CVT transmission deliver a quicker throttle response from standstill according to BMW, while suspension updates make for a more comfortable ride.
BMW's 'ASC' Automatic Stability Control, or traction control, now comes as standard, along with ABS.
The C 650 GT also comes with optional 'Side View Assist', which uses ultrasound sensors at the front and rear of the scooter to detect objects in the rider's blind spot up to a distance of five metres. When one is present, and travelling within 6.2mph of the speed of the scooter, a yellow warning triangle is illuminated in the left or right-hand mirror base, depending on which side the object is on. If the rider then indicates in the direction of the object, the warning triangle will start to flash. The system works when the scooter is travelling between 15 and 80mph. BMW says it's a world first for a two-wheeler.
The C 650 Sport has been given a 'more modern, dynamic and future-oriented design,' which we think refers to the styling updates including reshaped bodywork and a new stacked twin silencer. It was previously known as the C 600 Sport although it shares GT's 647cc parallel-twin engine, making 60hp and 46.4lbft.
Both models get a new instrument panel and colour options. See our full gallery below.
Both use a tubular steel frame and are also offered restricted to 47hp for A2 licence holders.
Read our top 10 maxi-scooters feature.
BMW said in a press release: 'The new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT – dynamic maxi scooters for sports, touring and urban cruising.
The differing conceptual emphasis of each of the two BMW maxi scooters enables a broader target group to be addressed than previously: the C 650 Sport is geared towards riders with a sporty bent while the C 650 GT sets its sights on those who attach greater importance to comfort and touring capability.
The new C 650 Sport and the new C 650 GT now go further towards addressing these aspirations. With an extensively modified drivetrain, more comfortable suspension settings and a completely revised design for the C 650 Sport, they combine more markedly than before the excellent ride qualities of a motorcycle with the specific agility and comfort offered by the maxi scooter concept.
Optimised drivetrain set-up and new exhaust system for a more active riding experience.
The 2-cylinder in-line engine with a capacity of 647 cc once again ensures dynamic propulsion in the new maxi scooters C 650 Sport and C 650 GT. The rated output in both models is 44 kW (60 hp) at 7 500 rpm. A variant is also available with 35 kW (48 hp) at 7 000 rpm. 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. What is more, a new silencer gives the vehicles a more dynamic look as well as providing a particularly full sound and enabling adherence to the new ECE R41-04 noise test regulations.
A new CVT transmission set-up in conjunction with new clutch linings enables optimised clutch engagement and therefore a significantly more dynamic set-off response. This was achieved by changing the transmission ratio spread of the CVT as well as by fine-tuning the centrifugal force weights.
New suspension and damper set-up for increased comfort.
The suspension construction of the new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT continues to use a torsionally stiff hybrid composite structure consisting of a tubular steel bridge frame and a die-cast aluminium unit in the area of the swinging arm bearing. Retaining the existing spring travel of 115 millimetres in each case, it was possible to create a more comfortable suspension set-up. As a result, the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT offer a perfect compromise between sporty flair and comfort.
ABS and ASC as standard for maximum safety when braking and accelerating. Side View Assist option for the C 650 GT.
Based on the “Safety 360°” principle, the optimum design of the brake system in conjunction with the standard BMW Motorrad ABS Bosch 9.1MB ensures the very highest level of active riding safety. Another safety bonus is the ASC (Automatic Stability Control), which is now also on board ex works as standard. Additional comfort is also offered by a feature that is a world first for two-wheel vehicles: the first motorcycle rider assistance system Side View Assist (SVA). This new option for the C 650 GT supports the rider when changing lane, for instance, by monitoring the blind spot – especially useful in an urban environment.
Completely new dynamic design for the C 650 Sport and detailed stylistic fine-tuning for the C 650 GT.
The new edition of the two models particularly features a more modern, dynamic and future-oriented design for the C 650 Sport. This integrates it seamlessly in the BMW Motorrad design philosophy. By contrast the C 650 GT – positioned in the Comfort subsegment – has been fine-tuned with new rear side trim panels and a new rear light unit. Both models have also been fitted with newly designed instrument dials as well as new handlebar trim. Other new features include the revised kinematics of the centre stand and the automatic daytime riding light function.
The attractive paint finishes of the new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT.
The C 650 Sport and C 650 GT are each offered in three colour variants. The Valencia Orange metallic matt of the C 650 Sport highlights its athletic character and in conjunction with the contrast surfaces gives it a dynamic, modern appearance. By contrast, Lightwhite non-metallic makes the new C 650 Sport look technical, compact and light. In Blackstorm metallic the new C 650 Sport appeals to a more classically oriented clientele. In the C 650 GT, Blackstorm metallic highlights the elegant character of the vehicle, while Frozen Bronze metallic in conjunction with a contrasting tone creates a harmonious paint finish that clearly emphasises the styling of the new C 650 GT. Lightwhite non-metallic highlights the dynamic side of the C 650 GT. This colour gives it a particularly light and agile look.
An overview of the new features in the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT:
- New CVT set-up in conjunction with revised clutch linings for more dynamic clutch engagement and a more spontaneous set-off response.
- New suspension and damping set-up for an ideal compromise between sport and comfort.
- In addition to ABS, now also ASC as 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 for a fuller sound and more dynamic appearance.
- 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 centre 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,
Lightwhite non-metallic and Blackstorm metallic. - New paint finishes for the C 650 GT: Blackstorm metallic, Frozen Bronze metallic and Lightwhite non-metallic'
Technical specifications
BMW C 650 Sport BMW C 650 GT
Engine
Capacity cc 647
Bore/stroke mm 79/66
Output kW/bhp 44/60
at engine speed rpm 7 500
Torque Nm 63
at engine speed rpm 6 000
Type Water-cooled 2-cylinder 4-stroke inline
engine, four valves per cylinder
with bucket tappets, two overhead
camshafts, dry sump lubrication
Compression/fuel 11.6/1
Valve control DOHC (double overhead camshaft)
Valves per cylinder 4
Ø intake/outlet mm 31.5/27.1
Throttle valve diameter mm 38
Carburation BMS-E2
Electrical system
Alternator W 508
Battery V/Ah 12/14
Headlight High beam/low beam: 12 V/55W
Halogen H7
Rear light LED brake light/rear light
Starter kW 0.6
Power transmission - gearbox
Clutch Radial centrifugal clutch
Gearbox Continuously variable CVT belt
transmission
Primary ratio 1.06
Rear wheel drive Chain in oil bath
Rear wheel drive gear ratio 3.28
Suspension
Frame construction type Tubular steel frame, self-bearing
drive unit, tubular steel rear frame
Front wheel suspension Upside-down fork ø 40 mm
Rear wheel suspension Single-sided die cast swinging arm
Spring travel, front/rear mm 115/115
Wheel castor mm 92
Wheelbase mm 1 591
Steering head angle ° 64.6
6. Technical specifications.
Brakes front Rigid twin disc brake, diameter 270
mm,
2-piston floating caliper
rear Rigid twin disc brake, diameter 270
mm,
2-piston floating caliper
ABS BMW Motorrad ABS
Wheels Die-cast aluminium wheels
front 3.50 × 15"
rear 4.50 × 15"
Tyres front 120/70 ZR15
rear 160/60 ZR15
Dimensions and weights
Total length mm 2 180 2 235
Total width with/without mirrors mm 877/775 916/805
Seat height (without rider) mm 800 (standard)
780 (option)
805 (standard)
785 (option)
DIN unladen weight, road ready kg 249 261
Permitted total weight kg 445 445
Fuel tank capacity l 15.5
Reserve l 3.0
Performance figures
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption over 100 km
according to WMTC
l 4.6
Acceleration
0–100 km/h s 7.1 7.5
Top speed km/h 180'
- Sign up for Visordown's weekly newsletter, Bugsplat, to get the best motorcycle news, road tests and features plus exclusive competitions and offers direct to your inbox. Register as a Visordown member here and tick the box for Bugsplat in your newsletter settings here.
