BMW C650GT (2015 - on) Review
At a glance
| Owners' reliability rating: | |
|---|---|
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
| Power: | 60 bhp |
| Seat height: | Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm) |
| Weight: | High (576 lbs / 261 kg) |
Prices
Overall rating
Next up: Ride & brakesThe GT is the better of the two C650 scooters if you're looking for practicality and mile-munching capabilities, but at over £10,000 it's an incredible amount of money for a scooter. You'd have to really want a GT to fork out that amount of money for one.
Ride quality & brakes
Next up: EngineAlthough noticeably heavier and slower to steer than the Sport, the GT is the scooter that inspires a little more confidence in the corners as the extra 12kg of mass help to flatten out any mid-corner bumps. The GT's seat is more than comfortable enough for long journeys, and the lower back support helps keep you upright and prevents the onset of back ache. The footboards are wide and spacious, so you'll find somewhere for your feet no matter how tall you are. The 270mm twin discs up front struggle to bring the heavy GT to a stop with any urgency - a good squeeze of the back brake is required too.
Engine
Next up: ReliabilityThe 647cc parallel-twin motor provides plenty of punch, BMW have made changes to the CVT transmission for better acceleration in traffic and a higher top speed. On the greasy roads of Valencia the new-for-2016 Automatic Stability Control (ASC) is forced into action when I ask for the full 60bhp straight away, but it doesn't hinder acceleration too much.
Reliability & build quality
Next up: ValueThe new scoot is mechanically very similar to the original, and we're aware of no problems, so the 650 should be a solid machine.
Value vs rivals
Next up: EquipmentAt over £10,000 the GT is extremely expensive for a scooter, especially when it doesn't really offer much more than the compeition.
Equipment
There's space under the seat for two full face helmets, two cubby holes in the front, an electric screen, ASC (Automatic Stability Control), and wind deflectors at the bottom of the screen. The GT also has Side View Assist as an optional extra for £360, which motifies you when there's somebody in your blind spot within five metres via orange warning triangles on the mirror stalks. It’s a smart idea, but the lights were just out of my peripheral vision. In heavy traffic they’re constantly on and passing trees or walls too close on county roads can set them off. The mirrors on the GT are some of the best I've ever used.
Specs |
|
| Engine size | 647cc |
|---|---|
| Engine type | liquid-cooled, 4V parallel twin |
| Frame type | Tubular steel |
| Fuel capacity | 15.5 litres |
| Seat height | 805mm |
| Bike weight | 261kg |
| Front suspension | 40mm upside down forks |
| Rear suspension | 115mm travel Monoshock |
| Front brake | 270mm twin discs, 2-piston floating calipers |
| Rear brake | 270mm disc, 2-piston floating caliper |
| Front tyre size | 120/70 ZR15 |
| Rear tyre size | 160/60 ZR15 |
Mpg, costs & insurance |
|
| Average fuel consumption | - |
|---|---|
| Annual road tax | £96 |
| Annual service cost | £200 |
| New price | £10,390 |
| Used price | £5,000 - £9,500 |
| Insurance group |
- How much to insure? |
| Warranty term | - |
Top speed & performance |
|
| Max power | 60 bhp |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 46 ft-lb |
| Top speed | 111 mph |
| 1/4 mile acceleration | - |
| Tank range | - |
Model history & versions
Model history
2012: Model introduced
Other versions
BMW C650 Sport
Owners' reviews for the BMW C650GT (2015 - on)
1 owner has reviewed their BMW C650GT (2015 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.
Review your BMW C650GT (2015 - on)
Summary of owners' reviews |
|
| Overall rating: | |
|---|---|
| Ride quality & brakes: | |
| Engine: | |
| Reliability & build quality: | |
| Value vs rivals: | |
| Equipment: | |
| Annual servicing cost: | £200 |
Version: Highline
Year: 2020
Annual servicing cost: £200
Twist and go to 108mph. Very comfortable, with very effective electric screen and loads of under seat storage. Heated grips and heated seat. I particularly like being able to move from feet forward to feet back or any position in between. Not possible on a T-Max. Happy at any speed, I can stay on it all day at high speed in comfort, returning 54 mpg. I recently sold my R 1250RT because I wasn't using it. On the 650 I can easily keep up with my mates on their GS's - in fact they struggle to keep up with me.It might not be the most attractive model in its class, but two of my friends bought one after riding mine. The only thing missing is cruise control. Unfortunately, it is now out of production, so I can't buy another one. I tried the 400, which is good, but does no have anything like the same performance. I hope BMW have a new 650 model up their sleeve...
A long journey 200 miles plus is not a problem, just refuel and keep going,
It can be a bit snatchy when engine is cold, but otherwise fine. Good overtaking performance and enough grunt to up with a 1250 GS or similar.
I had it winterproofed from new. No problems
Oil and brake fluid change £201 inc VAT. Metzler tyres are expensive.
Very comfortable, adjustable electric screen is great in all weathers. Factory fitted Metzler tyres are excellent. The only thing missing is cruise control.
Buying experience: I bought new from my local dealer £11,500.
