QUICK FANG: BMW C 650 GT - Uber Scoot
After long being associated with touring bikes, BMW has added all manner of models to its line-up in recent years. Now the marque’s family has expanded again, with two new maxi scooters.
We’ll cover the C 600 Sport shortly, but for now let’s look at the touring focused C 650 GT. The GT has models like Suzuki’s Burgman 650 in its sights, but BMW says its latest redefines the class.
That’s because the GT comes loaded with high spec features. You get ABS brakes, LED running lights, heated seats and grips, and a tyre pressure monitor. Add to that an electric screen, adjustable wind deflectors, a 60lt boot, an LCD display with trip computer and a sidestand that automatically engages a park brake when extended. That’s all standard gear – the model’s only factory option is an alarm ($505).
Powered by a new 647cc parallel-twin made for BMW by Kymco under licence, it’s good for a claimed 44kW (60hp) and 66Nm (48.6ft-lb), in a package weighing 261kg (wet). It’s a scooter, yes – but it still demands respect.
On the road the GT is refined, super-comfortable, and impressive. The CVT auto transmission offers a smooth transition to forward progress, and trickling along in heavy traffic poses no problems. I thought there was a lovely balance to it – certainly its handling is remarkably docile – yet its ability to carve corners is surprising.
The suspension and chassis deliver a quality ride over a wide variety of surfaces, as I discovered when the model’s press launch pushed through the Royal National Park to Sydney’s south. The ease with which the model assumed a sporting role was impressive, its grunty powerplant slingshotting it out of one corner, only to have its brakes wipe off speed with force but finesse before the next. Over a rather ‘spirited’ day the C 650 GT returned an average fuel economy of 21.8km/lt, giving a working range of around 325km. Expect more with a little restraint.
This is one remarkable maxi scooter, but at $15,990 (plus ORC) it would want to be. As a piece of engineering BMW’s boffins have excelled once again, but it’s a brave move ultimately the market will decide if there’s a need for a super-high-spec maxi scooter like the C 650 GT.
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