BMW announces new maxi-scooters

BMW Motorrad continues its series of premium maxi-scooters with the new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT.  Perfect for the city, they combine practicality and cost efficiency with maximum riding fun and touring comfort. They also provide enjoyment for sport-minded riders on winding country roads as well as riding fun on longer rides, too. 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 capabilities.

Each scooter features a 647cc parallel-twin engine. Both models are rated at 60 hp at 7500 rpm, and an available variant puts out 48 hp at 7000 rpm. Newly redefined engine mapping adheres to EU4 pollutant rules and a new muffler gives the scooters a more dynamic look as well as providing a full sound that satisfies ECE R41-04 noise regulations.

The new continuously variable transmission (CVT) and new clutch linings enable optimized clutch engagement and significantly more dynamic response off the line. BMW achieved this by changing the transmission ratio spread and fine-tuning the centrifugal force weights in the CVT.  The suspension hasn’t changed significantly, still relying on a torsionally stiff hybrid composite structure with a tubular steel bridge frame and a die-cast aluminum around the swing arm bearing. Both scooters offer the perfect compromise between sporty flair and comfort.

C 650 Sport

Both BMW’s renowned anti-lock braking system (ABS) and automatic stability control (ASC) are standard on both scooters. In a world first, however, the C 650 GT is available with the first Side View Assist (SVA) system available on two wheels.  This system monitors the rider’s blind spots when changing lanes.

Maximum engine speed is 8500 rpm; torque maxes out at 63 Nm (46.5 ft-lbs) at 6000 rpm.  The engine’s four-valve cylinders are tilted forward by 70 degrees to afford a low center of gravity, and the 90-degree crankpin offset provides a pleasant sound and low vibration. The engine features two counterbalance shafts powered by spur gears.

Coolant flows transversely through the cylinder head, entering at the front and exiting on the exhaust side. The small aluminum radiator is exceptionally efficient despite its relatively small size due to its high degree of air flow-through.

C 650 GT

Working in conjunction with the redesigned suspension, the die-cast 15-inch aluminum wheels ensure maximum ride stability, as well as excellent agility and handling. Both scooters feature a 3.5 x 15 front wheel (120/70 ZR15) and a 4.5 x 15 rear wheel (160/60 ZR15).

Both scooters are available in three color choices.  For the C 650 Sport, the choices are Valencia orange metallic matte, light white non-metallic and Blackstorm metallic. The C 650 GT’s color choices are Blackstorm metallic, Frozen bronze metallic and light white non-metallic.

With a top speed of 112 miles per hour, fuel capacity of 4.1 gallons, seat height of 31.5 inches (Sport) and a read-ready weight of 549 pounds, these are true maxi-scooters and are sure to delight riders everywhere.