New BMW Scooters

[Rugby4life]

OK, after living with the C650GT for three weeks I have some observations that may help others in their buying decision. I bought a Platinum Bronze GT with the Highline package (heated seats, grips and a tire pressure monitoring system). A little history on me; I've been riding since 1980 and commuting daily year-round since '89. This is my 31st bike. I have over 350k miles just on the 9 BMWs I've owned so I'm secure in my motorcycling manhood. I first became involved in the superscooter scene about 2 1/2 years ago when I bought an '05 Yamaha Majesty to use for daily commuting. My other bike at the time was a Yamaha Roadliner which seemed just a bit too large and cumbersome for commuter duty. I soon found myself using the Majesty 80% of the time due to its nimble handling, great mpg, and convenient under-seat storage.
When it became clear that the BMW scooter was coming to America I decided to get one. I placed my deposit in April and waited impatiently through two launch delays. By the time the bike arrived it had high expectations which it must fulfill.

The Good:
1. Power
2. Design & Build Quality
3. Comfort
4. Ride Quality

The Bad:
1. High Center Tunnel
2. No 'Sport' Mode for Transmission
3. Engine Noise

Mounting the bike was the first challenge for someone with a 30" inseam. The center tunnel is quite high and my foot tends to scuff across the painted surface every time I get on. Mounting in the traditional motorcycle style is no easier since the passenger seat is about level with the seat on an R1200GS. Once aboard, you notice the roomy seating position and the abundance of legroom. The cockpit is typical touring BMW in instrumentation and switchgear layout. The heating of the seats and grips have low, high and automatic settings. The windshield is infinitely adjustable on the fly. The low position blocks wind blast up to the shoulders and leaves the helmet in clean air. The upright position leaves just a touch of buffeting at the top of my helmet but I can still see over the windshield. I'll probably experiment with aftermarket windshields when they become available.
When I first pulled away from the dealership I found myself wanting more acceleration for the first 40ft or so. The engine noise is much more noticeable than on the Majesty due to the engine placement between your feet inside the tunnel instead of under your butt as on the Majesty. The effect is reminiscent of driving a speedboat. Initial throttle application is accompanied by more motor noise than movement but when it "comes on plane" the transmission and engine start working together and then acceleration is impressive. The acceleration lag is not really noticeable once you're on the move and roll-on acceleration from 70-90 is quite brisk when needed. This bike was designed to eat serious miles.
Another difference between the GT and the Majesty is the quality of suspension. Potholes that once rattled my teeth are now a non-issue. Several roads in the area that lead to great twisties are heaved by tree roots growing under them. The condition of the approach roads made the twisties beyond not worth the hassle on the Majesty but are a small price to pay with the ride of the GT. In the twisties the GT rides like a motorcycle (planted and smooth) than a scooter (nimble and darty). On the highway I have noticed the GT is less susceptible to cross winds and turbulence when passing tractor-trailers.
In summary, I have quit thinking of the GT as an oversized scooter. A more accurate description of its design and function would be of a midsized version of the K1600GT. If you are expecting a strictly scooter experience you will be disappointed by its more substantial feel. If you are looking for something with the convenience and practicality of a scooter plus the addition of serious touring potential you'll find no better vehicle available today.

[gec343]

Excellent report, Rugby4life. I presently ride a GL1800, but see a BMW Scooter in my future, probably one or two years. Thanks much.

[cbolling]

Good write up Rugby.

[Rugby4life]

Originally Posted by cbolling

Good write up Rugby.

Thanks but if SOMEONE would have had his helmet with him Wed night (I.e. actually rode their bike to the meeting) SOMEONE could have found out for himself. Ahem, Ahem

[t6pilot]

Test rode a GT in long beach yesterday, twist throttle kinda sounds like a lawnmower, after that hang on, pushed 80 on 405fwy. Had a lot more in it handles sweet

[cbolling]

Originally Posted by Rugby4life

Thanks but if SOMEONE would have had his helmet with him Wed night (I.e. actually rode their bike to the meeting) SOMEONE could have found out for himself. Ahem, Ahem

I rode to work Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday if that counts for anything.

[Rugby4life]

Originally Posted by t6pilot

Test rode a GT in long beach yesterday, twist throttle kinda sounds like a lawnmower, after that hang on, pushed 80 on 405fwy. Had a lot more in it handles sweet

I think it sounds more like an outboard motor. Of course the sound may be a BMW marketing tool to sell more Akrapovic mufflers.

[sinned]

There's a new C650GT owners post over at maxi-scoots.com might be interesting reading to some here...

[t6pilot]

Guess wife likes lawn mowers we now have a red 650gt, hope I can use it

[max57]

BMW. So easy to appreciate, so difficult to pay for.

[Rugby4life]

I just added my first farkle to the bike to help with deer detection duties, http://www.rigidindustries.com/product-p/91231.htm





I don't think the pictures do the difference justice. Before:


After:

[sinned]

Those comparison photos of the driving lights look great. I say, one can never have enough light. Question: were they easy to install? What was required to complete the installation and where have you taken the current from to power them up and how are they switched with regards to the standard headlights vs riding lights?
Nice work

[Rugby4life]

Originally Posted by sinned

Those comparison photos of the driving lights look great. I say, one can never have enough light. Question: were they easy to install? What was required to complete the installation and where have you taken the current from to power them up and how are they switched with regards to the standard headlights vs riding lights?
Nice work

The install was a breeze. I just removed the package from the underseat storage and handed them to the service tech during my (postponed) initial service. The mounts, wiring, fuses and switches came with the package. I debated on wiring them with the high beam but as bright as they are, I didn't want to lose the ability to flash a warning to others without giving them permanent retinal damage. One switch controls both lights and is mounted on the left dash in front of the left grip. The power is taken straight from the battery and ignition switch and fused in-line. i am quite pleased but will continue to experiment with the aim of the lights to get the best coverage.

[Brooktown Geezer]

There is a sticky topic for BMW scooters now on BMWMOA.org and it's starting to collect some interesting information. You guys who have bought them might find some useful info there, plus it's a pretty interesting forum in general. They are expecting to have a separate BMW scooter forum there sometime soon.

[Rugby4life]

Originally Posted by Brooktown Geezer

There is a sticky topic for BMW scooters now on BMWMOA.org and it's starting to collect some interesting information. You guys who have bought them might find some useful info there, plus it's a pretty interesting forum in general. They are expecting to have a separate BMW scooter forum there sometime soon.

I went over there and lurked for a while. There's some good info there but a couple of the posters are seriously anal-retentive. I think I'll spend my time in ADV land where things are a little more laid back.