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BMW C650GT (2015 - on) Review

MCN rating 3 out of 5 (3/5)
Owners' rating 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Specs Owners' reviews Bikes for saleFor sale
5

At a glance

Owners' reliability rating: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £140
Power: 60 bhp
Seat height: Medium (31.7 in / 805 mm)
Weight: High (576 lbs / 261 kg)

Prices

New £10,390
Used £5,300
View bikes for sale

Overall rating

Next up: Ride & brakes
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Engine
4 out of 5 (4/5)

Although 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: Reliability
3 out of 5 (3/5)

The 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: Value
4 out of 5 (4/5)

The 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: Equipment
2 out of 5 (2/5)

At over £10,000 the GT is extremely expensive for a scooter, especially when it doesn't really offer much more than the compeition.

Equipment

4 out of 5 (4/5)

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 £117
Annual service cost £140
New price £10,390
Used price £5,300
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)

2 owners have 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: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Ride quality & brakes: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Engine: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Reliability & build quality: 4.5 out of 5 (4.5/5)
Value vs rivals: 3.5 out of 5 (3.5/5)
Equipment: 5 out of 5 (5/5)
Annual servicing cost: £140
5 out of 5 If you can find one then buy it!
05 December 2022 by MarkyB

Version: Highline Version

Year: 2016

Annual servicing cost: £70

I would recommend this to a friend if you are mature enough to ride carefully and realize everyone wants to kill you. I am not sure why large displacement scooters haven't taken off! Sure I know people are buying larger displacement bikes and the three wheel trikes are popular but shopping, heavy commuting and some overnight touring, you can not beat a max-scooter. Easy to ride in traffic and comfortable enough to go all day highway touring, you get the all the features of a touring bike without the cost. You also seem to take less chances then you would with a regular motorcycle since you don't have the same acceleration. With some decent motorcycle gear and an attitude to stay safe and seen versus trying to pretend to be a cafe racer, I would encourage anyone who likes two wheel riding to get one. Pet peeve. I have seen the increase of electric bikes with a throttle used as scooters. Do yourself a favor and buy this instead. Take the MFC buy yourself some safety gear and insurance, I promise you this will be much better. I also have an ebike and I use that as an bike and the scooter as legitimate transportation. Much safer that way.

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

You can ride all day and not tire. I find the brakes are catchy and can do a finger pull to stop.

Engine 5 out of 5

Use mid grade to premium to get the best performance. In a pinch, carry some octane booster to mix with regular if the other grades are not present. Using regular robs the bike of its performance. Has no problem taking hills but you will not out accelerate any motorcycle out there.

Reliability & build quality 4 out of 5

Engine has never failed me. Drove it on a 2600 mile trip and was perfect, Problem I have has was the plastic sometimes become detach. (The casing of spedometer and tach.) Might have the put a screw to keep it together but for now it works. Also the latch for the seat does not catch which is a security problem as well as the underseat light comes out of it sockets. Those are the only known problems.

Value vs rivals 3 out of 5

If you can change the oil and check your brake light then you are relatively free of paid maintenance. The main service which involves valves, belts and CVT is where you will pay out of the nose. Save up or get an extended warranty that really helps offsets the cost. Tires will be expensive too but do not advise to be cheap in this area. On two wheels, you will need the best handling tires to make it to your destination safely.

Equipment 5 out of 5

Heated seated and grips will increase the riding season. Metzeler tires are the best. Change out the front lights for leds to increase vision and less struggle to change them. I had bought the bike used and it came with some additional led fog lights which noticeably helped improved the brightness at night. When I replaced the front lights with led then I barely noticed fog lights. Still I would add some dot led lights to make a difference. Also if your ego won't be embarrassed then I would say invest in a Leg Lap Apron Cover. That keeps your legs and lower half of your torso warm and toasty during the winter cold. If you still have some money to spare then get the wind deflectors and screen by GIVI. With the winter winds blowing at 12F or -11C, I was still abole to keep warm ffor hours on the bike.

Buying experience: I bought from a used 2016 Highline version with 8,000 miles from St. Louis Gateway BMW Motorcycles in 2018 for 5000 dollars. Right now, after almost doubling the miles, I could get more then what I paid for it. It will be awhile before I sell. I am enjoying customizing it and the convenience of a twist and go with storage is just too hard to give up. Of course, I would love a bike that is more powerful but the practicality of using something more efficient then my car to get me where I am going is what I like. Also the reduction in car insurance and maintenance makes it all worthwhile.

5 out of 5 Twist and go go go.
11 June 2021 by Richard Draper

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...

Ride quality & brakes 5 out of 5

A long journey 200 miles plus is not a problem, just refuel and keep going,

Engine 5 out of 5

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.

Reliability & build quality 5 out of 5

I had it winterproofed from new. No problems

Value vs rivals 4 out of 5

Oil and brake fluid change £201 inc VAT. Metzler tyres are expensive.

Equipment 5 out of 5

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.

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