BMW C650 GT MY2016, increasingly business class [ROAD TEST]

BMW C650 GT MY2016 – Acquires the new package that we have already had the opportunity to try with its brother C650 Sport, ranging from aesthetic novelties, also depending on improve the perception of quality in the area, formerly critical, of the handlebar, to technical details such as different transmission and suspension settings. The graphics of the instruments are new, while an overall refinement work has solved most of the problems complained by customers in the past. In fact, the update process also involved them, because only by listening to those who use it every day is it possible to satisfy real needs. For example, the kinematics of the central stand have improved, now simpler to use and with a movement that requires less force, while some innovations are linked to an evolution dictated by the times, such as the new exhaust required by the transition to Euro 4 legislation and the automatic daytime running lights, obviously of the LED type. The ABS is updated and now we also find theASC as standard. The new driver assistance system is available as an option SVA (Side View Assist), which warns of the presence of vehicles in blind spots with two warning lights on the mirror supports. For the rest it remains true to itself and currently represents a product with essentially no direct competitors. Very powerful, with 60 horsepower, but among the most comfortable, if not the most comfortable ever on the market. Without hiding too much, the only one that could compete with it could be the Burgman 650, which however represents a different approach to the theme of the maxi scooter.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Some updates to the fairings, new exhaust and instrument graphics

BMW has reserved careful refinement work for both of its scooters, both on an aesthetic level, with new hulls, although very similar to those of the model it replaces, but above all an intervention that would resolve the flaws reported on several occasions. So to be the plastic area around the handlebars has been renewed in materials and finishes. As with the C650 Sport, they are introduced an instrument panel with more refined graphics and a sporty style, in addition to the double exhaust. Both a technical and stylistic element, because if on the one hand it is functional for the transition to the Euro 4 standard, on the other it gives a touch of personality, especially in the case of the C650 GT, where previously the old terminal could have been the subject of some criticism from the point of view in terms of the look. The rear light cluster is also new, totally redesigned. However, the Gran Turismo vocation remains, which differentiates the GT from the Sport, with which it practically shares the mechanics in its entirety, but from which it differs in approach and appearance. If its brother is made more to appear, with a much sportier look, the GT is "peaceful" and discreet, less aggressive. The horizontal rear shock absorber, shown in one case, is here almost completely hidden by the fairing. The C650 GT, however, is chock-full of comfort, ranging from the different position with a handlebar that puts the driver in a more relaxed position, to the electrically adjustable windshield. The underseat compartment here is large without needing the Flex Case, it fits two helmets and still has room left over. The interior light has also become an LED type, while the 12 volt socket is in the left compartment of the two in front of the knees, which locks closed when the steering lock is engaged. The block controls both the opening of the saddle and that of the fuel flap. Other features to make you feel comfortable riding this scooter are partly in common with the Sport, such as the heated grips and saddles, and partly exclusive, such as the possibility of moving two small bulkheads between the mirrors and the instruments, to close or open a passage to the air, so as to be more protected in winter and more refreshed in summer. The passenger also enjoys a very comfortable position and large grab handles to anchor himself effortlessly.

Engine and performance:

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The twin-cylinder did not need tweaks, refinement of delivery and transmission

Sometimes tastes are not just about aesthetics, but also about performance, or rather how they are achieved. At least judging by the conflicting opinions of some of our colleagues, while others seem to think exactly like us. So some people still today talk about the T-Max as the best maxi scooter you can buy, while others find the two BMW brothers more pleasant and capable of providing a little more satisfaction. Without involving the Integra in the dispute, the scooter - motorcycle which, thanks to its specific characteristics, is loved and hated at the same time, precisely according to personal taste. To be honest, we liked the two BMWs right from the start, even without the refinements of the new models.. This is a work that concerned the discharge line for regulatory updating, with the adoption of a new split terminal, which gives a more captivating sound in light of the elimination of the pre-catalyst. The transmission has been calibrated to have a more brilliant start from a standstill, satisfying traffic light race fans, while the latest update, perhaps the most welcome, concerns the standard presence of a true ASC (stability control)., replacing the previous torque limiting system. In direct comparison with the C650 Sport that we tested immediately before the GT, the delivery is sweeter and the sound more "polite". The push is still decisive, given the huge power available, with the 60 horsepower at 7.500 rpm which is essentially a record for a scooter (beaten only by the Aprilia SRV 850). A maximum speed of An effective 180 km/h is also an absolute reference value.

Ride and handling:

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It remains easy to handle despite its size and offers commendable comfort

We anticipated it when talking about its aesthetics, despite having the chassis and mechanical base in common with Sport, the C650 GT is developed with the aim of offering the greatest possible comfort. Thus the riding position is very different, thanks to the different handlebars which make the driver more comfortable, with wider and more extended arms, the same thing for the lower and more comfortable seat, furthermore supported by the backrest in the rear portion, while the most generous and adjustable windshield electrically with a button on the handlebar, it protects from the air. We believe it is It's difficult to imagine something more comfortable to travel on two wheels with, even if some motorbikes could compete from certain points of view, but the practicality of a scooter remains unattainable by others. It is also surprising how the 261 kg in running order and with a full tank of petrol (15,5 litres) disappear during use. The excellent balance of the weights means that it can be maneuvered without great effort even when stationary. The weight is felt only when you move it without being seated in the saddle. The 12 kg more than the Sport are justified by the different superstructures and the richer set-up of the GT. Even when driving it dynamically it doesn't disappoint at all, because it stays put stable like no other scooter on fast speeds, while on tighter curves, if you get carried away, you can touch it quite easily with the stand. At times the brakes almost seem to struggle to keep up, but the problem is mainly represented by the ease with which very high speeds are reached. By paying more attention not to exaggerate in the pace, they instead appreciate theexcellent braking capacity (based on 3 270 mm discs) and the operation of the latest generation Bosch 9.1MP ABS. It loses a little in precision for the different suspension settings (now less rigid), ride comfort also gains much more, especially for the passenger, who was more exposed to the excessively dry response of the first C650 GT. Another big news, even if it is part of one of the optional packages, concerns a transfer of technology from the automotive sector, with one of the first uses of Blind Corner Assist in the motorcycle sector, here renamed Side View Assist. Two sensors in the front part of the fairing monitor the presence of obstacles in the blind spot area, signaling it via the light triangles on the mirror supports. A useful accessory especially when changing direction, which is appreciated in the city environment, when the eyes are never enough.

Price and consumption:

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Traveling in business class costs around 12 thousand euros

The main innovation concerns the new shades available, with the metallic Blackstorm, the Frozenbronze (also metallic and the only one of the three to include a price increase of 100 euros) and the pastel Lightwhite. The price remains unchanged, with a confirmation of the euro of the model that is being updated, in the price list therefore a 11.750 €. The classics are then available optional packages. Heated grips and seats, together with RDC for tire pressure control are part of theHighline at a cost of 600 euros; while the Safety package allows you to try the Side View Assist system, offered at 510 € in combination with LED daytime running lights. A specimen like this one we tested therefore reaches the considerable sum of 12.860 euros. As regards consumption, we managed, more unique than rare, to equal the figure declared by the company in the WMTC cycle, which is 4.6 liters per 100 km. With a tourist pace, but anything but bland, which translated into practical terms means a speed of around 110-120 km/h on a short stretch of motorway and, in the urban part, decent accelerations, without reaching the end of the race with the throttle of the gas. Surprising, because if we were careful the margin for improvement would still have been quite large. Always taking advantage of the 60 horsepower available, with driving substantially at the limit, we were unable to "do worse" than a 6.5 L/100Km, but driving like this on the road risks having your license withdrawn, given the performance it is capable of. the C650 GT!

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Almost infinite engine, improved finishes, it remains an absolute reference for performance and comfort
We do not like it:
Challenging price, lower value retention over time than the BMW average

BMW C650 GT MY2016: the Motorionline Report Card

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The photographs in this test were taken with a Sony A7R II Full-Frame Mirrorless camera with a Sonnar® T* FE 55mm F1,8 ZA lens

Test clothing:
Jacket: Alpinestars Motion Waterproof Jacket
Pants: Alpinestars Denim Pants – Raw Indigo
Shoe: Alpinestars Vulk Shoes
Gloves: Alpinestars Polar Gore-Tex Gloves
All these items are part of the Alpinestars 2016 collection which you can find described in this article

Helmet: Caberg Drift Tour