First ride -- 2018 C650GT

Rodan

Member
I took the first ride on my new (to me) 2018 C650GT. It has 4.9K miles. First off I need to tell you how I ride and why this post here may not have the info that potential buyers are looking for. I ride for fun and only short rides, rarely more than 60 miles and most times only 40 miles. I'm retired and I ride 4 mornings a week, every week of the year. I never ride in the rain or other inclement weather -- been there, done that, in my 50+ years of riding the 58 motorcycles that I have owned. I currently have 8 bikes, well . . . 7 bikes and a scooter. I'm not going to use this scooter for commuting or for long trips. Also been there, done that, with the long trips.

The scooter is comfortable and easy to drive. I think that should go without saying, but, well . . . I said it. It feels lighter than it is (575 lbs) due to the very low COG. It effortlessly takes off and cruises easily at 70 mph on the 4-mile stretch of interstate that is part of my loop rides. I got it up to 80 mph once and it felt like there was some left -- not much -- but some. My feeling is that it would do the ton flat out, but not much more. The mirrors are WONDERFUL. They equal the best mirrors of some of my motorcycles. Clear at all speeds -- no vibes. The dials, especially the speedo is easy to see, even in the sun. The handling is very good -- this old rider will not be able to tap it's potential. The suspension absorbs bumps as well as most of the bikes I've had -- not as good as some but also better than some. My 2004 H-D Sportster XL1200R comes to mind as the worst suspension on any motorcycle that I've ever owned. And, of course, the suspension on the C650GT is not as good as a real sport bike.

I wish it had an engine temp gauge (water temp) instead of the idiot light.

Here' a pic in front of my house:
 

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You have waaaay more than 80 on that scooter. It’ll do well over 100. Actually into the teens if you lower the windscreen all the way and duck a little. A friend of mine told me so [emoji6]



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exavid

Member
Yes indeed it will do better than 80. I've had mine to 116mph measured by GPS (on a closed section of roadway of course). It was pretty well against the wall at that speed. That was with the top box removed and the windscreen fairly low. But I didn't have to duck down. I was wearing my modular helmet which has a lot less buffeting than my usual old Bell 3/4 helmet. Not bad for a heavyish with only 650cc. It will run at 80mph on the freeways all day and still have plenty of oomph if you need it. I find it easier to ride than my last Goldwing because of the variety of leg positions available. Bad knees are what finally made my sell my Last Goldwing and my K1100LT. I've ridden it as much as 450mi in a day and found that while its not a Goldwing it's not bad at all.
 
Yes indeed it will do better than 80. I've had mine to 116mph measured by GPS (on a closed section of roadway of course). It was pretty well against the wall at that speed. That was with the top box removed and the windscreen fairly low. But I didn't have to duck down. I was wearing my modular helmet which has a lot less buffeting than my usual old Bell 3/4 helmet. Not bad for a heavyish with only 650cc. It will run at 80mph on the freeways all day and still have plenty of oomph if you need it. I find it easier to ride than my last Goldwing because of the variety of leg positions available. Bad knees are what finally made my sell my Last Goldwing and my K1100LT. I've ridden it as much as 450mi in a day and found that while its not a Goldwing it's not bad at all.

Ah, yes. Another speed nut [emoji6]. 115 with the trunk on, windshield all the way down. They are great alternatives for goldwings. I have the same issue. Just sold my last wing, actually a Valk. Had both knees replaced a couple years ago and I was just to shaky trying to maneuver it around while it wasn’t rolling.



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Rodan

Member
I didn't buy the scooter to go fast. I have 7 motorcycles that are much, much faster. I have one, my 2017 Kawasaki ZX-14R, that will do close to double-ton. It will do the double-ton with an ECU tweak. Besides, I don't ride like that anymore. After 50+ years riding, I think I have beat the odds already -- no need to press the point.
 

Thom Davis

Member
Curious that you think the bike has a low COG. My sport sits way too high to suit me--but maybe the GT sits lower. My Harley was my favorite as far as sitting position. Also, the dashboard gages (particularly Speedo) are very difficult to read in sunlight (might be my shades). My C600 is a 2013, so maybe they did make some changes for the better. I've had better bikes than this one. But it does what I need it to do, but wouldn't buy one again.
 

Thom Davis

Member
COG (Center of Gravity) -- not seat height. Those are two different things.

What, you think I"m stupid? The bike COG is at least 5 inches higher than my old hog. Engine is higher up, body is higher up, frame sits higher...no, I'm not an idiot.
 

Rodan

Member
What, you think I"m stupid? The bike COG is at least 5 inches higher than my old hog. Engine is higher up, body is higher up, frame sits higher...no, I'm not an idiot.
You're a bit sensitive. Not a good thing on a public forum. :rolleyes: But, if you think the motor of the C650GT is higher up than the engine of a H-D big twin, well, maybe . . . . :p
 
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exavid

Member
The GT does have a lower CG than most of the motorcycles I've owned. Mostly it's because its fuel tank is quite low and the engine is inclined like a regular cycle. It's GG is higher than a Silverwing scooter but that's mostly because of the larger wheels on the GT. I've had a Silverwing 600 and the Burgman 650 whch are much less able on the twisties due to their lower road clearance. The Honda SW is a nice scooter, very responsive with it's 600ccs and about a hundred lbs. less weight. But it's a bit limited due to low ground clearance. Still it's sad that Honda discontinued selling them in the US. Not a good country for selling large scooters.

My first introduction to Maxi Scooters was about five years ago at Crater Lake. I met a couple of guys each riding a Silverwing. I asked them how they liked the little bikes on the highway and how far they were going. Turns out the both lived in Southern California and were on their way home after going North up the coastal highway to Vancouver B.C. That impressed me. I didn't know these things existed.

Sometimes I get the urge to sell the scooter and buy another motorcycle but at my age (76) the scooter really makes more sense. Also with bad knees it's hard to beat a scooter that gives one several leg positions in riding. I'm shamelessly happy not to have a clutch lever either, the CVT is a lot kinder to my arthritic hands.
 

Sharkey

New member
Taking my first ride on mine tomorrow. Riding 2 up to Church about 10mi away. Rode it just around neighborhood yesterday so that doesn't count. Easy to roll into garage and put on centerstand.
 

Rodan

Member
Taking my first ride on mine tomorrow. Riding 2 up to Church about 10mi away. Rode it just around neighborhood yesterday so that doesn't count. Easy to roll into garage and put on centerstand.

Let us know what you think . . . Congrats on new scoot.
 

Chiro

Member
Taking my first ride on mine tomorrow. Riding 2 up to Church about 10mi away. Rode it just around neighborhood yesterday so that doesn't count. Easy to roll into garage and put on centerstand.

Drive safe, and post about it.
 

Sharkey

New member
Well this will be my 2nd attempt at a quick reply. Apparently forum logged me out trying to upload pics. I will keep it short. Scooter is ok. Better suspension than Burgman650 but brakes could use more bite. Wife says she sits up high. Seat is high for me. We are both short. Roll on is nice. Steering seems a bit heavy. Scoot will be used two up and for trips. Street Triple used for errands and day rides. https://photos.app.goo.gl/Ayp4UoMGCTBhjggH9https://photos.app.goo.gl/jH9wBxUHs8q5jUt67 https://photos.app.goo.gl/3TZiMa3gvfaFWFjt7
 
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