C600, C650GT Concerns

[r100cs]

Generally speaking, most comments on this forum are positive posts from satisfied owners. Of some concern to me are posts from the less than satisfied owners. Specifically, the lingering specter of C650 cam chain tensioner problems might be a predictor of a larger problem. I do remember how Harley handled a similar problem with their twin cam engines. Apples vs. oranges perhaps, but indicative of a less than forthright corporate attitude and the resulting loss of credibility with the customer. BMW handled the final drive issues on some late K and R bikes in much the same manner with similar results. I personally know of 3 would be BMW buyers that now own Harley and Honda touring rigs because of the smoke screen.

When a new product is introduced there is almost always the possibility of unanticipated problems initially. How the manufacturer addresses those problems may well predict the success or failure of that product and the manufacturers reputation. If there is a problem here, BMW come clean and identify it's extent and how it will be handled if necessary.

I went to a BMW dealer today who is sitting on 3 C650GT machines. I didn't pull the trigger because I don't know if I would be buying into the possibility of a potential problem with a non-current 2013 model, or a 2014 further along the manufacturers learning curve with less risk. The machine is everything I want, but my doubts has me holding back.

 

[SteveADV]

Of some concern to me are posts from the less than satisfied owners. Specifically, the lingering specter of C650 cam chain tensioner problems might be a predictor of a larger problem. I do remember how Harley handled a similar problem with their twin cam engines. BMW handled the final drive issues on some late K and R bikes in much the same manner with similar results. I personally know of 3 would be BMW buyers that now own Harley and Honda touring rigs because of the smoke screen.

r100cs, (what a great bike by the way)

There are some super savvy tech people on this forum (I am not one of them) that can address your mechanical concerns. Customer service concerns regarding BMW's "urban mobility" product line are perhaps (??) up in the air as we have at least one situation that, if taken at face value, might suggest BMW "doesn't care." My best guess is that BMW will support this product in the same manner they have others; why wouldn't they? Frankly, these products look as if they are geared toward the boomers looking for a sophisticated ride; of which there are tens of thousands potential customers. The potential is huge for those that do it right and BMW has a pretty good batting average (had to throw in the World Series mindset...uh, did I say "throw"...watch who's pitching tonight.....GO BOSOX).

 

[Oldscoot]

I own a 2013 C600 and have not experienced any issues to date. We've have several forum members who have had difficulties with their bikes and BMW. I don't log on to European forums and can't tell whether the problems our members have complained of are being experienced in the larger population of BMW scooter riders.

 

[Dale]

The only issue was the low quantity oil light would flicker or come on, fixed by changing oil at the 600. I know BMW is hard to deal with and for the most part they let the dealer work with the customer. BMW components are of the best materials and or parts of high reliability purchased from other vendors. For the most part they work good and last a long time, but when they need fixing it takes a second mortgage to afford to get them fixed.

 

[bill steele]

r100cs, (what a great bike by the way)

There are some super savvy tech people on this forum (I am not one of them) that can address your mechanical concerns. Customer service concerns regarding BMW's "urban mobility" product line are perhaps (??) up in the air as we have at least one situation that, if taken at face value, might suggest BMW "doesn't care." My best guess is that BMW will support this product in the same manner they have others; why wouldn't they? Frankly, these products look as if they are geared toward the boomers looking for a sophisticated ride; of which there are tens of thousands potential customers. The potential is huge for those that do it right and BMW has a pretty good batting average (had to throw in the World Series mindset...uh, did I say "throw"...watch who's pitching tonight.....GO BOSOX).[

I think your right that the bikes are aimed at the Boomers since they are more likely to have the money to purchase the bikes in the first place and also keep up with the maintenance.

 

[Skutorr]

The posters on the European forums are NOT patient with teething issues. Many of the new BMW Scooter owners are experienced Moto riders, both motorcycles and scooters. They expect and demand reliable products and attentive dealers and manufacturers. They are willing to try the new BMW's, but God Help You if you let them down...

Many issues that are just starting to appear here are known, endemic faults that BMW is addressing in Europe. They have ONE CHANCE to do it right, or the worm will turn, they will unload the BMWs and go back to Burgmans, Tmaxes and Aprilia SRV 850s. It looks like BMW is committed to appeasing the European New Owner; hopefully it will translate back over here...

 

[JaimeC]

It would make sense... there is FAR more demand for scooters in Europe than over here...

When I was in Europe, MOST of the two-wheelers I saw were in fact scooters, NOT motorcycles. Here it is the reverse... most two-wheelers are motorcycles, not scooters. Europeans see the practical value of the scooter as every day transportation. In this country, two-wheelers are toys and CARS are considered the practical solution. Those of us who ride scooters are very much in the minority even amongst our fellow two-wheeled riding brethren.