steve l
Member
I traded in my 2009 BMW R1200RT SE in April this year for a new C650GT as I needed something with a feet forward riding position to prevent the pains in my knees and hips on long trips. It has been a great success and the only thing I really miss is the cruise control.
The rear suspension needed immediate improvement as BMWs stated maximum load (180kg) is wildly optimistic. With this weight on board the centre stand grounded easily. The only aftermarket units readily available is a Wilbers 630, but these have not been TUV tested with a hydraulic preload adjuster and so are only available mechanical adjusters. A C spanner must be used to adjust the standard double castellated ring, difficult on a GT. After consultation with Wilbers Germany, a worm drive adjuster is also available than can be accessed without removing the GTs panels and operated with an 8mm speed brace. As I frequently adjust the preload twice a week in summer, an easy method of adjustment was essential. 100 turns of the brace are required to increase the preload by around 10mm.
The bike has the following mods:
SVA (side view assist) disabled due to numerous false warnings.
Garmin 595LM and Autocom SPA fitted.
2 direct battery 10amp power sockets fitted under the seat for, battery charging, heated clothing and tyre compressor use.
Shad SH58X expandable top box fitted, very useful as it folds down when a big box is not required.
Kaoko throttle stabilizer fitted, this required the stem reducing by 2mm to locate the friction washer correctly on my handlebar grips.
BMW tunnel bag, easily removable on tour to keep valuable items with you.
The OEM Metzler tyres started their usual “white lining” at 3000 miles and have been replaced with a set of Mitchelin Road Pilot 4s, I expect these to provide consistent handling up to their wear limit.
The only problems with the bike in 4000 miles have been a faulty oil level sensor.
The rear suspension needed immediate improvement as BMWs stated maximum load (180kg) is wildly optimistic. With this weight on board the centre stand grounded easily. The only aftermarket units readily available is a Wilbers 630, but these have not been TUV tested with a hydraulic preload adjuster and so are only available mechanical adjusters. A C spanner must be used to adjust the standard double castellated ring, difficult on a GT. After consultation with Wilbers Germany, a worm drive adjuster is also available than can be accessed without removing the GTs panels and operated with an 8mm speed brace. As I frequently adjust the preload twice a week in summer, an easy method of adjustment was essential. 100 turns of the brace are required to increase the preload by around 10mm.
The bike has the following mods:
SVA (side view assist) disabled due to numerous false warnings.
Garmin 595LM and Autocom SPA fitted.
2 direct battery 10amp power sockets fitted under the seat for, battery charging, heated clothing and tyre compressor use.
Shad SH58X expandable top box fitted, very useful as it folds down when a big box is not required.
Kaoko throttle stabilizer fitted, this required the stem reducing by 2mm to locate the friction washer correctly on my handlebar grips.
BMW tunnel bag, easily removable on tour to keep valuable items with you.
The OEM Metzler tyres started their usual “white lining” at 3000 miles and have been replaced with a set of Mitchelin Road Pilot 4s, I expect these to provide consistent handling up to their wear limit.
The only problems with the bike in 4000 miles have been a faulty oil level sensor.
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