Hello from Sussex UK

[Andyfbuk]

Hi everyone, recently purchased a 2019 C650GT Highline LS with the option 719 colour scheme as a substitute to my car which was seeing very little use owing to Covid 19 restrictions. The C650 joins a 2018 K1600GT SE in my garage. Loving the flexibility of having the two bikes which both serve a slightly different role and both give me a huge grin!!! Don’t think I have ever seen another C650 on the roads near me.... I will keep my eyes peeled for any members in here if they are passing! Andy

 

[EvilTwin]

Welcome. I'm fairly new here myself. Recently sold an R12RT and moved to a 19 c650gt. Other bike has 3 wheels, but I like riding two. Wife is ok with riding on the back of the 3 wheeler and thats enough of a reason to keep it around.

Not doing too much driving myself due to Covid, so the bikes get their runs on weekend mornings. Hopefully others will chime in, but this board seems fairly slow.

 

[Andyfbuk]

Hi, good to hear from you! I try and get a ride in whenever I can ... and chop and change from the K1600 and the C650..... both give me a huge amount of fun for different reasons. Really pleased with the C650 and rather like the fact it’s kinda ‘exclusive’ as seen so few around here. Just spending a bit of time getting it configured how I want etc.... will keep a look out for you if you’re anywhere near the Brighton area...

 

[Andyfbuk]

..... ahhh just seen your in Virginia, US..... so unlikely to be riding past my door anytime soon! lol.... pleased to meet you nonetheless!

 

[emseedee]

Hi, Andy. I'm In Coventry, UK and I have a 2013 C650GT. You're quite right about them being pretty rare - I don't think I've ever seen another UK one outside a showroom. Even in Naples on holiday I only saw a couple of them - and that's scooter central!

I've ended up going down the scooter route because of my clapped out knees - had to get rid of my ST1300 as it was too painful to ride, but the C650's great and probably handles more like a bike than any of the other maxi-scoots. When I'm out on group rides, other riders often take a second look just to check that it really is a scooter, as it rides so well.

Keep it shiny side up, and keep dodging that virus.

Mike

 

[Andyfbuk]

Hi Mike, good to hear from you. Nice to hear from another UK based 650GT owner.... I used to live in Peterborough and often visit friends and family up there.... if I take the 650GT next time I’m up I will let you know.... maybe meet up for a socially distanced coffee snd chat! Lol. Love the fact they are seemingly a rare beast here in the UK! Loving the bike so far.... such fun to ride. Keep well and maybe our paths will cross one day! Andy

 

[pneuby]

Hello Sir, and welcome. A UK trip is on my bucket-list, for sure. Hopefully this Covid crap will soon be a memory.

Evil, is your trike a SPyder, per chance?

 

[EvilTwin]

Hello Sir, and welcome. A UK trip is on my bucket-list, for sure. Hopefully this Covid crap will soon be a memory.

Evil, is your trike a SPyder, per chance?

Yes, it's a 2010 RT. I keep it for a couple of reasons. It's the only bike my wife will ride on and we use it when we go camping. And it hauls quite a bit of stuff besides the two of us.

 

[pneuby]

I think they're pretty slick. I have just seen the new stripped-down RYker version, and I have to say I am a bit
drawn to it. Question is, are they 'fun' without leaning?

 

[EvilTwin]

I like it but it is different. You feel like you are riding a bike but its more like driving a car. Mine has the semi auto so you are shifting gears with a paddle switch on the left grip. The bike will downshift on its own or you can do it yourself. One brake, a foot pedal on the right. And it has a reverse gear so you can back it up.

It has car tires all around, and lots of built in nanny systems to keep you from lifting a wheel. Tons of storage space on this one in the front and back and two side cases. Mine is the RT and it has the most space and most upright seating position. It is the first year of the model and it has a 998 v twin. 2014 and newer has a 3 cyl 1330 engine. Bike weighs about 1000 lbs and gets somewhere between 25-30 mpg which sucks, but its a pleasure vehicle only. The 3 cyl actually gets better mileage.

I don't mind riding it at all, but I like 2 wheels better. That's why I got the C650. I rode an F3, that has the 3 cyl and a much more cruiser like sitting position which I'm not fond of. I sat on a Ryker and it seems very small to me. You can put your feet on the ground on that bike. Both the F3 and the Ryker have very little storage space compared to the RT.

As for riding it, if you are going around a sharp corner, you have the feeling that the bike is trying to throw you off, so you have to brace yourself and lean into the turn. But other than that, its fine and it has all the bells and whistles.