Is engine rough on c650gt?

[Rider_Rico]

From reviews I've read and seen some have said that the engine on the BMW c650gt compared to that of the Suzuki Burgman 650 is rough and sounds rough. What is meant by that? I get an idea but I'd like to hear from the already c650gt owners.

 

[justscootin]

When I test rode the GT last August another guy said that to me also. I have never heard a Burgman sound. I would put a bet that it is the BMW stainless exhaust. If you get the optional exhaust it is a total different sound (a rumbly sound).

 

[Oldscoot]

Like others on the forum I've owned a Burgman 650 and now own a C600 Sport. The engine noise on the BMW is a little louder and the exhaust is definitely louder. Loud and rough are different concepts and I find the BMW to be fairly vibration free. On the BMW the engine is and feels more powerful, which IMHO, is good. It's a well engineered engine. My Burgman's transmission made a loud noise similar to a diesel motor which was common to that bike. I didn't like that.

 

[Rider_Rico]

Great input....Thanks guys!

 

[ScooterRaton]

Like others on the forum I've owned a Burgman 650 and now own a C600 Sport. The engine noise on the BMW is a little louder and the exhaust is definitely louder. Loud and rough are different concepts and I find the BMW to be fairly vibration free. On the BMW the engine is and feels more powerful, which IMHO, is good. It's a well engineered engine. My Burgman's transmission made a loud noise similar to a diesel motor which was common to that bike. I didn't like that.

I had many people ask me what was wrong with my Burgman when idling. It sounded like a 5KW diesel generator. To me the 650 GT sounds like a parallel twin should sound

 

[Xian Forbes]

The firing order on the C-series motor is different than that of the 'Zuki. That causes a "different" note along with a stainless exhaust makes for a particular sound. I personally have many fast road miles on my Sport with no complaints about vibrations, Neither does my pillion.

Here is a quote from Roadrunner Magazine.

"Displacing 647cc and producing 60 hp at 7,500 rpm and 48 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, both machines perform like a midsize motorcycle. With a 270-degree firing order, a 90-degree crank pin offset, and twin balancer shafts, vibration is almost non-existent until you get close to maximum speed"

Considering how much mis-information there is out there, Im just starting to think that Burggy owners are sore that the C is just a better machine.

 

[Oldscoot]

"Considering how much mis-information there is out there, Im just starting to think that Burggy owners are sore that the C is just a better machine."

I rarely get useful information from a website that is not specific to the product because it's usually of the "I heard from someone..." type of information. There are excellent websites like Burgman USA and Modern Vespa but they are loyal to and focus on their brands. If I still had my Burgman and BMW scoot pulled up next to me and smoked me at the light I'd hope there was something wrong with it in order to control the unpleasant feeling of envy.

 

[Faazi]

I let my buddy ride my GT650 first day and I was told that it soulds like an "auto rickshaw" from India. That really made me mad as hell, especially after shelling out $12G's for it. Now that I have been riding it for two weeks, I did notice that it makes a similar sound, especially at low speeds. Iam taking it to the dealer today to get my 700 miles initial checkup done. I will bring that to his attention. My electronic gauges are also messed up. The temprature shows 5 degrees higher than what it is outside.

 

[JaimeC]

The 270/90 firing order makes the Beemer sound more like a V-Twin than a typical, sterile parallel twin with a 360 degree crank. I noticed the difference when jumping off my TMAX onto the C650GT. I think the C650GT sounds BETTER, the TMAX engine, though sporty enough, had a boring, droning tone.

As for vibration, there was a high-frequency tingle that came and went on the TMAX that could be felt in your hands, feet and butt. On the C650GT, it is a far less annoying low frequency rumble that I really only feel in my hands.

There is ONE thing Yamaha got right with the TMAX, though. The mirrors on the C650GT give you a great view of the lanes on either side of you and your upper arms. What is directly behind you (like the LEO with flashing lights) is completely obstructed from view. The long, hated, insect-antenna like mirrors on the TMAX gave you a good view of EVERYTHING behind you. I wish the Beemer's mirrors were as good.

 

[Oldscoot]

Faazi: I've never heard the sound of an "auto rickshaw" so I can't question your impression. In almost 50 years in this activity I've owned over 24 motorcycles and 7 scooters. My C600 Sport sounds great compared with several of the 650c.c. motorcycles I've owned and better than any scooter I've owned. So - assuming you're right - IMHO an "auto rickshaw" must sound pretty good.

 

[trekguy]

My engine on the 650 at idle sounds like a washing machine. At speed, it has a throaty sound to it, and at cruising speed...I can only hear wind noise.

I definately agree with JamieC about the mirrors.

 

[Xian Forbes]

I was thinking of retrofitting the mirrors from the GT onto my Sport, I was hoping they were better than what I got stock and the built in indicators are super groovy. Sounds like the GT has the same issue and I'm certain that the Sport is even worse. I have terrible blind spots and sometimes, if I'm not super vigilant in tracking/predicting traffic, I get surprised when cars seem to come out of nowhere. I would expect more from BMW

 

[daveckelley]

My C650GT makes an engine rattle on cold start. Like the valves have yet to seat and the pushrods are clacking. After about 3 minutes the sound goes away. I took it to the shop (as I was replacing my second tire with only 2,800 miles with a nail in it) and asked them to listen to it. They said it's "normal". I didn't notice it when I first got the bike. Any one else have this issue? Otherwise I really love this bike!

 

[ibking]

My C650GT makes an engine rattle on cold start. Like the valves have yet to seat and the pushrods are clacking. After about 3 minutes the sound goes away. I took it to the shop (as I was replacing my second tire with only 2,800 miles with a nail in it) and asked them to listen to it. They said it's "normal". I didn't notice it when I first got the bike. Any one else have this issue? Otherwise I really love this bike!

Yes Dave I too have a loud clickety-clack when I come to a stop, sometimes the clickety-clack goes away while at a stop and then I get a pure engine idle. So what is this clacking sound I hear so loud, I have 8,100 miles on the scoot now.

ibking

 

[bill steele]

Your probably hearing the valves opening and closing I hear this on my c650gt not to worry P.S. I was getting oil at a M.C shop I started talking to a Kymco Rep. who just came from there Mfg. plant over seas he said that the engine in the 600 and 650 are amazing engines that are made to really close specs. and mapped very agressively also this is the 3rd engine they have manufactured for BMW Who Knew!

 

[daveckelley]

Rough to start

Yes Dave I too have a loud clickety-clack when I come to a stop, sometimes the clickety-clack goes away while at a stop and then I get a pure engine idle. So what is this clacking sound I hear so loud, I have 8,100 miles on the scoot now.

ibking

Well, I guess the bottom line is it runs well. I think the valves just need to seat, as once the engine is warm the sound goes away.....Nice to know I'm not alone!
Dave

 

[JaimeC]

As one Airhead mechanic told me: "Tappy valves are happy valves."

 

[Oldscoot]

Kymco has also manufactured engines for Rotax and others. I've owned several Kymcos and their motors are strong and reliable. I once owned a Harley shovel head that made alarming noises until it warmed up.

 

[jdwagoner]

I have had the C650GT for a few weeks. I am replacing my Burgy 650 2006 after riding it for 7 years. It only took me a 30 min. test ride to decide to buy the BMW from Pandora's in Chattanooga, TN. I agree with Oldscoot's comments. The engine sounds more noisy on initial acceleration but the power is very desirable. I had a BMW R1150R for a couple years which I really liked but was not as confident riding it due to the greater hight to throw my right leg over (with a knee replacement). Sold it and went back to the Burgy. BMW C650GT is lighter, easier to move around by feet, more maneuverable when riding. Engine noise is not objectionable, sounds pretty good. BMW boxer owners say "clacky valves are good valves".

About Faazi's comment on temp gage, I had same experience on the Burgman that the exterior temp reading was higher than real figure. Probably because the engine heat under the gage is affecting the temp reading. I love the BMW.

 

[Pelelaur]

Also have the clacky valves. Indeed, it gets better when the engine gets warm. The only thing that I find a little strange is the clutch when the engine is cold. Sometimes it's very chocky when accelerating from full stop. It also gets better when the engine is hot.