Is the C650 too much machine to serve as a first-ever bike?

drol343

New member
You may have your bike already but... I started riding bikes when I was 63. I first purchased a Suzuki Boulevard C50, 850cc at 611lbs and before I took it out for the first time, I realized it was just too big of a bike to start with, as I also had to shift this bike. Granted I was 63 years old at the time and you're in your 40’s.

Starting out with a C 650 GT (575lbs) sounds like a good idea, but really, it's a lot to start with especially since you just want to use it as a daily commuter.

The issue with the size and weight is when you're trying to park it and move it out of spaces if you're commuting short distances back and forth.

A bike fit issue you may run into if you go with a smaller bike is at 6 foot you need to find one that is comfortable to sit on and ride for whatever distance you want to go. The scooter I started out with was a Honda Forza 400 ABS and it was a nice bike, but at 5 foot 10 it was just not comfortable on longer rides.

BMW now has the C400X

I love my bike and I spend 98% of my time out the country on longer rides, but it would still be nice if it weighed 400 pounds!

Good Luck!
 

Thom Davis

Member
If you are freeway riding, a heavy bike is needed. Buffeting from speedy 18 wheelers is scary on a light bike. Speed is also helpful since you often can get out of trouble with the throttle faster than with the brake. Weight is only bad at low speed or quick stops since you have to keep the bike from falling over-so leg length and seat position are something required to check. Since the OP was tall and heavy...650 is a good choice...
 

exavid

Member
What the heck? Go for it! Take it easy at first but you'll get the hang of the bike soon enough and feel comfortable with it. Personally I find my C650GT to be a fine ride on the highway and in town. Mine's been reliable after a few hiccups when I first got it. BMW made a couple of recalls which fixed a couple of problems on the early bikes, mine's a 20013 which I bought in early 20014 with 69 miles on it. The newer ones have a few nice improvements such as a better sound and a new design center stand which is much easier to use. My seems to require about the same effort to get on the center stand as my GL1800 Goldwing did. The GT and it's brother the Sport are actually easy to handle in parking lots and on the highway. If you don't have any two wheel (powered) time I'd sure recommend getting a bit of training if possible. Motorcycles and scooters have two wheels like a bicycle but they do handle differently. For instance on a motorcycle or heavy scooter one NEVER turns sharply at low speed using the front brake. That's a good way to find yourself on the ground. A bicycle is more forgiving of such an affront. Riding a motorcycle or scooter isn't rocket science, if you've ridden before take it slow at first and you'll be okay. If not be sure to get some training.
 

cpallenjr

New member
LATE TO THE PARTY, I am going to chime in and strongly recommend that you take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (or similar) Basic Rider Course. Not only will it help you learn how to ride properly and safely - it will also help you get your motorcycle endorsement and earn a discount on your motorcycle insurance, in most places. Your dealer might even pay or at least subsidize it if you ask.

Secondly, I don't think buying a smaller, second hand scooter to ride for the first year is a bad idea. It allows you to practice riding mechanics without as much concern for scratched plastics or cracked turn signals. Piaggio, Vespa, Honda, Yamaha - and others - have offered 150 - 200cc scooters for years so you should have many to chose from and they are great around town. Assuming you don't totally trash it, you have a better chance of recouping your purchase costs when you decide to move up to a larger/newer bike or scooter. Riding a motorcycle also is not for everyone. It can be scary, noisy, windy, cold, hot, or wet depending upon the day and there is no shame in deciding it's not for you - or it is but only for fair-weather pleasure.
 
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