Should I buy, what should I buy?

[Beerman]

Advice required!

I have been looking at the C650 for a while. I am very tempted to buy but some things are bothering me:

1. The dealer isn't overly keen on the bike. In the UK it has not been a big seller, and he (I think) looks down on scooters.
2. The reviews I read often comment on the high seat height and weight. I wouldn't say I was particularly small and can't believe that BMW would make a scooter that is difficult for a 5ft8'' rider to handle - but am I wrong?
3. The forums here and elsewhere contain quite a lot of comment on recalls/problems. Is this bike generally prone to problems?
4. Is the GT much harder to handle than the Sport?

I think the bike looks great, sounds like it has plenty of bhp and capability, and is comfortable with loads of storage. And I like the safety features (ABS, traction control, even the blind spot indicators that others think are unnecessary). And the heated grips and seats are a bonus.

I want to ride it for a variety of uses. In reality, I won't do much touring - if any - but I like the idea that I could. My wife is never going to ride 2 up, but again, I like the idea that she could. And I have a Vespa (great bike) for quick town trip which I would keep.

I had been thinking of a very different type of bike - the new Bonneville - but the storage, comfort and no need to shift attributes of the scooter are attractive to me. The Bonneville would have greater cache and pose value, but I think I'd like the ride of the BMW much better.

Thanks for any input!

Beerman

 

[Hillwalker]

Hi Beerman I live real near to you and I know what you mean that the dealers don't seem that interested in the scooters, mainly because most of the salesmen are young so less than 125 bhp is boring. I looked into buying a C650GT 3yrs ago and could not get a test ride anywhere, so didn't bother, but the good news is that BMW have insisted that all dealers now have a demo machine to try and will be trying one myself soon with a view to buying one.

Do you use Benham's in Wolverhampton, I go mainly to Pidcocks at Long Eaton and know that they have definitely got a demo, if you want to send me an email I would be happy to exchange phone numbers for a chat.
..

 

[windplr]

I had some of the same questions before I bought my 650GT. For me, it is the most nimble, fun to ride bike I've ever owned. I'm 6'2" and have no issues with how tall the bike is, but I could see some shorter folks might. I do believe there is a lower seat option. Are you looking at a 2016?

Personally, I would put no stock in the dealer's opinion. My local salesperson was neither positive nor negative on the bike. I think many just don't have that much experience with them since they sell in low volumes.

 

[Beerman]

Thanks Hillwalker, yes my local dealer is Benham's. They have indeed got 2 bikes 'in stock' - the Sports and GT models, but they seem incredibly (to me) reluctant to allow them to be taken for a test ride - even their own sales team acknowledge that it is going to be a touch tricky to sell a £10k bike without being able to ride it! I do know the Long Eaton dealership so I will have a look there.

Good to know that there is someone else near where I live who is interested in this bike - if they actually manage to sell us one we could become 'early adopters' in the region and set the trend!

Beerman

 

[Beerman]

Hi Windplr, thanks for the feedback. I'm really pleased to hear that you like the bike. I am indeed looking at the 2016 model - is that what you have? On seat height, you are considerably taller than me but (I think) sufficiently competent to handle a bit of stretch...I do hope I am right!

Hoping to head for CA for a couple of weeks holiday later this year ...from a freezing UK, it's looking attractive!

 

[Beerman]

...and interesting to hear, Hillwalker, that Stoke's attitude is similar - I had been thinking of going there instead of Wolves.

 

[Snowdog]

I am 5'8" and ride a Sport. When I stop the balls of my feet touch and I am careful not to stop where this would compromise my stability. I have had some close calls, no drops yet.
The fact is, I like a high riding position. I like the visibility and the enhanced safety that comes with it. Being eye level with a truck bumper is not in my comfort zone. I will live with the stop sign ballet.

 

[Hillwalker]

Beerman ring Mark at Pidcocks he'll soon fix you up with a good test ride, at one of there other nearby shops they are Triumph agents you could then try a Bonneville back to back and see which you prefer, two very different machines though, similar performance though the scoot as a lot of advantages, ie weather protection, auto, carrying capacity and no horrible oily chain to deal with. I presently run a R1100GS but a few years ago did have a big scoot as well, which I really enjoyed .

PS I've no connection with Pidcocks other than as a satisfied customer of 30 yrs

 

[SteveADV]

Beerman,

I own a Triumph Tiger Explorer and just received an email from Triumph thanking me for my deposit on a new Bonneville 120...I didn't make a deposit but my dealer knows me pretty well .

The Bonneville and either BMW C bike are so different my thinking is that it would boil down to your end use. There are few bikes that compare to the high end big scooters (BMW, Tmax, Burgman, and maybe a couple others) for overall utility, ease of use, and just plain old big time kicks. Problem is that the line is getting blurrier (is that even a word??) between the big scooters and standard MCs as far as road performance is concerned. So thinking about a Bonneville vs a BMW C, as far as road worthiness is concerned, is pretty tough. IMO, the Beemer offers a LOT more...and this from a guy who loves Triumph.

As far as problems are concerned, take into consideration that forums are the place to air any issues anyone may have with any bike. Not to mention that the BMW warranty is a pretty good one.

Like Snowdog said, the size of the Beemer requires management, but so does every bike over 500#s. Good luck with your search.

Steve

 

[Skutorr]

Hi Windplr, thanks for the feedback. I'm really pleased to hear that you like the bike. I am indeed looking at the 2016 model - is that what you have? On seat height, you are considerably taller than me but (I think) sufficiently competent to handle a bit of stretch...I do hope I am right!

Hoping to head for CA for a couple of weeks holiday later this year ...from a freezing UK, it's looking attractive!

Hey, I'm in the San Diego area of California, Land of the Micro Brewery! If you're in town I'll buy you a pint!

 

[Beerman]

That would be great Skutorr; you have some magnificent IPA's over there!

Good advice from all, thanks - any views on Sports vs GT?

Beerman

 

[grey.hound]

I'll chime in here. If I had the chance, I'd go for the GT. I don't dislike the the sport, in fact I find the sport more attractive, especially the new 2016. My wife said she would never go with me, but that all changed thanks to some very close friends. Now, she is a willing passenger and even considering a holiday together this summer for our anniversary. I would have liked the extra built in storage and my wife would appreciate the extra wind protection from the bigger fairing.

One more thing, the GT has a larger, more visible brake light.

 

[Hillwalker]

I think (hope) most of the early minor niggles, problems and recalls should have been well sorted now on the 2016 model.

 

[Snowdog]

One thing I noticed about the GT was the width of the body where the passengers legs would go. That can get uncomfortable after a while, and has been mentioned in various forums for various wide body bikes.
This also contributes to getting really wide if you want side bags due to a passenger.

 

[Snowdog]

I would also be interested in what comes underneath the GT windshield, even with the little wings out, there were large gaps to let the rain through and create wind noise. I haven't ridden one so don't know.

 

[ItsPhilD]

Hey, I'm in the San Diego area of California, Land of the Micro Brewery! If you're in town I'll buy you a pint!

Hey, how come whenever I am in SD you never buy me a beer?

 

[Beerman]

Close to buying, folks. I will update you next week as to whether my nerve and bank balance remained intact, or whether I crumbled. Not looking good for the bank balance right now, but it is Friday evening so spirits are high...

 

[Hillwalker]

Beerman, what are you close to buying ? don't keep us in suspense, and from where.

 

[Beerman]

Top secret, Hillwalker. The phrase 'don't tell him, Pike' springs to mind (won't work in the US, that quote). What this means is that I am still sitting on the fence. I will update as matters develop over the weekend!

Beerman

 

[Skutorr]

Hey, how come whenever I am in SD you never buy me a beer?

Let me know when you're in town and it's on...