What should i expect with a used BMW 650?

[Greg goes wild]

Well here it goes i have a Honda Silverwing 2010 model and it needs to be replaced due to a accident. I am currently looking at
the 650 gt a USED one. Are there any issues with the older models from 2016 til now? II have been doing some research on
these NICE bikes. You tube has been a big help so far. I have heard on You Tube that the transmission cover has corroded on
some. Does anyone have that issue here in the States? What are the GOOD points of your bike vs bad points? Do ALL The 650's
have abs or not?

 

[EvilTwin]

Hi
I went from a 2009 Swing to my 2019 C650 (in between was an R12RT). From what I understand there are no big issues with the 2016 on up. That was the year of a redesign with the variator and the muffler being upgraded. Everything else on the bike remained the same from the previous year.

While the bike weighs about the same as the Swing, it handles sharper and has better acceleration as well as a much more pronounced "Growl" to the engine due to the 270 degree crank. It also sits taller, so while flat footing the swing was easy for me, the c650 is about 2 inches taller. Riding position is about the same, still upright and pretty comfortable. Under seat storage is about the same though there is a pronounced hump from the rear fender that limits the size of helmets you can store in there.

All the bikes have ABS. Brakes are not linked. The power screen, heated grips and seat are really nice in chilly weather. Built in TPMS, and some useful info displayed in the dash like MPG, oil status, etc. I don't care for the doors for the cubbys on the dash, they seem flimsy compared to the swing and are not lockable. But they hold enough stuff anyway. There is no hand brake, the side stand locks the rear wheel when it is down. I really dont care for that, I would always move the Swing around with the stand down so it was easier to set it down at any point. With this one I just straddle it while moving, it is a heavy bike and I'm not getting any younger.

All in all its a fun bike. Gets to 70 very easy on the highway, more of a highway machine than the Swing. Maintenance is more involved than the Swing. Besides the CVT belt, you also have an enclosed chain that has its own maintenance requirements including guides that take up the stretch that need to be changed out depending on wear and mileage. If you take the bike to the dealer for service it can get pricey, folks with some wrenching skills can do most of it themselves. In order to reset the service indicator you need to invest about 100 bucks for an ODB2 wireless adapter and an app for you phone called motoscan. That gives you access to the ecu for any BMW bike and lets you set the service indicator and read codes.

Hope this helps.

 

[Ceesie76]

Have had mine for almost 3 years now, a 2016 C650 Sport. Bought it used at 1,960 miles and just yesterday crossed the 7,000 mile mark. Have had no issues, other than the oil light coming on once or twice, even though the level has been fine, and the timing chain (tensioner?) that was rattling when the engine was cold, which was replaced under factory warranty in 2018. Other than that, smooth sailing. Very fun, nimble and fast bike. Before this, I had a Honda 300 shi (in Switzerland this was) and I definitely like the added power of the BMW. I do my own maintenance, so have the Motoscan app + obd dongle.

 

[Greg goes wild]

Hi
I went from a 2009 Swing to my 2019 C650 (in between was an R12RT). From what I understand there are no big issues with the 2016 on up. That was the year of a redesign with the variator and the muffler being upgraded. Everything else on the bike remained the same from the previous year.

While the bike weighs about the same as the Swing, it handles sharper and has better acceleration as well as a much more pronounced "Growl" to the engine due to the 270 degree crank. It also sits taller, so while flat footing the swing was easy for me, the c650 is about 2 inches taller. Riding position is about the same, still upright and pretty comfortable. Under seat storage is about the same though there is a pronounced hump from the rear fender that limits the size of helmets you can store in there.

All the bikes have ABS. Brakes are not linked. The power screen, heated grips and seat are really nice in chilly weather. Built in TPMS, and some useful info displayed in the dash like MPG, oil status, etc. I don't care for the doors for the cubbys on the dash, they seem flimsy compared to the swing and are not lockable. But they hold enough stuff anyway. There is no hand brake, the side stand locks the rear wheel when it is down. I really dont care for that, I would always move the Swing around with the stand down so it was easier to set it down at any point. With this one I just straddle it while moving, it is a heavy bike and I'm not getting any younger.

All in all its a fun bike. Gets to 70 very easy on the highway, more of a highway machine than the Swing. Maintenance is more involved than the Swing. Besides the CVT belt, you also have an enclosed chain that has its own maintenance requirements including guides that take up the stretch that need to be changed out depending on wear and mileage. If you take the bike to the dealer for service it can get pricey, folks with some wrenching skills can do most of it themselves. In order to reset the service indicator you need to invest about 100 bucks for an ODB2 wireless adapter and an app for you phone called motoscan. That gives you access to the ecu for any BMW bike and lets you set the service indicator and read codes.

Hope this helps.

Thank you for the info Is there just 1 belt for the cvt variater ? I have heard on you tube on the BMW scooters
the dealers are HIGH priced service wise. My Brother has done LOTS of service on my Swing and he has other
motorcycles he has built himself from scratch. So IF i do buy a BEAMER scooter i will need the shop manual
so my brother can read up on it cuz i am mechanically inclined. on that stuff. As far as the seat can that be
shaved down since it maybe a couple of inches higher? This is why i am doing research.
Thanks for the info again
Greg

 

[Greg goes wild]

Have had mine for almost 3 years now, a 2016 C650 Sport. Bought it used at 1,960 miles and just yesterday crossed the 7,000 mile mark. Have had no issues, other than the oil light coming on once or twice, even though the level has been fine, and the timing chain (tensioner?) that was rattling when the engine was cold, which was replaced under factory warranty in 2018. Other than that, smooth sailing. Very fun, nimble and fast bike. Before this, I had a Honda 300 shi (in Switzerland this was) and I definitely like the added power of the BMW. I do my own maintenance, so have the Motoscan app + obd dongle.

Did you get the extended warranty? To me these bikes sound more complicated to me cuz i am mechanically
inclined. BUT my Brother knows ALL about the Swing and he has done the work on it for me. He has several bikes that he built from scratch and a mechanic by trade. He WILL need the BMW shop manual to read up on it. Do ALL
BMWS have the air pressure gauge on the dash as well?
Thank you for the info
Greg

 

[Ceesie76]

As far as I know, mine just had BMW's standard 3-year warranty, now expired. I do my own maintenance and bought the shop manual on dvd on Ebay. There's some good youtube how-to videos and of course forums like this one. Not sure how technically complex these are, my biggest gripe is all the panelling that has to come off for any work, even to check the oil level or access the OBD port, but that seems common on scooters these days.

 

[pneuby]

I don't think there is any room to shave down the seat. I have a 32" inseam, and I also could flat-foot the Honda easily.
I am 'almost' there on the GT with a good pair of sneakers. My low-profile sneeks let me get one flat, with ball of the foot on the other.

I wouldn't discount a deal on a 13-15 provided your seller has the maintenance history, and it's had the bulletin/recalls completed. My first was an '18, and I let myself get disgruntled with the engine character, LOL. Long and short, of it, I now have a '14, and I am very happy. The two are merely examples of one, but I feel the first iteration is both quieter, and smoother, with ...possibly...a bit more taught suspension. For sure it has a larger windscreen. Maybe they trimmed the acreage on it for '16 to add some more stability in the wind(?). The rear-end lamp is far more visible on the first gen, also...another area that I can't understand why they changed it for the upgrades.

IF you're in a larger area, perhaps you have an independent cycle shop available for maintenance. I have a couple here in my city, and that's where I'll go when needed.

 

[Skydiver]

Hi
I went from a 2009 Swing to my 2019 C650 (in between was an R12RT). From what I understand there are no big issues with the 2016 on up. That was the year of a redesign with the variator and the muffler being upgraded. Everything else on the bike remained the same from the previous year.

While the bike weighs about the same as the Swing, it handles sharper and has better acceleration as well as a much more pronounced "Growl" to the engine due to the 270 degree crank. It also sits taller, so while flat footing the swing was easy for me, the c650 is about 2 inches taller. Riding position is about the same, still upright and pretty comfortable. Under seat storage is about the same though there is a pronounced hump from the rear fender that limits the size of helmets you can store in there.

All the bikes have ABS. Brakes are not linked. The power screen, heated grips and seat are really nice in chilly weather. Built in TPMS, and some useful info displayed in the dash like MPG, oil status, etc. I don't care for the doors for the cubbys on the dash, they seem flimsy compared to the swing and are not lockable. But they hold enough stuff anyway. There is no hand brake, the side stand locks the rear wheel when it is down. I really dont care for that, I would always move the Swing around with the stand down so it was easier to set it down at any point. With this one I just straddle it while moving, it is a heavy bike and I'm not getting any younger.

All in all its a fun bike. Gets to 70 very easy on the highway, more of a highway machine than the Swing. Maintenance is more involved than the Swing. Besides the CVT belt, you also have an enclosed chain that has its own maintenance requirements including guides that take up the stretch that need to be changed out depending on wear and mileage. If you take the bike to the dealer for service it can get pricey, folks with some wrenching skills can do most of it themselves. In order to reset the service indicator you need to invest about 100 bucks for an ODB2 wireless adapter and an app for you phone called motoscan. That gives you access to the ecu for any BMW bike and lets you set the service indicator and read codes.

Hope this helps.

I have the C--650 sport 2016 and the left door is locked when you lock the Steering with the key. Only the left.

 

[Greg goes wild]

As far as I know, mine just had BMW's standard 3-year warranty, now expired. I do my own maintenance and bought the shop manual on dvd on Ebay. There's some good youtube how-to videos and of course forums like this one. Not sure how technically complex these are, my biggest gripe is all the panelling that has to come off for any work, even to check the oil level or access the OBD port, but that seems common on scooters these days.

I did not know you had to take off any panels to check the oil. What is the OBD port? I did not know they had
a 3 yr. warranty on the NEW models. I am going buy a used one not to old like from 2016 and a maybe a little
newer. Cuz i know they did redesinged from 2016 which looks better now
Thanks for the info
Greg

 

[Greg goes wild]

I don't think there is any room to shave down the seat. I have a 32" inseam, and I also could flat-foot the Honda easily.
I am 'almost' there on the GT with a good pair of sneakers. My low-profile sneeks let me get one flat, with ball of the foot on the other.

I wouldn't discount a deal on a 13-15 provided your seller has the maintenance history, and it's had the bulletin/recalls completed. My first was an '18, and I let myself get disgruntled with the engine character, LOL. Long and short, of it, I now have a '14, and I am very happy. The two are merely examples of one, but I feel the first iteration is both quieter, and smoother, with ...possibly...a bit more taught suspension. For sure it has a larger windscreen. Maybe they trimmed the acreage on it for '16 to add some more stability in the wind(?). The rear-end lamp is far more visible on the first gen, also...another area that I can't understand why they changed it for the upgrades.

IF you're in a larger area, perhaps you have an independent cycle shop available for maintenance. I have a couple here in my city, and that's where I'll go when needed.

I have a 32 inseam as well and i have no problem flat footing the Swing. I may go to a dealer to see IF they have a
BMW scooter on the floor just to see IF i can flat foot it. It is safer flat footing a bike that you are not use.. My
brother would do most of the mechanical work. Since he has worked on my Silver Wing and he has built
motorcycles from scratch.. So he knows what he is doing
thanks for your input
Greg

 

[slant911]

BMW does have a shorter seat. I believe it lowers the sitting area down 2 inches but not sure on that. Could be more or less. There is an option is my point if the seat is a bit too tall. I too have a 32 inch seam and i can flat foot one side and just almost flat foot the other side...heal is just barely off the ground. I've had no issues with it.

 

[EvilTwin]

I did not know you had to take off any panels to check the oil. What is the OBD port? I did not know they had
a 3 yr. warranty on the NEW models. I am going buy a used one not to old like from 2016 and a maybe a little
newer. Cuz i know they did redesinged from 2016 which looks better now

To check the oil there is one small panel under the rubber of the right footrest to remove.
OBD2: same as a car, on board diagnostics port.
3 Year warranty is standard, but does not cover routine maintenance which is what costs.

I have a 32 inseam as well and i have no problem flat footing the Swing. I may go to a dealer to see IF they have a
BMW scooter on the floor just to see IF i can flat foot it. It is safer flat footing a bike that you are not use

I'm 29" and I can get one foot on the ground with the standard seat. The low version will drop it down about an inch, no more. at 32" inseam you should have no problems. Low seat is not heated either. One guy here did say he was able to shave off some foam and drop it down a bit in height.
Dont plan on finding any scoots on most of the dealer floors. If they have one it will probably be a c400 and they are different. All the c650's are 2020 or older, no new models being shipped in and many dealers didnt carry them because they were not strong sellers.

 

[AAWW]

Have had mine for almost 3 years now, a 2016 C650 Sport. Bought it used at 1,960 miles and just yesterday crossed the 7,000 mile mark. Have had no issues, other than the oil light coming on once or twice, even though the level has been fine, and the timing chain (tensioner?) that was rattling when the engine was cold, which was replaced under factory warranty in 2018. Other than that, smooth sailing. Very fun, nimble and fast bike. Before this, I had a Honda 300 shi (in Switzerland this was) and I definitely like the added power of the BMW. I do my own maintenance, so have the Motoscan app + obd dongle.

Oil light.
Common. Simply add a small amount of oil and fixed.

 

[AAWW]

.................... seat can that be shaved down.............

Yes, Very easy. Staple gun and knife required.
I removed 50mm of foam from mine, lowered seat about 30/40mm.
Kept heating.
Looks identical but seat squishes down more.
Was easier to simply pick at the foam with a blade.

The removed foam!

 

[Greg goes wild]

To check the oil there is one small panel under the rubber of the right footrest to remove.
OBD2: same as a car, on board diagnostics port.
3 Year warranty is standard, but does not cover routine maintenance which is what costs.



I'm 29" and I can get one foot on the ground with the standard seat. The low version will drop it down about an inch, no more. at 32" inseam you should have no problems. Low seat is not heated either. One guy here did say he was able to shave off some foam and drop it down a bit in height.
Dont plan on finding any scoots on most of the dealer floors. If they have one it will probably be a c400 and they are different. All the c650's are 2020 or older, no new models being shipped in and many dealers didnt carry them because they were not strong sellers.

Good to know it will not be hard to take off that panel on the R. floorboard to check the oil. O wonder why they
are not strong sellers? They are BMW i saw 1 on cycle trader in Houston at Mancuso power sports 2020 model.
Some of the guy on the Honda silver wing group did shave a bit of foam off the seat. I thought the riders seat
was heated as well as the passengers? I will be checking around a bit more thanks for the info.

 

[Ceesie76]

Best I recall, is that to get that one panel off you have to first remove at least one other one. Wait at least 15 minutes with the engine off before checking the oil level or you will get a false reading. So my oil light has come on, but the oil level was fine. Now I ignore it after a few false alarms (thanks BMW), and wait to see if it will turn itself off, or not, before going through all of the hassle to check and possibly top off. My other gripe has been that my seat material disintegrated from sun exposure. I bought a good used saddle and now have a cover over it when not in use. But it's a great bike and the (Kymco?) engine is a pleasure.

 

[Greg goes wild]

Hi
I went from a 2009 Swing to my 2019 C650 (in between was an R12RT). From what I understand there are no big issues with the 2016 on up. That was the year of a redesign with the variator and the muffler being upgraded. Everything else on the bike remained the same from the previous year.

While the bike weighs about the same as the Swing, it handles sharper and has better acceleration as well as a much more pronounced "Growl" to the engine due to the 270 degree crank. It also sits taller, so while flat footing the swing was easy for me, the c650 is about 2 inches taller. Riding position is about the same, still upright and pretty comfortable. Under seat storage is about the same though there is a pronounced hump from the rear fender that limits the size of helmets you can store in there.

All the bikes have ABS. Brakes are not linked. The power screen, heated grips and seat are really nice in chilly weather. Built in TPMS, and some useful info displayed in the dash like MPG, oil status, etc. I don't care for the doors for the cubbys on the dash, they seem flimsy compared to the swing and are not lockable. But they hold enough stuff anyway. There is no hand brake, the side stand locks the rear wheel when it is down. I really dont care for that, I would always move the Swing around with the stand down so it was easier to set it down at any point. With this one I just straddle it while moving, it is a heavy bike and I'm not getting any younger.

All in all its a fun bike. Gets to 70 very easy on the highway, more of a highway machine than the Swing. Maintenance is more involved than the Swing. Besides the CVT belt, you also have an enclosed chain that has its own maintenance requirements including guides that take up the stretch that need to be changed out depending on wear and mileage. If you take the bike to the dealer for service it can get pricey, folks with some wrenching skills can do most of it themselves. In order to reset the service indicator you need to invest about 100 bucks for an ODB2 wireless adapter and an app for you phone called motoscan. That gives you access to the ecu for any BMW bike and lets you set the service indicator and read codes.

Hope this helps.

I am still here and still looking for a BMW. Another question where is the coolent reserve bottle? There is a
BMW about 150 miles from me which is not bad and the bike is a 2017 in mint condition. With around 12.800
miles on it. Owner has kept it in garage asking price on that is $6.400. Never dropped he has added a lot of
stuff to it..

 

[Delray]

"Another question where is the coolent reserve bottle?"

Coolant overflow bottle is below the right floorboard. Check the level through the slot. The bottle is heavy translucent plastic and hard to see through. Open the top and point a flashlight down into it. That helps. Access is easy. Remove the rubber floorboard cover and the metal plate (T30 torx screw) and voila.

 

[EvilTwin]

I am still here and still looking for a BMW. Another question where is the coolent reserve bottle? There is a
BMW about 150 miles from me which is not bad and the bike is a 2017 in mint condition. With around 12.800
miles on it. Owner has kept it in garage asking price on that is $6.400. Never dropped he has added a lot of
stuff to it..

That is not a bad price for the bike. At that mileage it might be getting close to needing service on the belt and chain. If it hasnt been done you could use that as a bargaining chip, but then again its more of a sellers market right now so that may only go so far..

 

[Delray]

By the way, I second EvilTwin's appraisal of "nice price" for the 2017. I had a black '17 and still regret selling it. Gorgeous bike.

He's also right about the belt and chain, due at 12,000 miles. The belt is $400+ but search for Mitsoboshi and you can get the same belt and save 75%. Doesn't look terribly complicated to change -- I believe you need a special tool to hold the variator wheel in place. It looks roughly the same as a Honda Silver Wing belt and I've done several of those in an hour (each). Don't know diddly about chains.