BMW has released details on its first foray into the ever expanding global scooter market and also announced pricing on its 2012 products.
BMW’s all-new C600 Sport and the BMW C650GT maxi-scooters combine the riding characteristics of a motorcycle with the agility, weather protection and comfort of a scooter, claims the manufacturer. The C600Sport, as its name implies, is styled for riders with sporting preferences, while its GT sibling is designed for touring. Both machines are powered by a 647 cc, liquid-cooled, fuel injected, inline twin claiming 60 hp at 7500 rpm, with maximum torque of 48.7 ft-lb at 6000 rpm. Transferring that power to the rear wheel is a directly integrated CVT transmission with an automatic centrifugal clutch and a maintenance-free secondary chain drive running in an oil bath.
Suspension for both scooters is provided by a 40 mm upside down fork, while the rear employs a reclining spring strut mounted on the machine’s left side. Spring travels are an identical 115 mm. Both the C600 Sport and C650GT roll on 15″ five-spoke diecast light-alloy wheels fitted with a 120/70-15 tire up front and a 160/60-15 tire at the rear.
Brakes are double-piston floating calipers grabbing dual 270 mm discs at the front and a single 270 mm disc with double-piston caliper at the rear. BMW Motorrad dual-channel ABS is standard equipment on both models and for added safety there’s a separate rear caliper parking brake that engages automatically when you put the side stand down.
Here’s what sets the two models apart. The C600 Sport has flatter handle bars and higher seat height than the GT: 810 mm vs. 780 mm. The GT also features a larger and more comfortable seat with an adjustable backrest for the rider and passenger footboards. While the Sport’s windscreen is three-position manually adjustable the GT’s is electronically adjustable over 10 cm for enhanced protection from the elements. Both scooters have rear under-seat stowage compartments that can hold two helmets, though the GT’s trunk is slightly larger. The C600 Sport is available in blue, silver or black, while the C650GT comes finished in red, black or platinum bronze. BMW also offers a number of factory options for both models, including heated grips and seat and tire pressure monitor.
Pricing on the new-maxi scooters will be announced in the spring of 2012, says BMW, but the C600 Sport and C650GT won’t reach BMW Motorrad dealers until fall of 2012 as 2013 models.
As for pricing on BMW’s other new for 2012 machines, the G650GS Sertão debuts with an MSRP of $9,750 (add $525 for ABS), while the newly upgraded S1000RR sells for $17,750, just $100 more than the 2011 model. The F800R receives a cosmetic makeover and a $50 price increase for 2012, putting it at $10,150.
For further pricing information on all of BMW’s motorcycles, go to bmw-motorrad.ca.
