I just purchased a 2013 c650gt with less than 50km on it but havent got to ride it yet as it is still winter here. I'm hoping all these problems you keep mentioning with "version 1" aren't going to make me regret this purchase as I believe the 2013 is version 1 !
Thanks - can't win I guess, I deliberately made this video longer so scooter newbies can get a longer look at the scooter. The frame rate is the same (30 fps) but I didn't cut it as much, I usually keep the videos to 3 minutes or less. Oh well...
Let me give you my take on this. I just turned 59, and live a relatively sedate life. I live in the Pacific NorthWET of the U.S. and my commute to and from work involves a ferry ride each way. At a cost of $230+ every two weeks for an automobile, or $110 every two weeks for a bike, obviously a motorcycle or MaxiScooter is on my list. But, here's the thing. I'm a first time buyer/rider. I'm not going to be buying a sport bike, you get careful and wary in your old age, and I don't plan on buying an ADV, Dual Sport or Naked bike, either. We older folks enjoy our comforts. But, I'm not dead, yet, so I want some enjoyment out of my rides. For me, that means a Sport Touring bike. For the cost of a new C650GT, which I agree is a very capable bike, I can purchase a relatively low mileage BMW K1200GT or a K1300GT. Full faired bikes, saddle bags, adjustable windshield, everyone I've looked at has ABS, Cruise Control, ESA, heated grips and heated seats. The K1300s also usually have ASC. Most of the bikes listed are under 30,000 miles, and anyone who knows BMW knows they're just getting broken in at that mileage. Or, I can spend still less money than the C650GT, and get an even newer FJR1300A. Heck, I might even be able to find a FJR1300ES for less money, if I'm lucky. The FJR may not have all the bells and whistles of the C650GT or the K1200/1300GTs, but you don't pay nearly as much for a used bike, either. I would rather buy a full faired Sport Tourer that I can load up the saddle bags for a weekend away from home, and still have a comfortable daily commuter for the ride to work and back. For a new rider who is looking to get a good amount of utilization out of their bike, I don't think the C650GT is the way to go, when you look at dollar to dollar value over a used Sport Tourer. But, that's my opinion.
Yes, but kind of apples vs. oranges here. The analogy is you can buy a new car or you might be able to buy a larger SUV with more features for less money. That's pretty much always the way it is, but bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. The key thing here is that you are a new rider. I definitely would not recommend a big touring bike for a new rider. In fact, something like the C650GT scooter would be much easier to learn, easier to ride, with much less stress, easier to handle in the wet and in the end, I would think much more enjoyable. I've been riding for nearly as long as you are old on every type of two-wheeler you can name and the big touring bikes have always been difficult to handle. Maybe I'm wrong, but I have a hard time imagining a new rider on a big touring bike. I'd bet you'd have way more fun on the scooter.
webBikeWorld You are most likely correct. The funny thing was, when I told four different people what I wanted to do, each and every one of them, completely different people, in completely different places at completely different times, all recommended the FJR. They all knew I had just completed my MSF (this was a year ago) and still, all made the same recommendation. I understand the FJR is a big bike, but I'm comfortable on it. It just feels 'right' to me. I dunno, I may be wrong, I might be more comfortable on something else. I've looked at the CTX-700, but the foot controls are in such a weird place, it's really weird for me. An F800GT would be my other choice, I'm comfortable on that, but around here, those are as rare as hen's teeth!
Wow, an FJR is probably one of the last bikes I'd recommend. Oh well... One of my reviewers had one, he's a super-experienced rider, does coast-to-coast trips, is an MSF instructor, has 100k mile badges from BMW. He bought an FJR and thought it was so insane, he quickly sold it. He used it for about a 50 mile one-way commute, thought it was awful and the throttle on/off was like a light switch, he was always complaining about that and that's not something a beginner wants to deal with, believe me.
Hi, I've owned two Suzuki Bergmans , great scooters the last one I had was a 2113 . Just purchased a 2116 BMW c650 GT seems a little faster and sits a little bit higher. to soon to say which is better, I think both are quality machines
I really, really love scooters more than any of the big bikes I've owned. Currently, own a '09 Silverwing. I sure like the features of these BMW's but the reliability and maintenance costs worries me. Can you make a video or speak more to this?
The place to learn about that is on our huge BMW scooter community on Google+, there are currently 540 members from around the world: plus.google.com/u/0/b/116667655584189490381/communities/111239618456304002749
My Only Problem With All Motorcycles and Scooters.. Is that a Simple "Tip" Over costs Too Much $$$. The Manufactures need to Incorporate Body Protection.. But then they couldn't sell Replacement parts At a Hyper Inflated Cost ....I Love Scooters... They have their Place In An Urban Environment. Need at least 17" wheels .
You have been Lucky. I have been Lucky! Been riding on The street Since 1969 I have seen many Tip overs, Some Open Up the Crankcase.. Mostly Low speed slide outs. Cosmetic damage , No Big Deal, The worst was when I watched a Kawasaki ZX 1400 hit a curb and rip out the Drain Plug.. The Pillion said"Is That Covered under The Warranty"
Problem is, all you'll learn here is some people like one and some like the other. Best to read our reviews and blog on the C650GT, then do the same for the Burgman and make a decision. BMW dealers will let you test drive one; I don't know about Suzuki dealers. Also, join our C650GT Scooter Community on Google+, there are over 500 members from all over the world, you can ask questions there also.
Your attention to the BMW c650gt is the only thorough English video series I can find. Thank you!
calm voice and precise information nice vid
I just purchased a 2013 c650gt with less than 50km on it but havent got to ride it yet as it is still winter here. I'm hoping all these problems you keep mentioning with "version 1" aren't going to make me regret this purchase as I believe the 2013 is version 1 !
Video is great, love the BMW scoots, also, playback of the video at 1.25x speed is paced more to my liking :)
Thanks - can't win I guess, I deliberately made this video longer so scooter newbies can get a longer look at the scooter. The frame rate is the same (30 fps) but I didn't cut it as much, I usually keep the videos to 3 minutes or less. Oh well...
No complaints, I got everything from it. :)
Let me give you my take on this. I just turned 59, and live a relatively sedate life. I live in the Pacific NorthWET of the U.S. and my commute to and from work involves a ferry ride each way. At a cost of $230+ every two weeks for an automobile, or $110 every two weeks for a bike, obviously a motorcycle or MaxiScooter is on my list.
But, here's the thing. I'm a first time buyer/rider. I'm not going to be buying a sport bike, you get careful and wary in your old age, and I don't plan on buying an ADV, Dual Sport or Naked bike, either. We older folks enjoy our comforts. But, I'm not dead, yet, so I want some enjoyment out of my rides. For me, that means a Sport Touring bike.
For the cost of a new C650GT, which I agree is a very capable bike, I can purchase a relatively low mileage BMW K1200GT or a K1300GT. Full faired bikes, saddle bags, adjustable windshield, everyone I've looked at has ABS, Cruise Control, ESA, heated grips and heated seats. The K1300s also usually have ASC. Most of the bikes listed are under 30,000 miles, and anyone who knows BMW knows they're just getting broken in at that mileage.
Or, I can spend still less money than the C650GT, and get an even newer FJR1300A. Heck, I might even be able to find a FJR1300ES for less money, if I'm lucky. The FJR may not have all the bells and whistles of the C650GT or the K1200/1300GTs, but you don't pay nearly as much for a used bike, either.
I would rather buy a full faired Sport Tourer that I can load up the saddle bags for a weekend away from home, and still have a comfortable daily commuter for the ride to work and back. For a new rider who is looking to get a good amount of utilization out of their bike, I don't think the C650GT is the way to go, when you look at dollar to dollar value over a used Sport Tourer. But, that's my opinion.
Yes, but kind of apples vs. oranges here. The analogy is you can buy a new car or you might be able to buy a larger SUV with more features for less money. That's pretty much always the way it is, but bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. The key thing here is that you are a new rider. I definitely would not recommend a big touring bike for a new rider. In fact, something like the C650GT scooter would be much easier to learn, easier to ride, with much less stress, easier to handle in the wet and in the end, I would think much more enjoyable. I've been riding for nearly as long as you are old on every type of two-wheeler you can name and the big touring bikes have always been difficult to handle. Maybe I'm wrong, but I have a hard time imagining a new rider on a big touring bike. I'd bet you'd have way more fun on the scooter.
webBikeWorld You are most likely correct. The funny thing was, when I told four different people what I wanted to do, each and every one of them, completely different people, in completely different places at completely different times, all recommended the FJR. They all knew I had just completed my MSF (this was a year ago) and still, all made the same recommendation. I understand the FJR is a big bike, but I'm comfortable on it. It just feels 'right' to me.
I dunno, I may be wrong, I might be more comfortable on something else. I've looked at the CTX-700, but the foot controls are in such a weird place, it's really weird for me. An F800GT would be my other choice, I'm comfortable on that, but around here, those are as rare as hen's teeth!
Wow, an FJR is probably one of the last bikes I'd recommend. Oh well... One of my reviewers had one, he's a super-experienced rider, does coast-to-coast trips, is an MSF instructor, has 100k mile badges from BMW. He bought an FJR and thought it was so insane, he quickly sold it. He used it for about a 50 mile one-way commute, thought it was awful and the throttle on/off was like a light switch, he was always complaining about that and that's not something a beginner wants to deal with, believe me.
Hi, I've owned two Suzuki Bergmans , great scooters the last one I had was a 2113 . Just purchased a 2116 BMW c650 GT seems a little faster and sits a little bit higher. to soon to say which is better, I think both are quality machines
i have a new 2016 suzuki bergman executive 650 matt grey scary fast cruises at 150klms
I really, really love scooters more than any of the big bikes I've owned. Currently, own a '09 Silverwing. I sure like the features of these BMW's but the reliability and maintenance costs worries me. Can you make a video or speak more to this?
The place to learn about that is on our huge BMW scooter community on Google+, there are currently 540 members from around the world: plus.google.com/u/0/b/116667655584189490381/communities/111239618456304002749
My Only Problem With All Motorcycles and Scooters.. Is that a Simple "Tip" Over costs Too Much $$$. The Manufactures need to Incorporate Body Protection.. But then they couldn't sell Replacement parts At a Hyper Inflated Cost ....I Love Scooters... They have their Place In An Urban Environment. Need at least 17" wheels .
To be honest, I've been riding motorcycles since 1972 and have owned dozens and have never tipped one over, so that's not really a concern for me.
You have been Lucky. I have been Lucky! Been riding on The street Since 1969 I have seen many Tip overs, Some Open Up the Crankcase.. Mostly Low speed slide outs. Cosmetic damage , No Big Deal, The worst was when I watched a Kawasaki ZX 1400 hit a curb and rip out the Drain Plug.. The Pillion said"Is That Covered under The Warranty"
i have 2015 model how come it does not have the gt stitching on the seat and on the speedo does not say gt on it like the other ones do?
They updated the scooters for 2016, more info here: www.webbikeworld.com/2016-bmw-scooters/
cool thanks. love the videos thanks for all your work!
Thanks!
suzuki bergman executive is the best
BMW has a longer warranty
how does it kost u?
All the details are here: www.webbikeworld.com/2016-bmw-c-650-gt-review/
webBikeWorld thx
BMW650 GT or Burgman650 ?
100 percent suzuki bergman executive been number 1 luxury scooter since 2001
Let's not get into a Burgman vs. BMW war, they're both good, ride both and decide for yourself.
My question is genuine I'm about to buy one of those two and I'm seeking opinions on the subject.
Problem is, all you'll learn here is some people like one and some like the other. Best to read our reviews and blog on the C650GT, then do the same for the Burgman and make a decision. BMW dealers will let you test drive one; I don't know about Suzuki dealers. Also, join our C650GT Scooter Community on Google+, there are over 500 members from all over the world, you can ask questions there also.
burgman 650