• New BMW C 650 Sport and C 650 GT maxi scooters offer practical and efficient urban commuting with long distance sports performance and touring comfort.
• Retuned twin cylinder 647cc engine and significantly upgraded CVT delivers more responsive acceleration, higher 180km/h top speed and EU4 emission compliance.
• Revised suspension tuning and damping provides optimal balance of dynamic handling and ride comfort
• All new body design for C 650 Sport offers a sharper sports-focussed aesthetic and greater visual differentiation to C 650 GT grand tourer.
• New Automatic Stability Control (ASC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) standard on both models.
• Redesigned instruments improve visibility and readability in all conditions
• New automatic LED daytime riding light available as part of an optional Highline package for both models that also includes seat heating, heated grips and tyre pressure monitoring.
• Redesigned centre stand requires 30 per cent less effort to jack up

BMW has launched its new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT maxi scooters with an extensively modified drivetrain, retuned suspension and increased standard features ensuring they continue to deliver both practical and efficient urban commuting along with trademark BMW sports performance and grand tour cruising.

Building on the strength and history of the BMW Motorrad brand and its outstanding motorcycle lineup, BMW first launched its maxi scooter C 650 range in Australia in 2012 and now with further mechanical improvements and for the Sport, a completely new body design, the range is set to appeal to a much broader market.

General Manager of BMW Motorrad Australia, Andreas Lundgren said the two BMW C 650 maxi scooters combined practicality and cost efficiency with maximum riding enjoyment and touring comfort making them ideal for all environments.

"With their improved performance, ride comfort and dynamic handling, both BMW C 650 models deliver the excellent ride qualities that BMW motorcycles are renowned for with the agility, comfort and convenience of a maxi scooter," Mr Lundgren said.

"At the same time, the all-new sharper and more athletic design of the C 650 Sport offers greater differentiation to the stylish comfortable elegance of the C 650 GT tourer providing plenty of appeal for a broad diversity of customers."

Both models share the same powerful 44kW/63Nm 647cc twin cylinder engine that has been retuned for improved performance and efficiency to meet the latest EU4 emission standards.

Driving through a significantly upgraded Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), the engine delivers improved off-the line response, a higher 180km/h top speed and fuel consumption of 4.6l/100km at a constant 90km/h.

A new stainless steel exhaust system, now only fitted with a rear silencer, gives both scooters a throaty sonorous soundtrack.

Together with the drivetrain improvements, the new C 650 models also benefit from retuned spring and damper rates for the 40mm front upside down forks and rear swing arm suspension that provides excellent highway speed stability with easy manoeuvrability in city traffic.

The suspension maintains the generous 115mm travel of the previous models with the additional fine-tuning optimising the balance between sporty handling and superb ride comfort.

Big 15-inch light-alloy wheels further enhance the comfort, stability and agility of the maxi scooters while the new standard Automatic Stability Control (ASC), in addition to ABS, delivers maximum safety when braking or under throttle.

The new C 650 Sport that replaces the previous C 600 Sport, is immediately recognisable thanks to its leaner streamlined aesthetic with a sculpted front fairing, visible forks and sharply raked windscreen sitting atop the distinctive BMW "split-face".

In side profile, a dynamic line rises to the rear where the highly visible swing arm, white painted rear spring for the spring strut, and twin pipe silencer on the right hand side enhance the sporty silhouette and define the C 650 Sport as a product that sits easily within the BMW Motorrad family.

The design of the C 650 GT has been fine tuned as well with new rear side trim panels and rear LED light unit while both models feature redesigned instrument dials for better readability in all light conditions.

The distinction between the two models is also evident in the handlebar design with Sport's wider flatter bars and streamlined seat design prompting a more forward oriented riding position while the higher bars and large comfortable seat with an integrated backrest on the GT are perfect for long distance cruising.

Both new C 650 models also offer an extensive list of practical comfort and convenience features and ample storage space.

Standard adjustable windshields, with electric control for the C 650 GT, an automatic park brake that is activated when the side stand is folded down, and a revised design for the centre stand that requires 30 per cent less effort to jack up all ensure the C 650 is very easy to live with.

With an LED-illuminated, 60-litre storage space under the seat, the C 650 GT offers best in class storage that is complemented by two front glove compartments, one of which features a standard power socket and automatic locking function.

While the Sport model's slender rear end offers a smaller storage space, BMW's innovative Flexcase concept that enables a downward extension of the base of the storage compartment when the scooter is parked ensures there is still sufficient room to securely store two helmets.

BMW C 650 Australian Pricing*

* Manufacturer's Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges, which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

Design - sharper styling for dynamic C 650 Sport with C 650 GT elegance refined

As an integral part of the BMW Motorrad range, the new C 650 maxi scooters are stylistically defined by a similarity to their motorcycle kin with a contemporary dynamic aesthetic and premium finish.

That kinship can be seen in such features as the front upside down forks, rear single-sided swing arm suspension and dual front brake discs –all of which are clearly visible – together with the characteristic BMW front "split face".

Visually, the new C 650 Sport offers a significantly leaner and more athletic appearance compared to its C 600 Sport predecessor with all new bodywork and a slightly longer 25mm overall length.

Built around a steel tubular frame sitting on a 1591mm wheelbase, the C 650 Sport measures 2180mm long and 877mm wide including mirrors with a seat height of 800mm. An optional 780mm low seat is also available.

At the front, the pronounced V shape, angular symmetrical headlights and sharply-raked adjustable windshield give the BMW C 650 Sport a strong and agile appearance. This is carried through the streamlined sculpted front fairing and side body panels in contrasting colours to the slender tapered rear end with its luggage mount atop the LED taillight.

This sporty design flair is reflected in the three new colour choices available for the C 650 Sport being Valencia Orange Metallic Matt, Blackstorm Metallic and a solid Light White.

Designed as a comfortable tourer, the C650 GT maintains its stylish elegance that has been further refined with new rear side trim panels, handlebar trim and LED rear light unit.

With its higher handlebars, larger electrically adjustable windshield and higher rear vision mirrors, the C 650 GT offers a more upright and relaxed riding position suited to comfortable extended periods in the saddle.

Given its cruising focus, the C 650 GT is 55mm longer and 39mm wider than the Sport with an overall length of 2235mm and width of 916mm with a slightly higher 805mm seat height.

Like the Sport model, the C 650 GT is offered in three new colours with contrasting panels including the Blackstorm Metallic and solid Light White with a classy Frozen Bronze Metallic as the third colour option.

Cockpit – refined design for improved practicality and comfort

Both new BMW C 650 models benefit from a redesigned circular instrument cluster with the analogue speedometer featuring a new scale and orange-coloured lighting for superb readability in all light conditions.

Likewise, the large LCD screen with its integrated engine speed display and fuel gauge also features orange lighting while the entire instrument cluster with integrated indicator lights has been designed to ensure minimal reflection in the display.

The large seats and rear grab handles have also been further refined to improve aesthetics and practicality with both models able to comfortably accommodate two people with large footboards for the pillion passenger on the GT and fold-down foot pegs on the Sport.

Securely parking the scooters has also been made easier with a revised design for the centre stand requiring 30 per cent less effort to jack the scooter up.

Both the C 650 models also offer generous LED-illuminated storage capacity with a 60-litre space under the seat of the GT that easily accommodates two helmets in addition to two forward glove compartments, one with a standard power socket and automatic locking function.

The leaner Sport model also includes the two forward compartments while the underseat storage features BMW's innovative Flexcase. When the scooter is parked, a drop down flap connected to the base of the storage unit with a pliable, waterproof Kevlar-based material extends downward enabling the storage of two helmets.

When travelling the Flexcase is folded up with the unit fitted with a safety switch to prevent the engine from being started if the Flexcase is open.

Drivetrain – CVT and powerful parallel twin make perfect performance partners

While the new BMW C 650 Sport and C 650 GT continue to use the same 647cc parallel twin cylinder engine as the previous model, refinements to the engine, a new exhaust system and in particular, substantial modifications to the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) have resulted in improved performance and full compliance with the latest EU4 emission standard.

Generating a maximum power of 44kW at 7750rpm and peak torque of 63Nm at 6000rpm, the double overhead camshaft, four-valve electronic fuel injected engine provides superb performance and efficiency with a top speed of 180km/h and fuel consumption of 4.6l/100km at a constant 90km/h.

To provide a low mounting position and centre of gravity, the engine's cylinder bank is tilted forward by 70 degrees while the highly efficient cooling system with an aluminium radiator provides reliable and effective heat dissipation in all conditions ensuring optimum comfort for the rider.

For the new model C 650 maxi scooters, the CVT has undergone significant modifications with revised clutch components and a broader transmission ratio spread that has increased from 2.42 to 2.95 providing more optimal use of the engine's power.

This has resulted in improved acceleration, particularly off the line and at low engine speeds, along with a 5km/h increase in top speed compared to the previous C 650 GT/C 600 Sport.

Like the previous models, the new exhaust system is made of stainless steel but with only a rear silencer and no front silencer, it provides the C 650 with a particularly full sound.

Dynamics – optimal balance of ride comfort and dynamic handling

In order to deliver trademark BMW ride comfort and dynamic handling, both the new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT feature a suspension set up that is more reminiscent of its motorcycles than other scooters.

At the front the upside down forks feature a generous 40mm tube size while spring rates for both models have been reduced by ten per cent to fine tune the balance of handling and ride comfort.

The rear suspension continues to use a torsionally rigid die-cast aluminium single swing arm that has also been retuned for the new models to ensure maximum directional stability. At the same time, with 115mm of spring travel at both the front and rear, the C650 provides outstanding comfort over all road conditions.

Aiding the comfort, agility and excellent handling of the C 650 models are large five-spoke 15-inch alloy wheels fitted with 120/70 R 15 tyres at the front and wider lower profile 160/60 R 15 tyres on the rear.

In true BMW Motorrad tradition, the new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT are both fitted with superb brakes to ensure the highest levels of safety in all road and weather conditions. At the front are twin 270mm discs with a single 270mm disc on the rear with both fitted with dual piston floating calipers.

The grip width of both brake levers can be adjusted across five different settings to provide efficient ergonomics tailored to individual riders and both models are fitted with the latest Bosch two-channel anti-lock brake system that monitors front and rear brakes independently.

The new maxi scooter models also feature as standard an Automatic Stability Control system that reduces engine torque when drive slip or a loss of traction is detected by the engine management system.

Equipment – comfort, convenience and customisation

As well offering an outstanding riding experience, the C 650 models feature a range of clever innovations and equipment to deliver superb comfort, convenience and safety.

In the cockpit, the instrument cluster with its circular analogue speedometer and large LCD screen provides a range of information including a comprehensive trip computer that displays such things as average fuel consumption and speed and distance to empty from four litres of fuel, along with date and time, temperature, warning messages and service information.

Automatic functions also improve convenience with the C 650 models featuring an indicator reset function that automatically deactivates the turn signals after 10 seconds or a distance of 210 metres.

Another clever innovation fitted as standard to the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT is the automatic park brake activated by the side stand. When the stand is lowered, a cable automatically locks the rear brake caliper providing secure parking on all gradients.

Both models are available with an optional Highline Package that further enhances the comfort and convenience.

The package incorporates seat heating, heated grips, tyre pressure monitoring, white LED indicators (Sport only) and automatic daytime running lights. When activated, the LED daytime running lights automatically switch between the daytime function and low beam including the front parking light when the light falls below a certain level such as when travelling through a tunnel.

In addition to Highline Package, other options include an alarm system, a vast range of storage accessories, canopies and covers, BMW Motorrad navigation systems, and smartphone cradle and USB charger to connect to the standard 12V power socket in the front storage compartment.

For further press/media information contact:
Lenore Fletcher
General Manager, Corporate Communications
BMW Group Australia
Telephone: 03 9264 4238
Mobile: 0408 320 797
E-mail: lenore.fletcher@bmw.com.au