Whilst having the 30k service performed on the RT, Fernando, the scooter savvy sales rep, offered me a test ride of both the new 2016 C650 scooters. I'd been hanging to read reviews on the upgraded models, but so far ride reviews (as opposed to regurgitated press release info) in english have been difficult to find.
I took the C650 GT first up and headed off down the Old Pacific hwy before turning around at the Brooklyn turnoff and heading back to the dealership. This run up and down the hill to the Hawkesbury River bridge is a favorite for local bikers to test their snuff and perfect for test rides.
With about 30000k racked up on the previous version of the GT, my thoughts on the 2016 update as follows.
The motor/mechanical noises are quieter, more refined and no more 'Angry Tractor' as if some more soundproofing has been added as a gesture to quality. The new exhaust has a deeper tone but is not noticeably any louder. The handle bar covers are now finished as they should have always been and enhance the impression of the solid and quality build. Another welcome change is that it now takes about half the effort to get the scoots up on the centerstand.
The rear vision mirrors have slightly longer stalks so there is a better view behind, no more leaning to peer around your elbows.
However, the big change with this version is in the transmission. Now the variator and clutch are about as good as you could expect on such a machine. It launches from a standing start more briskly and without any hesitation at all. Also with the coast down to a stop, you cannot notice the clutch disengagement, it's all together more smooth across the board.
The general riding experience otherwise is pretty much the same as the previous version. The spring rates have been softened but I really couldn't feel much difference, this may be just down to low miles on the demo and that my suspension has many more K's on it. Great comfort and protection as always, in the ride around the country sense. The more spirited handling performance was the same sure footed experience as well.
So transmission aside, the new GT is very much similar as to the previous version. Yes there's traction control and auto lighting but I'd imagine that some Dr Pulley sliders and HiT clutch would make the old very much like the new.
Next the C650 Sport. This model looks great, adopting family sport looks from the S model bikes.
Likewise, the mirrors are a little higher giving a better view from behind, classier bar covers and BMW have fixed the dodgy locks on the glove boxes.
Straight away you can feel the snappier throttle response that may be due to ride by wire programming. This works particularly well with the new transmission, creating an instant 'lets get up and go' vibe emphasizing it's more sporty character over the GT.
It bolts off from the line without any hesitation, buttery smooth and very direct is another way to describe the transmission now.
The sport flicks into the hairpins and switch backs effortlessly, aided by less wide handle bars and more aggresive front rake than the GT. Riding the Sport on twisty roads it really does exude that sense of urgency and sport bike behaviour. I really like this one, it is noticeably better than the previous generation Sport and a T-Max's strongest competition yet.
BMW have sucessfully separated the use case for these two mechanically alike machines. The GT is definitely the mile muncher, and the Sport is now just that, wanting to dash away from the lights, nip in and out of the traffic and carve up the canyons. There's a whole bunch of small tweaks that together make for a classier ride, a worthwile upgrade that also doesn't put the first iteration to shame.
Interestingly, BMW in Australia have decided to release the refreshed models and retain the current promotional pricing, $13990 for the Sport and $14990 for the GT, both ride away. Hmmmmm 