BMW Final Drive

BMWs New Scooters

Among BMW Groups first offerings are the BMW C600 Sport and BMW C650GT maxi-scooters. A maxi-scooter is more than a motor scooter, but less than a motorcycle. Both maxi-scooters will be built at the same BMW Motorad plant in Berlin that manufactures BMW motorcycles.

The two maxi-scooters are easily recognized by their different styling cues. For example, the C600 Sport’s front turn signal indicators are integrated into the fairing that also contains twin circular headlights behind clear covers. It also has an upsweep tail, a seat height of 31.8 inches, flatter handlebars, foot boards, and footrests for the passenger. Its windscreen is mechanically adjustable to three positions. The inovative FlexCase for the C600 Sport has a flap under the seat that expands the storage space when the scooter is parked so that it can hold two helmets.

The front turn indicators on the C650 GT are located in the mirrors, and there are also twin round headlights. The C650 GT rider and passenger ride in a relaxed sitting position, making this version ideal for long trips. There is a larger, adjustable seat backrest for the rider, and the handlebars are higher. Floor boards for both passenger and rider mean greater comfort. The 650 GT’s larger windshield is electronically adjustable over 3.9 inches for additional protection from the wind and weather; its large storage space of approximately 2.1 cubic feet can store thw helmets and additional items. Both maxi-scooters have LED rear light assemblies.

Both scooters are powered by a two-cylinder inline engine with a displacement of 647 cc, with power transferred directly to the rear wheel using a continuously variable transmission (CVT). An enclosed secondary drive with a roller chain and oil bath means low maintenance. The engine is inclined 70 degrees to the front for a lower center of gravity, produces 60 horsepower at 7,500 rpm, and a maximum torque of 49 pound-feet is available at 6,000 rpm.

Both BMW maxi-scooters are also equipped with a generously-sized braking system consisting of a two-rotor disc brake at the front and a single-disc brake a the rear, each 10.6 inches in diameter. Standard BMW Motorad ABS ensures maximum safety.

Finally, instrumentation is also motorcycle-like, and there is an onboard computer; the multifinction instrument cluster on these machines has a large, easily readable LCD display with integrated engine-speed readout and an analog speedometer. There are considerably more functions than usually found in motor scooters-but then, the demographic group who will buy the BMW maxi-scooter are used to high-tech extras to fit their premium expectations.