BMW C650 Sport

The question from the introduction is not hypothetical, it just arose during the ascent and descent after several turns on some sections of the old road towards the coast.

Scooters are a rarity, in terms of driving performance they can be compared with real motorcycles. In truth, I can only list three. Yamaha T-max and both BMWs. Among them, especially the C650 Sport model. I'm not saying that the rest of the maxiscooters are unstable, quiet and reliable in corners, resilient, comfortable, useful and beautiful. But most lack at least one of these properties. The BMW C650 Sport is simply not.

Three years after its first presentation, BMW has thoroughly updated its representative in the sports scooter class. Even so thoroughly that they present it as a new model. The set of improvements and updates is very similar to that of the C650GT model, which we wrote about in the 16th issue of Auto magazine this year. Everything for the good opinion of buyers, obviously, the motto of the Bavarian engineers is read. The changes they have prepared for the C650 Sport are mainly of a nature that makes everyday use even more convenient. Finished front passenger compartments, a standard-size 12V outlet, an improved filler neck and slight design changes are what the eye will notice most quickly and for sure.

Less visible to those looking for a more colorful GT model is the progress in cycling. With the change in the angle of the front forks, there is less seating during hard braking, and this is especially noticeable when driving, now you dare to brake a few meters further and enter a corner almost late. If we write for the C650 GT that it offers dynamic driving, we can say for the Sport model that due to the more forward-leaning driving position and, as a consequence, the greater displacement of the center of gravity of the front wheel, it literally enhances dynamics rather than sporty cornering. Of course, it does not work miracles, but at certain points the C650 Sport firmly and clearly indicates that the limit is near.

Despite the sporty nature of this scooter, BMW has decided not to compromise on the safety of the driver and passenger. Therefore, ABS and anti-slip systems are standard. The latter can also be configured in the settings menu on the central digital display. Since the power is sufficient, this system has a lot of work to do on smooth or wet asphalt. While it gets in the way of the engine rather rudely, it delivers a ton of lighthearted joy to those who enjoy the light sliding of the rear end.

There is no need to disassemble such a scooter in detail and walk around it with a meter. From this point of view, it is quite average. It doesn't bother. This interferes with the automatic parking brake system, which is activated by the lowered side step. Interferes with parking and moving around the garage. BMW, is it possible in any other way?

The C650 Sport is a modern maxi scooter concept because it offers a lot of carefree fun, practicality and ease of use. The added sportiness coupled with great performance, modern looks, and some glamor added by the Akrapovic exhaust system brings the "something next to it" that we all want.

text: Matyaž Tomažič, photo: Grega Gulin

• Basic data

  Sales: BMW Motorrad Slovenia

  Base model price: € 11.450

  Test model cost: € 12.700

• Technical information

  engine: 647 cc, 3-cylinder, 2-stroke, in-line, water-cooled

  Power: 44 kW (60,0 hp) at 7750 rpm

  Torque: 63 Nm at 6.000 rpm

  Energy transfer: Automatic transmission, variomat

  Frame: aluminum with steel tubular superstructure

  brakes: front 2 x 270 mm disc, 2-piston calipers, rear 1 x 270
  
  
  disc, 2-piston ABS, combination system

  Suspension: front telescopic fork 40 mm, rear double shock absorber with adjustable spring tension

  Tires: before 120/70 R15, rear 160/60 R15