All of a sudden, everybody is talking about urban mobility. More and more motorcycles and scooters are tricking into our market, seeking to please city dwellers who want a transportation device that’s easy to park and that will cost them very little fuel.


Premium brand BMW sees that potential in North America, and has decided to launch a new maxi-scooter to rival the Yamaha TMAX and the Suzuki Burgman 650.

Two versions of their new scooter will be offered when it arrives in the Fall of 2012. As its name suggests, the C600 Sport is said to be the sportier of the two bikes, while the C650GT is the touring model of the duo, able to accommodate its passenger more comfortably over longer distances.

Both feature a 4-stroke, 8-valve, 647-cc twin-cylinder that develops 60 hp and 49 lb-ft of torque, more than in the Burgman 650 and 530-cc TMAX. Engine power is channelled to the rear wheel via a continuously variable automatic transmission (or CVT). Fuel consumption is rated at 4.8L/100km at a steady 120 km/h, and top speed reaches 175 km/h. The 0-100 km/h sprint takes 7.1 seconds with the C600 Sport, 7.5 seconds with the C650GT.

The C650GT is the touring model of the duo, able to accommodate its passenger more comfortably over longer distances. (Photo: BMW)

BMW’s scooters get 15” wheels with Z speed rated tires, an upside-down front fork suspension and a single-sided swingarm in back. Braking duties are handled by twin discs up front and a single disc at the rear, all 270 mm in diameter and pinched by floating callipers. Antilock brakes are also included.

With a dry weight of 522 lbs (or 237 kg), the BMW C600 Sport is heavier than the Yamaha. It includes features such as a central locking system, an adjustable windshield, an alarm system and a parking brake integrated into the side stand.

The BMW C650GT weighs in at 549 lbs (or 249 kg), lighter than the Suzuki. In addition to the C600’s features, it includes a power-adjustable windshield, while a LED daytime running light is also available.

With a dry weight of 522 lbs (or 237 kg), the BMW C600 Sport is heavier than the Yamaha. (Photo: BMW)

Options for both bikes will include heated grips, a heated seat as well as a tire pressure monitor, and each will be offered in three colours: blue, silver and black for the C600 Sport, pewter, black and burgundy for the C650GT.

Pricing has not yet been disclosed, but expect these new BMW models to cost more than the competition listed above, which means somewhere north of $11,000 CDN.