BMW Motorrad Canada recently announced their 2012 product and pricing updates for the Canadian market, including the introduction of the C600 Sport and C650GT Maxi Scooters. In an effort to address growing traffic volumes, rising energy costs and increasing pressure on CO2 emissions and fuel efficiency, BMW, as part of their strategy for sustainable mobility, are introducing these two premium vehicles in the maxi-scooter segment.
According to BMW Motorrad, "The BMW C600 Sport and C650GT combine the outstanding riding characteristics of a motorcycle with the agility, weather protection and comfort of a scooter, creating a whole new dynamic riding experience."
Conceptually unique, the two BMW maxi scooters appeal to a wide target group: The C600 Sport is aimed at riders with sporting preferences, while the C650GT has been designed for customers who place a great emphasis on comfort and touring capability. Both BMW maxi scooters incorporate the unique, modern and dynamic design language of BMW Motorrad.
Both the C600 Sport and the C650GT come with a powerful 2-cylinder water-cooled inline DOHC four-valve engine with a displacement of 647cc. Both models are equipped with electronic fuel injection and have a class-leading output of 60hp at 7500rpm, with maxium torque of 48.7 ft-lb at 6000rpm.
The suspension design of the C600 Sport and the C650GT features a tortionally rigid hybrid interconnection of tubular steel bridge frame and diecast aluminium unit at the swingarm bearing with the engine functioning as a load-bearing member. Up front, an upside down fork presents a generous fixed fork diameter of 40mm. The rear employs a reclining spring strut on the left side. The overall objective being to combine direction stability at highway speeds with agile handling in city traffic, just like a motorcycle.
Both maxi-scooters also come equipped with duel 270mm disc brakes with double-piston floating calipers and a single 270mm disc with double-piston caliper at the rear.
The C600 Sport comes with a world premiere FlexCase/ variable stowage space concept in the tail section under the seat, while the C650GT gets large stowage space of about 60 litres in the rear. Both are able to accommodate two helmets.
As with all BMW Motorrad products, a full range of accessories are also available.
According to BMW Motorrad, pricing for the new BMW Maxi Scooters will be announced in the Spring of 2012 and will reach dealers in the Fall of 2012 as 2013 models.
Additional 2012 product announcements from BMW Motorrad Canada included the introduction of the new G650GS Sertao, part of the BMW Enduro family. Echoing the previous-generation F650GS Dakar, the Sertao offers greater off-road practicality, with equipment and design graphics reflecting the more rugged orientation. The G650GS Sertao has an MSRP of $9,750.00
Products that get significant upgrades for 2012 include the
S1000RR superbike which we reviewed previously, as well as the BMW F800R.
