BMW Group Malaysia has launched the C600 Sport and C650 GT maxi scooters, priced at RM65,000 and RM68,800 (OTR without insurance) respectively. Both Motorrad models are powered by the same 647cc inline twin-cylinder that produces 60 hp at 7,500 rpm and 66 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm, while transmission is handled by a directly integrated CVT.
The engine features a 90-degree offset crank pin, 270-degree ignition spacing and two balancer shafts driven by spur gears, which help keep noise and vibration levels at bay. BMW Motorrad claims a CO2 emission figure of 0.01 grams per km and an average fuel consumption of 4.8 litres per 100 km at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
As their names suggest, the Sport is meant to be the sportier of the two, while the GT tends more towards comfort and touring ability. As such, the latter has bigger panel parts to provide more protection against the elements and more storage spaces, including a 60 litre under-seat compartment, two smaller compartments along the front of the leg well and one with internal lighting in the tail.
The Sport’s shorter tail features a flexible stowage space concept called BMW Flexcase, which involves the use of Kevlar-based elastic in the tail base that can be stretched downwards to increase stowage capacity. Both scooters have a power socket in the left storage compartment to recharge a mobile phone.
Fully fuelled, the Sport tips the scales at 249 kg; the GT is 12 kg heavier, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of 7.1 and 7.5 seconds respectively.
Both models have two-rotor disc brakes up front and a single disc brake at the back, with ABS fitted as standard. According to BMW Motorrad head Fazli Shukor, ABS will be standard on all Motorrad models from next year onwards. The two scooters are also the first by BMW to have LED DRLs, adding to the emphasis on safety.
An LCD integrated into the instrument cluster displays, amongst others, engine speed, fuel and oil levels, distance travelled, service information and average fuel consumption amounts and rate. A CAN bus (Controller Area Network) electrical system networks the instrument cluster, ABS and engine controller as well as the alarm system, immobiliser and tyre pressure control (RDC) where specified.
The Sport can be had in Cosmic Blue Metallic Matt, Titanium Silver Metallic and Sapphire Black Metallic shades, and the GT in Sapphire Black Metallic, Platinum Bronze Metallic and Vermillion Red Metallic. Optional accessories include a luggage rack and top case.
Fazli said at the launch that 25 bookings have already been received for the first batch of 40 scooters. As of September this year, BMW Malaysia has delivered a total of 5,014 BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad vehicles throughout the country, 14% up from the same period last year.
