BMW C600 Sport test ride

[Waldorf]

I think the whole business of anything being 'overpriced' rarely takes into account factors such as where it's manufactured/assembled and by whom and how much it costs to transport to and from wherever it has to be transported to or from; I doubt if we'd be too happy if most of our clothes didn't come from countries who employ slave- and child-labour, although we express righteous indignation about such practices, as the prices would rocket if they were made in Europe or the States.

Doubtless, if maufacturers pay proper wages, costs are bound to be high, especially if the manufacturers are German-owned companies.

I have no direct knowledge of such costs so cannot make an informed statement so merely follow my suspicions.

Add to that I haven't got limitless funds so don't entertain thoughts of buying expensive things; that puts me in the position of saying anything I can't afford is overpriced which, logically speaking, is nonsense.

There is also the question of how one views what one buys; I've said before that my Silverwing and the 'improvements' I have made to it are an investment - it is not a disposable item to be replaced on a whim.
My flat 'should' have been cheaper but it is an investment so worth paying a little more for.

Who knows but it may be that the extra cost of a BMW will be discountable if the bike proves to have as long and reliable a life as some of their former bikes, not needing replacement because it's worn out after too few years of use.
Only time will tell.

[MrGrumpy]

I much prefer the GT version but an interesting review. Glad to hear the quality has improved, but if a Tmax 530 is better made then whos seriously going to buy the BMW?

BMW would point out that the C600 is only £500 more than the TMax (base version anyway), and for that you get an extra 15bhp (at the crank), ABS and various other gizmos.

[visfix]

How much??? That's utterly ridiculous even with the extras that's at least £3k overpriced. I thought the point of scoots (even maxis) was cheap transport?

Couldn't agree more.

[MrGrumpy]

Thanks for posting the review - interesting.

The reason the Tmax is smoother is probably not so much the TMax's balancer piston (the BMW has 1 or maybe 2 balancer shafts), but the BMW has a 270degree crank, which is meant to give the impression of a V-twin. I'll reserve judgement till I try it, but I'd rather have a smooth engine personally. (btw I was in a garage on Friday and there was also this bloke with a big Harley - what an appalling racket!!! I've heard smoother and quieter dumper trucks!!!!)

The other issue with the C600 for me is the luggage compartment. In principle the Flex case idea looks great cos I use most of my storage when I'm stopped, to store helmet and jacket. However, the C600's luggage compartment looks a bit focused on two helmets to me - the front bit is very helmet shaped, and the flexy bit is also oval shaped - can you get a bulky jacket in one of the bits??? Otherwise, you'd have to fit a topbox anyway, and the flex case is a waste of time.
The TMax underseat compartment isn't huge but you can get rather more than a helmet in there. In 'tour' mode, I can get a moderate sized bag in there easily, leaving the topbox for the jacket when stopped, and I secure the helmet to the grab rail with a U lock. With the BMW, you may or may not be able to get the bag under the seat (in non flexy mode).

[gn2]

the BMW has a 270degree crank, which is meant to give the impression of a V-twin

The Honda NC has the same arrangement and when I rode one the engine felt utterly awful.

[Lou]

I don't like the looks of it personally but like the idea of the floppy down helmet holder!

[DougL]

The reason the Tmax is smoother is probably not so much the TMax's balancer piston (the BMW has 1 or maybe 2 balancer shafts), but the BMW has a 270degree crank, which is meant to give the impression of a V-twin.

That's exactly how it felt. In fact, I asked the dealer when I got off it if it had a V-twin and was surprised when he said it was a parallel. I quite liked the way it felt, as it rightly or wrongly gives the impression of having loads of power.

Just found this video - moderately entertaining

[tmaxdragster]

Shocking !!!! its a copy of a tmax pure and simple.When they had the concept model at the nec i want one but after seeing the finished model ...what a load of cheap crap....! over price cheap tat with a high class brand name ...........shame on them !

[mac65]

Well I got a call from my Local BMW Motorad dealer yesterday to invite me for a test ride, as I had contacted them at the begining of the year regarding the new scoots. That was before I knew they were 10 grand!! Any way I got an email back from them today inviting me to a test ride on Thursday, with an attached personalised video from the sales man, showing me the C600 sport, nice touch!! Just replied saying it would be Saturday at the earliest before I could make my way down the road to see them! They're 65 miles away! So weather permitting and if a test ride can be booked for Saturday I will make my way down for a try out of this very expensive scooter.

[gn2]

Seems very strange to me that John Clark doesn't do bikes in Aberdeen.