BMW 600 Sport Test Ride.

[gn2]

I did not say Doug's rack would fall off, I don't even know if he has one.
While the recall does mention loose bolts, it is not unknown for the bolts to shear.
Yes the panel problem was a simple fix, but its a problem one would really not expect with a premium product.
So that makes two out of seven issues I listed dealt with, any thoughts on the other five?

[DougL]

I am not here to provide evidence to the contrary, as my evidence is purely anecdotal (as is yours). What is annoying is your parochial tone which is neither collaborative, friendly or helpful. I am not on the attack, merely pointing out your continued attitude on this forum. Why don't you stop preaching and offer friendly advice, as you are perfectly capable of doing. I do agree with your points a lot of the time. To answer your points:

"porous crankcases, brake fluid reservoir caps that vibrate off, leaky forks, badly routed brake lines, fairing panels that blow off, racks that shear off and is prone to stalling"

The cases are admittedly poorly finished although probably well built. Perhaps there is some evidence of teething problems, though not on mine.

The brake fluid reservoir covers on the sport have screws like most reservoirs, I'm not sure how they could vibrate off.

I believe you are referring to Tmaxrobbo's problem fork seals. Is this a common problem, certainly isn't one here.

Brake lines? Not badly routed. The BMW got more attention than any of the other 14 bikes on my Black Forest tour - not for the wrong reasons either.

Fairing panels recalled. I haven't had mine done and I sat at top speed for a while with no untoward flapping or movement.

Racks? Nope. Givi stuff on mine carrying way over maximum load for miles and miles with no problems. BMW ones look a bit pants.

Stalling. Never. Always ran extremely sweetly, even at altitude. One hiccough when cold and I whacked the throttle open.

[gn2]

There was no tone or attitude intended, all I did was list known faults as background as to why I do not believe that either model of TGS represents good value.
Make no mistake I didn't make those issues up, they were all reported by TGS owners.
Maybe they are all early teething troubles and fully rectified, but I certainly wouldn't risk ten grand of my money on one.
Looking at this thread it seems I am not alone in thinking the TGS is too expensive.
Doug I sincerely hope your TGS continues to give you good reliable service in the years to come.

[DougL]

Looking at this thread it seems I am not alone in thinking the TGS is too expensive.
Doug I sincerely hope your TGS continues to give you good reliable service in the years to come.

I agree wholeheartedly that the cost of the BMWs is too expensive. However, the choice of a faster scoot with good handling is meagre to say the least and the BMW probably is "the one" to be honest, with the TMAX a very close second. I am unlikely to keep the BMW as I am on a code (78) A license with a DAS booked in two weeks time. A small scooter should suffice for town work and I am looking at either a Triumph Speed Triple or a Kwak Z1000SX for touring purposes. I may even delete the Beverly, as most of the time I can manage my 9 mile commute on a pushbike. I sat on a Kwak today and was really impressed on how low down the weight is. We'll see. It's a plan in motion at the moment with very movable goals. Whatever the outcome, the BMW ticks all the boxes, including the favourite one of very sceptical bikers, so if I gain the entitlement to ride geared bikes and subsequently don't like the experience (which is a distinct possiblity) then the beemer stays for the foreseeable.

[MjW]

Im sure that with time you'll come to like geared bikes. I sometimes miss the ability to change gears with the TMax.


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[Sgt Ernie Bilko]

From the reviews I've read the C600's top speed is estimated at 110mph. I used to get that out of my 2002 mark 1 Tmax....

Never ridden a mark 3 but sure I ain't gonna be disappointed when the beast is delivered next week

[Ferret]

There was an older fella than me in Yorkshire who had a mk 1 tmax which had a few mods with a blue printed motor . I had the pleasure of riding it . It appeared to easily reach 110 mph and was as smooth as silk and sat at 90 2up on the motor way with no problem all day . I think after test riding a new 530 that there is not a great deal of difference more of a refinement of a great scoot . However for speed and sheer power my srv 850 is spot on . I really wanted to like the BMW more ,but IMHO I think it's the same old in that people think just because of a badge it must be better . Obviously it's each to there own and what fits best ,but I do see a lot of BMW s for sale secondhand .

[MrGrumpy]

From the reviews I've read the C600's top speed is estimated at 110mph. I used to get that out of my 2002 mark 1 Tmax....

Never ridden a mark 3 but sure I ain't gonna be disappointed when the beast is delivered next week

I sure you won't, but Mr Yamaha has been guilty of tuning speedos rather than engines recently! The mk1 barely made a genunine 100, whilst later versions will get to 105 or so. The mk3 speedo was I thought rather optimistic, whilst the mk4's is outrageously so!!

[Deleted User 796]

I think people miss the point when saying 10k is too expensive for a scooter

10k is too expensive for any motorbike imo, but the BMW 650GT is actually reasonable value when compared to big touring bikes which is what it is really.

It has more storage than a touring bike (even more so if you want to add a topbox, panniers and tunnel bag!), much better weather protection than any bike and very good pillion/passenger comfort. Add to that it will be better at filtering without any massive panniers on, cheaper to insure and less likely to get nicked and long service intervals and it looks like a very practical option especially if like me it is your only form of transport.

Any new model vehicle is going to have some teething problems, I think it's a bit premature to judge the bike in the early days of production. My only concern would be the quality/attitude of the dealership mechanics when servicing/repairing which is an unknown with regards to these scooters.

Shame I don't have a spare 10k lying around really.......

[boxer]

If you get the chance try the 650 GT (I have one) its a much better bike than the sport. Whilst I agree its not worth the money (what is) I would definitely say its the class leader, more oomph than the T-max and not so lardy as the Burger. On a recent trip to France it carried two 15 st blokes and luggage with consummate ease and in comfort. The ride and handling were simply brilliant. When you see hundreds of maxi-scooters on the continent prices make more sense because they are bought in place of cars.