BMW C600 SPORT (2012-on) Review | Speed, Specs & Prices | MCN

At a glance

Prices

Overall rating

Genuinely sporty for a scooter, with a claimed 108 top speed, sharp handling and aggressive styling. Well equipped, with ABS and a manually adjustable screen as standard, plus two glove boxes and a clever expandable under-seat compartment. Optional heated grips and seat available in a ‘Highline’ version for an extra £850. Much sportier than the C650 GT touring model despite sharing a chassis and engine. Production delayed after MCN reported the glove box doors felt cheap and one opened when supposedly locked. Pricey.

Ride quality & brakes

Sporty and nimble. Different ergonomics give it a sportier riding position than the bulkier C650 GT. You might even forget you’re on a scooter. Brakes and suspension are more than up to the job.

Engine

Powerful (for a scooter) with a very motorbike-like throaty roar. The 647cc parallel twin is produced by Kymco but BMW insists it’s to its own specifications and standards. Throttle response is good for a twist-and-go, with only a slight delay.

Reliability & build quality

Production delayed after MCN reported the glove box doors felt cheap, and one opened when supposedly locked. The petrol filler cap also seemed flimsy for a machine of this price. Hopefully, when it eventually goes on sale, this will have been addressed. Reliability as yet unknown.

Value vs rivals

It’s the most expensive scooter yet bar its brother, the C650GT. Suzuki’s 650 Burgman Executive has heated grips, seat, electric screen and 110mph+ performance for £1200 less. BMW might shift a few in the southern Europe but the C600 Sport is unlikely break any sales records in the UK.

Equipment

Excellent for a scooter, with ABS and an easy-to-operate manually adjustable screen as standard. There are two small glove boxes, one lockable, and a clever expandable under-seat compartment, creating a slim-line tail section when in motion and space for two-full face lids when stopped.  A ‘Highline’ version is available with heated grips, seat and LED daytime running lights – for an eye-watering extra £850. 

Model history & versions

Model history

2012: Model introduced

Other versions

C650GT. The same engine and chassis but with more bulk and different ergonomics, resulting in what feels like a completely different, more touring-focussed machine.

Owners' reviews for the BMW C600 SPORT (2012 - on)

2 owners have reviewed their BMW C600 SPORT (2012 - on) and rated it in a number of areas. Read what they have to say and what they like and dislike about the bike below.

Review your BMW C600 SPORT (2012 - on)

Version: 2012 C600 Sport

Year: 2012

Fantastic scooter! Has never let me down, loads of luggage space and can fit two full face helmets under the seat, good cockpit with loads of information, fuel, average speed, trip meters. I can do the shopping throw it under the seat then take the long way home and scratch. Tyre pressure monitor built into the bike saved my life when flying round a corner and the back tyre was losing air I would not have know if it bike didn't tell me I pulled over safe and sound! Flys through city traffic and has the pace to keep up and over take on the motorway. I have embarrassed to many sports bike riders to count at the red light Grand Prix, leaving them as I twist through the traffic. The reviews of the bike being made with Ill fitting poorly made parts are unjustified in my opinion, I leave it out in the rain without a cover all through the year I hardly ever wash it I have owned it since 2012 and it has never missed a beat, I doubt any other bike could have put up with the punishment and lack of TLC I have afforded the scooter. I use it every day of the year for commuting to work, the heated grips and heated seat are amazing in the winter the fairing keeps the worst of the weather off me and the adjustable screen works a treat on the motorway. I have owned more proper manual bikes than I can remember and this scooter has to be the best bike I have ever owned, I highly recommend it to anyone!

You'd not expect this from BMW but the quality of the plastic, the fitting, the finish of metal and plastic parts are all of quite bad quality. My Yamaha Xmax 250 costs less than half the price and has a much better built quality. I've given up switching. Maybe next generation will be better... Very disappointing!

About the author

Written by the experts at MCN - the voice of motorcyclists since 1955.

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