With high torque and cool looks, the new F 650 CS Scarver aims at new BMWconverts. Test pilot John Wheeler enjoyed it
When BMW introduced its 650 cc, single cylinder Funduro bike a few years ago, you could almost hear the cries of shock and horror within the ranks of loyal customers. They were uncertain about its credentials: here was something very different and, worse, the Rotax engine was Austrian and the bike assembled in Italy by Aprilia.
But the enthusiasts missed the point. BMW's idea, clearly, was an entry-level machine at a more affordable price which would appeal to a wider market. And it worked, the F 650 sold well.
Being both a good road bike, and with significant off-road capability, coupled with macho looks and a low price by BMW standards, it was a winner. Soon afterwards and in a more off-road variant (F 650 GS Dakar), it proved itself in the Paris-Dakar rally, taking first, second and third places. You can't argue with that.
Now it evolves into another variant, the F 650 CS Scarver, built by BMW in Berlin. The name seems to be a copywriter's concoction, meant to connect with snowboarding and carving through the traffic.
This is strictly an on-road machine. At its heart lies the same 652 cc single-cylinder engine as in the Fundoro and GS Dakar. Single cylinder engines of this size are noted for their shire-horse torque, which explains why they are more common today in off-road trail bikes.
Here the aim seems to be those, especially the younger generation, not interested in off-road capabilities but attracted by cool looks, easy handling, modern design and, some would say, funky colour schemes.
Looks matter. Who wants to ride an ugly bike? Our test machine drew admiring glances and interested questions mostly from non-motorcyclists right across the age range.
The specification is mouth-watering: ABS brakes, fuel-injection, heated hand-grips, a useful glove locker, digital engine management, catalytic converter and, of course, that BMW badge.
So, how does it perform? As soon as you touch the machine you notice how incredibly light it seems, thanks to a very low centre of gravity helped by the low-slung fuel tank. No fear of it getting out of hand or toppling over.
Add a low seat height of 780 mm, which can be reduced still further to 750 mm, and even the most vertically challenged are catered for. The seating position is excellent, everything falls to hand just where it feels absolutely right. The seat is very comfortable and supportive.
It starts easily every time. Some find the rumble of a single cylinder engine strange if they are used to multi-cylinder machines, but it is, by "single" standards, unusually smooth thanks to well-designed balance shafts. The cable clutch is light and positive, first gear engaging with a decided, but reassuring "thunk".
Moving off you immediately notice two things: first the incredibly responsive steering; then the very low first gear. The gap between first and second gears is far too wide. First gear is too low - this bike can easily pull away in second. The other gear ratios are fine, with the high torque being immediately apparent.
At more generous throttle openings, serenity is somewhat marred by induction roar from the air intake under the fore-end of the fairing just below your left wrist. You can't hear the exhaust but you can certainly hear the induction roar.
The first touch of the brakes says "thoroughbred". The complex ABS system works perfectly, giving smooth, positive and confidence-building reassurance.
In all conditions the engine likes to be pulling above 2,500 rpm to avoid transmission snatch. The transmission, unlike the other F 650 variants, is by belt. This is quieter, lasts several times longer than a chain, is self-adjusting and, best of all doesn't need oiling.
Handling in all conditions is excellent. Our 300 km test ride took in touring around Wicklow both in pottering and "making progress" modes, motorway work, plenty of city traffic and a quick blast on our private test strip.
Given its torque characteristics, one can potter around the countryside hardly bothering to change gear. The bike will happily waft up most gradients in top gear. For a more enthusiastic approach, ringing the changes on the gears produces pleasant, lively progress.
In city traffic this bike is as nimble as you could want. It felt entirely safe and forgiving. It coped just as well on the motorways right up to the legal maximum and will likely have no problem reaching the claimed maximum 109 mph (or 91 mph in restricted form) if you ever make it to the German Autobahns.
The very satisfactory 91 mph for the restricted version makes one wonder about the logic behind power restriction for the first two years after passing one's test?
However, much above 50 mph the wind blast becomes very noticeable. At higher speeds, it's positively uncomfortable. The plastic cowl, described by the makers as a "windshield" is entirely ornamental. A pity, as a well-sculpted modest-sized screen would not only much enhance the bike's looks but make for much needed rider comfort.
The instrument panel is well laid out and the switchgear is well positioned. Thankfully, BMW has used an orthodox single indicator switch instead of its more difficult three different switch layout.The ingenious cavity in the tank (not a tank but where you expect a tank to be) can take a specially designed rucksack or, as on the test model, a lockable container big enough to take small items - but defeated by an A4 file.
Our very discriminating passenger declared the pillion seating and comfort "better than most". High praise, indeed!
In all, an unusual, pleasant, civilised, refined machine with no harmful vices. It should especially appeal to first-timers who wouldn't find it at all intimidating.
At €9,000 (the infamous VRT accounts for €1,001 of that), the Scarver is not cheap but, given the high-tech specification, it seems worth the price. Importantly, it should hold its value well.
Lack of appropriate weather protection, induction roar, nominal luggage space and lack of centre stand meant that it narrowly missed our "five-star" rating. This translates as "excellent" rather than "superb".