Modern Vespa

With the temperatures climbing high into the 90's the other day I got stuck in some city traffic while out on my BMW C600 - not anything bad but a few blocks of stop and go. I never saw any warning lights or anything bad and the bike ran normally but it got me thinking.

Nowhere in the user's manual do I see a mention of a temperature gauge or warning light. (OK, the bike does appear to have a warning symbol for temperature, but there is no mention of it in the manual)

Does this bike even have a fan?

Both of my Aprilia Scarabeo 500's (2004 & 2008) that it replaces did.

The only text regarding engine temperature in the whole manual is:
"Risk of overheating: Cooling would be inadequate if the engine were allowed to idle for a lengthy period with the motorcycle at a standstill: overheating would result. In extreme cases, the motorcycle could catch fire. Do not allow the engine to idle unnecessarily. Ride away immediately after starting the engine."

Don't get me wrong. I still love my new baby either way, but if this is truly meant to be an URBAN MOBILITY vehicle as advertised, including a cooling fan should have been a no brainer. I suspect from the text above that it isn't there.

Am I now, almost in the same boat with my Harley riding, air cooled, buddy who is scared of any backups or city trips, or does this bike have a fan that just hasn't kicked in yet? Please help.

It has a cooling fan

No offense, but are you sure or just guessing?

is that the new one?Doesnt BMW have a forum for those?Is it water cooled?

Here's the baby. Yes it is watercooled. BMW does have a forum but this place is wayyy more traveled, there is much cross pollination, and much more likelihood of a fast, accurate answer.

Don't worry - the BMW has a fan to cool it down. On my GTS 300 the fan was always whirring away - doing its job. I haven't heard it yet on my Beemer. Perhaps because it is quiet or it hasn't had to kick in yet.

I am incredibly pleased with every aspect of this bike.

I found this article at: http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/motorcycles/2012models/2012-BMW-C600Sport.htm

Made to BMW Motorrad standards, the refined cooling concept provides for the optimal thermal balance in the 2-cylinder inline engine. In this case, cold coolant passes through the cylinder head in the transverse direction, entering the front of the head on the hotter exhaust side. Here, at the site of the greatest thermal load, this intense cooling quickly conducts away heat for the best temperature compensation. Like the oil pump, the water pump is driven by the bottom balance shaft via the spur gear. The quantity of coolant (52% water, 48% Glysantin) is 2.2 litres.

The water cooler of aluminium with plastic radiator tanks and integrated thermostat utilises the same high performance cooler network as is also fitted in BMW motorcycles. For the optimal centre of gravity and flow properties, it is positioned under the steering head. Thanks to its high efficiency, optimised air feed, and the best possible air passage, a relatively small area proves adequate for a reliable dissipation of heat under all conditions.

In longer stop and go or stationary traffic conditions, an electric fan switches in automatically to cool the running engine.

The temperatures between the engine oil and the liquid coolant are balanced through an oil-water heat exchanger that also reduces the engine's warmup period to a minimum.

I retrieved the same information that Oldscoot posted.

Seen it on a road course show with 2 other bikes,The show they test new cars?Id like to see that episode again.So what's up? How do you like it? Please tell.

I've heard the fan on mine when I've pulled into the garage on occasion. I can always hear the fan on my BV250 because it's so quiet but the BMW idles like a tractor so I'd guess the fan is cycling so I just can't hear it over the noise.

And yes, it's crazy they didn't include a temp gauge.

Seriously? They put that text in the manual? WOW! Okay, amazing! I did read the Piaggio BV 250 pretty carefully, and I don't recall anything like this. I'd expect a BMW scooter to be more sophisticated and high quality than a Piaggio! Of course, doesn't mean the Piaggio BV 250 would have the same afflictions. It just does mean at least it's not stated. Anyhow, I'm rambling. I guess really all I got to say is "Wow!"

The summers here in central North Carolina can be pretty oppressive with ambient temperatures rising ABOVE human body temperature and with extreme humidity. My BV 250 performed brilliantly in this weather last summer in stop-and-go traffic. Fan did go on and off frequently.

I appreciate the replies and the link to the review. I'm glad to hear that it does have a fan. On both of my Aprilia's (sold) and my Vespa I hear the fan kick-in on a regular basis in city traffic.

Muriel - Yes that is the actual text from the manual.

Mudnman - Loving every minute of owning it so far. It is faster, handles better, and is more comfortable than my Beo 500's were by far. My favorite feature is the tire pressure monitors that display on the dash. I've developed a flat at speed before (luckily a rear tire) and I've been a bit paranoid about it since. The other features that I love are the ABS brakes - reduced fear of washout. The heated grips and seats are great - extends my riding season by being able to ride comfortably below 40deg. The flex case rocks - no more carrying a helmet around with me.

Cool ride, Timmay! Keep us updated as you get used to the quirks of the new ride.

Thanks Timmay,oh yah ABS!