BMW’s new 400-class scooter

HERE’S a surprise new offering from BMW, a mid-capacity maxi-scooter called the C400 X.

In fact a 350cc model despite the name, it uses a newly-developed single-cylinder engine to make a pretty healthy 34hp and 25.8lbft.

Road-ready weight is 204kg and it uses a continuously variable CVT automatic belt-drive transmission.

BMW says it will manage a top speed of 86mph.

It’s got a tubular steel frame with a 35mm fork and twin shocks, set to ‘ensure that sporty, dynamic riding fun is combined with a very high level of comfort,’ according to BMW.

There are twin front 265mm brake discs with four-piston floating calipers, and a single-piston caliper on the rear disc, of the same diameter.

ABS is standard equipment, as is BMW’s ‘Automatic Stability Control’ traction control system.

Other features include LED lighting, while a 6.5-inch full-colour TFT dash is available as an option.

The BMW C400 X was unveiled this morning at the Eicma motorcycle show in Milan.

BMW said in a press release: ‘But the new BMW C 400 X is not just a smart mid-size scooter designed to avoid constant urban traffic congestion and allowing faster movement through the traffic jungle from A to B: the new mid-size scooter also demonstrates that urban mobility can be a lot of fun, too. In short, the new BMW C 400 X transforms a ride into the city or to the workplace from a lowlight to a highlight: in fact instead of choosing a sensible shortcut, the rider will be tempted to take the long way round – purely for the extra riding fun.’