BMW originally jumped into the scooter market in a big way about a decade back with advanced high-performance 600cc and 650cc twins in well-designed chassis. Then, in 2017, the company adjusted its sights and introduced the C 400. The C 400 was originally available in two variants: the C 400 X for the urban commuter market and the C 400 GT for open road touring. Now the time has come for the BMW C 400 to upgrade to the latest Euro 5 standards.
The C 400 GT (the C 400 X is offered in markets outside the US) is powered by a 349cc single-cylinder unit (bore 80mm, stroke 69.6mm) featuring liquid-cooling and a single overhead cam four-valve head. The valves have generous dimensions: 32.5mm for the inlet and 27.2mm exhaust. With an 11.5:1 compression ratio and a 40mm throttle body, BMW claims the engine generates 34 hp at 7,500 rpm with torque peaking at 25.8 pound-feet at 5,750 rpm.
The engine has undergone extensive upgrading to comply with Euro 5 regulations, starting with an electrically actuated, electronically managed throttle control and a new engine management system. The cylinder head has been modified and the idle speed regulator in the airbox has been omitted; idle speed control is now done through throttle-valve bypass and a turbulence system for a more stable idle. A new wideband oxygen sensor has been introduced to improve the exhaust system in conjunction with a new matrix coating on the catalytic converter. The CVT transmission’s centrifugal clutch has also been improved.
The new edition of BMW’s C 400 GT also receives an optimized Automated Stability Control system that provides an automatic recalibration of its basic parameters whenever the scooter undergoes a modification, say a change of tires. Before, these parameters had to be adjusted manually. Finally, the C 400 GT has an upgraded ABS braking system with new calipers and recalibrated lever feel. The front brake uses twin 265mm rotors teamed with four-piston floating calipers; at the rear, a 276mm rotor and a floating single-piston caliper.
The chassis is basically unchanged; the BMW C 400 GT’s a generous 61.6-inch wheelbase ensures comfortable seating for two and rolls on 120/70-15 front and 150/70-14 rear radials up to a top speed of 87 mph. A 35mm telefork, with 26.4 degrees of steering rake and 3.2 inches of trail, and an aluminum rear swingarm handle suspension duties.
The electronic suite includes a new ECU, a new Automatic Stability System (we can only assume that will change to something more acronym-friendly), and a powerful connectivity system incorporating a large TFT display for navigation and riding instructions.
Pricing starts at $8,495. The C 400 GT will arrive in US BMW dealers in spring 2021.