BMW C 400

In 2012 many thought that BMW's premium scooter, especially in our country, would have an immediate success. For many reasons (I remember that we have expressed our opinion on several occasions in the past regarding a high price, even compared to the best competition), the C 600 Sport and C 650 GT did not take off as we would have liked. The arrival of the C – Evolution in 2014 gave visibility to the presence in the scooter sector, with an electric vehicle with amazing characteristics, but which certainly did not aim to achieve important sales numbers. However, the product, as we have seen several times in our tests, deserved and, gradually, is starting to give the Elica company the right satisfaction. Almost 1.400 pieces sold in 2017, including the C 650 Sport (930 examples), C 650 GT (342) and C Evolution (112). Now the attack on the scooter segment is becoming serious, with the arrival of the smaller C 400 34 horsepower and 35 Nm, combined with refined solutions, first of all the optional all-digital instrumentation, as well as an attractive and well-maintained appearance.

The right segment to make important numbers?

Medium capacity scooters, a segment with stable sales figures and a new challenge for the Elica company, which clearly has the Kymco Xciting 400 and Yamaha X-Max 400 in its sights. The target is sporty, in fact the BMW C 400 a motorcycle feeling, with optimal triangulation and more similar to a motorbike than a scooter, from some points of view. Compared to its bigger brothers, it is a less demanding solution, a compromise that could steal consensus from some competitors, but also convince some of Elica's motorcyclists to put a second two-wheeled vehicle in their garage, practical and easy, perfect for use citizen and beyond.

Aesthetically it shows premium finishes, a distinctive look and the BMW family feeling

Whether we like it or not we will see it in the autumn, based on the approval it receives and seeing it and comparing it in the field with its competitors. What is certain right from the start, as we had already seen at Eicma 2017, is that BMW did not want a banal product, but instead focused on a very personal look. The front is "strong", in some choices. The C 400 just to name one), but above all we find the asymmetrical headlight, a strong reference to the BMW family feeling. LED light signature (optional mostly for alignment needs with the regulations of some of the countries in which it will be sold), sharp vertical direction indicators, located on the sides of the front fairing, but also excellent finishes. We will not hide from you that, even in recent times, some of the scooters we have tested have not given us even a fraction of the perceived quality of the C 90 This time it seems that everything was done with more attention and with the not-so-hidden aim of making life difficult for the competition. Excellent ergonomics, attention to detail and the choice of materials and their combinations. There is also a hydraulic piston to support the saddle when accessing the compartment underneath, equipped with the well-known Flexcase system, already seen on the bigger brother in the Sport version, which allows you to increase the capacity with the vehicle stationary. It must be said, however, that when moving the compartment has a rather small capacity and this is, in fact, one of the very few real defects of the C 400 X, in our opinion. The care and attention, however, are truly evident in every detail, for example the electric and key-operated opening system, both for the two front storage compartments and for the underseat. The windshield is small and non-adjustable, but an optional high version is available for "travellers", like three top cases, with different capacities.

Is Connectivity for the first time on a scooter the ace in the hole that will make the difference?

The real gem of the C 400 It is exactly the same system that we find on the R6.5GS and that we tested, with video, at the end of 1200 (here you can find the article and video). It must be said that, on a vehicle mainly used for city use such as a scooter, its advantages are more appreciated in everyday life. Such as interaction with your phone, including navigation functions, phone call management, perhaps combining a Bluetooth system for the helmet. All managed via the now classic wheel and with the utmost attention to safety. Other features could be accommodated, but it was felt that they would distract too much from driving. Such as, for example, dialing a call, while you can call back someone who has contacted you.

A whole new heart, powerful and well crafted

The engine, this is a first for a BMW scooter, is entirely developed internally, it promises better starting from a standstill than its direct competition, but with very low consumption. It is a classic single-cylinder, water-cooled and 4-valve distribution, with wet sump. What makes it one of the key elements of the project is its development from scratch, following the guidelines that are the basis of the most recent projects. We are talking above all about compactness and lightness, as well as mass centrality and attention to comfort and future regulations on emissions and more. The engine block weighs only 47 kg in total, and includes a balancer shaft, positioned above the camshaft, as well as a vibration-damping support and a digital control system. In terms of performance, with a bore of 80 mm and a stroke of 69,6 mm, it offers a maximum power of 34 horsepower at 7.500 rpm, with a torque of 35 Nm, which is delivered at 6.000 rpm. It then extends up to an altitude of 8.800, where the limiter intervenes.

Frame and chassis

Starting from the wheels, we find the 15" front and 14 rear. They fit 120/70 and 150/70 tyres, with a very intelligent choice for the original equipment. The partner is in fact premium, with the excellent Pirelli Angel Scooters which, as we will see in the test, are greatly appreciated. The fork has a double plate, in full motorcycle style, while at the rear, as usual on scooters, the swinging arm is made up of the engine, which however is equipped with an innovative bearing, developed to reduce vibrations to a minimum, but also to have a high stability. Everything works with a double shock absorber, also in this case fixed with damping elements on the rubber connections. The braking system is by Bybre, Brembo's economical series, already used on the 310. The powerful 265 mm double front disc is controlled by the 100-channel Continental MK 2 MAB ABS system, which in addition to weighing only 700 grams, manages the two braking circuits for the front and rear wheels are independent.

Let's get to our test

The appearance of the C 400 Even live and during our test we were unable to find any defects in a truly well-maintained vehicle. Even the key areas are no exception, for example the storage doors in front of the legs, with an always precise coupling between the pads and a flawless closure. Having opened the compartment under the saddle to store a backpack and the action cameras that we would use later, we instead had confirmation that its capacity becomes interesting when stationary, thanks to the Flexcase which allows you to also house a full-face helmet without problems, but forget about put a bag in it (perhaps with a laptop) while you're on the move. The front portion is in fact suitable for hosting a small helmet, while by closing the "flexible" part, a small, flat space remains. For greater capacity needs, it is therefore necessary to consider purchasing one of the three top cases, available from the list of accessories. Among these we mention the Keyless system, but also the comfort package (which includes heated grips and saddle).

The wow effect of the virtual instrument panel

The Connectivity package which, where present in the range, costs 650 euros, is one of the most interesting innovations from the Elica company for many of its 2018 models, including the C 400 it is available on the bigger brothers C 650 Sport and GT, not even for a fee. During our test it was connected to a telephone, placed in the right compartment and connected to the power socket. A few seconds after switching on, for example, navigation functions and much more are available. Of course, it is a rather basic navigator, but in the city or for sporadic use it is still a great convenience. There is also a myriad of information, as well as extensive customization of the virtual instrument panel. A 6.5” LCD which is clearly visible in all light conditions and which has the only flaw of requiring a minimum of initial training to achieve all its functions.

Chassis and engine, what determination!

We found the riding position comfortable, even though it is constrained and you cannot stretch your feet forward, like on other scooters. The central area of ​​the platform is flat and seems excellent for carrying bags and other things. The suspensions proved to be more suited to providing the right support when cornering, driving dynamically, rather than being able to better absorb bumps, given that they are quite stiff.
The engine is truly excellent, lively and with lots of character, it also has a decent sound and no noise or vibrations to report. Precisely the absence of vibrations and the excellent response to the throttle, without the slightest uncertainty and with an absent "on off", are among its best qualities, in addition to the performance, of reference for this segment. It offers an important starting point and extends well, as we were able to see on the short stretch of motorway travelled, where in a few moments it reaches the code limit. The declared data in fact speak of 139 km/h as a maximum speed and a sprint from 0 to 100 in 9,5 seconds, very interesting values ​​for a scooter in this segment. The ASC traction and stability control system is appreciated for its presence, even if it is a little invasive in its action and not immediate in being disabled. Obviously every time you turn it back on it comes back active.
Agile in narrow streets and in traffic, but stable when the pace increases, the C 400 This is also thanks to a weight contained in just 204 kg in running order (it is 6 kg better than even the excellent Yamaha X-MAX 400). The brakes are promoted, offering a consistent and well modulated result. The front system is more powerful, thanks to the double disc, which can only be criticized for a little too much play in the lever, which is also not adjustable.

Our conclusions

In conclusion we found very few defects in a scooter which, despite being produced in China under German supervision, seems much less Chinese than some of its opponents. Good news also in terms of consumption, which promises to approach the threshold of 30 km/l (the figure declared in the average cycle is 3,5 km/l) and which we have detected above 25 km/l even with markedly sporty driving . With a generous 12,8 liter tank, the autonomy is decidedly high (well over 300 km).

The right price to challenge the competition

Available in 2 colors (this one blue, as well as white), the C 400 This is objectively a very interesting base price, even compared to the competition. The only uncertainty remains linked to the prices of the two main optional packages, which have not yet been defined and which could change the cards on the table. A model like the one we tested, for example, equipped with a keyless system, Comfort and Connectivity package (almost indispensable), should not be very far from the threshold of 6.950 thousand euros. A concept, that of optional extras which significantly shift the price, is in fact almost unknown for scooters, where we usually find accessories to personalise, rather than enrich the vehicle, or top cases and little else. BMW Italia seems to want to give a big push to sales of the new C 8 An element which, if in the motorcycle field it is starting to be offered by other competitors, is essentially unique among scooters and could give the newcomer a nice advantage.

Tester clothing:
Jacket: Tucano Urbano Aeros
Trousers: Tucano Urbano Genova Gag
Gloves: Tucano Urbano Aero Touch
Alpinestars Lunar shoe
Helmet: Nolan N40-5 GT