Is it a scooter? A car? Or just ugly?

Cosmic Superchunk

Cosmic Superchunk

Joined
Jan 28, 2001
Messages
3,709
I've been looking at purchasing a new scooter and came across this monstrosity: The BMW C1

BMW_C1-sm.JPG


DHP_and_C1-sm.JPG


Interesing concept, but ugly!
 
Although I also love vespas, the BMW c1 is an amazing achievement. It's a little short in the wheelbase, but a roof? windshiels wipers? a trunk? It's the baddest scooter around for those who wear a suit in inclement weather.
 
The BMW is interesting, but what if it's raining and you turn the windshield wipers on? There's no door or hatch to prevent the rain from getting you anyway. Besides, what self respecting Mod or Skin would ride such a thing? Inclement weather? That's what parkas are for. :D

All kidding aside, it's futuristic looking, but I don't like the idea of being strapped to the seat as if I'm on a roller-coaster ride.


c1_models.jpg
 
Dijos said:
Although I also love vespas, the BMW c1 is an amazing achievement. It's a little short in the wheelbase, but a roof? windshiels wipers? a trunk? It's the baddest scooter around for those who wear a suit in inclement weather.
Click to expand...

Do you seriously think it would stop you from getting wet in a rainstorm? It looks like it would barely do anything.

Mark
 
Hi All-

That new BMW C1 scooter would be totally cool if they increased the size of the windshield, added a bigger trunk, two more wheels, a bigger engine, electric windows, stereo system, heating and air-conditioning, doors.....oh, wait a second here...

~ Blue Jays ~
 
I think more than it's ugliness is the fall protection the thing offers...
If you fall, and are able to fight the natural instict of putting your hand out to break your fall, you can tuck your elbows, knees and chin in and skid to a stop against pavement or even crash against a harder object with relatively little injury.
 
Hi MM-

You're 100% correct according to Car & Driver magazine who did a test on these funky scooters. It's a tubular steel rollcage designed to protect the rider in the event of an accident...just tuck-in and keep your hands and feet locked into place.

Personally, I think a person's head could make it outside the cage in a good crash. I would opt for a cool Arai or Shoei helmet as well.

~ Blue Jays ~
 
The European market has a host of similar vehicles as well as very small cars from different makers not marketed here in the States. I saw a tiny little Honda I would love to have in San Francisco.
 
I've seen them at some of the BMW MOA gatherings I've attended. It's primarily designed as a single occupant city commuter vehicle. The flat spot behind the driver's seat is a small shelf for carrying stuff.

1 interesting note is that the C1 is the only two wheeled vehicle to be exempt from the helmet regulations in Europe. Which helps it sell in Europe. However, BMW USA is probably not going to be successful if they file for the same exemption here, so chances are you'll need to ride it with a helmet. Also, for it to be successful in the States, it'll need more power than the 125cc engine it currently has. Most of the BMW riders I've talked to about it feel it needs a minimum of 250cc to even make it here.
 
Oh, I should go put my bike back together for a pic. Of course the crank is sheared off. Damn.

It was a 10" children's bike w/ 23cc's of 2 stroke power. :cool:

Sat on the bitch and it broke. :mad: Oh well, it was fun while it lasted. :grumpy:
 
I know for sure that that BMW scooter is quite popular in Paris and other big French Paris. It is quite fast and powerful and it is very easy to ride in traffic jam. It offers very good protection against rain and wind; it is also safer than a traditionnal scooter; I heard of one big drawback though : It is hard for people used to more traditionnal scooter to resist the urge to try to use their leg to block a fall; they often forget that they are attached to their seat by a strong seatbelt and cannot support the weight of the falling vehicle. It resulted in some really bad leg and knee injuries. Otherwise, once one accepts the fall and stay put on one's seat, it is very safe : the roof and the seatbelt offer a very good protection.

Three things also need to be considered :
- the price : that scooter is expensive. The scooter is popular however, it is so expensive that a lot of people just drool on it but buy other brands.
- the hair : In france, wearing a helmet when riding is mandatory; if you go with this scooter, it is not : great way not to mess with your hair!!!!
- "keeping up with the Jones" : Come on this is a BMW!!! It is the kind of status symbol Parisians and french city dwellers are fond of. (I have never seen any of these scooter outside a big city...)

Just my 0.02 euro cents (approximately US$ 0.0264)
 
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