VOL. 55 ISSUE 29 JULY 24, 2018 P109
engine unit that the firm claims
eliminates vibrations without sac-
rificing chassis rigidity. There is
indeed hardly any vibration, and
the mirrors stay still at all speeds
up to the 86 mph claimed maxi-
mum (though I saw an indicated
89 mph on an autostrada). The
BMW was completely stable at
any speed, and what despite
appearances is a non-adjustable
screen (shame!) actually gave a
surprising amount of protection
The wheelbase is a lengthy
61.6 inches, but the small, cast-
aluminum wheels (15 inches up
front and just 14 inches at the
rear) make it look even longer.
However, steering geometry is
similar to a motorcycle's, with
a 26.4-degree fork rake and
3.2 inches of trail, and 4.3/4.4
inches of wheel travel front and
rear, respectively.
So too is the Bybre (Brembo's
Asian/Indian-markets offshoot)
as an extra).
Despite the C400X label,
BMW's new midsize scoot is
actually a 350cc model, pow-
ered by a liquid-cooled, fuel-
injected, chain-driven, SOHC,
four-valve engine, measuring
80 x 69.6mm, which makes a
respectable 34bhp/25kW at
7500 rpm, and peak torque of
35Nm/25.8 lb-ft at 6000 revs.
By way of comparison, Yamaha's
395cc XMAX400 gives 32.6
bhp/24.5kW at 7000 rpm and
36Nm/26.6 lb-ft also at 6000
rpm. The BMW's wet-sump
engine is attached to a CVT
transmission, and following tradi-
tional scooter practice, the entire
powerplant comprises part of the
By typical scooter
standards,
storage might be
considered a little
lacking, but you
can still squeeze
in a full-face
helmet.
to a 5-foot 10-inch rider. There's
an optional taller screen (and
lower 30-inch seat, as opposed
to the 30.5-inch stock one) for
those who wish.
It's a pretty satisfying mileater
despite the engine's smaller
capacity, though its biggest attri-
bute is its torquey response from
low speeds—BMW has obviously
focused on delivering zestful ac-
celeration as a prime part of the
package.
Chassis-wise on the C 400 X,
there's a pretty meaty tubular
steel frame which carries a con-
ventional, non-adjustable, 35mm
telescopic fork up front, matched
to twin shocks adjustable for
spring preload at the rear.
brake package, with the meaty-
looking twin, rigidly mounted,
10.4-inch discs gripped up front
by a pair of four-piston floating
radial calipers, and a single-pot
rear squeezing the same-size
disc that's effective enough to
use on its own in town.
Curb weight with the 3.4 gal-
lon fuel tank between your feet
(which provides a convenient
place for stacking shopping and
suchlike in best Latin scooterista
mode!) fully topped up, the C
400 X scales 450 pounds (13.2
pounds less than the XMAX
400), with a balanced 50/50
split front-to-rear.
Two-channel ABS is of course
standard, but this time by Con-
