Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1007261
2018 BMW C 400 X FIRST TEST P112 ride at low speeds, with good throttle response that's instanta- neous, but not aggressive—the connection between twist-grip and rear wheel is more typical of a motorcycle than a scooter, as expressed audibly via the engine note. Pickup is immedi- ate without being snappy, and that makes the new BMW a super traffic tool—it's very easy to move up a line of cars and vans just by twisting your right wrist hard when you spot a gap, thanks to the torquey but willing engine that bats higher than its 350cc capacity would lead you to expect. Feet-up U-turns are easy, and the capable, well-balanced feel- ing of the whole package makes it seem nimble and responsive without feeling nervous, as small-wheeled scooters can often appear. Plus, it's much slimmer than any maxi-scooter and barely more imposing than a big 125, which makes splitting lanes something you'll do with confidence when slicing through traffic. But the suspension is a bit choppy, especially the twin- shock rear end which skips around a little over the kind of bumpy, ill-maintained roads that are sadly becoming ever more commonplace in cash-starved Italy. The radial front brakes work brilliantly well without being too aggressive in response, and the rear is equally immediate, with- out the ABS being too intrusive if you squeeze the left-hand lever too enthusiastically. The keyless ignition (a $340 option) is a real plus, automati- cally locking the ignition, the seat and the two front pockets, while the $465 Comfort pack features heated grips and seat. But it's that large TFT screen, which is completely legible in sunlight, that makes the BMW stand out, accessed via the easy-to-use multi-function con- troller on the left handlebar. It can be paired to a smartphone and BMW's Motorrad Commu- nication System via Bluetooth, giving access to media playback and telephone functions. It also displays arrow-based navigation via the BMW Motorrad Con- nected App on either Android or IOS. Connectivity is nothing new in the world of scooters, but the C 400 X's optional package is closer to what you'd find on a K 1600 than on other scooters. The only drawback is the naviga- tion system is restricted to just A-to-B directions indicated by arrows, not a conventional GPS map, which BMW states is on Overall protection from wind and elements is quite good.