2019 BMW C 400 GT ion long-term review

Bikesales came away impressed from the Australian mid-year media launch of the 2019 BMW C 400 GT and C 400 X , to the extent that when BMW Motorrad Australia recently offered us one of the former for a long-term test, we jumped at the chance.

Why? Because while Bikesales Editor Fattore and myself love nothing more than heading for the hills come the weekend plus the odd long-haul tour, the reality is that most of our kays concern a decent daily commute into the Melbourne Bikesales bunker.

We both live on the fringe of town, spelling a 100km daily return trip for yours truly and closer to 140km for Fattore, with the distance involving everything from 110km/h highway to congested arterials and traffic-clogged inner-city streets.

That's why BMW's C 400 GT has quickly endeared itself to us both. Sure, compared to its sibling, the C 400 GT features a few extras aimed at complementing its open-road prowess, but don't think for a second that this comes at the expense of its city-centric, traffic-busting abilities.

Actually, BMW has launched these two new models in a total of four variants – the C 400 X, C 400 X ion, C 400 GT, and C 400 GT ion – which slot in beneath the brand's maxi-scooter models, the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT.

BMW scooter pricing:
• C 400 X, $8990 plus ORC
• C 400 X ion, $11,290 plus ORC
• C 400 GT, $10,240 plus ORC
• C 400 GT ion, $11,890 plus ORC
• C 650 Sport, $16,785 rideaway
• C 650 GT, $17,712 rideaway
• C 650 GT Spezial, $20,440 rideaway

Our test bike, the C 400 GT ion, is the highest-spec example of the two newcomers. Compared to the C 400 X, the C 400 GT has a bigger screen, a 'king and queen'-style stepped seat, a larger front profile, pushbutton starting and a daytime running light, while the 'ion' part effectively adds a 6.5-inch TFT instrument display with phone/music connectivity and satellite navigation, plus heated grips and a heated seat.

The latter, along with our test bike's accessory 'blanket', have made some particularly wet and cold Melbourne commutes far more palatable, and certainly more comfortable than I would have been on a standard motorcycle.

Blankets (or 'canopy', as BMW terms it) are commonplace in Europe and for good reason. They might not be particularly attractive and they're at time a little awkward to manage, but thanks to a thermal lining they really do keep your legs warm and the waterproof exterior keeps you nice and dry.

I've since done several one-hour commutes in quite heavy rain, and between the blanket and the scooter's bodywork I've emerged at my destination with dry riding jeans, wet-weather pants not required.

Related:
BMW C 400 X on sale mid-year
EICMA 2017: BMW C 400 X
2016 BMW C 650 GT review

The 350cc engine delivers useable real-world performance, which is to say it won't exactly be laying darkies out of corners but there's a good level of pep from a standing start or when overtaking.

There's enough there for pillion runs too – Fattore and I have done a number of two-up trips with luggage on the C 400 GT ion, and it's got along respectably well despite a payload approaching 200kg.

A nice complement for that available go is this scoot's impeccable handling. The low centre of gravity helps greatly, but the C 400 GT ion will flick effortlessly through the bends and generally displays a high level of poise and a nice sense of balance. Add in the twist-n-go CVT automatic transmission and this LAMS-approved scoot is such an easy thing to ride.

This is a smart, sophisticated scooter with a high build quality you'd expect from the likes of BMW. It's also lighter, more agile and cheaper than BMW's maxi-scooters, the C 650 Sport and C 650 GT, making it a handy thing around town yet still comfy on the open road.

We'll delve into many more aspects of the BMW C 400 GT ion in the weeks ahead, including its connectivity, fuel efficiency, ergonomics and all-round practicality, but first impressions are entirely favourable.

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, OHC four-stroke single-cylinder
Capacity: 350cc
Bore x stroke: 80mm x 69.6mm
Compression ratio: 11.5:1
Fuel system: Electronic fuel injection
Emissions: Euro 4

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: 34hp (25kW) at 7500rpm
Claimed maximum torque: 35Nm at 6000rpm

TRANSMISSION
Type: Continuously variable
Clutch: Centrifugal dry

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame type: Steel tubing
Front suspension: 35mm fork, 110mm travel
Rear suspension: Twin shocks, preload adjustment, 112mm travel
Front brakes: Twin 265mm discs with four-piston calipers
Rear brake: 265mm disc with single-piston caliper
Wheels: Cast aluminium – front 3.5 x 15, rear 4.25 x 14
Tyres: Pirelli Angel; front 120/70-15, rear 150/70-14

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed kerb weight: 212kg
Seat height: 775mm
Wheelbase: 1565mm
Fuel capacity: 12.8 litres

OTHER STUFF
Price: from $11,890 plus on-road costs
Colours: Alpine White, Moonwalk Grey Metallic or Black Storm Metallic
Test bike supplied by: BMW Motorrad Australia
Warranty: Three years, unlimited kilometres