Menus
- The age of Reason
- The best price / performance compromise
- Discovery
- In the saddle
- Contact
- In the city
- On the highway
- On small road
- Comfort / Duo
- Braking
- Consumption
- Convenient
- Accessories
- Conclusion
- BMW C400X video test
The age of Reason
The best price / performance compromise
7 years and the age of reason? BMW has indeed materialized its urban mobility strategy with the C600 and C650GT maxi-scooters in 2011, then two years later with its C-Evolution, before upgrading its two maxi-scooters again.. The time for C1 is long gone! The C400X completes this range of maxi-scooters, with a mid-range model in displacement, at a more affordable price than large scoots while making a definite advance in terms of equipment, particularly with the TFT screen, a first on this type. scooter. So, the poor man’s maxi-scooter or first contact with the BMW two-wheel world in addition to the M5 ?
Discovery
To the uninitiated, nothing looks more like a scooter than another scooter. But the C400X inherits the BMW leg in particular with its asymmetrical double optics reminiscent of that of the F700 and F750GS.
We then find the blue color specific to the Bavarian brand (metallic azure blue) or alpine white with a partly red saddle and a certain affiliation with the big brothers C600 in terms of shapes..
We are therefore in the BMW universe, even if there were not these two huge side logos which sign the origin. The LED signatures complete the whole, while the quality of the elements offered both in terms of the brakes (Bybre, signed Brembo) or Pirelli Angel Scooter tires show that this is not a scooter at a discount. BMW also claims a 100% BMW scooter, not only in terms of design but also in terms of construction, even if the assembly is carried out in China. In fact, the perceived quality of plastics or storage compartments is in line with competing productions and above the quality of the larger C600 models..
An almost sporty look, borrowed from the brand’s trails, hence the X, clearly identifies the maxi-scoot.
But it is above all the 6.5-inch TFT screen (an option at 605 euros) that marks the spirits. Connectivity is not a new fact in the world of the scooter, but the approach of the C400X is closer to the big GT type K1600 rather than the possibilities existing elsewhere on scooters.
A screen that can be operated on the handlebars with the multi-controller, with two sub-levels, allowing access to both scooter information and navigation (in French of course).
The screen is then connected directly to the smartphone via Bluetooth, which makes it possible in particular to benefit from navigation … navigation reduced to arrows, roadbook style and not with a standard GPS navigator style map. You get used to it quickly, especially since the screen is really large and readable even in direct sunlight, but you would have imagined a real GPS with a map. BMW assured us that it was on schedule but without giving a date.
The C400X is not a poor man’s scooter, quite the contrary and in particular with its Continental ABS but also its original ASC.
In the saddle
The driving position is natural. Neither the arms nor the legs seem to go up as is still the case with some competitors. There is room to put your feet flat or a little in front. Only the tallest will be a little more picked up, even if the deep saddle allows you to step back widely. The "keyless" key / transponder is a real plus, automatically locking the scooter, the boot and the two storage compartments. You just need to have it on you somewhere for it to unlock the whole thing. But it is an option, at 290 euros. And since we are in the options, the heating (handles and saddle) is part of the comfort pack, therefore optional (395 euros). A plug in the storage compartment allows you to charge a smartphone, mandatory in the case of a TFT screen since navigation is provided by the BMW App (Android and IOS) and not internally in the screen.
Like most scooters, the saddle is tall and relatively wide even though it is only 775mm, so the 1.70 rider will only put his toes on the ground. However, and this is the big difference compared to a larger scooter, the almost featherweight (204 kilos all full made to compare to 210 kilos all full made of the Xmax 400) placed low makes it easy to perform all maneuvers at low speed without being afraid to put one. But for those who want a lower saddle, it is optional, at 760mm.
Contact
The 350cc mono snorts in a nice deep sound. Surprisingly, so many 400 cm3 are often closer to a rattling noise or 125. That of the C400x is rather rewarding, without naturally reaching the sound of an Akrapovic mounted on a TMax.
The first turns of the wheels, including in deep gravel as we did in front of the hotel, are natural and effortless. Gravel which also makes it possible to feel the activation of the traction control ASC, effective and reassuring. The overall balance is excellent and the handling is excellent, with a good response to the throttle. It’s instantaneous, but not brutal.
In the city
The size of the 400 is ideal, much slimmer than a big maxi-scooter and barely more imposing than a big 125. Suddenly, maneuvers in interlocking or at very slow speed are easy. The covers are voluntary, without reaching the nervousness of larger models, but we are always too fast, everywhere. The C400X is relatively lively, without being jittery. We remain on 34 horses … which allows to reach 50 km / h in just over three seconds.
On the highway
The C400x voluntarily engages on the highway and we tell ourselves that it will cap at 130 km / h then climb slowly then to nibble a few kilometers hours. In fact, the mono climbs regularly and linearly in turns up to 145 km / h or even a little more depending on the distance available to get there (counter, ie 139 km / h real). In fact, it takes about ten seconds for the scooter to reach 100 km / h and about as much to complete its maximum revving. And yet, our test models had barely 800 km and mono of this type are normally released a little later..
If some mid-displacement scoots wiggle easily when they reach legal speeds on the motorway, this is not the case with the C400X which remains particularly stable even at the cleat; a stability only affected by the model with high screen, knowing that for a normal size, the low screen does the trick very well. We just regret not being able to adjust it in height, in several positions, even with a key.
On small road
The C400X confirms its excellent disposition on small roads, including when the pace picks up in the virolos. Very neutral, it positions itself instinctively and even accepts being a little jostled when at the bend of a blind bend, you find yourself facing a truck in the middle of the road. No parasitic reaction, but healthy behavior, further facilitated by the excellent grill of the original Pirelli Angel Scooters..
Comfort / Duo
The C400X offers a real saddle, very wide, for both rider and passenger. The saddle seems firm at first glance, but the two suspensions do a very good job and the defects of the road are rather well corrected. A comfort also valid for the passenger who benefits from two good handles well positioned. Better, a passenger does not destabilize the scooter as with other models. A high weight often results in a swaying effect, an effect that is not felt with the BMW duo model..
Braking
The 265mm rear brake sits the machine well and is sufficient in town. Emergency braking will require the front brake, which with its dual 265mm discs and four-piston calipers offers a good feeling with bite and power, a bit too much in comparison and which requires taking it rather with two fingers than ‘with the whole hand. And again, the scooter dives noticeably, or even hiccups if you are at a speed that is already too slow. On the other hand, the ABS signed Continental (MK 100 MAB two-channel) is not at all intrusive, even when only the rear is used to the maximum..
Consumption
BMW announces a consumption of 3.5 liters. On a full day of testing, including at maximum speed on the motorway, the average fuel consumption given by the on-board computer gave 3.9 liters, or an overall range of just over 300 kilometers. Note that compared to some sports scooters, the C400X does not encourage you to wring the handle permanently and consumption must therefore be able to drop in normal daily use..
Convenient
The two front pockets are rather deep and can accommodate a large smartphone, even small business. We particularly appreciate the 12V socket on the right.
The trunk seems long and allows the flex case to be released when stationary to accommodate an integral; but not while driving where we will just put a small jet. The helmet here benefits from the Flexcase when stationary, the jet being able to be put in front. We appreciate the saddle mounted on a jack.
Accessories
Who says scooter, says accessories. We have already talked about the comfort kit (saddle and heated grips), the TFT screen and the contactless key. We will note a high screen (579×410 mm), a luggage rack, a top case of 29 liters and another of 30 liters, a USB charger, a low saddle, additional lights, an alarm, a day signature at LEd ( 100 €) as well as a specific apron, engine protection bars or a smartphone cradle.
And for those who prefer the metallic blue color Zenith, it is an option at 50 euros.
Conclusion
BMW has released a good product, averaging 6,950 euros, even though we have a motorcycle in this price range. The C400X confirms the generality about the 400cm3, displacements which offer the best performance / price ratio between 125 and 500/600 cm3. They allow you to drive far, quickly and well and do not necessarily require a loan over several years to benefit from them. The small mono is pleasant and if it is not a thunderbolt, it offers good reach and sustained performance even as a duo. Handy, easy to handle, it is very homogeneous overall to become a pleasant maxi-scooter on a daily basis. Placed at the same price as the Yamaha XMax 400 (6,999 euros) but a thousand euros more than an X-Citing 400, it nevertheless offers more comfort. There remains the look, which will be a matter of taste to make the final choice..
Strong points
- Homogeneity
- Behviour
- Handling
- Braking
- Autonomy
Weak points
- Trunk size
- Non-adjustable screen
- Option prices
- TFT option, without card
The C400X technical sheet
BMW C400X video test
Test conditions
- Itinerary: small and varied roads around Milan + intercity highways with a bit of town
- Motorcycle mileage: 100 km
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