BMW C1 200 Executive

In 2000, BMW introduced a 125cc scooter for the first time. See where European motorists could drive without a driver's license. However, this year's 200 series was the answer to customer complaints that the 125 cc engine. See too weak for acceleration in urban environments. More power gave the craft a new flight so that it could more smoothly overcome traffic jams. It develops a speed of up to 110 km per hour, which is enough for a safe overtaking.

But the idea, which originated back in 1992 from the head of Bernd Nurch, remained the same: a new type of personal transport. Problems with congested roads and parking in cities (as well as the lack of protection on "regular" two-wheeled vehicles) only confirmed this. The answer is offered in a scooter with a roof that is exactly half that of a microcar.

The driver sits with two automatic seat belts fastened in a kind of safety cage that protects him from unpleasant rain as well as protects him physically, as crash tests show that crumpled areas in the nose and cage frame soften the impact. collisions or falls. The body design was entrusted to Bertone, which also began production in the fall of 1999, the device is developed by the Austrian company Rotax, and coordination is still being carried out from Munich.

A rigid saddle seat, which can also be electrically heated, looks like a car or even an airplane. Two levers are pushed forward between the legs, which serve to raise and lower the scooter from the central rack; On the steering wheel, the wiper switch is striking. You can play with it like a sunroof, ceiling light, radio or heated steering wheel. In the rain, the wiper diligently opens the view of the windshield, but despite the protection, you will get your elbows and part of your legs wet.

Inexperienced people can also be confused by the side wind blowing on the waves, so you need to get used to driving. This is the fastest way for a non-motorist to get used to driving: it reclines beautifully on the seat, buckles up and in a pleasant way guides the scooter into motion. The motorcyclist will not be able to move in the seat to correct the vehicle's response to body movements. So at first it will turn out to be a little angular and unconvincing. In the driver's seat, the width of the scooter and the shoulder-height shoulder guard diverge slightly, but exercise eliminates that as well. Are you surprised? This scooter does not hide that it is intended for motorists.

The Rotax engine, hidden under the seat, shows itself in performance and modest consumption. Automatic transmission does not require special attention or driving skills, just tighten the throttle lever. The scooter leaves the city at speeds up to 50 km per hour in less than 4 seconds, so it always leaves the city crowd behind. Cruising in light clothing at around 70 or 90 kph is a pleasant experience, though it does blow a little around your ears, so at least a hat is welcome in colder weather.

Safety: Seat belts can automatically tighten on large impact pits, painfully pinning the driver against the back of the seat. Impressive brakes, in the Executive model with ABS, safety package, suspension and quality build. Remember, informed shoppers are buying an ABS scooter because the ride is simply safer. Running out of space for a passenger? Yes, they didn't think about it, because only a briefcase or suitcase can be carried in the trunk behind the seat.

C1 is used in their work by German police officers in some major cities, and also runs around Rome because it was acquired by the city administration for tourist services. This is proof of safety and quality, as well as an example to follow, especially from the part of the Slovenian (political) public that wants to resign and ride a bicycle or a pickaxe in parliament for the third time.

Technical information

engine: 1-cylinder - 4-stroke - liquid-cooled - bore and stroke 62 x 58 mm - electronic ignition

Volume: 176 cm3

Maximum power: 13 kW (18 hp) at 9000 rpm

Maximum torque: 17 Nm at 6500 rpm

Power transmission: automatic centrifugal clutch - stepless automatic transmission - belt / gear drive

Frame and suspension: aluminum tube frame, roll bar as part of the frame, front Telelever suspension, rear engine shroud as swingarm, two shock absorbers

Tires: front 120 / 70-13, rear 140 / 70-12

brakes: front disc f 220 mm, rear disc f 220 mm, ABS

Wholesale apples: length 2075 mm - width (with mirrors) 1026 mm - height 1766 mm - seat height from the floor 701 mm - fuel tank 9 l - weight 7 kg

Test consumption: 3 l / 56

Text: Primozh Yurman, Mitya Gustinchich

Photo: Urosh Potocnik.

• Technical information

  engine: 1-cylinder - 4-stroke - liquid-cooled - bore and stroke 62 x 58,4 mm - electronic ignition

  Torque: 17 Nm at 6500 rpm

  Energy transfer: automatic centrifugal clutch - stepless automatic transmission - belt / gear drive

  Frame: aluminum tube frame, roll bar as part of the frame, front Telelever suspension, rear engine shroud as swingarm, two shock absorbers

  brakes: front disc f 220 mm, rear disc f 220 mm, ABS

  Weight: length 2075 mm - width (with mirrors) 1026 mm - height 1766 mm - seat height from the floor 701 mm - fuel tank 9,7 l - weight 206 kg