The screen is clear in sun or gloom and full data
is available about the service intervals, trips and
fuel use, as well as running info. The large numeric
digital display is very clear.
BUILD QUALITY
Build wise the bike starts with a tubular steel
frame and it imparts real stability even under the
madly broken surfaces of Auckland’s unending
roadworks. The bikes are manufactured at Lonchin
in China and there are those who might worry
about that, however the facility is dedicated BMW
works, delivering to BMW’s standards and having
long experience with building the F650GS.
Did the looks of the BMW C400X grow on me?
Well, yes, but I confess it was purely through
exceptional performance that I came to
understand why they had done what they’ve done.
It’s a work in progress, but I believe it’s a big jump
forward for the scooter market. Will it be enough
to see off its main competitors – mainly the Suzuki
Burgman 400, or the Yamaha Xmax 400 – only time
will tell.
If they are buying on looks alone, maybe, - it
could be a hard sell, but if you’re buying on quality,
rideability, enjoyment, startling economy, and
being able to lane-split like a mofo, then maybe
the Beamer will take the trick. It grew on me. Big
time. And it turned heads. But best of all, when
the weather was that cold having a heated seat
with three stages – from ‘warm’ to ‘frying’ – and
the same with handgrips I was as warm as toast on
that 8°c day. And that is a good bike.
Bad weather held no fears whatsoever, and I
enjoyed being out in the wild blustery conditions. It
is original and capable, and every part of it grew on
me. Even those angular globs. It’s a fine bike, fun
and quick and safe. So yeah, I’d own it.
KIWI RIDER 113