BMW C400 GT: First Ride Review – BikeWale

The BMW C400 GT is big and burly to look at, but not daunting in any sense once seated. Then its 214kg kerb weight seems manageable. But with a wide seat that does not fully taper to the front, even its low, 775mm seat height could throw anyone under 5’7 out of their comfort zone. Nonetheless, the seat is exactly what it looks like – comfortable and plush. The rider even gets a thick, curved backrest for added support. The pillion seat feels just as accommodating and well cushioned and comes with large grab handles.

And even though there isn’t any floorboard space, the C400 GT offers ample room to move your legs. You can either place your feet in a neutral position or stretch them for a relaxed posture – both of which feel comfortable and natural while holding on to the bars. I even preferred gripping my shin into the ‘spine’ whenever I wasn’t lazily cruising down the highway – something that the C400 GT is mighty capable of. Its large windscreen buffets wind well but could be offered with adjustability to suit different rider heights. 

Underneath, BMW has plonked a 350cc, water-cooled single that produces 33.5bhp. Offering 35Nm, its torque figures are also on par with most 300-350cc motorcycles on sale. The engine is married to a CVT tuned for acceleration that has the GT shooting away from standstill even with a light hand on the throttle. While the display reads triple-digit speeds quickly, the performance is delivered linearly. The scooter peaks at 7500rpm and manages a top speed of 140kmph. But there is a lack of rush you’d otherwise expect from a 350cc engine thanks to the massive weight it is pulling along. 

However, all through to that point, the motor is refined and vibration-free. While a minute tingle emanates at around 100kmph on the backrest, it is faint enough to oversee. To go hand-in-hand with its performance, the C400 GT is well-balanced too. The scooter is easy to manouevre and filter through slow-moving traffic with its heft barely noticeable. Speaking of which, it is also surprisingly easy to move around and mount on the centre stand. 

When it is time to attack some twisties, the C400 GT seems up for the job too. Despite its long wheelbase, the scooter feels composed around corners and will treat you to some lovely lean angles. However, the ride isn’t all that plush. While the front feels pliant over most surfaces, the rear kicks back on some small-amplitude undulations in the road. But with the ability to play with preload settings, the stiff ride can be adjusted. 

However, with a pillion in the equation, the C400 GT’s ride transforms into a much more balanced and settled experience, even in stock setting. The icing on the cake comes with its brakes that perform exceptionally well while offering strong feedback and bite. With everything said, it still feels like a fun scooter to be on whether it is in the city or on twisties. As they say, size does not matter!