So much more than a cool way to get around town
The 'X' is the stylish one
Fun fact; BMW, when explaining the importance of their logo, BMW use their initials as a guide when reproducing it. Blue, middle, white. They also get full on upset if you tilt it to one side or the other. Additionally many Germans pronounce BMW as Bee-Emm-Vee. I bet you’re glad that you now know that. I’m simply a font of information this morning.
More storage space than the average StarWars movie
Meanwhile, and getting to the point, the Motorrad department have their two urban giant slayers, the C 400 GT and X again next year. The X is the ‘dynamic’ one. It’s primarily designed for urban use and styled accordingly. The GT is actually a scooter that the rider could tour, two up, on. It’s got a bit more comfort and wears the top box a little better, it even has an adjustable screen. They can both do as well as each other in in either environment.
The 'GT' is a whole lot like a loaded TMax
They’re both still propelled by the same 34bhp single cylinder engine. Drive is delivered via a belt and a continuous CYT transmission. Think loads of gears all changing up and down as needed, that’s not really what it is but you get the idea. Both of them also still feature all the three letter add ons. These include ABS, MSR, DTC and DBC as part of the basic package. We’ll get to these later…
Phones. Displayed and charging...
The ABS is the pro version. This allows the rider to brake while leaned over in a corner or on a roundabout and not lose the scooter. It also prevents ‘shock’ braking. The DBC, which stands for ‘Dynamic Brake Control’ works with the ABS by shutting the throttle valve is prevented from opening. If you really squeeze the brakes then it reassuringly puts on the hazard lights for you.
Basic navigation comes as standard
Then there’s the DTC, Dynamic Traction Control. This one works in tandem with the MSR, Engine Drag Torque Control (MSR) are also already on board as standard. The DTC one stops the rear wheel from spinning up on acceleration. This is very helpful in the rain. Not so much in the snow. The MSR allows the engine to assist in the proceedings by opening the throttle valves to match the scooters speed.
A TFT screen displays all the toys
It wouldn’t be a posh scooter without having loads of rider comfort as standard. To this end it can be married to a smart phone via blue tooth and displayed on the large TFT screen, there’s an even. Music, phone calls, navigation. They’re all there. Use BMWs app and there’s even more available.
The under seat storage is now bigger than before and a nice big 44 litre topbox is available as an aftermarket accessory. It’ll carry up to 10 kilos. That’s a lot of groceries! What I really like is the fact that it’s powered with a USB charger and an interior light. There isn’t, however, a mirror available to be mounted on the inside of the lid. You’ll have to jury rig one yourself…
An additional 44 litres of storage space
Of course there are, an abundance of dealer fit accessories. Back rests, coloured inserts, bar end weights just to name a few.
Here in Ireland the GT starts at €9,200 and the X at €8,230.