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BMW C1 motorcycle review - Riding
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BMW C1 (2000-2002)



Detail Value
Parker's used price range £595-1,625
Full used prices
Engine size 125cc
Power 15bhp
Top speed 65mph
Insurance group 6
  MCN ratings Owners' ratings
Overall rating is 2 rating is 0
Engine rating is 3 rating is 0
Ride & Handling rating is 2 rating is 0
Equipment rating is 5 rating is 0
Quality & Reliability rating is 4 rating is 0
Value rating is 3 rating is 0

MCN overall verdict rating is 2

A motorcycle with a roof that doubles as accident protection. Be the smartest commuter in the city or ‘that twonk in the Noddy moped’ depending on your perspective. The BMW C1's £4K price tag (it dropped by £600 when the 200cc version came out) was high for an overweight scooter – even if it did keep you dry. Few were sold and BMW were swift to pull the plug.

Engine

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 0

The BMW C1's 125cc engine’s an unremarkable four-stroke single producing a respectable 15bhp. But it’s a heavy motorcycle at 185kg – all the 1000cc sports bikes weigh less. This means performance is pretty sluggish – the BMW C1 willl pull away from cars when the lights go green but not by much. The 200 version (which was actually 176cc) is nippier.

Ride and Handling

MCN rating rating is 2
Owners' rating rating is 0

Small wheels, quite a bit of weight and some of it’s carried high – it’s not the recipe for perfect handling. The BMW C1’s not about scything round long sweeping country bends though – it’s an urban dodger. It works fine in that role except it’s a little wider than conventional scooters which can be annoying.

Equipment

MCN rating rating is 5
Owners' rating rating is 0

Yes the BMW C1 has a roof and it doubles as a safety cage. The only comparable machine with a roof is Honda’s non-UK Giro. The C1 has quite a bit of luggage space and it’s pretty comfy too. There’s even a seatbelt. Brembo brakes are great and ABS is an option. Massive list of optional extras including things like heated seat and stereo. Compare and buy parts for the BMW C1 in the MCN Shop.

Quality and Reliability

MCN rating rating is 4
Owners' rating rating is 0

Like all BMW’s the C1 is well thought out but suffers a few niggles. The oil pressure switch can fail, wipers judder, front wheel bearings fail, fork legs corrode and the headlight can overheat – which sounds like a big list of problems but they’re all pretty minor and not that common.

Value

MCN rating rating is 3
Owners' rating rating is 0

The BMW C1 is not cheap compared to regular scooters – but you get more for your money than most. BMW C1s have a real cult following and some owners have two or three to provide them with a supply for the future. Potentially a collector’s piece. You’ll probably have to travel to find one though – try Chasbikes in London, SE1. Find BMW C1 motorcycles for sale.

Insurance

Insurance group: 6

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Model History

2000: Original 125cc BMW C1 launched.
2001: BMW C1 200 launched.

Other Versions

BMW C1 125: Base model with 125cc engine.
BMW C1 200: Base model with 176 cc engine producing 18bhp.
BMW C1 125 Family Friend: extra luggage attachment kit and large storage compartment.
BMW C1 200 Family Friend: extra luggage attachment kit and large storage compartment.
BMW C1 125 Executive: As Family Friend plus reading light and mobile phone holder.
BMW C1 200 Executive: As Family Friend plus reading light and mobile phone holder.
BMW C1 200 Williams: As Executive plus special paint.

Specifications

Top speed 65mph
1/4-mile acceleration 20.7 secs
Power 15bhp
Torque 9ftlb
Weight 185kg
Seat height 700mm
Fuel capacity 9 litres
Average fuel consumption 72mpg
Tank range 140 miles
Insurance group 6
Engine size 125cc
Engine specification 4v single, N/A gears
Frame Steel spine
Front suspension adjustment None
Rear suspension adjustment None
Front brakes 200mm discs
Rear brake 220mm disc
Front tyre size 120/70 x 13
Rear tyre size 140/70 x 12

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