15/11/2000
BMW C1 - Sheer Driving Pleasure in the City
BMW's world-famous slogan "Sheer Driving Pleasure" is now added to by a new, very special means of transportation: Introducing the C1, BMW is presenting an all-new kind of vehicle combining the merits of a motorised two-wheeler with numerous safety features otherwise only found in a car.
Driving in individual style through town on the C1 is quite simply fun - a genuine pleasure in every respect opening up a new world of experiences other vehicles are hardly able to offer. The C1 can nearly always find its way even through the most congested city streets where a normal car simply has no chance. And thanks to its very compact dimensions the C1 can be parked in spaces far too small for any car - directly next to your favourite café or just outside the post office.
The safety concept of the C1, finally, allows you to drive without a helmet or any special protective clothing (subject to local laws).
Even without such safety wear, you are of course well-protected at all times by the safety cell with shoulder straps and exchangeable deformation units, two seat belts, the special seat and the headrest. And should the worst really come to the worst a crash deformation element above the front wheel and the BMW Telelever will minimise the consequences of a collision. The roof and windshield forming the safety cell, in turn, afford a certain degree of protection from wind and weather.
The BMW C1 comes in three model variants: The basic version of the C1 is available in orange red non-metallic and jade non-metallic. The C1 Family's Friend comes in a combination of two colours, either Kalahari yellow non-metallic with frost blue metallic or orange red non-metallic with frost blue metallic. The standard fitments include a large storage compartment in the front fairing and a luggage case fastening kit.
The C1 Executive version of the C1, finally, comes in graphite metallic, special C1 equipment for the businessman (and, of course, businesswoman) including a reading light, a mobile phone holder, an additional storage compartment, the luggage case fastening kit, a luggage net and luggage railing.
All models are powered by a 125-cc water-cooled four-stroke engine developing maximum output of 11 kW (15 bhp) at 9250 rpm. Maximum torque of 12 Nm or almost 9 lb-ft comes at 6500 rpm. With this kind of power and torque being quite unusual for an engine of this size, the use of a fully controlled three-way catalytic converter is certainly even more exceptional. The "heart" of the fuel supply and ignition management system is the BMS Digital Motor Electronics.
The BMW C1 has a top speed of 103 km/h or 64 mph and consumes 2.9 litres premium on 100 km (97.4 mpg Imp). Measuring 2.08 metres in length and 1.03 metres in width, and weighing a total of 185 kg or 408 lb, the C1 accelerates to 50 km/h in 5.9 seconds, just right for speedy and efficient motoring in town. The travelling speed offered by the C1 on country roads and even on the Autobahn is however also quite acceptable. And last but not least, the C1 is also available with ABS in the interest of even greater active safety.
In many European countries, the driver of a BMW C1 is not required to wear the usual protective clothing you need on a motorcycle. But the range of C1 driver's equipment nevertheless offers attractive options for even greater driving pleasure.
The BMW C1 is built by Bertone S.p.A. in Italy and will be entered the European market in April 2000, with sales through most of BMW's car and motorcycle dealers. Since its launch, sales of the C1 have been particularly strong, with the intended production of just 10,010 per year proving to be insufficient to meet demand.
The C1 is under evaluation for Australian market release and if sold here would have to be ridden whilst wearing a helmet. BMW Group Australia is continuing discussions with Australian authorities to establish if an exemption to this regulation could be achieved should the C1 be sold here.
BMW C1 #1
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It's already out of production for a few years and BMW sold the rights for using the term "C1" to Citroen for their small citycar.
