These two wheels gave me feels – review of the BMW C400X scooter

I’ve been riding scooters and bikes since I was 14 years old, and always loved the feeling of freedom and wide-open spaces. As teenagers, we turned our local park into our ‘bike-playground’, and as soon as I turned 16, I was able to relish the independence that my scooter licence gave me – not for me the long wait for the bus, or for my parent to pick me up from school.

In my early teens, my preferred bikes where the on-road, off-road variety; then, as I explored Europe in my 20’s, my preferred ride changed to the Twist-and-Go Scooter. I loved the simplicity – you twist the throttle and off you go. With no manual gears or clutch, there was no need to think about gear changing and clutch control. To make life even easier, the back brake is on the handlebars - just like a bicycle.

The downside of riding a smaller-engine scooter is that they are really only designed for slower, shorter commuting-type rides. On longer rides, I was always playing catch-up, especially around the tight bends of the Amalfi Coast. I felt a bit of discomfort in the lean of the scooter in comparison to a geared motorcycle. But last week, that all changed for me.

Enter the BMW C400X and suddenly, there is only upside. On first view you can see that this 400cc machine means business. Technically it’s a 350cc, single cylinder with a lot of power and torque. From the saddle, it’s clear to see that this is a modern scooter than means business.

Getting started is easy. Download the BWM Motorrad App and turn the bike on with the press of a button, thanks to it’s the keyless fob. Link the App to the crystal-clear TFT display that sits at a perfect angle behind the wind shield. Click open one of the very convenient cubby holes, pop your phone on charge, close the cubby and you’re good to go. The App provides navigation, ride and performance stats and even weather updates.

Warning! Once you start riding the BMW C400X, you may not want to stop. Luckily the 12.8-litre fuel tank and economical consumption rate (just 3.5 litres/100 km) means you won’t have to stop to refuel all that often.

I battled with calling the BMW C400X a scooter as it punches well above its weight (a cool 200kg) in comparison to many of its competitors. Think of riding the BMW C400X as upgrading to a First Class flight. It felt a little cheeky; a little like something special was going on – almost as it wanted to show off, so I felt it was okay for me to do the same. I tried to resist, really I did.

But heads would turn every time I pulled in anywhere. Strangers took photos and started up conversations, people smiled and nodded in appreciation. The BMW C400X and me, we both lapped up the attention… But I digress - let’s get back to the beginning.

With your phone connected to the App while it charges in the keyless cubby, you can keep the keyless fob is in your pocket. Check out the menu and decide if you are wanting a smooth and stable ride or if you’d prefer a bit more movement in the wheelbase. I tried both, naturally. The ASC (Automatic Stability Control) function was powerful, smooth and made going round the bends of the Franschhoek Pass really quite comfortable. When we unexpectedly found ourselves adventuring on a sand road, I switched the SCA off to enjoy the rougher, tougher feel of the additional torque.

Scrolling through the menu options on the TFT, you’ll find navigation, media and options to sync your music with your helmet and more. Personally, I prefer to hear what’s going on around me while I’m riding, so I save the music for my destination, when my scooter is parked for the night and I have an ice-cold Sauvignon Blanc in hand.

Over the course of a lifetime in the saddle, I have ridden many scooters so I feel I can speak from experience. Give me my choice of any scooter right now, and I can tell you without hesitation that I’d opt for the BMW C400X. Life sure is a ride on one of these beauties.

Thank you to @PennySterley and @DavidHiggs of @BMWCapeTown for organising this ride for me at such short notice, and @linleesolms from #bikersemporium for the fabulous company on and off the road.

#MakeLifeARide #BMWMotorrad

Delivery Riders watch this space, more coming soon!