BMW C400GT Microtouring Instyle

BMW has sanded the edges and rounded the curves of its C400X scooter, and here’s the result

- Jonathan Schofield

Based on the C400X, BMW has created a new micro-touring scooter, theC400GT. Where the X has an edgy urban stance, the GT has been smoothed and widened to give the front of the scooter a gentler, softer appearance. The location for the UK launch was the beautiful Aviator Hotel in Sywell, Northamptonshire, a place with some stunning roads and picturesque villages in the surrounding area, so perfect for putting the GT to the test.

LOOKING GOOD

When I first looked at the C400GT I could make out the bones of the X, but that’s where the similarities stopped. Yes, under the skin the X and the GT have the same substructure, engine, suspension and brakes, but as your eyes are drawn to the angles and almost naked style of the X, the GT looks altogether better dressed – more Savile Row rather that Sports Direct. The edgy cyberpunk look of the X fits its intended environment perfectly. With the GT, however, its purpose is laid out in plain view from its taller, more useful screen, to the wide headlight unit, resting above two air intakes.

It still has the vertical indicators in the front lower panels, same as the X has, but rather than them being framed with black to make them stand out, on the GT they are smoothly moulded into the coloured front edge of the side panel that joins with the feet forward position on the foot plates.

The next thing that makes this scooter different from its previous incarnation is the sculpted, sumptuous-looking seat with the pillion getting spoilt with just as much space as the rider.

The pillion is also given foot plates rather than pegs and long, large grab rails on either side.